Is there any point using biodegradable nappy/diaper sacks...?

Question

I'm fully aware of the eco benefits of washable nappies but have heard from various sources that it's better to wait a month or 2 before trying them, given the staying power of newborn poo...

Answer 1

The newborn poo is apparently pretty bad BUT you can get disposable liners for  reusable diapers that can work. I personally have BumGenuis one-size reusable diapers with the disposable liners to go on top (they come in a big roll and can be thrown out or flushed), but depending on how big the baby is, even BumGenius are a little too large for the first few weeks. I also plan on using a natural oil on his/her bottom to help ensure it's easier to clean off them, and disposable diapers for the first week or two until they fit into the BumGenius.

SO.... Yes it's 'bad' to throw any of it out, so ANYTHING you use that is biodegradable is good. (By having the sack degrade quickly, maybe the diapers can start to degrade quicker as well?) I know how you feel - I feel bad about using any disposable diapers before I can move him/her into the resusables - and have made sure to find biodegradable/flushable top liners for the really nasty messes once I do make the switch.

FYI - The BumGenius diapers I tried on my nephews, one is about 1.5 months old, the other nearly 2 years old - and they fit great, were easy to change, and washed clean in the laundry. Neither had them leak. They did cost a bit more up front, but will save tons of money over the years - as the one-size works right up until they're out of diapers. It's worth looking into if you haven't found a type you like just yet and are hoping to move you child into resuables within a month of being born.

Good luck and ANYTHING you do to help cut down on landfill waste is a good one, so don't stress if you do end up throwing out a bit - and thank you for trying to use biodegradable products in any way  :)

Answer 2

the good old clothe diaper...has worked for generations and can be reused on numerous kids and make great window wipes when retired...

the nasty disposable is around the land fill for the next 200 years....ick

Answer 3

Hi :P

You're better off with disposable for at least the first week or so --the baby's p**p is very dark and can stain your diapers. I intend to wait a little too. I've heard a week or two is enough, tho.

If you can afford it, look out gdiapers... it's a disposable but ecological diaper. http://www.gdiapers.com/

I also know there are other biodegradable diapers around... check it out!

I don't think there are any benefits for a bio sack if you use disposables.

congrats for makind such a bright choice;)

Answer 4

Nobody seems to be answering your question, which is about diaper SACKS, not the actual diapers.

Put it this way-- if you're not using an eco-friendly diaper, but are still concerned about the environment (which it seems you are), wouldn't you like to leave as LITTLE waste as possible?  Every little bit helps.

Now, are you talking about the small bags that people put diapers inside of to throw away?  I have to admit, I don't see the point of that.  I see people doing it, and to me-- it's such a waste.  Biodegradable or not, why bother to use a bag??  It's still extra trash to put in a landfill.  It's not like it contains the smell, because believe me-- it doesn't.  I use those sacks to clean up after my dog, but would never use them to put a diaper in.  I've not been able to figure out why people use them, perhaps someone here will enlighten me.  

Answer 5

Technically there is a point to it, but it is soooo expensive. Cloth diapers are of course the most eco friendly diaper...

Answer 6

It depends. If you properly dispose of them it is not as much as an issue, but they take YEARS for them to disintegrate. I had to use the chlorine-free diapers for my son because he has such sensitive skin that the regular ones would give him a rash and make him itch.