Do you know that disposable diapers take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills? Shocked yet? Imagine how much waste that is. Well, what if I told you there was a better alternative: washable diapers. Yes, gone are the disposables! It’s time for us to switch it up – making our environment greener and creating less waste one diaper at a time.
Introduction
There is no doubt about it; taking care of a tiny human being can be overwhelming and exhausting. A significant part of their needs includes changing dirty diapers numerous times daily, which often leaves parents with bags full of trash ready for disposal. While this unavoidable process contributes significantly to environmental degradation through carbon emissions and toxic waste accumulation in landfills, it doesn’t have to be an irreversible fate.
The use of washable diapers is not only affordable but also environmentally friendly as it creates fewer wastes than traditional disposable ones do. However, this option may seem daunting or even impossible until you get the hang of using these cloth nappies effectively.
This article presents some helpful tips on how new moms (and dads) can transition from disposables to reusable cloth diapers seamlessly while avoiding spills and messes along the way.
Understanding the basics
Before we delve deep into all things around using washable baby poop catchers let's quickly go over some basic components/kits you'll need:
Absorbent fabric
Washable nappies consist mainly of several layers(to capture urine). These materials vary depending on personal preference usage- whether light/simple cotton; bamboo(which holds more liquids), Organic hemp(higher absorbency rates).
Waterproof fabric
These fabrics line the inside(safety feature)- either polyurethane laminate(PUL material-the most common) or TPU(polyester thermoplastic).
Covers
Snugly fitting covers over the nappy act as a second barrier that keeps in heavy leaks especially at night.
Fasteners
Nappi nippas, Velcro snatches, or press studs- Overlap panels secure/adjustable. To make sure you get what fits best(whatever works for you and baby) try out different styles until comfortable with one/-s.
Prep Work
If you fail to prepare, then be prepared to fail! Getting started on this journey might require preparing adequately before getting down & dirty with washing poopy nappies.
How many do I need?
You need to have around 20 cloth diapers depending upon your kid's frequency of excretion(more frequent means more). This will help ensure that there are enough clean ones while others go into the wash cycle, making it possible for an ongoing supply-chain without running low on them, i.e., no disposables required.
Soaking
As boring as it sounds-soak them. Put dirty diapers/pre-rinse routine first (steps shown further ahead)/longer soaking sessions can get stains tougher/difficult-to-remove ones but always avoid bleach-based cleaners/ammonia(so harsh).
Soak'em while waiting till laundry day roll by-(which doesn't take forever because the longer they sit in urine and faeces soaked fabric-turned stubbon invaders-),the shorter their life expectancy becomes(less sustainable)
Putting Them On
Now comes the part that parents often dread; how to put these cute looking pieces onto your little nugget without lots hiccups along the way? Here’s how:
1) First things first: Lay a liner or insert flat inside/outside fastened-clean fresh diaper(if using microfiber inserts place top layer material down bottom side up below thighs) 2) Lift the baby's legs carefully and create gaps under his/her butt. 3) Slide under firmly so the front sits snugly under abdomen area(towards belly button). 4) Then take the left side, ensure its properly pulled down across thigh and attached Secure right tab accordingly. Ensure no gap in-between diaper and baby’s legs-if it’s too tight or loose, adjust.
The Cleaning Process
Now onto more serious stuff- washing your reusable nappies effectively can be scary at first—especially if you’re dealing with poop explosions or a child who urinates frequently.
Pre-Cleaning Routine
Rinsing off any big chunks of poo(we are parents), anything that could get trapped in fabric fibres before chucking em into laundry bags/pails is an excellent starting point).
Use sprayers to remove causing poops-all's well and good until what you had for dinner decided to stick around-lol). Alternatively dunk/swish through flushable liner-(or biodegradable wipes only)-tie bag up quickly/seamless out from thereafer
Machine Wash
Ensure cold water on pre-wash cycle removes smell/breaks urine/feces particles,(avoid hot water which may increase stain retention potential) Using recommended sensitive/hypoallergenic detergents powdered/liquid all work equally good/cost-friendly. During main wash follow detergent POWDER - liquid AMOUNTS as specified by manufacturer (too much soap=less cleanpieces)/TIP:for extra soiled pieces rinse multiple times until cleaner than new; no residue indicate freshness.
Benefits Of Reusable Cloth Diapers
Making use of cloth diapers over disposable ones is not just eco-friendly but also has other benefits that might come as a surprise.
- Cost-effective: In case the environmental perks don't tickle your fancy when it comes down to costs washedable alternatives definitely have a longer lifespan than disposables making them cost-effective in the long run(baby expenses won’t overpower anymore)
- Safer For Baby's Skin: Did you know that disposable diaper chemicals can irritate your baby’s skin?[1] You don't want a cranky little person all day- do ya?
- Easy To Use: Washable nappies may require some getting used to, but once parents get the hang of it, they’re just as easy to use as disposables.
Conclusion
Switching from disposables to washable diapers might seem overwhelming at first – but with patience and practice, it becomes much less daunting. Parents who switch find they save money in the long run while making considerable sustainability goals(less contribution to landfills).
There are some concerns associated with reusable cloth diapers(the unhygienic conditions experienced by medical staff-like reusing very dirty ones/covers/bacteria build-up if not washed correctly) -however alternative solutions like proper cleaning practices(handle issues like leaking/poor absorbance/diaper bands/cloth swaps)-negates those fears.