From toys to beauty products, from weaning to diapers, eco-friendly alternatives with a reduced environmental impact exist—and they’re often within reach. That’s why more and more mothers are becoming mindful and sensitive to the ongoing climate change, starting with their choice of diapers. Washable diapers are coming back into fashion among new moms , but let’s take a closer look at how and when to choose them based on different needs, and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Are they actually more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers?

What are reusable cloth diapers?

Many of us still remember the stories from grandmothers and past generations about how complicated it was to raise a newborn with cotton and linen cloths used as diapers—then washed and sanitized. Thankfully, times have changed: today’s washable diapers help you save time and are far more comfortable than those of the past.

Modern cloth diapers are almost indistinguishable from disposable diapers. The main difference is that they aren’t thrown away after use, but washed and reused. Although there are many different models and systems, cloth diapers are generally made up of three parts:

1. one waterproof outer layer that is breathable, like technical fabric;

2. one inner absorbent layer that can be made of various fabrics. It could be, for example, cotton (eco-friendly, absorbent, and ideal for trapping odors), hemp blended with cotton (absorbs liquids well, is naturally antimicrobial, and absorbs liquids slowly), or microfiber (a synthetic fabric that absorbs liquids quickly but doesn’t hold them well and can dry out the skin, which is why it is never placed in direct contact with the child’s skin, but is lined with cotton);

3. optional, one disposable absorbent insert for the diaper.

Depending on the model, these parts may be sewn together to create a pocket for the absorbent insert, or combined into a single piece so the diaper can be washed immediately after use.

Both the outer layer and the inner part are available in a wide variety of materials, both natural and synthetic. You can also choose between diapers that fasten with snaps or ties, with Velcro closures, or that simply pull on. Like disposable diapers, cloth diapers are available in various sizes to suit your child’s age and weight . In addition, there are models that grow with your child—for example, with different snap settings—so they can be used for a longer period of time.

How do washable diapers work?

With cloth diapers, some initial preparation is needed because, depending on how the diaper is made, you may first need to insert the absorbent insert into the cover or secure it to the cover, and possibly add an additional layer of fabric.

Since cloth diapers are less absorbent than disposable ones , you’ll need to change the diaper every two or three hours to prevent leaks and avoid irritating your child’s sensitive skin. Depending on how soiled it is, you may need to clean or replace the inner part of the diaper. Sometimes, it may need to be washed completely. As with any change routine , take care of your child’s skin care with the right products suitable for sensitive skin.

Reusable diapers: how much do they absorb?

The great thing about washable diapers is that they can be “built” to suit your child’s needs and adapted to different times of day. Their absorbency can be quite high and depends largely on the number and type of absorbent layers you add. Each material absorbs differently; however, in general, whether they are sponge or fabric, they offer adequate performance for nighttime or daytime use.

TIP: You can place an eco-friendly paper liner inside the diaper to collect stool more easily, making the washing process simpler.

Cloth diapers: tips on how to wash them properly

To keep reusable diapers in good condition, wash them as soon as possible. If needed, pre-treat them with a cold rinse—even by hand—using Marseille soap.

FIRST OF ALL: proper hygiene is especially important to prevent the formation of germs and bacteria that could harm the child’s skin.

Each time you change the diaper, remove the absorbent insert. You can give it a quick pre-rinse, then place it in the washing machine with the rest of the diaper. Be sure to use a gentle detergent—fragrance-free and as natural as possible, even in powder form—to prevent irritating substances from coming into contact with the child’s skin. As long as your baby is fed only breast milk or formula, their stools are water-soluble, and the used diaper can be washed directly in the washing machine. As your child grows, you’ll need to remove stool before washing.

• It’s best to store used diapers in a laundry bag inside a sealed bucket until the next wash cycle. Diapers should never be stored for more than two or three days.
  

Washing temperature varies depending on the diaper you choose; we always recommend checking the care instructions on the label.

As a guideline:

• The absorbent core should be washed at 60°C after each use, and occasionally at 95°C;

• for the outer layer, the washing temperature should not exceed 40°C (up to a maximum of 60°C), and it’s enough to put it in the washing machine when it’s dirty.

