• There are over 60 chemicals in a disposable diaper.  Many of these chemicals are highly toxic. 

• Dioxin is a by-product of the paper bleaching process used by diaper manufacturers.  A study by the EPA showed that dioxin can cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, and skin diseases.  The EPA lists dioxin as the most toxic of all cancer linked chemicals.  It is banned in most countries, but not in the US.  In testing, Dioxin can be found on both the inside and outside of disposable diapers.

• Tributyl-tin (TBT) is a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.  TBT is ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the most toxic substances in use in consumer products in the world today.  It is a biocide and is used in killing or preventing the growth of bacteria.

• The “super absorbent” gel, sodium polyacrylate (SAP) is used in disposable diapers and is the same sort of chemical that was banned from use in tampons in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome.  It is the clear gel- like substance you often find on your baby’s genitals after a diaper change, that gives disposable diapers the illusion of a fresh clean diaper, where in reality, it gathers and retains harmful bacteria.  Dry does not equal clean.

• New scientific studies have linked disposable diapers and their harsh perfumes and toxic substances to the increase of asthma in today’s society.

• Infants and children have what is called a “high body surface to volume ratio”.  What this means is that proportionately babies have more skin for their sized body as compared to an adult.  Therefore, babies get a higher “dose” of chemicals, as well as greater likelihood to an adverse reaction.

• Cloth diapers are soft on baby’s delicate skin.  Babies who are prone to allergies and sensitivities such as eczema and psoriasis, and babies born prematurely are especially sensitive to the petro-chemicals and dioxin used in disposable diapers, making cloth an excellent choice.

• Far fewer occurrences of diaper rash

• In 1955 virtually every baby in the United States was diapered using cloth diapers.  In 1961, Procter & Gamble introduced a disposable diaper.  In 1991, approximately 90% of babies in the US were diapered using disposable diapers.  According to the Journal of Pediatrics, the occurrence of diaper rash has increased from 7% in 1955 to 78% in 1991.

• Because disposables feel drier, many parents postpone diaper changes too long (often unaware that the diaper needs to be changed) and the bacteria from the urine remains in longer contact with the baby’s skin causing redness and irritation.  In addition, because the plastic in disposable diapers prevents the proper circulation of air, ammonia from the bacterial- breakdown of urine is unable to escape causing further irritation.  Cloth Diapers allow the baby’s skin to breath, thereby eliminating this source of irritation. The best way to prevent diaper rash is frequent diaper changes.

• 100% breathable cotton keeps your baby cooler

• The comfort is something you know about from your own clothing.  It stems from both cotton’s soft touch on sensitive skin and breathability.

• Cotton’s naturally absorbent comfort make it the polar opposite of the combination of paper pulp, plastics, and chemicals found in disposables.

• Male Infertility.  A study by the Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, attributed the increase in male infertility in the last 25 years to the fact that most parents now use disposable diapers.  The plastic lined disposables kept more heat next to the scrotum, raising temperatures as much as 2 degrees.  Temperature has been found to be key to fertility.  The raise in temperature of the scrotum far above the body temperature can lead to a total breakdown of normal cooling mechanism.   It is believed that this heat-up may stop a boy’s testicles from developing normally.