Why Fitted Cloth Nappies Cost Less And Care More
A recent study undertaken by paediatric undergraduate students at Cambridge University in the UK indicated that over the past 5 years the number of new mothers opting to use cloth nappies in place of the disposable variety had increased by almost 30%.
These statistics are indeed encouraging for everyone who takes an active interest in providing a sustainable future for generations to come.
But despite these pleasing figures, the debate over cloth nappies versus disposable nappies still rages.
So let’s look at some of the advantages of using fitted cloth nappies over disposable nappies:
Environmental Advantage of Cloth Nappies
The Cambridge University study cited the fact that 63% of new mothers who are using cloth nappies in preference to disposable nappies are doing so for environmental reasons.
Each year, it is estimated 200,000 trees and 36,000 kg of plastic are required in the US alone in the manufacture of disposable nappies. Further, approximately 2 billion tonnes of plastic, paper and waste matter are added to US landfill each year.
Although many brands of disposables claim to be biodegradable, the amount of oxygen and sunlight required for the decomposition process to occur are unrealistic. Scientists estimate it would take one disposable nappy about 220 years to biodegrade, with most of the plastics in the nappy never decomposing.
Eco-ethicists also point to contamination of our waterways with the untreated waste in disposable nappies as well as the environmental impact from the dyes, sodium polyacrylate (the super absorbent gel) and dioxins leaching into the soil and water around landfill sites.
Skin Care with Cloth Nappies
Of major concern to the parents of newborns and toddlers is nappy rash, however this common condition can be caused by a number of factors including prolonged exposure to wetness, lack of air circulation as well as irritation from some soaps, chemicals and dye agents.
According to the US Journal of Paediatrics, the incidence of severe nappy rash increased from 7.1% to 61% since disposable nappies became more popular.
Of course, nappy rash can and does occur in babies regardless of whether you use fitted cloth nappies or disposable nappies.
The best way to prevent nappy rash is to change baby whenever the nappy is wet and to ensure cloth nappies are washed as safely and softly as possible so that any rash causing bacteria is destroyed.
Most cloth nappy advocates recommend that nappies soak in nappy solution for no more than 48 hours and that they are washed separately in a liquid anti-bacterial detergent without fabric softener, which can contain irritants.
Another sensible suggestion is to air dry baby cloth nappies until they are touch dry and then place them in a dryer for 10 to 15 minutes for added softness.
Convenience of Fitted Cloth Nappies
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of an ordinary cloth nappy over disposables has been the need to prepare them before they can be put on. But with the newer style of fitted cloth nappies with Velcro fasteners they are just as easy to put on and take off as the disposable variety.
Disposable liners also mean the liner and its contents can easily be removed and flushed down the toilet, making them even more convenient and helping to save the environment at the same time.
These newer style fitted cloth nappies don’t need to be pre-soaked or rinsed repeatedly either. On average, cloth nappies only add two additional loads of laundry to your weekly schedule, which is a small price to pay when you consider the overall cost savings and environmentally friendly approach you are taking to your children, their health and their future.
Source:
http://www.babynames.com.au/Cloth-vs-Disposable.htm
http://www.clothnappy.com/articles/cloth_nappy_myths.html
http://www.newagenappies.com.au/FittedNappies.shtml
