So as some of you know, I am expecting a baby girl in the middle of June of this year. It was something of a surprise and the last few months have been very hard. I have suffered from medical complications meaning I spent most of the last 3 months in bed, and I have suffered with pretty severe prenatal depression. But, as I nudge towards the fifth month, I can say that I am feeling a lot better, I am getting excited, and I have started considering how I will bring up my daughter, whilst remaining environmentally conscious.
One of the first things that I thought about was the issue of diapering. It takes around 500 years for one single disposable diaper to break down and with babies going through thousands of diapers in their life time, I hated the idea of contributing to landfill and incineration in this way. I had already heard about cloth diapering and I decided, after a lot of research and taking to some friends who chose the same route, that this was definitely the best option. But why? Read on to find out!
It is cheaper
Depending on where you live, purchasing a supply of disposable diapers for the lifetime of your baby can cost you anywhere between EUR 1000 and EUR 2000. Then you have to add in things like wet wipes as well and the cost becomes pretty exorbitant. When it comes to cloth diapers, whilst it is quite pricy to buy the stuff you need to get going, once you are set, you are set for life, or at least two children. I paid EUR 150 for 24 reusable cloth nappies and 48 reusable bamboo inserts, even when you factor in the cost of bio soap, water and electric, the overall cost is around EUR 400- significantly less than their disposable equivalent.
It is more environmentally friendly
Of course, you use soap, water, and electric but let’s be honest, these are small diapers not bed sheets and if you have enough (see what I bought above) then you can go several days without washing them. The chances are you will be running a washing machine anyway so I don’t see the harm in adding an extra wash or two each week, especially when you are not contributing up to a 100 nappies a week into landfill.
It’s healthier for baby
Natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo are much healthier for your baby than the materials that are used in disposable nappies. These fabrics regulate the temperature, reduce rubbing and the chance of nappy rash, and are less likely to irritate your babies delicate skin. Cloth diapers have been found to reduce things like yeast infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, and thrush. The same goes for wet wipes, if you use fabric you eliminate the need to use harsh chemicals on your babies’ skin, as well as being environmentally friendly.
It is sustainable
Cloth nappies are sustainable over a long period of time. A good brand like the one I purchase should last for one or even two children, alternatively they can be passed onto others or a family in need rather than just ending up in the bin. But the sustainable aspect is not just environmental, it is financial as well- you don’t need to waste money on disposable items because if you take care of your cloth diapers and wipes, you will not need anything else.
It is more comfortable for baby
When diapers get wet or soiled it becomes uncomfortable for your baby but if you use clothe diapers, your baby can enjoy better airflow around its skin, and therefore better levels of comfort for your little one. Many parents have also cured diaper rash by switching to this option and therefore your baby is likely to be happier and less grumpy!
They are not unhygienic
Poop is poop and it is unpleasant anyway you look at it. Personally, I find the idea of folding up a used nappy and putting it in the bin, far more disgusting than rinsing the waste down the bidet/toilet and then putting it in the wash. Bidets are everywhere so there is no reason to panic about not being able to do this. Get yourself some little fabric bags to store dirty diapers in when you are out and you are good to go. There are plenty of gentle and environmentally friendly soaps on the market that will clean the diapers so they are as good as new- no stains, no smells, and absolutely no clue that they have been used before.
They look cute
There is nothing nice looking about those big puffy pampers. Reusable nappies on the other hand come in an unlimited range of colours, styles, patterns, and designs so you can dress up your little darling from head to toe in colour and snazzy fashion choices! The ones I chose are adjustable to grow with baby, come in amazing colours and styles, and look super cool.
They are more reliable
Obviously I don’t know this first hand yet but everyone I have spoken to says that they are far more reliable than their disposable counterparts. Being fully adjustable to your baby at that exact time they offer a more snug fit and reduce the risk of a big mess, meaning both you and baby are much happier!
Waste ends up where it should
When you use cloth diapers, waste ends up where it should do- in the toilet and the sewage system, not in landfill, or in some public space where it has been discarded. This is the appropriate and safe way to deal with human waste- not in a landfill where disease and viruses can fester for weeks at a time. This waste can even contaminate the water supply which can be dangerous for those living nearby.
If It was good enough for our parents, it should be good enough for us
There really is no excuse!
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