Nappies For The Future

Cloth nappies or also known as organic nappies, reusable, cotton nappies or washables are easy to handle, even easier to care for and very cute too. Newborn nappies are simply not old-fashioned. When you consider that cloth nappies are also good for the environment just like biodegradables, better for your wallet and (compared to disposables for the budget conscious) and is chemical free for the health of your baby.

Disposables are quick and easy to change, light to carry, available wherever you go in the world and used nappies can simply be thrown away. Both reusable and disposable nappies have their own advantage and disadvantages. This article will help you compare how they can work for you, your baby and the environment.

Cloth or Disposable Nappies?

Cloth advantages:

It can be folded in different ways to make sure they are a comfortable fit for your baby.Disposable nappies are more expensive than cloth nappies as they can be washed and re-used.Cloth nappies can be used again for other babies.No foul smelling disposables. Some brands of disposable nappies smell even when they are just wet.Cloth nappies re good for the environment as they do not end up in landfill.

Cloth disadvantages:

Cloth nappies can be kept soft and clean with careful washing, but they may become hard if this is not done carefully. A short time in a tumble dryer after drying nappies in the sun will soften them if needed. Drying them in the sun or a hot tumble dryer will also kill bacteria on the nappies.
Fabric softeners when washing cloth nappies is not ideal. The nappies will not be able to absorb as much urine and the chemicals may irritate the skin.
If cloth nappies are used with plastic pilchers they can lead to rashes because the skin stays wet. Using other covers may not be a problem.

Disposable advantages:

They are easy to put on and take off.Disposable nappies are certainly convenient, especially when both parents are working or when travelling. With disposables you just whip off the dirty diaper and pop it straight into the bin.Disposable nappies may help prevent nappy rash by drawing moisture away from the skin.

Disposable disadvantages:

Disposable nappies are not really that easy to dispose of, so they may be a saviour for busy mothers but there anything but for mother earth.This convenience comes at a cost. It is more expensive than cloth nappies.There is also a possible risk that harmful organisms found in the contents of the nappy can contaminate the water sources and cause infection.

Whichever type of nappy that you choose, scrape the poo off it before putting the nappy aside to wash, or before disposing of the nappy.

How can I avoid nappy rash?
Best way to keep the baby's bottom as rash-free as possible is to change nappies often so that urine and poo is not in contact with skin for too long.Wash the baby's skin gently with water on a cloth.If using baby wipes, choose ones without alcohol to avoid stinging, especially when there is a rash present. After cleaning, put on some zinc cream or other nappy cream to keep wetness off of the skin. Make sure to leave the nappy off for a while during playtime to allow air dry the skin and if a baby has a nappy rash, it may be helpful to use disposable nappies which draw the urine away from the baby's skin, keeping it dry.

It is very easy for thrush to grow in the nappy area once the skin has become red and damaged. This will show as a very red area with spots around it. Special creams are available which clear this type of rash quickly, so see the baby's doctor or child health nurse if the nappy rash doesn't clear in a day or so.

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Why Use Cloth Nappies

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There are many reasons that today's mums prefer reusable nappies, and with new styles and a better fit, there isn't any reason to not use them. Parents usually use these nappies to be able to potty train their children more quickly. They don't have moisture-absorbing additives, children can quickly sense when they are wet and will be more receptive to potty training.

Babies in cloth nappies are normally changed into a clean nappy more quickly because mum can tell when the nappy is damp, which leads to less nappy rash.

In fact, parents who are concerned about the environment are curious about nappy options. Cloth are a great option for going green and can be just as convenient, and are often more comfortable than disposables.

Cloth nappies have been making a quiet comeback, as there are more and more benefits for parents who opt for the traditional or non-traditional cloth nappy.

Cloth Nappies And The Environment
Even though it consumes resources such as water for washing cloth nappies, it is still viewed as a better environmental choice than traditional disposables. Cloths are good for recycling because they can be used again and again, not entering a landfill until they are nothing but rags.

Cloth Nappies And Your Baby's Comfort
Nappy rash was almost unheard of before the use of plastic or rubber pants in the 1940s. Cloths are soft and perfect for your baby's skin. By using unbleached cloth nappies and hypoallergenic detergents, you can also minimize the chemicals that your baby is exposed to, and keep his or her skin healthier and less irritated.

