For many people, cloth diapers are not a viable option. They involve a high investment up-front, and require laundering nearly every day. For parents who go to work, or parents who want to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time without worrying about bringing soggy diapers back home, disposable diapers are the best option.
There are many reasons disposable diapers are a good choice, so whether you shop for Huggies diapers online, or you buy biodegradable diapers at a local store, you can do so knowing that you are making a purchase that is right for you and your family.
Convenience
The biggest benefit of disposable diapers is the convenience. For busy people, it is so much easier to pull off a diaper and throw it in the trash, rather than worrying about laundering it. Not only does this save a lot of time, it also saves on expenses such as detergent costs and energy bills for heating water. Furthermore, if you are out somewhere, you do not need to worry about bagging the soggy diaper and carrying it around with you for the rest of the day. As well, securing the clean diaper in place involves fixing a few Velcro straps together rather than fiddling with safety pins.
Another convenience is simply how easy it is to find and purchase disposable diapers. They are available in most stores, and online. This gives you many buying options, allowing you to shop around for the best deals.
Dry Nights
Disposable diapers, including modern "green" diapers, make use of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This wonder material absorbs liquid, and ensures your baby stays dry. As a result, you do not need to change disposable diapers as frequently as cloth diapers. This is particularly helpful at night when your baby will be in the same diaper for a prolonged period. Disposable diapers are also good for night changes, as they are much easier to work with than cloth diapers and safety pins when you are only half-awake.
Recyclable
Advances in recycling technology are making it possible to recycle diapers that would otherwise go to a landfill. A company in the United Kingdom called Knowaste is already recycling diapers, according to YogaAnonymous.com. Another company, called Envirocomp, is working on similar initiatives in New Zealand. It is only a matter of time before such options are available in the U.S.
Interestingly, there is plenty of evidence to support claims that disposable diapers are no more harmful to the environment than reusable ones. For example, a government report released in the United Kingdom in 2008 suggests that reusable diapers laundered under typical household conditions have a slightly higher carbon footprint, and a 2009 Australian Consumers' Association report said the overall environmental impact of the different types of diapers was similar.
Biodegradable
There are an increasing number of options for biodegradable diapers. Some look the same as the diapers you get if you shop for Huggies diapers online, while others are flushable inserts used inside fabric pants. The SAP in these diapers is often plant-based rather than petroleum-based, according to BabyGearLab.com.
Biodegradable diapers are still disposal, but they break down in 150 days, rather than breaking down over 500 years or more. They sometimes have a slightly higher price tag, but the option is there for people who want the convenience of disposal diapers without the guilt.
You Are the Boss
Ultimately, only you can make the choice between cloth diapers, biodegradable diapers, and disposable diapers, and you need to feel good about the decision you make, safe in the knowledge you are doing what is right for you and your child. It does not matter if you shop for Huggies diapers online, invest in green diapers, or simply buy cloth diapers in your local store, as long as you are doing what is right for you.
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