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(NaturalNews) Are you aware that everything you put ON your children is as important to their health as what you feed them? This series of articles will discuss the three major things you put on your baby: diapers, clothing, and skin and bath products. Each of these items is capable of delivering a toxic chemical cocktail to your baby. The skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs almost anything placed on it. When you add moisture, chemicals from petroleum and other volatile (reactive) compounds, the absorption is greatly increased and the damage multiplies. Infants and children are at much greater risk from exposure to these toxins because their brain and organs are still developing.

Diaper rash has multiple causes such as prolonged wetness, lack of air circulation, soap, chemical and dye allergies, ammonia formed by bacteria breaking down urine, growth of microbes (bacterial or yeast)in the diaper area or can even result from a reaction to something the baby ate.
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, 54% of one-month old babies using disposable diapers have diaper rash with 16% of those rashes classified as severe. One major manufacturer did their own study which indicated that, as the use of disposable diapers has increased, the incidence of diaper rash has gone up nearly ten times, from 7.1% to 61% of babies. This study only included babies whose rashes were severe enough to require a visit to a doctor.

Why disposable diapers are a problem:
•Sodium polyacrylate: The super absorbent gel in the center of the diapers has been linked to toxic shock dyndrome, allergic reactions and is lethal to pets.
•Dioxins: are known to cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Yes, the same dioxin as the insecticide that was banned.
•Dyes: These are known to cause allergic reactions and some are systemically toxic
•Fragrances: The FDA has received reports that fragrances in disposables cause headaches, dizziness and rashes to caregivers. It only makes sense it does this to the baby too.
•Other reported problems: Babies choking on pieces of the plastic they've torn off, tabs tearing the baby's skin, noxious chemical odors and chemical burns.
•Not Biodegradable: 10 years ago, disposable diapers were found to make up over 2% of landfill waste. The newer "green diapers" are a great improvement and some even have flushable liners. They tend to be bleach and fragrance free. Most new parents find the cost of these disposable diapers prohibitive.
•Expense: Although the initial cost of cloth diapers may be high, it is miniscule compared to the cost of disposables even when you factor in utilities and laundry products.

Today's cloth diapers bear little resemblence to what what your mother or grandmother used. They now have double or triple layers and a fiber-filled strip in the center, making them much more absorbent than older styles. Most are pre-folded and many come with Velcro strips that negate the need for diaper pins. Laundering them at home is the most cost-effective but there are diaper services available, which depending on the number of diapers used, can still be cheaper than buying disposables.

Cotton is one of the most insecticide sprayed crops, so if possible, get organic cotton diapers. If you are unable to get organic cotton, wash the diapers multiple times in hot water before use to remove most of the pesticides and bleaches.
Benefits of cotton diapers include:
•Softer and more comfortable than plastic diapers.
•Fewer rashes when the baby is changed as needed.
•Eerlier potty training because the child can sense when they are wet.
•Environmentally friendly even when water, power and products are factored in.
•Cost effective: Even using a laundry service can be cheaper than buying disposables.
•MORE convenient: Think about it. How many times have you had to stop what you are doing and run to the store and pick up a box of disposables?

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