Use of disposables raises a concern about solid waste management, while cloth diapers contribute to air and water pollution and possible taxing of municipal water and sewage systems. Diapering methods must be evaluated in terms of resource use, pollution and solid waste management to determine which poses the most serious environmental problems for a given locale long term. In areas where land is plentiful but water is in short supply disposable diapers may be the more environmentally responsible choice. In areas experiencing solid waste problems and decreasing landfills, but have adequate water supplies, cloth diapers or a combination of cloth and disposables may be the most environmentally responsible choice. Health Other health issues impact on the diaper question.
Diaper rash is related to excess skin wetness.
While disposables draw moisture away from the skin and retain it in a chemical powder that forms a gel in contact with liquid, critics suggest that cloth diapers are changed more often and therefore are more likely to prevent diaper rash. Studies show that super absorbent disposables, perform best in reducing skin wetness. Frequent diaper changes and attention to hygiene are the most critical practices in dealing with diaper rash problems. Most day care settings require children to wear disposable diapers for reasons of convenience as well as for hygiene. No comparison data is reported for regular disposables that are less expensive and more commonly used than the super absorbent varieties.