The benefits of using modern cloth nappies
What do you think about when you hear the word ‘cloth nappies’?
For some, the very thought conjures up an image of fluffy white square towels flapping out in the breeze at best, or buckets full of stinky cloth nappies at worst!
But for those of you in the know, modern cloth nappies are a wonderful updated version of the cloth nappies of old, and a viable alternative to commercial disposable nappies.
So why on earth would you use cloth nappies on your baby?
Because cloth nappies are so cute and so easy to use!
No pins – modern nappies use closures like snaps, Velcro or snappy fasteners, and can be just as easy as disposable nappies to put on.
No need to learn traditional nappy folds – modern nappies are shaped and easy to boost absorbency where required.
No soaking and machine washable – soiled nappies are simply stored in a dry pail, machine washed daily and lined dry! Modern washing machines are very efficient at cleaning, while line drying in the sun removes stains and kills germs.
Once you get into a good rhythm, they are as easy as disposables, only you don’t need to keep replenishing your supplies every week, and your bin stays clean.
So cute – modern cloth nappies come in all kinds of playful colours and soft textures, that on a hot summer’s day cloth nappies could be an outfit in itself
Because cloth nappies are reliable
I have found that single use nappies can tend to be slower to absorb and easily leak wetter messes, especially those from a younger baby. If you have been washing baby’s entire bedlinen and clothing numerous times a day due to explosive messy ‘number 3’ leaks, you can be sure that a well fitting modern cloth nappy will contain everything, so that you end up washing ONLY the nappy.
The fabrics used in modern cloth nappies have been designed to work together to produce a nappy that is stay dry, highly absorbent, yet trim compared to big bulky cotton terries of yesteryears.
These modern fabrics such as hemp, bamboo or microfiber are several times more absorbent compared to traditional cotton terry or flanellette squares.
Some modern cloth nappies have a stay-dry fabric sewn in to keep babies bottom dry, and makes clean up easier too.
Because baby stays cleaner and less stinky
With the advent of superabsorbent disposable nappies, you may have come across babies and toddlers carrying around their portable toilet hanging down to their knees, to be changed only when ‘full’ or with a number 2.
Babies who are in cloth tend to be changed more regularly, and this is a good thing and this is normal. The WHO recommends babies to be changed at least every 2 hours. Doing this will help baby feel more comfortable, cleaner and rash-free.
I personally change the nappy as soon as I realise that baby wets the nappy.
Because you will save money (and dirty nappies) from the landfill!
Can you imagine opening up your purse, taking out $30 and throwing it in the bin? That’s literally what parents are doing weekly when using single-use disposable nappies!
Assuming disposables cost $90-100 a month, in a year you would have spent (and thrown away) around $1000-1200. If the average child toilet trains by two, you would have spent $2000-$2400! These costs do not include the use of disposable baby wipes, nappy rash creams and other bits and pieces.
Even if you choose a cheaper brand of disposable nappies, you will end up throwing at least $600-700 a year into the bin.
Instead of throwing away $1000 a year, you could use that money towards a high quality premium cloth nappy stash to be used for at least 2 years, plus have money left over to go towards other expenses. Most full time cloth nappy stashes would range from $300-$700 upfront, but you would have gotten back your money’s worth of nappies by around six months compared to disposables.
The added bonus is that not only money is saved, but there is less landfill too, which goes to my next point…
Because you can say goodbye to bins filled with nappies
Did you know that every single nappy that has ever been used still exists in landfill somewhere? A sobering thought, isn’t it?
Single-use nappies that end up in landfill take up a lot of space and take centuries to break down. It is estimated that 10% of household waste is taken up by disposable nappies.
Eco-disposables made out of biodegradable materials and sustainable plant sources are a better choice, but only if they are composted in an approved composting facility or home composting system. They can cost a lot more than conventional disposables though, however they are an option for those who want the convenience and environmental-friendliness.
Rebecca is the lovely owner of Bean Sprout Bubba, to view here gorgeous goodies and for more info on cloth nappies, click here
