Each year Britain throws away almost three billion nappies. Everyone is under increasing pressure to reduce his or her negative impact on the planet. Many parents are wondering whether to make the change and begin using washable nappies.
While no one is suggesting washables are more convenient than disposables, cloth nappies need not be the rather daunting terry squares and large safety pins of the past. Modern washables are available in a multitude of shapes, styles and colors. There are choices to suit the lifestyle and budget of most.
Of course there is the added washing. This will average every 2-3 days depending on the age of the baby and quantity of nappies bought. Although this has to be done on a 60oC (40/50oC on a long cycle) by using an energy efficient (A rated) machine, eco-friendly detergent and line dry rather than tumble-dry; you are still dramatically reducing your impact on the environment.
If the cost of tumble-drying during bad weather is a worry, one solution is to merely partially tumble-dry then hang them on an indoor airer. Never use fabric softener when washing cloth nappies as this coats the fibers and makes them non-absorbent.
Cloth nappies also offer parents the choice of more natural fabrics for their baby, such as hemp or organic cotton thus avoiding plastics and super absorbing chemicals like sodium polyacrylate found in some disposables.
Even when taking into consideration the detergent and energy costs, using washable cloth nappies over disposables from birth could save parents £500. This figure is for 2.5 years however and many children are in nappies far longer than that, particularly at night.
If you are tempted to consider washable nappies there are four main types of cloth nappies available.
- Shaped. These are a fitted style that is worn with a wrap. They are easy to launder and dry.
- All in one. Just one part to wear and launder but they do take a while to dry. All in ones are very convenient when changing.
- Flat. The flat nappy needs folding and needs a wrap (includes terry nappies). Some find these are not terribly convenient during changing especially when baby wriggles. Flat nappies are very quick drying.
- Stuffable. This pocket style comprises of two parts. The absorbent section is removed for easy laundering and offers the quick drying benefit of flat nappies.
Cloth nappies no longer require pins but fasten using either poppers, Velcro or Applix. The ideal wraps are polyester or nylon for during the day. These simply need a wipe clean. Fleece or wool options can be used during the night as they are breathable and waterproof. Liners are usually paper or fleece. The paper ones are biodegradable and can be flushed away complete with solids. Fleece is excellent for keeping babies skin dry. Solids will come away from it easily and not stain considerably.
Another necessity is a large bucket with a tightly fitting lid in which to soak soiled nappies. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water can alleviate the worst of the smell.
If using cloth nappies seems like too much, a hefty addition to an already demanding day, why not try investing in just a few, say 4-6, and see how you manage? Use a combination of disposable and washable nappies for a while. With disposable back up readily available the pressure's never on and for every washable you do use, that's one less in the landfill.
