Im trying to get something straigthened out in my head and I know this can be a touchy subject.

I am planning on getting 2 baby Leo's in the very near future and am trying to finalize what substrate to use that would be the best in looks and safety for the little ones. I would like everyones input on the different sands and sand like substrates and valid alternatives.

For babies and juvies sand is a definate bad idea. For adults (2 years and up) Washed, and sifted play sand is *O-K* for them. but this is still a risk no matter what sand it is. Reason juvies and babies should never be on sand is because they can become easily impacted with a small tounge of sand being swallowed. Substrates I prefer for babies AND ADULTS are paper towels, reptile carpet, adhesive shelf liner, butcher paper(flatted down), Slate tiles, Soy based news paper, and cork bark sheets.

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The more you whine, the worse it will get.

Repticarpet all the way!!

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

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what about non-adhesive shelf liner for a substrate? I mean the rubber like stuff? what if I tape it down using double sided tape?

i use none adhesive shelf liner for my leo. its a sandy brown color, i looks nice and its easy to just wipe down, and the crickets cant hide in it. i like it

I heard they smell. I would personally want a un scented substrate for my Leopard Geckos to enjoy instead of a smelly one.

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The more you whine, the worse it will get.

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Zane Neher.

The great and strong man is one who bears within his character many contradictions.
Crocodilian care.

i've never noticed a smell with my shelfliner, i use non-adhesive duck brand, the thick rubbery brown kind and the thinner kind with the plam trees on it

We use playsand with our adult bearded dragons and adult collared lizards, and have never had a problem. We used to use calci-sand, and again we personally never experienced any problems - we even used it with babies at one point.

For our baby Bearded Dragons, collareds and geckos we currently use paper towels - we had repticarpet in with the geckos but they kept getting their claws caught and their teeth kept getting stuck on the carpet when they went to catch crickets, has anyone else experienced this? So, for now, we are keeping them on paper towels.

There are small risks with many substrates - you need to gather all the facts and listen to all the issues and opinions, and then make up your own mind as to what you want to use. There is no better experience than personal experience, and you need to see what works and what doesn't for you personally.

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

I been thinkin bout slate or possibly a few other ideas that I have like getting 2 of these:
Habiscape Wall System

And there are also shelves n ledges u can get to go along with the walls.

Since Leopard Geckos do live on rocky outcroppings, and it may work well for other desert species too that live in similar conditions.