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Which diapers are better, cloth or biodegradable?

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Q: I'm trying to be more environmentally conscious, but the whole diaper thing has me confused. Cloth or biodegradable?

A: This is a question we hear all the time! First, let's go over the basics. Babies poop—a lot. The average baby goes through 5,000 diapers before being potty-trained. Because 95 percent of these diapers are disposable, most of them end up in landfills. Thus, the great diaper debate and the question, "Which diapers are best for the environment?"

Cloth has always been the alternative to disposable, and now more than ever, companies, such as Happy Heinys, have taken cloth to a whole new level: cute, comfy, and cost-effective. Cloth proponents will tell you that because these diapers are chemical-free and reusable, it's a no-brainer.

The other option to landfill guilt is biodegradable diapers. While many find these diapers a great, green alternative to what they perceive as difficult cloth diapering, there are some things to be aware of. Most biodegradable diapers do not break down completely. In fact, most eco-friendly disposable diapers are only about 35 percent biodegradable. A newcomer to the US market, Bambo Diapers, ups that amount to 75 percent biodegradable—but that substantial increase in biodegradability comes with an increased price tag.

Lastly, gDiapers, a diaper "hybrid," can be either flushed, composted, or tossed. May sound crazy, but once you get used to the idea, hybrids can be a convenient, eco-friendly alternative.

Still confused? Just remember that whatever option you pick, and there are plenty of 'em, you're moving in the right direction towards a happier planet. So find the solution that best fits your lifestyle and feel good about it.

Ellie & Melissa, The Baby Planners

Baby Gear
What wedding planners are to newly engaged couples, Ellie & Melissa, The Baby Planners, are to parents-to-be. As the forces behind the nation's #1 maternity concierge and consulting service, Ellie & Melissa guide expectant and new parents through the overwhelming and ever-changing baby product marketplace. Their goal is to taste, touch, smell, sleep with, wear, carry, push and pull every possible baby product and/or service available! Their latest and greatest finds, insights and tips can always be found on Ultrasounds, The Baby Planners blog.





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