I have used them before, on some of our Foster Kiddies so I know that the daily washing, folding etc will be something that I will be able to manage.
*the following information is from an awesome shop in Paddington, Qld called Nest Nappies www.nestnappies.com.au the lovely ladies at Nest Nappies are soo knowledgeable about all the different ranges/styles etc of Cloth Nappies, and have some amazing stock in their cute little store.
Why use cloth nappies?
Even if you use just one modern cloth nappy per day for that time you will save yourself about 730 nappies over the time your child is in nappies.
Your choice of nappy really can make a difference. Our five compelling reasons to consider reusable cloth nappies for your baby are:
Good for your bank account.
At first the cost of a modern cloth nappy compared to a disposable nappy seems expensive.$25 - $35 for one nappy compared to $20 for a whole pack! However;
- The average parent spends $4200 per child on disposable nappies from birth to toilet training.
This is based on 6000 nappy changes at 70c each - The usual amount spent on a stash of reusable nappies for the same period is between $600 and $1,000 (depending on the style and brand of nappies you use and how often you choose to wash).
You can spend as little as $150 on the most basic nappies and covers. - With cloth nappies you're not throwing your money away - they can be used again for your next child or sold or passed on for use by other children.
- More savings can be made by using washable bamboo or cotton wipes, PUL changing mats and wet bags.
- Buying one modern cloth nappy at a time enables you to try before you commit. If you don't like that particular nappy you can generally reuse 'bits' of it to boost, stuff or cover a different type or brand of reusable nappy. Reusable nappies also have very good re-sale. To try a particular brand of disposables you have to buy an entire pack and hope for the best.
Good for the Environment.
According to figures released by Choice in 2010, Australians throw away about 2.1 BILLION disposable nappies every year*. The majority of these end up in landfill whilst the rest litter our beaches, road sides and parks.The debate about environmental impact of cloth Vs disposables has raged for a long time, with the primary focus being on the amount of water used in each type of nappy. However the environmental impacts of the nappy you choose are far greater than only one aspect of our environment. A full Life Cycle Analysis was released in 2010 by the University of Queensland and compared all aspects of each type of nappy. The results favoured cloth nappies as the more environmentally sensitive option if correctly laundered. ***
- It takes as much energy to produce one disposable as it does to wash a cloth nappy 200 times
- It takes twice the amount of water to produce one disposable nappy than is used to wash one modern cloth nappy for a year.
- It takes a full cup of crude oil to make the plastic for each disposable nappy.
- Disposable nappies use over 8 times more non renewable raw materials (different kinds of plastics made from non-renewable crude oil) and 90 times more renewable materials (paper pulp from wood) than modern cloth nappies.
- Modern cloth nappies can be made from environmentally sustainable materials, like bamboo, hemp, wool & organic cotton, all of which use less water and energy to produce than traditional cotton.
- Bamboo and Hemp do not require chemical pesticides, are quick to grow and can easily be produced on sustainable plantations.
- Disposable nappies account for approximately 1/3rd of household rubbish in a family with a child under two years, this has a huge impact on the costs of waste removal and landfill management (which are passed onto us by our local councils).
Even 100% biodegradable 'eco disposables' can also take decades to break down in landfill as they are only biodegradable when composted under stringent conditions.
A potentially serious problem associated with disposable nappies is the ease of disease transmission via faeces left on the nappy and then disposed of in regular household waste. Enteric viruses excreted in human faeces, including hepatitis and polio (the live vaccine is used for immunization) can live for months creating risks to both sanitation workers and contamination of groundwater in landfills. **
Modern cloth nappies do not require soaking, bleaching (or ironing!), or any of the other outdated practices that were quoted in old studies. They can be washed in cold or warm water and can easily be dried using the sun's energy. New technology means our washing machines and dryers are more efficient which further lowers the impact on the environment when using reusable nappies.
References:
* Link, A (2003) Disposable nappies: a case study in waste prevention. Women's Environment Network** Primomo J et al (1990) The high environmental cost of disposable diapers, Journal of Maternal and Child Nursing, 15 (5) 279-84)
*** LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT: REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE NAPPIES IN AUSTRALIA Kate O'Brien et al - *** www.qdocuments.com/11/pdf/life-cycle-assessment.html
Good for your baby.
By using modern cloth nappies and fabric wipes you have considerably more control over the chemicals that come in contact with your child's delicate skin. Disposable nappies are full of chemicals such as Sodium Polyacrylate Crystals, which are used to absorb liquid.Despite the improper suggestion by disposable nappy marketing companies, cloth nappies do not cause nappy rash. Independent research has found that as long as a nappy is changed frequently, the type of nappy worn is not a significant factor in causing nappy rash.
- Sodium Polyacrylate has long been banned in womens hygiene products due to its known link to Toxic Shock. *
- The WHO (World Health Organisation) has found levels over 3 times the estimated tolerable daily intake of Tributyl Tin (a highly toxic chemical) in some nappy brands. *
- Many disposable wipes contain chlorine, alcohol, synthetic perfumes and other toxic chemicals such as propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), cocoamide DEA and sodium fluoride.
- A possible link between disposable nappies and the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma, due to airborne emissions from the nappies.
- Disposable nappies keep boy's genitalia at a slightly higher than normal temperature, possibly affecting their fertility. **
Nappy Rash.
