the little crystals are sodium polyacrylate gel. it starts as a powder in every brand of disposable - except tushies gel free (exxy and useless) and safeties nature nappy - also very $$$$.

sodium polyacrylate has been linked to scrotal adn perineal bleeding in babies, and it was removed from feminine hygeine products years ago for causing toxic shock syndrome.

the material safety data sheet for handling the substance states that people who work with the material should handle it with gloves and if it gets into the eyes it needs medical attention.

but it's perfectly FINE to put it on our baby's genital area.