The Great Nappy Debate: Reusable nappies vs. Disposable nappies

Welcoming a new addition to the family brings immense joy, alongside a multitude of decisions to ensure their well-being. The choice of Reusable nappies vs. Disposable nappies is not just a personal choice; it’s a sustainability statement that echoes into the future. For new parents navigating through this debate, here’s a list of reasons why reusable nappies may just be the thoughtful choice for your bundle of joy and the planet they’re going to inherit.

Our Environment

Every choice has a consequence, and this holds particularly true when it comes to the environmental impact of nappies. Reusables, if properly used, washed, and maintained, can significantly cut down on the waste that ends up in landfills. It will also reduce your household waste bill as you’ll be sending a lot less waste away in the general waste bin and buying a lot less disposable nappies in the long run.

A Land of Waste

The average baby uses between 4,000 and 4,500 disposable nappies before reaching toilet training age. An average nappy will actually take more than 100 years to break down naturally. Most will be incinerated though adding extra carbon to their heavy footprint.

Crude oil per nappy

Here’s food for thought: it takes approximately one cup of crude oil to make the plastic for a single disposable nappy and 90% of the cellulose pulp comes from virgin timber.

The Litter Footprint

Between the production and disposal processes, disposables contribute to pollution, litter, and the depletion of natural resources. On the other hand, the lifecycle of reusables can potentially be 40 times less damaging to the environment.

A real money saver

Raising a child is both a rewarding and expensive adventure. Reusable nappies offer a saving grace for your household budget. Though the initial investment in reusables can seem steep, they are designed to last through multiple children and can be cheaper in the long run, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.

Better for skin

Cloth nappies tend to breathe better than disposables, which can help reduce the risk of nappy rash and keep your baby’s skin healthier.

The Modern Cloth

Gone are the days of terry-towelling and giant pins. Modern cloth nappies now come in many easy-to-use forms, such as pocket nappies, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos. They require no extra work than disposables – just a different one.

Final Thoughts

The disposable versus reusable nappy debate isn’t solely about our current conveniences or costs but the legacy we leave for our children. It’s about ensuring they have a world as wonderful as they are, one nappy at a time. If you’re considering the switch to reusable nappies, remember that every choice towards sustainability is a triumph for the Earth and ultimately, for your little one.

Some links worth mentioning

• TheNappieMarket.ie
• ClothNappyLibrary.ie