Bamboo-zled

Over the past few weeks, I've had a few questions about bamboo cloth diapers and why Diaper My Baby doesn't carry bamboo products.... well, I'm here to give an honest answer.

On August 11, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made a statement concerning bamboo textiles, it states that "bamboo-based textiles, actually made of rayon, are NOT antimicrobial, made in an environmentally-friendly manner or biodegradable".  You can read the FTC statement here. Now I'm not one to put all my faith in the FTC, but I'll give them some credit for making a good decision on this one.

So here's the simple version, in order for a product to be labeled natural bamboo, it MUST be made from  actual bamboo fibers or bamboo grass, NOT from mechanically or chemically processed bamboo (rayon or viscose).  If I were to carry and sell cloth diapers labeled as natural bamboo fibers, I want to be absolutely sure that those cloth diapers are actually made from bamboo fibers.  At this point, I would have to rely on 3rd party claims that the bamboo source is natural and not processed, and quite frankly I don't want to carry anything that I can't fully substantiate myself.

If you really want to purchase bamboo cloth diapers, I highly recommend doing your own research and not relying on what the manufacturer or retailer says.  Ask for scientific testing results and analyses that prove that the diapers are made from actual bamboo fibers and not rayon.  If you are able to touch the diapers, real bamboo has a rugged/scratchy feel to it (actually not something I want next to my baby's bum)... a soft, luxurious feel will tell you that the diaper is made from mechanically or chemically processed bamboo (rayon or viscose).

There are so many companies trying to jump on the natural and organic bandwagon, that they are mis-labeling products left and right.  In the end, it's the consumers who end up with the short end of the stick because you end up with an overpriced product that is anything but natural.  Hey, greenwashing stinks but it's become a reality in our society, be vigilant and do your research before making a purchase on any "natural" or "organic" product.

I love natural fibers, so when I'm spending more money on natural fibers I want to be sure that I'm actually getting something that is natural.  I can recommend hemp cloth diapers and wool cloth diapers as these fibers are proven to be truly antimicrobial and highly absorbent as well as environmentally-friendly.

Good Luck!