After washing, hang the diapers directly on the drying rack and always let them dry thoroughly to prevent bacteria from forming. Stains may remain on cloth diapers; if they bother you visually, you can treat them with bile soap or a biological stain remover.

Reusable or disposable diapers: it is possible to use them according to your needs

While choosing washable diapers offers many advantages—such as cost savings and reduced environmental impact—it’s important to remember that there is no perfect washable diaper model and that every family and every newborn has different needs and requirements .

In fact, choosing washable diapers doesn’t always fit everyone’s needs and routines.

That’s why disposable diapers remain widely available—and they’re becoming increasingly eco-friendly. One example is our disposable diapers from the LILLYDOO green line. With our LILLYDOO green line, we avoid plastic where possible and instead rely on natural ingredients such as unbleached cellulose in the absorbent core and more sustainable paper packaging . Finally, we completely avoid perfumes and lotions that can irritate little ones’ skin. To ensure performance, we continue to use conventional materials where ecological alternatives are not yet available. However, we neutralize the amount of plastic used by collaborating with Plastic Bank® . In this way, we created LILLYDOO green, a more eco-friendly diaper that meets our high LILLYDOO standards and at the same time is good for the environment and for your child’s skin .

When it comes to savings, the LILLYDOO diaper subscription also offers advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and time . When you become parents, priorities change, and there’s a lot to do with a newborn at home—but don’t worry. With a simple click, you’ll avoid unexpectedly running out of diapers, and you can adjust the delivery interval to your home based on your needs. The LILLYDOO diaper subscription is fully customizable : you can mix classic diapers and pull-up styles from the LILLYDOO or LILLYDOO green line, choosing from different patterns and sizes. Really practical!

PROs and CONS of reusable diapers

• They’re gentle on sensitive skin because they’re breathable, and the temperature inside the diaper is lower compared to disposable diapers.
  

• Free of unnecessary ingredients.
  

• Costs: the initial costs are relatively high, but ongoing costs are low.
  

• If cared for properly, they can last for years and even be passed down from one sibling to another or gifted.
  

• Their production is sustainable and does not harm the environment.
  

DISADVANTAGES

• Cloth diapers require more organization and a bit of practice (especially when traveling).
  

• More time is needed for preparation and washing.
  

• Due to lower absorbency, infections can develop more quickly.
  

• Due to lower absorbency, diapers don’t last as long and need to be changed more often.
  

• Depending on how they’re washed, they are not necessarily more resource-efficient than disposable diapers.
  

Cloth diapers or disposable diapers: which is more environmentally friendly?

A common reason many parents consider reusable diapers is the desire to save resources. But when it comes to whether cloth diapers are actually more environmentally friendly than disposable ones, there isn’t a definitive answer.

Undoubtedly, reusable diapers produce less waste than disposable ones. However, cloth diapers are not necessarily more eco-friendly than disposable ones, since frequent washing also requires resources .

The amount of electricity and water used—and therefore the overall eco-friendliness of each option—depends on the washing method, including:

• the type of washing machine and the load;

• the temperature and washing frequency.

In addition, many detergents contain substances that can pollute the environment (and your little explorer’s skin). So, the way you wash them can significantly influence the environmental impact of cloth diapering.

Changing bag checklist for reusable diapers

The number of diapers you’ll need depends on the type of diaper and how often you change and wash them. If you wash diapers every two or three days on average, you’ll need about 20–30 complete diapers .

For changes on the go, you will need:

• About 6 covers.
  

• From 20 to 30 cloth diapers or inserts.
  

• Additional absorbent inserts for reusable diapers.
  

• A piece of string for laundry.

• A bucket with an airtight seal.
  

• Some compost bags (waterproof bags) to store them while traveling.

• 99% Water Wipes for thorough cleaning of the child’s skin.

• Changing cloths .

• Full change sets.

• Optional: organic almond oil .

If you choose reusable diapers, don’t start with a large purchase. Instead, try trial kits that many online shops offer, so you can see in practice whether this option fits your routines at home and on the go. When traveling, for example, or for short vacations, you can always switch to the more practical disposable diapers.

Frequently Asked Questions