Even Greener: Despite the energy and hot water used to wash them, it still seems like cloth diapers have an edge when it comes to green living. After all, you're not contributing to the landfill problem, and you're not exposing your baby to some of the potentially toxic chemicals that are in disposables — some studies have suggested that these chemicals could contribute to impaired fertility in men who wore disposables as infants. If you do go the cloth route, be sure to opt for organic diapers so that no toxic pesticides and herbicides were used to grow the cotton, and wash them in chlorine-free, all-natural detergent such as Seventh Generation or Shaklee.

WIPES

Green: As with disposable diapers, disposable wipes can contain harsh chemicals and alcohol — not only are they detrimental to the environment, but they're tough on baby's skin. There are plenty of earth-friendlier options available. British company Beaming Baby makes baby wipes that are flushable, hypoallergenic, 100% biodegradable, chlorine-free and contain 95 percent organic ingredients. And Seventh Generation's baby wipes don't contain chlorine, alcohol or other synthetic ingredients, and are moistened with aloe vera, vitamin E and water.

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