The famed image of toddlers' bare bottoms waddling around China is one I won't soon forget.  Upon first arriving in China, I'll admit that it was instinctual to retract in disgust, only later giving way to a quick reach for my camera in appalled amusement to attempt a covert picture.  The images vary from that of a child squatting in the sidewalk to relieve herself through the ease of her split-bottom pants, a grandma squatting with baby open-legged on her lap encouraging him to "go" on the sidewalk, or a mom holding her bare-bottomed baby over the trashcan in the supermarket.  But after the initial shock, I had to step back and consider the reasons why it may be beneficial to use split-bottom pants as opposed to our western choice of disposable diapers. 

With average wages growing at more than 8 percent per year, one could anticipate a relative decrease in use of split pants versus more "modern" options like disposable diapers.  But even with such increases, the average wage in Guangdong (where I reside) is currently 3763 Yuan per month, or about $627 USD (China Daily, 2012).  A pack of Pampers 120 Yuan for 100 (for "medium" size).  That's about $20.  So let's say 5 diapers a day, so 6 Yuan ($1.00) per day.  It's easy to confirm that even with such fast rates of wage growth, spending $30 a month still may rate low on the financial priority list, especially when the other option (split pants) is free.

Many would argue the environmental benefits of split-pants over diapers.  Statistics are widely available about the United States' use of disposable diapers, the poisonous gases and chemicals they can release once put into the landfill, and the immense production costs and materials required.  Unlike its western counterparts, China has not yet adopted the throw-away consumer lifestyle.  The consequences of such a large population taking on this mindset could be environmentally devastating in both production  and disposal.  With a  population of 1.3 billion people, the world's second-largest baby population, and the already-insufficient waste management systems in China, accumulation of disposable diapers could likely create many major public health issues.  It is easily argued, however, that split-pants (or the habits they produce) cause major public health concerns of their own.  Public toilets are widely available in the city, but it is not unusual to see a grown man taking care of business while the world watches.  But OK, fine, what's the harm, really, in "going" on a tree?  Well, nothing really - at least not compared to the boy I watched pee on the bus sign or the one I watched take dump in the middle of a busy sidewalk.  History is wrought with accounts of plague that have been attributed to poor sanitation and overcrowding, and I can't help but cringe at the daily filth being added to the streets.  No wonder people in China take their shoes off at the door!

Maybe ease is the greatest motivator.  Public toilets, though available, are certainly not baby/mommy-friendly.  Many westerners I know talk about their outings - where to eat and shop - based on availability of nice bathroom facilities.  Finding a changing table is rare.  In addition, while you are out for a long day in the city, the less you have to carry, the better.  I rarely see a Chinese woman loaded down with an oversized diaper bag.  With the option of split pants, no extra accessories are needed!

A final and surprising discovery during this research is split-pants babies are potty-trained younger than their diaper-wearing counterparts.  It is interesting to note that these "primitive" split-pants are all the rage in some western countries.  A new eco-mom movement in the west, utilizing "elimination communication" to train young babies to "go" on command is creating a new culture of split-pants and diaper-free babies.

Hey, I'd give it a try.  I would love to save money on disposables, do my small part to protect the environment, and teach my child to become potty independent earlier.  But, if I could just put one message out there for China to hear, I'd say, "Please take your bare-bottomed baby to the toilet when it's time to 'go'!"

Joslynn is the China Editor for Wandering Educators.  Her husband has dubbed her "former Marine and roller derby queen" - two descriptors that represent her hardcore nature and adventurous spirit.  Joslynn currently lives in China with her 13-year old son and 2-year old foster daughter on what started as a year's adventure while her husband is working in Afghanistan.  She is an English teacher at a college in Guangdong Province and spends her free time traveling, writing, and visiting a special group of local orphans.  Joslynn recently completed her Master's degree in Community Economic Development and hopes to return to the United States this fall to begin her PhD. 

References

Bruno, Debra.  "Disposable Diapers or Bare Bottoms? China Frets Over Potty Training."  The Christian Science Monitor.  29 Nov. 2012.  Web. 13 Mar. 2013.
.cnbc.com/id/50019795

"China's 2011 Salaries Revealed."   China Daily,  6 July 2012.  Web. 13 Mar. 2013.  chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-07/06/content_15555503.htm

Feature photo courtesy and copyright Joslynn J. McLaughlin