subject: Modern Reusable Cloth Nappies [print this page] As a parent you are faced with many decisions when it comes to your new baby, and as a first time mum, they can be especially daunting. As soon as you book in with the midwife you are advised that breast is best, but you are given no information on alternative nappy options.
As a first time mum I had no idea of the incredible world of Modern Cloth Reusable Nappies, so for other first time mums here is a brief introduction on what you need to know -
1. First and most importantly, it will become addictive. You will try one cloth nappy, and then a few more, you will then find online forums, and find other mums who use cloth nappies on their babies. Pretty soon you will have a stash consisting of new, preloved, custom and swapped nappies.
2. Cloth nappies and your purse - its a no brainer. You buy a disposable nappy, its pooped in, and it goes in the bin. You buy a cloth nappy and your baby can poop in it, its washed, and you can use it again. Once your baby is out of cloth nappies you can sell them on. Think of how much money you can save!
3. Your babys skin - skin is considered the bodys largest organ, cloth nappies are soft and are made of natural materials, unlike disposable nappies, which are layers of chemicals and plastics.
4. Your babys world - with each baby needing around 5000 nappy changes, each of those disposable nappies will be going in to landfill. With the average nappy taking in excess of 100 years to degrade, it makes sense to try and protect the world your baby will be growing up in. You will also notice the space saved in your bin!
5. Dispelling myths Cloth nappies are no longer squares of ugly greyed terry towelling fabric that you need to fold and then pin on your baby. Theres no need to store them in a smelly bucket of water, and definitely no need to boil them! Modern cloth nappies are just that modern and fantastic! You can get nappies that go on just like disposables, with little tabs of Velcro also known as aplix, or for a different fit you can get poppers. Both work extremely well, its just a case of finding what works for your baby. You can get fluffy nappies made from a soft fabric called Minkee, and you can get a slightly more waterproof material called PUL. Both types of fabric can come in a variety of colours, textures, patterns and designs. You can store soiled nappies in a wet bag whilst out and about and then transfer to a dry nappy pail. Some people like to add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or tea tree, just to keep things smelling nice. Then, when you have enough for an almost full load, pop them in the washing machine! Simple as that!
