The Best Natural Chlorine-Free Diapers

Identification

• Traditional disposable diapers contain quite a few chemicals to make them absorbent. In addition, other chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. Chlorine is used in the manufacturing process to make the diapers look white, something most parents are used to seeing in traditional disposable diapers. The chlorine, though, has environmental impacts.

Chlorine Concerns

• In traditional disposable diapers that contain chlorine, the chlorine breaks down and releases dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical that has been banned in several countries. When the diapers go into landfills, they can find their way into the soil and the water, which can eventually get to the food supply. In addition, many parents are concerned about this harmful chemical touching their baby's external reproductive organs all day, every day.

Types

• Several manufacturers make chlorine-free diapers. Because the manufacturing process uses a different bleaching system, chlorine-free diapers are usually more expensive. In addition to being chlorine-free, some of the best brands will also have other benefits. For instance, Seventh Generation also says that it is free from fragrances and latex, which can be helpful if the baby has sensitive skin. They are also free of petroleum-based lotions. Earth's Best, another popular brand, is cheaper than Seventh Generation, but does not advertise all of the same benefits. For instance, it is not completely free of petroleum chemicals; it simply says it uses 20 percent fewer of them than traditional diapers. Similar to Seventh Generation, Earth's Best advertises that it uses renewable resources in its manufacturing so that they will break down easily in the environment. These resources, such as corn and wheat, could be potential allergens for some babies.

Considerations

• Because more parents are concerned with chemicals in diapers, some traditional brands, such as Huggies, are creating their own versions of natural diapers. Check labels carefully, however; Huggies, for instance, does not advertise that it is chlorine-free. It simply says that it uses organic and renewable ingredients. If you are looking specifically for chlorine-free diapers, make sure the brand you choose advertises that it is actually chlorine-free and not just organic or natural.