3 Reasons why you should switch to reusable cloth nappies

1. They are better for baby

Reusable diapers are free from all the irritating chemicals and materials often found in disposables, such as chlorine, lotion, and fragrances. Johannesburg-based nurse Susan Ndlovu says these substances can irritate a baby’s skin, leading to rashes and other skin conditions. “Newborns have especially sensitive skin and I always recommend avoiding chemicals and perfumes during at least the first few months.”

There is a caveat, though – reusable nappies get a bad rap for causing rashes because they’re often left on for too long. “They’re usually not as absorbent as disposables, so they need to be changed a bit more frequently. It’s not the nappy that causes the rash, but the wetness staying there for longer than it should,” says Ndlovu.

2. They are better for the environment

Newborn babies can go through 12 nappies every day, which all go into the trash, and the average child will only be potty trained by the time they’re 36 months old. This means that if you only us disposable nappies, 5000-8000 single-use nappies per child can end up in a landfill – where they take centuries to degrade, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If you buy reusable nappies, on the other hand, you only need between 20-25 nappies per child. Most modern cloth nappies will fit a baby from birth/3 months to potty training, thanks to an adjustable press stud system.

These nappies are also usually made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and cotton, and some even have a percentage of compostable materials. The Clicks’ MyEarth range, for example, uses sustainable, eco-friendly, responsibly sourced materials. The packaging is 100% recyclable, and the carton is made from 85% recycled content.

3. They are cost-effective

Though they’re more expensive per nappy than disposables, parents who use reusable nappies save a lot of money in the long run. The South African Cloth Nappy Users (SACNU) website states that if you buy 24 reusable cloth nappies at R100 per nappy, you will pay a once-off amount of R2 400. However, if you pay R444 per month for disposable nappies over 30 months (your baby will be in nappies for approximately two-and-a-half years or 30 months), you will pay R13 320. You'll also be able to use the cloth nappies if you have another child.

Most options feature a waterproof cover and an absorbent insert and/or liner. Some inserts snap onto the cover, others fit into an inner pocket, and a few combine all the layers in one system. 

“Experiment with different types to find what works best for you before you invest in a lot of nappies,” Ndlovu recommends. “Absorbencies also vary depending on the material, and some liners or inserts are disposable, which can save time with washing. Even if you use such disposables, you’re still doing a lot to save the environment by not using entirely disposable nappies. There’s no right or wrong, just find what works for you!”

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com