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First Posted: 10/7/2012

According to “The Diaper Dilemma,” a film by Nord-Ouest Documentaires, every child goes through an estimated 6,000 diapers before achieving the ultimate goal: the potty.

Before reaching that never-ending light at the end of the tunnel, parents spend an average $75 a month on diapers, which totals around $900 a year on disposable diapers. The panic button went off this week for all expecting parents and parents of toddlers after the news broke of an explosion at a Japanese chemical plant, which produces about 10 percent of the world supply of acrylic acid, a resin substance in diapers. News reports estimate this may cause a rise in the price of diapers causing diapers to possibly reach the price of $75 per box in the next few months.

What is known as the “Diaper Dilemma,” now poses the question: will caregivers make the switch to cloth diapers or break the bank to buy disposable diapers?

I personally have thought about the possibility of switching to cloth diapers, but am hesitant to make the switch. Is it the convenience of disposable diapers, or the price after coupons that keeps me filling up the landfills?

Cloth diapers are not cheap either. After much research, the average cloth diaper costs around $20 and kits average around $300 with six cloth diapers included. I am not sure how many days six cloth diapers will get you before having to reach back into the wallet to purchase more sets. Cloth diapers can be purchased on Amazon.com, Ecomom.com, Fuzzibunz.com and even Diapers.com.

Since I am not ready to officially make the switch to cloth, I will continue to spend my time searching for the best deals for disposable diapers.

Diapers.com offers free two-day shipping on $49 or more and various discounts for new customers. Use the coupon code OHBABY20 to get 20 percent off a case of diapers or OHBABY10 for 10 percent off everything else. Looking to make the switch to cloth, use the coupon code BUMPKINS20 for 20 percent off Bumpkins

Amazon.com offers exclusive discounts and deals for caregivers through a program called Amazon Mom. Parents or caregivers can receive a free three month “try it out” offer from Amazon Mom, the offer includes 20 percent off diapers and wipes and free two-day shipping on all Amazon Prime items. The Amazon Mom subscription can be cancelled at any time during the three months at no charge. Once the three month trial is over, Amazon Mom members will receive a special offer to join Amazon Prime.

The “Diaper Dilemma” will probably cause all parents to evaluate their diaper budget, but I am not sure how many people will actually make the switch. I can honestly say that if I see prices starting to rise, there is no way that coupons or online deals can put a dent in a $75 box of diapers. At that time, the dilemma will be resolved.

What type of diapers do you use? Share with us at facebook.com/golackawanna.