Why choose cloth nappies?
Why would parents chose cloth nappies (or diapers) over disposables? Surely this is going backwards in time?
No not at all. Modern designs are a long way removed from the nappies of past generations. In fact many parents who used disposables initially are switching to cloth nappies and have never looked back!
There are a number of reasons parents choose cloth nappies over disposables for their children. These include:
- The Environment
- Significant cost savings
- Reduction of chemicals next to a baby's skin
- Softness of cloth rather than paper
- There is little smell (unlike disposables)
- Superior performance
- Convienience (not running out)
- Range of colours and designs
There can be one dominant reason or several that are important. You may find for example your original reason for choosing cloth nappies was the environment but that cost, performance and a nappy buying adiction soon have equal rating!
As well as using cloth nappies full time you can of course use disposables as well. Whilst some parents only use cloth nappies many use them some of the time chosing disposables when on holiday without washing facilities or when flying, when out and about and at night. Cloth nappies are however easy to use when out (you just bring them home in a waterproof bag) and are effective at night-time if sufficiently boosted.
Nappies and the environment
Regarding nappies and the environment - you may have read a recent Environmental Agency report that indicated little difference in the environmental cost between the types of nappy. It has been acknowledged by the EA that there were flaws in the document and the EA are now revising the report.
Confused about Cloth Nappies?
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