Babies rarely have to contend with nappy rash because cloths breathe. In warm weather, a baby in a breathable cloth is less likely to get prickly heat. The most common reason for nappy rash is excessive moisture against skin. Your newborn should be changed every hour and older babies every 3-4 hours, no matter what kind of diaper they are wearing.

Cloth Nappies And Cost
Every single cent counts and the cost of cloth is one of the best advantages. They are cheaper than disposable nappies, even if you take into account their laundry costs. Parents will always be looking for ways to cut their household expenses and that is why cloths will always be a good option.

Some mothers who haven't used cloths before have the mistaken belief that they are not easy to use. They only think of the bulky, awkward squares of cloth that had to be properly folded, pinned and then covered with pants. However, modern cloth come in different designs and colours plus adjustable Velcro fastener. They are nothing like the kind your mum or granny used before. Why choose cloth nappies? Because they have comfort, cost and environmental soundness. In the end, a parent will always make the right choice for her baby and her baby will always guide her towards the right decision.

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Using Cloth Nappies at Night

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What are the options available when you want to use cloth nappies (diapers) for your child overnight, but their daytime nappies just can't handle it?

When you have a newborn, you don't really need to look into different cloth napping options for night. Not only is the wee capacity of a newborn quite small, but as you're changing them when you feed them several times a night, you don't need a nappy that will absorb huge amounts of liquid or last for hours. Once your baby starts sleeping though the night, though, or if your toddler starts having several large wees overnight you may find that the nappies you've been using just don't work so well overnight.

There are several options available to you if you want to continue to use cloth nappies overnight.

Add extra absorbency to the nappies you use during the day

You can add extra boosters or inserts to your everyday nappies. How much you NEED to add will depend on your child's weeing capability, how much you CAN add will depend on the nappy. Generally a nappy with a wider crotch and a roomier behind works better than trimmer options for nighttime boosting.

Some brands actually have specific nighttime boosters you can add to their nappy for increased absorbency, which makes it nice and easy.

When you're adding extra absorbency to a nappy, make sure that the extra bulk doesn't create gaps around the leg or waist - you don't want leaks.

If you're using a nappy with a built in waterproof layer like a pocket nappy, make sure that the outer is 100% polyester - so poly PUL or minky PUL outers are best. If the nappy has a cotton PUL outer we wouldn't recommend it for long periods or nights as the wee can wick to the cotton outer and then spread to clothes.

For children who sleep with their bum in the air or otherwise not flat on their back, a Pocket, All-in-One or All-in-2 nappy may not be the best choice (though every child is different), as the position can cause gaping and leaks. In this case the best option is a fitted nappy and good cover.

Which brings us one of the best night options:

Use a fitted nappy and cover

A fitted nappy and a separate cover can be the best option for the average nighttime wetter. As the whole nappy is absorbent, it can take more wee than the average Pocket, AIO or AI2 nappy, and having a separate cover over the top really helps with leaks. You can also add additional boosters to the outside of the nappy, between it and the cover.

Wool and fleece covers can be great options for night covers due to their breathability. Wool is especially great due to the way it not only absorbs extra moisture, but actually evaporates it.

Use a dedicated night nappy

If you're finding that an ordinary fitted nappy just doesn't have absorbency that you need, then have a look at the various dedicated night nappies available.

Most of them are fitted nappies, so still require a waterproof cover over the top, but they have many more layers of fabric and absorbency in them than most standard fitted nappies. They can be bulky, and take longer to dry, but most of them fold out or disassemble for faster drying, and bulkiness is not the same issue it would be in a nappy used during the day.

If you still experience leaks using a night nappy, then using a wool cover rather than PUL can give you extra protection.

It is possible to cloth nappy at night successfully - you just need to find the right system for your little one.

See the Darlings Downunder website for lots of useful information about using cloth nappies.

Fiona runs the online business Darlings Downunder with her sister Catherine, providing a huge range of modern cloth nappies to parents around Australia as well as personalised advice to help make the cloth journey successful. See the Darlings Downunder website for lots of useful information for those considering using cloth nappies for their children: http://www.darlingsdownunder.com.au/.