Wrapping with cloth diapers
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Among the things that new moms and dads can't do without are diapers. The majority of all babies are nowadays diapered with disposable diapers. However, reusable cloth diapers are also popular among many parents, especially those looking for alternatives to reduce their daily waste. In this article, you'll learn how to use cloth diapers, what advantages and disadvantages they offer, and whether they are truly more environmentally friendly than using disposable diapers.
What are cloth diapers anyway?
In handling, modern cloth diapers differ hardly from disposable diapers. The biggest difference is that you do not dispose of them after use, but instead wash and reuse them. Although there are many different models and systems, cloth diapers generally consist of three parts:
1. One Overpants made of waterproof, breathable material.
2. A washable, reusable Inner part made of absorbent material. This can be, for example, a reusable gauze cloth or a so-called Prefold , made of multiple layers of fabric.
3. Additionally optional a reusable, absorbent Diaper liner.
These components are combined differently in various cloth diapering systems. In one Complete diaper is the insert sewn directly into the overpants, so that the diaper is completely washed after use. In a so-called Hybrid wind switch is the absorbent insert placed into the overpants, buttoned, or pushed in.
Both outer covers and inner parts are available in a variety of materials. Additionally, with outer covers, you can choose between models with buttons or ties, with hook-and-loop fasteners, or slip-on styles. Just like disposable diapers, cloth diapers also come in different sizes to fit your baby's age and weight. There are also models that, for example, grow with your baby through various button options, allowing them to be used over a longer period of time.
How does diapering with cloth diapers work?
If you use a cloth diaper, you can put it on in one step just like a disposable diaper. Hybrid diapers require a little preparation, because depending on the system, you need to place the insert into the cover or attach it before diapering, and possibly add an extra diaper liner. Since the absorbency of cloth diapers is lower than that of disposable diapers, you should plan for a diaper change approximately every two to three hours to prevent leaks and skin irritation for your baby. When the time comes, remove and dispose of the disposable diaper liner and replace it with a new one. Depending on the level of soiling, you should also clean or replace the inner part of the diaper. The skin of your little explorer .
How do I wash cloth diapers?
A question that arises with reusable cloth diapers is how to clean them properly. First and foremost: with proper care, cloth diapers not only stay clean but can also be used for a long time. Proper hygiene is especially important to prevent the formation of germs and bacteria that could harm your baby's skin.
You dispose of the disposable fleece with every diaper change; inner parts and overpants must be regularly cleaned in the washing machine – make sure to use a mild detergent so that no irritating substances come into contact with your child's skin. As long as your baby is only consuming or , their stool is water-soluble and the used diaper can be washed directly in the machine. Solid food stool should be removed before washing. It’s best to store used diapers in a laundry bag inside a sealed bin until you run the next load. The diapers should never be stored for more than two to three days.
The washing process itself varies depending on the diaper system and material. As a guideline: the absorbent core should be washed at 60 degrees after each use, and occasionally at 95 degrees. The wash temperature for the outer cover should not exceed 40 to a maximum of 60 degrees, and it is sufficient to throw it into the machine when soiled. To prevent damage to the material, you should pay close attention to the washing instructions of the specific model. Hang the diapers immediately after the wash cycle and always allow them to dry thoroughly to prevent bacteria from forming. Stains can always remain on cloth diapers – if they bother you visually, you can treat them with ammonia soap or a biologically safe stain remover.
What do I need if I choose cloth diapers?
The number of diapers you need depends on the diaper system and how often you change and wash. If you wash approximately every two to three days, you will need about 20 to 30 complete diapers. If you use a hybrid system, you will need:
About 6 overshirts
20 to 30 cloth diapers or absorbent inserts
Additional one-time inserts
The following accessories are also recommended:
A lockable diaper pail
A laundry net
Some Wet Bags (waterproof pouches) for on-the-go storage
Advantages and disadvantages of cloth diapers
Advantages:
Friendly to sensitive baby skin, as it is breathable and the temperatures inside the diaper are lower than in disposable diapers
Free from unwanted ingredients
Costs: The initial purchase costs are relatively high, but the ongoing costs are low
The diapers can be reused for multiple children
Resource-efficient in production and minimal waste
Disadvantages:
Using cloth diapers requires (especially on the go) more logistics and a bit of practice
Higher time investment for preparation and washing
Due to the lower absorbency, inflammation can occur more quickly
Due to the lower absorbency, the diapers have a shorter wear time and need to be changed more frequently
Depending on washing habits, not necessarily more resource-efficient than disposable diapers
Cloth diapers or disposable diapers – which is more environmentally friendly?
A common reason why many parents consider the reusable diaper alternative is the desire to save resources. However, the question of whether cloth diapers are truly more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers cannot be answered definitively. Without a doubt, reusable diapers generate less waste than those worn only once. Nevertheless, cloth diapers not necessarily more environmentally friendly as disposable diapers, since frequent washing also requires a significant amount of resources. How much electricity and water are used in the process and how environmentally friendly the cloth diaper alternative is, depends on the washing habits, such as the type of washing machine and the load size, as well as the washing temperature and frequency. Additionally, many detergents contain substances that can harm the environment (and your little explorer's skin). Therefore, your washing habits can actively influence how environmentally friendly diaper changes with cloth diapers actually are.
Is there an environmentally friendly alternative?
Even with disposable diapers, it's worth taking a closer look at sustainability because not all diapers are the same. First of all: there is no diaper that is completely biodegradable. However, there are some factors you can consider when looking for an environmentally friendly disposable diaper.
With our LILLYDOO green diapers wherever possible, we avoid plastic and instead rely on natural ingredients such as unbleached cellulose in the diaper core and more sustainable paper packaging. At the same time, we place special emphasis on the absorbency of our diapers. To guarantee their performance, where no ecological alternatives are yet available, we continue to use conventional materials. These include especially the microfine superabsorbent polymers, known as SAPs, which are located inside the absorbent core of the diaper. These We neutralize the remaining amount of plastic by jointly removing the entire plastic content from the environment with Plastic Bank®, which is contained in the product. In this way, we have created an eco-friendly diaper with LILLYDOO green that meets our high LILLYDOO standards and is also gentle on the environment and babies' skin.
Another question many parents have when choosing the right diaper is about the ingredients. We can put your mind at ease because we do not use artificial ingredients, perfumes, or lotions in any of our LILLYDOOs. This way, you don't have to worry about anything reaching your baby's skin that doesn't belong there.
Diapering with cloth nappies, like so much else in the baby routine, has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your child to decide which option suits you and your everyday life best – and as you can see, there is also a sustainable alternative with LILLYDOO green, which is conveniently delivered to your home with the practical . Whatever option – or combination – you choose, we wish you and your baby a wonderful diapering time.