All parents deserve a nappy which doesn't leak, stink or cause nappy rash every time you change it. It's easy to assume that disposables are the easy option. I mean, that's the point of them right? But what if there was a better solution?
Let's have a quick myth bust of reusables in 2022...
1. They leak
Reusables actually contain soft leg and back elastics (and sometimes even tummy elastics) which mean LESS leaks than disposables - particularly when it comes to poop. Granted, reusables fit a little different to disposables, but this is just as easy to get used to as a disposable fit - it's just different!
2. They STINK
Honestly, I don't even know how this myth began, maybe it's the fact that some people can't fathom how a washable nappy could not stink. But if you're washing them right, they'll smell no different to your clean clothes when washed. I keep my nappy bucket next to the washing machine in the kitchen and even after 3 days of dirty nappies, no one would ever guess there's a whole bin of them!
3. They're hard work
Even I was guilty of believing this when pregnant with my first. I had lots of backup disposables in case the washing was 'too much' for me. But in all honesty, I never noticed a difference in my wash load. The nappies simply get added to your wash beforehand, then topped up with clothes after a rinse. With less poonami's too, there really isn't much difference.
4. You soak them
For some reason nappies were soaked before washing, but nowadays this isn't recommended at all. It can harm the nappies and harbour bacteria. Just chuck them into a dry lidded bin or bucket and forget about them until wash day.
5. They slow babies development
This was a myth started by disposable companies in the 80's to encourage the use of disposable nappies - large corporations really know how to push on a parent's pain points! Cloth bummed babies walk no later than their peers on average. Think about it - have you ever met anyone over the age of 30 who can't walk thanks to their traditional terry nappy that they had as a baby?
6. They cause hip issues
This myth always throws me off, because if you ask any paediatric hip expert, they will tell you the exact opposite. The ideal placement of a child's hips and legs is in the 'M' shape like you would carry them in a sling. Pavlik harnesses used for hip dysplasia actually promote this position and it isn't uncommon for doctors to recommend cloth nappies as prevention treatment in borderline cases.
7. They're worse for the environment than disposables
Another rumour that was spread by the disposable nappy industry. In a research paper published many years back, conveniently sponsored by a well-known disposable nappy brand, it was suggested that disposables were better for the environment. The problem with this article is the assumptions that they made about reusable nappies - suggesting that they are always washed on a high heat and tumble dried, and their lifespan is fairly short. In reality, machines are incredibly efficient nowadays, nappies are mostly air-dried, and when looked after they can last multiple children.
8. They're uncomfortable and hot
Reusables are made mostly from natural materials such as cotton and bamboo, with a thin, flexible, breathable outer layer to keep the wetness in. They have actually been proven to be cooler than their plastic disposable counterparts. Provided you aren't fitting them much too tight, then baby will find them just as comfortable as their cotton clothes.
9. They cause nappy rash
As above, most reusables are created from natural materials such as cotton like their clothes are. So if your baby isn't allergic to their clothes then they won't be to their nappies. If your baby has recurrent nappy rash in disposables then it is likely that they could be allergic to the chemicals in them. Babies in reusables experience less nappy rash, but if it does happen you can easily use a nappy cream with a fleece liner for added comfort until it clears up.
10. They're expensive
Cost is on the mind of every new parent, there's so much to buy and with maternity pay or the prospect of becoming a stay at home parent, you have to make that money count. A full-time reusable kit can set you back as little as £122.50, whereas many brands of disposables will cost you the same in just the first 12 weeks! With the total cost of disposables at £800 - £1,250 per child, it's no wonder many parents are choosing to reuse!
Ask any cloth parent, and they'll tell you its a no-brainer! Are you ready to make the switch and never look back? Get your FREE eBook 'The Ultimate Cloth Nappy Guide' here to get started!