As toxic as your baby's bottom

There’s a reason your baby has diaper rash, and it’s likely not due to poop or pee. More likely it’s a reaction to the toxins inside the average disposable diaper.

What’s bad about ‘em? Artificial fragrance, dyes, sodium polyacrylate (the absorbent gels), and dioxin.

Sodium polyacrylate, crystals you might see time and again lining your baby’s skin when you take off the diaper, has been linked to toxic shock syndrome. On a lesser level, it definitely can cause allergic reactions, such as rash or hives. (But, you can’t say polymer gels aren’t fun. You can also use them to make fake snow!)

Dioxin may cause cancer, developmental delays, or reproductive issues and is a known environmental toxin. Google it if you’re curious, but this was one interesting read.

You don’t put perfume on your baby, so why are you wrapping her in perfumed diapers?

When you are baby-proofing your home I doubt you consider the danger in diapers. But you should. Because while diapering your baby in disposable diapers will not expose her to enough chemicals to kill her, it’s just one more contributor to the chemical bath our children are washed in each and every day just by living on this planet.

TIPS: Cloth diapers. Seventh Gen still has gel, but Tushies doesn’t. Wash your baby’s bum with a wet washcloth thoroughly after each change.