Did you know that every baby that uses disposable diapers will produce over 700kg of non-biodegradable waste by the time they are potty trained? And did you know that a good percentage of these dirty-diapers are being produced on my street where the dogs drag the really tasty ones from the garbage heaps and dump them on my front door step! (I’m sure you have all had similar experiences!). I pointed this out to my neighbor, a Balinese lady with a baby boy. The lady was very obliging and stopped throwing her sons dirty diapers onto the garbage heap when I pointed out what was happening. Then only a few weeks later another diaper ended up on my doorstep. When I questioned her as to it’s origin she very proudly told me that it was not hers as she did not throw her diapers onto the rubbish heap anymore. She then went on to tell me that she was throwing them into the river instead to make sure that the diapers were well and truly gone from our neighborhood. (So watch out all you surfers on the Sanur break!).
Given that each baby will soil approximately 10 diapers a day in its first year of life, and approximately 6 a day in its second year of life, that’s a total of 5,840 diapers all up. Now when you consider that there are 3.5 million people on this little Island, and let’s say about 2% are under the age of two. That’s 70,000 pooping and peeing babies.
Obviously not every one of these babies will use “pampers”, especially in the village situation. So let’s say just 20% of these babies use disposables, and that calculates out to 14,000 babies using about 112,000 diapers a day!
When you look at the cost factor of all this, given that the average price of a diaper is Rp 2,000/each, each baby will chalk up Rp11,680,000, which will all end up on a garbage tip somewhere.
Still confused about the issues?
The cloth vs. “disposable” diaper debate has become more and more complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some points to consider . . .
Convenience - Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be! Now they are pinless and painless.
Innovative designs in fitted diapers and Velcro®-closing covers make modern cloth diapering equivalent to “disposables” in convenience. The fit, the comfort and the leak guards are all there for your baby’s cotton comfort. Plus cloth diapers are breathable, and chlorine-free. (Fitted diapers are not readily available here in Bali. We do have a selection in our baby shop upstairs of my office or you may have to import them yourself).
Diaper rash -The most common cause of rash is extended exposure to a hot soiled diaper. A “disposable” diaper hides evidence that the diaper needs to be changed, often resulting in bacteria-caused rashes.
Dryness - “Disposables” can hold about 7 pounds of fluid, but how long do you want your child in a used diaper? A dirty diaper is a dirty diaper, and should be changed to prevent bacterial infections. Non-absorbent liners can be used in cloth diapers to keep baby’s bottom drier, and also make rinsing unnecessary.
Health - “Disposable” diapers contain trace amounts of the carcinogen dioxin, as well as large amounts of chemicals for absorbency and perfumes. Cloth diapers are natural fibers and, if washed properly, they will have the proper Ph and no chemical residues.
How to wash your cloth Diapers.
Unfortunately we do not yet have a diaper laundering service here in Bali, so if you choose to use cloth diapers you are going to have to wash them yourself which is really not that complicated. You might want to invest in a washing machine just for the diapers. A cheap twin tub is not that expensive and considering that you will be doing the diaper-wash for about two years it is a worthwhile investment.
Washing diapers at home is actually quite simple. This is a very detailed description. Initially it may sound complex, but you’ll soon find it routine.
1. Shake “poop” into toilet. Rinse “poopy” diapers in toilet bowl. You can use a “squiter” (bidet tap) or rubber gloves will help keep your hands clean.
2. Collect soiled or wet diapers in a plastic bucket in a solution of water mixed with 1/4 cup of vinegar, borax. This can help control odors and staining. (Do no soak your diaper covers in this though, as it can ruin their water-proofness).
3. When ready to wash, if you’ve been soaking your diapers - drain excess solution into toilet. Use your spin cycle to drain the diapers of any remaining solution. Otherwise, or in addition, run your diapers through a cold wash /cold rinse presoak cycle - if you have this setting on your washing machine. For optimum cleanliness, wash only 24 diapers in an average load.
4. Then, use HOT wash and COLD rinse with high water level. If rashes are a problem, try a double rinse to remove detergent or soap residues. Use a mild soap or detergent with no phosphates, and a minimum of additives.
5. Dry in dryer on high heat for an average of 60 minutes to help sterilization. Drying in direct sunlight is also an excellent method, and it helps wonderfully with getting rid of stains and chemicals.
6. Some parents like to add washing soda, vinegar or borax to the wash to keep diapers white, and to help sterilize them. Some parents prefer to boil diapers for 10 minutes once in a while, especially after a bout of diarrhea, or a yeast infection, to help prevent rash and provide optimum sterilization. But this is absolutely NOT necessary on a regular basis or for all babies.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
