Cloth or disposable nappy?

While a generation of mothers eagerly threw away their safety pins and terry nappies and embraced the disposable nappy, environmental concerns are prompting many mums today to return to reusable nappies.

So how to choose between disposable and reusable nappies? The reality is that many mums use both, some preferring disposable nappies for convenience when travelling with their baby, or at night for extra absorbency, and opting for reusable nappies during the day. Both have their pros and cons, and it’s worth taking the time to try out a few different types.

Reusable nappies
Today’s reusable nappies are very different to the terry nappies of old, and are made of lightweight material that can be washed and dried very quickly. They can either be of the all-in-one variety, or in two parts, with a machine-washable or disposable lining and an outer waterproof “wrap”, which is fastened by Velcro or with special pins or clips. Get samples of a few designs in advance to see what suits you best, and always be sure to check whether the nappies you are planning to buy are suitable for tumble-drying.

In some areas, there are nappy laundering services, which will launder your dirty reusables and drop off clean ones on a weekly basis.

While reusable nappies generally work out to be cheaper in the long run, the initial start-up cost is usually more as you are buying a large quantity of nappies, plus liners and clips, and a soaking bucket.

You will find mums who swear by reusable nappies when starting to potty-train their children, claiming that the compactness, high absorbency and extreme comfort of the disposable nappy makes children less keen to abandon them, whereas the bulkier reusable nappy makes children happier to leave them behind and start wearing pants.
(Watch how to change a non-disposable nappy)

Disposable nappies
Many mums find disposable nappies far more convenient, as they can simply be thrown away and do not require washing and drying. They are very easy to put on and change, and fit snugly around your baby’s legs and bottom. You’ll often hear that disposable nappies are more absorbent and less prone to leaks, but many mums dispute that there is much difference between the two. As you are spreading your cost over a long period, they may be more affordable, but usually work out to be more expensive over time.

There are a number of different brands of disposable nappy which can vary considerably in cost and absorbency. It’s always a good idea to sample a few before deciding on your preferred brand.

The disadvantages of a disposable nappy are that they are more harmful to the environment. It is worth bearing in mind that roughly three billion disposable nappies are thrown away each year in the UK and 90 per cent of these end up in land fill sites. Nappy manufacturers and mums alike are getting more aware of the problem with nappy disposal and there are some great eco-friendly, biodegradable, chemical-free nappies available now.

Try not to feel too guilty about using disposables if it suits you and your baby. While babies are small they poo a lot and using washables may not be ideal. Once your baby gets bigger and is eating solids you can try a few more brands of nappies to see which ones are suitable for your growing baby. Watch Changing a disposable nappy.