Do Biodegradable Cloth Diapers Disintegrate in Storage?

[orange_mommy]

I apologize up front... I'm sure I've already caused a few eyes to roll, but I've been using cloth since my baby was born but am totally wanting to buy some more diapers as it's been almost a year!  I was looking at a review on the Rumparooz G2's and the lady mentioned that the outer shell was made of a biodegradable material.  My son is almost a year and I'm a single mom so if I ever have more children it will probably be many years from now... therefore his diapers are probably going to be in storage a lonnnnnng time!  What I'm wondering is, what does it take for a biodegradable cloth diaper to biodegrade?  I mean, if the diapers are in storage for a long time, am I going to open the box and find a pile of dust (lol, kidding) or rather diapers that no longer work?  I'm sure these are lame questions, but I want to make sure I don't put out a ton of money for something that is not going to last!

Thanks in advance for educating me! ;)

[clovergirl]

Usually diapers can withstand storage for a little while (a couple years or so if stored correctly) but some components will wear out over time.  Usually elastic (usually in the legs and sometimes wait of fitted, pocket, or all-in-one diapers or waterproof covers) is what goes first, especially if it is stored wear it's hot and dry.  It will just break down and no longer be stretchy.

If the biodegradable part of the particular type of diaper you are talking about is the waterproof part, than yes, that too can break down during long term storage.  I would recommend contacting the company for specifics.  Like I said, if you were going to be storing for only a year or two they will likely be OK.  Any longer than that, probably not so much... especially if they have already been used for a couple years prior.

Keep in mind that if you don't think it will be worth it for you to store them you can always sell them instead!

[orange_mommy]

Thanks so much for responding!  That totally sucks!  This was something I had no idea about when doing my diaper shopping... otherwise I would not have been so extravagant in my spending, knowing this may be the only baby I use them on! :(  Would contours be safe then... since they have no elastic in them?  I may buy some of those instead of more pockets or fitteds.