Since the last few decades, disposable diapers have been in demand by all new parents. There is no denying that because of many pros, most parents prefer disposable ones over cloth nappies. Following are some of the best ones:
- A convenient choice for parents
- It can be found in almost every local store
- No hassle of washing, just throw them away after every use
- Easy to wear
- Claims to keep the baby skin dry for 12 hours
- Comfortable for the baby and the parents
- Minimal chance of leakage
Downsides of Using Disposable Diapers
Being a parent, it’s important to look after the baby’s health and ensure his well-being. For this, you need to be well aware of all the pros and cons of every other baby item you are using. Now, here are all the possible downsides of using disposable diapers:
1. Disposable Diapers May Cause Hypersensitive Reactions
Newborn babies have the softest and gentle skin. Any harsh material if comes in contact with their fragile skin may cause harm. Synthetic fibers, dyes, or other harsh chemical products (to maximize the absorptivity of the diapers) used by respected manufacturing companies may damage the baby’s skin by causing various allergic reactions.
Also, if the parents don’t change their baby’s diaper frequently, it may also contribute to hypersensitivity as the content within the poop can also develop a skin rash and skin allergy.
Choose wisely and opt for an eco-friendly diaper made of soft material.
2. Disposable Diapers May be the Cause of Toxicity
The biggest downside of disposable diapers is that they are made with chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Exposing your kid to such artificial things for a prolonged duration can never be a good idea as it may harm the baby’s sensitive skin. These days the diapers are so in a trend that they are being used 24/7, and on average, a child uses seven to eight diapers per day.
The cause of toxicity is the prolonged direct contact of the baby’s delicate skin with harsh chemicals. Emphasizing the word “prolong” because diapers, if used intermittently, then toxicity is of no concern. The baby’s internal skin will be disturbed even after the minute entry of the synthetic chemical particle.
This is why doctors continuously advise having some “free time” and “no diaper time.”
3. Diapers are Pretty Expensive in the Long Run
The most commonly occurring complaint from many new parents is that the diapers are pretty costly and burn a big hole in their pockets. On average, a baby uses 7 to 8 diapers per day which makes 2,700 diapers a year! Not just this, but the cost varies widely, depending on the numerous brands available in the market and the different qualities and types of these branded diapers.
As per the parents, disposable diapers are a continuous huge investment, especially when compared to cloth nappies. As the cloth diapers are needed to be purchased once, they cover up the cost by their continuous use. If you analyze, you will realize that a huge portion of your monthly budget is spent purchasing these diapers for your kiddos.
We will suggest doing profound research before making a final decision. You may find good quality diapers at a reasonable price.
4. Diapers are a Non-Friendly Product to Our Environment
These overly used disposable diapers are not good for the environment at all. Therefore, they are known to be environmentally hazardous products. Along with the manufacturing process of these diapers, their disposal is also harming the environment. The synthetic fibers, chemicals, and plastics within the diapers, when get disposed takes years and years to decompose, posing a serious threat to the environment.
Tons and tons of disposable diapers are disposed of every single day from every other household. And the worst scenario is that these diapers are then dumped in rivers and landfills annually.
We will advise you to choose eco-friendly diapers. Although access to biodegradable diapers is limited, we want you to support the companies that have initiated such a great step for the benefit of mankind.
5. Diapers will Make it Hard to Potty Train your Kid
The habit of your kid being in diapers throughout day and night will cause trouble when it comes to toilet training your baby. This is why potty training lessons generally start way later in the modern era compared to the older times. Nowadays, babies are used to diapers, and they are pretty comfortable wearing them. On the other hand, even the parents find it convenient to let the baby poop and pee in the diaper and then change it afterward.
As a parent, you must not rely on diapers all the time. Take out some time to potty train your kid as early as possible. Your child might get fussy during the training session, but that’s completely fine.
6. Disposable Diapers Maybe the Source of Skin Rashes
The commonly occurring disadvantage of a disposable diaper is the occurrence of skin rash or diaper rash – a condition associated with red, sore, tender, and irritated skin.
These rashes occur mainly because of the prolonged usage of moist diapers as bacteria tend to grow in soiled diapers, causing skin rashes (Moisture acts as the breeding ground for bacteria). Try your best to change the diaper of your kiddos frequently. This will reduce the chances of skin rashes.
7. Higher Risk of Developing Infections
To enhance the absorptive capacity of diapers, a substance is added to them to prevent diaper leaking. The same substance may cause a problem as it hinders the air circulation through the diaper. This creates the best suitable conditions (warm and moist) for the growth of bacteria and other pathogenic organisms. Avoid prolonged use of diapers, or else your baby will be at higher risk of infections.
To reduce the chances of bacterial or fungal infections, you need to frequently change the diapers.
How to Choose the Best Disposable Diapers for Your Baby?
Following important factors should be kept in mind when purchasing diapers for your kid:
1. Absorbance
Look for diapers with good absorbance as they will reduce the chances of leaking.
2. Material
Look for diapers made of soft, chemical-free materials.
3. Fitting
Your baby will be most comfortable in a good fit diaper.
4. Price
With a bit of research, try to find high-quality diapers that fit your budget.
Conclusion
A huge variety of diapers is available in the market that differs in terms of types, quality, and brand. Therefore, you should choose the right diaper brand according to your preference, lifestyle habits, and monthly budget.
Like every other thing, disposable diapers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s always better to DYOR (Do Your Own Research) to know all the pros and cons of disposable diapers. Then make a well-thought decision on what to purchase as the best option for your baby.
If you cannot decide on your own or have any doubts, you can always talk to a pediatrician and clear out all your doubts.