After an explosion rocked a chemical plant in Japan over the weekend, many parents are panicked about a possible global diaper shortage.
Why? Well, the chemical plant makes a key ingredient in disposable diapers called acrylic acid. Acrylic acid is used to produce super absorbent polymers, which help disposable diapers absorb liquid without spilling. That particular plant is one of the largest in the world.
Meanwhile, other acrylic acid makers have been operating at full capacity to meet demand.
Parents on multiple blog message boards and Facebook are commenting that they’re on a diaper dash to make sure they don’t run out or have to pay a hefty price in the coming months.
I’m not sure I’ll be joining them in the checkout line.
For one, I’m in the middle of potty training my two-year-old and crossing my fingers that in the coming months we’ll only need a few diapers. Two, worst case scenario (which isn’t really the worst case, just more work), I could always use cloth diapers. Not that I’ve tried it, but I have several friends who have and they swear by it.
Cloth diapers contain NO acrylic acid and some are made in the US. Check out places like Amazon or eBay for deals on BumGenius, FuzziBunz Happy Heinys and more.
I’ll admit I’m nervous about trying to cloth diaper if I decide to go that way, but hey, lots of mommies did it back in the day and that was they’re only option.
Truthfully, I’m also looking into companies that don’t use acrylic acid in their disposable diaper ingredient list. Keep in mind, I read that it can also appear as SAP.
Is anyone familiar with a truly organic or eco-friendly disposable diaper? If so, leave me a comment, I’d love to know!
I wish I had cloth diapered but I just never got around to it. It’s so easy these days and so many people do it. My thought process is – it can be that awful if so many families are doing it! Plus it’s so much cuter than regular diapers =) GL!Q
Im in the middle of potty training too, but I am very great full that I have a good stash of cloth diapers already for my new baby boy coming this winter! Cloth diapering is really simple, but can seem overwhelming at first. Check out my blog or email me if you have any questions!
Cloth diapering is becoming more and more popular now, but I must admit…I am SO happy my home is now offically a diaper free zone!
We tried cloth but Avery had such skinny legs they never fit properly and I didn’t want to spend more trying different brands. However we recently found d Apple Cheeks, and might try those next baby.
Cloth diapers are making a huge comeback!! Many moms are using them today with biodegradable liners that can be tossed right in the trash. The rest can be tossed in the washing machine like reg. undergarments or be sent off to a cleaning service – so why not? Definitely a healthier and eco-friendlier way to go! 🙂