The thing about cloth nappies is that they are cool again! Yessiree ... these days it is 'hip' to be green. The modern, smart parent does the research and chooses the best option for their family. For an increasing number of families, that choice is the one that is safest for their baby's skin, is better for the family's budget and ticks all the boxes for the most environmentally-friendly option.
The Terry Square Nappy
Cloth nappies have changed so much over the last 10 years. Whilst terry squares are still an available choice, the next step up is the modern cloth nappy.
This revolutionary little number allows the convenience of a disposable due to its modern design, but unlike a disposable nappy, they won't cost you the earth (literally). Modern cloth nappies are designed with convenience in mind whilst still allowing families to save money, make a more environmentally-friendly choice and use soft, breathable, comfortable fabrics against their baby's behind.
From a cost-saving perspective, terry squares are the cheapest choice. With the right fold and the right cover, terry squares can be used very successfully. And their bonus is that they fit right through from birth to toilet training, so therefore save money. They also dry fast which is great for any climate. There are many online resources that offer advice on the right fold to use for your baby, so research is the key.
Stay away from the traditional plastic pilchers - they don't breathe, which means a hot and sweaty baby! In addition, they wear out fast. From a health perspective, PVC is not the safest option for baby - wool or PUL covers will mean better comfort for baby and much more breathability.
The Modern Cloth Nappy
The next step up from terry squares is the modern cloth nappy. These cost more than terry squares but will still save you up to $2,000 per child compared to disposable nappies. Modern cloth nappies are my personal favourite and, judging by the huge surge in cloth popularity over the last few years, many thousands of parents will agree with me!
The modern cloth nappy is typically made from modern fabrics such as hemp and bamboo, both of which are more absorbent than regular cotton. This means a more reliable performance, absorbency wise.
Modern cloth nappies are also shaped. This means they don't require the folding that terry squares do....they are shaped just like a disposable to fit snugly around baby's thighs and belly, and most fasten using Snaps (plastic press studs) or Velcro. They go on easily and have elastic at the legs and back to keep messes contained.
Caring for Your Modern Cloth Nappies
As a cloth nappy expert, two questions that I am often asked is 'How do I wash them?' and 'What about germs?'.
Caring for your nappies is a super simple process. Providing you have enough for full time use, you simply wash them every second day. This is only 3 loads of nappy washing per week, so hardly time consuming.
Basically, the change-wash routine sounds a little something like this:
- Change baby's nappy, and then put baby down in a safe place.
- Rinse the nappy, put in a dry bucket.
- When the bucket is full, do a load of washing!
Any modern cloth nappy purchase you make will come with instructions on how best to wash your nappies so they get a thorough clean. As parents, we all get in to a routine with our bubbas, and those 3 extra loads of washing slot in fairly simply!
How to Find Which One is Best for You and Your Baby
There are many different designs of modern cloth nappies in the marketplace these days... parents have a huge range of choice. This can make shopping for cloth nappies both fun and daunting!
The key to successful shopping is to research the nappies that pique your interest. Find some reviews of modern cloth nappies or ask on the Bub Hub forum the advice of other cloth nappy users.
Secondly, think about the features that the nappies have and decide if they will suit your circumstances? Some nappies dry faster than others, some are better for the budget, some are all natural fibres, etc.
At the end of the day, whatever choice of cloth nappy you go for, you'll certainly save money compared to disposables. Something you might like to think about is trialing perhaps one or 2 of a range of brands. That way, you can try a few, decide what you like best, and then invest in more knowing that you have made a choice you are happy with.
If you choose a cloth nappy you are happy with, cloth nappying will be something you feel really good about doing for your baby! The fact that they look gorgeous is simply a fantastic bonus!
This article was kindly written for Bub Hub by Davina Casey, Creative Director from Baby Beehinds - Modern Cloth Nappies for your little honey!
web: www.babybeehinds.com.au