There is NO research to say that cloth will give your child nappy rash and absolutely no research to show that using disposables will mean you avoid it. Nappy rash is most likely to be caused by things such as teething, food intolerances, infrequent changing and fungal infections. Many parents will anecdotally say modern cloth nappies that are made from breathable natural fabrics are less likely to result in nappy rash. ***References:
Costello A et al 1989 The Sanitary Protection Scandal. The Women's Environment Network* http://adc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/83/4/364
*** Getting to the bottom of diaper rash (1996) Medical Post. Toronto , 32 (10), 53)
Very convenient and easy.
Perhaps the greatest concern for families looking to use cloth nappies is the perception that it takes a lot of time or that disposables are more convenient. That simply isn't true.Modern cloth nappies are shaped like a disposable and do up in the same way with snaps or velcro. Made from fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, microfibre, wool, fleece & polyurethane laminate (pul), modern cloth nappies are extremely absorbent and allow air to circulate around the nappy. Modern cloth nappies don't require changing more regularly than disposable nappies.
Modern cloth nappies are designed to be easy to use, easy to launder and above all easy to wear. Once you have a system in place your choice to use cloth will be fast, easy and efficient. The Darebin Cloth Nappy Trial released in 2007* showed the cloth nappy users spent on average 5 minutes more per day "nappying" than disposable users (this includes changing, washing, folding & rubbish removal).
Disposable nappies are designed to contain a set amount of liquid. For many babies this is enough, however if you have a 'heavy wetter' there is nowhere else in the nappy for the wee to go. With cloth nappies this problem is easily solved with adding a booster (or two if necessary) to increase the absorbency. Boosters can also be added to extend the amount of time a nappy can be worn, for example over night or during a long car trip.
Disposable nappies are notorious for 'blow outs' - when they can't contain the runny explosive poos especially common to young babies. The superior elasticised waist and legs in modern cloth nappies can put an end to this problem.
* www.dialanappy.com/docs/Darebin_Nappy_Trial_July2007.pdf
Stylish
Whilst disposable nappies are generally white with a small patterned tab or covered with cartoon characters or (even worse, advertising), modern cloth nappies come in a amazing range of colours, prints & fabrics. They're so cute you'll never want to cover them up (which means you also save on pants!).
Organic wool in soft pastels, oh-so-fluffy gelato coloured minky, shaggy animal prints, spots, dots, stripes and beautiful fabrics from designers such as Amy Butler cover the bottoms of cloth wearing bubs. Teamed with a t-shirt, singlet or dress modern cloth nappies are their very own fashion statement.
******
I bought some lovely bamboo pre-folds from the Nest Nappies ladies, they are soo soft, I can't wait to use them.
There is such a wide range of different types of cloth nappies you can purchase, here are some of the few that I have in my stash and which I have used before.
All in One Nappy (AIO)
These nappies don't require an outer waterproof nappy, they do tend to take longer to dry on the line, but are soo easy to use.
I have the Bum Genius range for Wynter, here are just a few of the many (teeeheee)
I was having issues trying to use their own website, but here is an awesome website where you can find them for sale: http://www.nurturenappies.com.au/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=bumgenius
Bamboo Fitted Nappy
I love love love the Baby Beehind range, but unfortunately since they sent their stock to be made overseas the quality has dipped a bit, but if you can get your hands on some good quality preloved ones then go for it.
You will need a cover (either PUL or Woollen Soaker) with these babies.
They are very quick to dry on the line, as opposed to the AIO's, you can use them from birth to todler, by using the snaps on the front to adjust to your babies size.
http://usednappies.com.au/ if you are okay with purchasing good quality preloved bargains, or
The BabyBeehind store sells a huge range of different cloth nappies and even the covers (which I have a couple of and they are brilliant)
Good Old Terry Towelling Nappies
Now these are my fave for newborns, once you get your head around the different folding styles, they are soo easy to use and affordable!! My Mum bought a pack of 12 from Kmart for $20 and they are soo soft and fluffy. Again, like the Bamboo Nappies above, you will need a cover.
I bought some lovely PUL Nappy covers from a lady in America, her fabrics are the best I have ever seen!! and soo affordable.
Here is a series of photo's of my gorgeous hubby learning how to fold a Terry Cloth Nappy, using a snappy and a Rockabyebooty cover:
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| Rick didn't want me to put this one up as he said he looked like a "Tramp" hahaha no darling you look gorgegous, learning how to fold nappies for our precious daughter xxxx |
Taaadaaaahh!!! easy peasey, no excuses for Men to rise up to the challenge and cloth their bubba's bottoms. Rick was very proud and surprised at how easyit was to do, and in actual fact his nappy folding skills were better than mine (I just didn't make a big deal about that though hahahahaa)
Here is a youtube clip of different types of folds:
Another bonus, if your Terry Flats start to look a bit grey or you simply can't get rid of stubborn stains then you can simply put them in some NappySan to soak and then hang them on the line on a lovely hot sunny day, and who doesn't love the look of nappies drying on the line.
Whilst on the subject of all things Cloth, I have also invested in some lovely Cloth Baby Wipes from Cheeky Wipes http://cheekywipes.com.au/ you can simply make your own with old Terry Cloth Nappies, but these gorgeous soft wipes come with everything you will need to make the job easy.
