Had no idea that cloth diapers were healthier

[Mommy2Teagan]

I didn't know about the harmful chemicals in disposables until I read the pamphlet that came in the mail with my Cloth diapers. I was shocked!! I would consider myself a pretty researched parent. But I never ever ever thought to look into disposable diapers. I feel horrible that I didn't get into CDing from birth. If I would have known about this, I definitely would have. I feel horrible that I used disposables for 8 months. What specific ailments are associated with the use of disposables? And am I crazy for freaking out about having used them?! I tend to be overly paranoid.....

[chely7425]

I think that while yes, sposies are definitely not as healthy as cloth, that the important thing is that you are making the switch!! There is nothing you can do to change the fact that you were using sposies so there isn't really much point in fretting over it. You are doing a great thing for your baby by switching now so I would just focus on that!!!! Plus... think of all the cute CDs out there that you can try now...

[Michigan Mama]

That's great you made the switch! While there are harmful things in sposies, and I prefer cloth for that reason among others...keep in mind that plenty of people use them and their kids turn out ok...A couple of things they contain:

Traces of dioxin - It’s a byproduct of the paper bleaching process. It is a known carcinogen that many countries have banned. The U.S. hasn’t. Hmmm.

Disposable diapers can also contain Tributyl-tin (TBT), which can cause hormonal problems. Sposies can also cause increased scrotal temperature in little boys, which can interfere with the process of normal sperm production.

I wouldn't worry too much...I'm sure your LO would be fine.

[Gremco]

Cloth diapering is healthier, but you can't beat yourself up for what you didn't know. All of my siblings were is sposies and we are all quite fertile. My mother went from 0-4 grandchildren in a little over a year, just from two of us. Just because chemicals *can* cause adverse reactions doesn't mean they *will*. Focus on the good you are doing her now and forget about the rest.

[Ifluffedthree]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Teagan

What specific ailments are associated with the use of disposables?

Links to:

Asthma
Male Infertility
Dioxins

I have read research studies on these as far back as 1989 here at our own University of Pittsburgh Medical Center related to links to respiratory distress from the emissions from disposables.
Other studies/information began to surface about 2000.

Now you learned something positive --- share the news with facts, do your homework. Help someone else not be fooled by disposable manufacturers for 8 months.

[Juliacat]

I agree with the PPs, you can't go back and change the past, your LO will probably be fine, now you know better and can do better. :

[Raene]

I love cloth and was freaked out, like you, when I discovered the issues with the disposables I had my LO in for her first 6 months of life. Switched overnight and glad I did. But I do like to think that it probably didn't harm her in the long run; I personally was put in disposables and I don't have asthma or any other health problems. So I wouldn't beat yourself up about it

It's one of those things too...if you know someone who uses disposables you don't want to lecture them, but then it's a bummer when they find out about the dangers and DO want to switch, and then they wonder why no one told them. I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut, but many parents don't want to hear it.

[Lynda&Jenna]

Yes, its scary when you find out all the stuff no one tells you. I remember when my youngest son had "infant Asthma" The Dr said he would out grown it. Yeah, about the time he got out of diapers. Hello??? I didn't know all this stuff back then. He is 23 now : )
Lynda