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When you're a new mum faced with a million exciting decisions - like what
to call your baby, what colour to paint the nursery or what type of birth
you want to have - nappies probably don't seem like a very exciting subject.
In fact, it's fairly normal to simply buy some disposables and not think
about it again. But with growing concern over the environment, more mums
are turning to reusable, cloth nappies. We take a look at the pros and
cons of each.
Reusable vs Disposable - the big decision
Nappy make up
Reusable nappies have several different parts to them, which might take a bit more figuring out. Basically
they consist of:
- the nappy: this provides the absorbency and can be shaped or flat (which you then fold)
- the wrap or cover: this provides the protective waterproof outer layer
- the liner: this goes inside the nappy and is used for catching the solids, while the
urine passes through it to the nappy. They can be washable or disposable
- a booster: this goes inside the nappy and is for extra absorbency, for example, at
night or long trips
You can also get all-in-one nappies, two piece systems or hybrid nappies. When
deciding what type to buy, you also need to factor in what the nappy is made of (cotton, hemp, bamboo),
what patterns they come in, the type of fasteners available and sizing.
Disposable nappies consist of one piece only and take far less research to understand. The only decision
you have to make is what size you need and whether you want basic or elasticated sides.
Save the planet
Disposable nappies are a major waste problem. Nearly 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the
UK every year (8 million a day) with the vast majority of these (90%) ending up in landfill. No-one
knows how long it takes for these nappies to decompose but it could take hundreds of years and landfill space
is running out.
Reusable nappies are not without their own environmental problems. Washing machines used to clean them
use a lot of energy and water while the detergents used contain chemicals that have their own environmental
impact. If you use cloth nappies, you can help the environment simply by using an energy efficient washing
machine, washing soiled nappies at 60ºC and the rest at a lower temperature, and avoid the excessive use of
softeners.
Ker-ching!
All nappies will cost you money, the difference is how much and when you have to pay for them. With reusables,
you have to pay quite a lot up front, but the longer you use them, and the more children you use them for,
the more cost efficient they become. If you use reusable liners and wipes, you could save even more. Disposables
don't require any large initial investment, but over time, they can end up costing you £700 more than if you used
reusables from the start as they are literally money in the bin.
Convenience
There's no two ways about it. Disposables are definitely more convenient. You don't need to wash them. They take
less time to put on. They're lighter and more compact to carry around. They're much easier for travelling. And
they fit more easily under clothing.
Summary
You need to weigh up what's going to work best for you. Each has their own merits. Our advice is to read up so
that you can make an informed decision. See our extra resources for more information.
How to change a nappy
Changing a nappy may seem like a daunting task at first and many parents will tell you that they have experienced
their fair share of leaky nappies. Have no fear, practice makes perfect and believe us, you'll get a lot of practice.
To get you started, try following this step-by-step guide:
- Lay your baby on his or her back - on any clean, safe, warm surface.
- Take off the used nappy and place out of reach.
- Gently wipe your baby's nappy area using a baby wipe, or warm water with cloth or cotton wool.
- Dry the area - this is not necessary if you've used a wipe.
- Lift your baby's legs up and place the clean nappy underneath baby's bottom. If you are using a
disposable, the edge with the tapes should be at the top - about level with your baby's waist.
- The absorbent side of the nappy should go against your baby's skin. If you're using a cloth nappy
the widest part should go under your baby's waist.
- Bring the bottom edge of the nappy up between your baby's legs.
- To adjust the fit, stick the tapes on the underneath side to the front of the nappy or use grips
or pins to fasten a cloth nappy.
- You may want to use a baby barrier cream to help prevent nappy rash.
Saying goodbye to nappies
Nappies are a necessary evil so it's great to bid them farewell. But potty training brings its own challenges.
Children usually start potty training anytime from 18 months onwards, but all children are different so don't
expect yours to stick to a strict timetable.
Here are some handy tips to help you with potty training.
- Be positive and upbeat - Show the change as something exciting.
- Give lots of praise whenever your child manages to do a poo on the potty. Stress how grown up and
clever they are.
- Don't rush things - Sometimes if you start teaching later, it takes less time.
- Expect the odd setback. Just like walking, there will be a few falls before walking comes easily.
- Give your toddler clothes that can be pulled down easily - No fiddly buttons or poppers. You may
also want them to wear training pants at first to cope with those inevitable accidents.
- Never force your child to sit on the potty - This will only upset them and won't make the process
any faster.
- It always takes longer for a child to learn to stay dry at night - When they start having the
occasional dry nappy in the morning, it's a good sign that the time is right to try going without a nappy.
- Don't get angry - Try your best not to be angry with your child if they have an accident.
A final word. If you ever feel that the potty training process is taking an age, remember that you never
see ten year olds wearing nappies. Hang in there! Soon nappy days will be a thing of the past.
A final word. If you ever feel that the potty training process is taking an age, remember that
you never see ten year olds wearing nappies. Hang in there! Soon nappy days will be a thing of
the past.
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