What are they, the different types, pros and cons and some brands!
What are they?
Cloth nappies are reusable nappies. You buy a set of these nappies made from various fabrics and wash them after they are used rather than throwing them away. The concept has been around for a long time and disposable nappies are a relatively recent development entering the baby market in the 60s.
What are the different types of cloth nappies?
All in one: the waterproof layer and the cloth layer are permanently attached.
All in two: the nappy inserts popper into the waterproof wrap.
Fitted nappy: the absorbent part is the shape of a nappy and uses aplix or poppers. It requires a separate waterproof wrap.
Pocket nappy: the nappy inserts slot inside a pocket in the fleece-lined waterproof wrap.
Flats: A square piece of fabric that is folded and held in place by a nappy nippa. It requires a separate waterproof wrap.
Pros
They are better for the environment as they are washed and reused as opposed to being thrown away
Fewer trips to the bin - it's thought using reusable nappies can half your household waste
Cloth nappies can be cheaper in the long run as babies are usually in nappies for around 2.5 years - they can also be used for future babies or sold onto other families
Cloth nappies are less likely to cause nappy rashes as they don't usually contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby's skin
Cons
Additional laundry means extra time, effort and energy
You need to be careful when washing cloth nappies to make sure they are sanitary - it's advised been to wash them on a 60°C wash
Once your baby is eating solids, the 'remnants' need to be dealt with and flushed away
Cloth nappies are less absorbent than disposable nappies so they may need to be changed more frequently
Cloth nappies have a greater upfront cost than disposable nappies
Cloth nappies aren't so easy to use if you are travelling or staying somewhere that doesn't have access to washing facilities
Brands:
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