Could A Diaper Be Dangerous?

Everyone hates a leaky diaper, but to what extremes will companies go to keep babies dry? Popular diaper brands such as Huggies Snug & Dry and Pampers Dry Max have come under scrutiny after multiple children developed severe diaper rashes that some parents and caregivers compared to chemical burns. The upgraded diapers are made of extra layers and material that claim to be more absorbent and reduce leakage accidents.

            According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 4,700 reported rash/chemical burn incidents in a four month span when the diaper was first introduced. While the CPSC has yet to find a distinct link between the Dry Max and diaper rash, they do suggest that certain diapers may react differently depending on the child. Children with sensitive skin may become irritated by a specific product. So is Dry Max a chemical in the diaper?        

            “Dry Max is not an ingredient. Dry Max was a name created to describe a diaper introduced in 2010. It wasn’t a change to the type of ingredients in the diaper.” That is the response Pampers provides to their customers on their website when questioned about the new product. When asked about the rumors linking Dry Max to rashes and chemical burns, Pampers denies the allegations. While Dry Max is not considered a chemical, according to Pampers, the company has yet to reveal what makes the diapers different from their other brands. What makes this diaper the driest?

            ABC2 News in Baltimore decided to launch an investigation after stumbling upon the multitude of parental and caregiver complaints. Under the Freedom of Information Act, a law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents, ABC2 requested to see the investigation conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. After waiting 11 months, the news station received 2,183 pages of emails, analysis, and medial opinions. When going through the information, they realized that almost 500 pages were missing from the investigation that could have held crucial information. The Consumer Product Safety Commission claims that the pages were missing or blacked out because of legal reasons. After a thorough investigation, Proctor & Gamble, the company who makes Pampers Dry Max, has maintained that their diapers are safe and have yet to recall the product even after 4,700 reported cases of severe diaper rash/chemical burns.

            Ironically, a medical doctor who decided to change career paths and become a stay at home mom of two kids published an online blog in 2012 called the Big Bad Diaper Test. On the blog, she put all of the big name diaper brands to the test. She tested absorbance, strength, flexibility, and durability. After conducting the experiment on both of her children, Dr. Mom, as she calls herself, found that Pampers Baby Dry, Luvs, and America’s Choice performed the lowest. She complained of rough and uncomfortable fits, snapping tabs, and leakage. After going through multiple brands, Dr. Mom found that Up & Up, a Target Brand, and Walgreens Premium passed the tests with flying colors. They were a great fit, thin and absorbent, perfect for naps, and no leakage.

            There is no definite way to know which diaper is best for a baby until various brands are tried. If a severe diaper rash or irritation occurs, the best thing to do is to switch diaper brands immediately. Upon switching, if the rash quickly clears up, the type of diaper may have been the issue. If irritation continues, it is always best to seek medical help.