Last month CBS's 'Eye on Parenting' featured a segment on the great diaper debate: cloth versus disposables. Their cloth diapering 'expert,' a pediatrician, discussed the pros and cons of the two types of diapers (you can view the original segment here).
Unfortunately, the segment was far from objective. Not only did they perpetuate the ever-pervasive notion that cloth diapering is difficult, wrestling with pins, Gerber prefolds and plastic pants, but glazed over the environmental impact, stating that the EPA posits disposable diapers in the landfill '[aren't] the worst kind of waste there is.' Wow. Given how much toxic stuff is being disposed of (anyone recall the Hungarian toxic sludge spill earlier this fall?), I don't know if the reassurance I'm the worst offender would be all that reassuring.
I will say, I do agree with the 'experts' concluding statement: 'you have to make the right choice for yourself.' You absolutely have to do what you believe is best for your family. Maybe you found an amazing daycare that supports your parenting philosophies, but will not use cloth. Maybe you only have access to laundry facilities on the weekends, and only cloth diaper Thursday-Sunday. Maybe you can only afford to slowly build a stash, and supplement with disposables until you have enough cloth. There are so many situations that cannot be predicted, and people should never feel badly when they make the best decision for their family. BUT (and this is a big but), I believe cloth diapering should never be ruled out until you have tried it. Just like Natali concludes, it is so much easier than you would ever imagine. To make the decision to use disposables, without researching the alternate option, is short-sighted and unfortunate.
Needless to say, the segment as a whole was very poorly received by the cloth diapering community. Thanks to the open mind of the segment's host, Natali Morris, she quickly responded to the requests to try cloth herself (you can follow her cloth diapering journey at her bog here and here).
Unfortunately, the segment was far from objective. Not only did they perpetuate the ever-pervasive notion that cloth diapering is difficult, wrestling with pins, Gerber prefolds and plastic pants, but glazed over the environmental impact, stating that the EPA posits disposable diapers in the landfill '[aren't] the worst kind of waste there is.' Wow. Given how much toxic stuff is being disposed of (anyone recall the Hungarian toxic sludge spill earlier this fall?), I don't know if the reassurance I'm the worst offender would be all that reassuring.
I will say, I do agree with the 'experts' concluding statement: 'you have to make the right choice for yourself.' You absolutely have to do what you believe is best for your family. Maybe you found an amazing daycare that supports your parenting philosophies, but will not use cloth. Maybe you only have access to laundry facilities on the weekends, and only cloth diaper Thursday-Sunday. Maybe you can only afford to slowly build a stash, and supplement with disposables until you have enough cloth. There are so many situations that cannot be predicted, and people should never feel badly when they make the best decision for their family. BUT (and this is a big but), I believe cloth diapering should never be ruled out until you have tried it. Just like Natali concludes, it is so much easier than you would ever imagine. To make the decision to use disposables, without researching the alternate option, is short-sighted and unfortunate.
Needless to say, the segment as a whole was very poorly received by the cloth diapering community. Thanks to the open mind of the segment's host, Natali Morris, she quickly responded to the requests to try cloth herself (you can follow her cloth diapering journey at her bog here and here).
Now, a month later, CBS follows its original segment with an update, featuring expert Tereson Dupuy (the CEO of Fuzzibunz). Drat... will not embed correctly. Please do watch the newest segment - you can find it here.
What do you think of the revised segment? A win for cloth diapers?
What do you think of the revised segment? A win for cloth diapers?
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