Among the things that new moms and dads can’t do without are diapers. Nowadays, most babies wear disposable diapers. However, reusable cloth diapers are also popular with many parents, especially those looking for alternatives to reduce 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 disposable diapers.
What are cloth diapers anyway?
In terms of handling, modern cloth diapers differ little from disposable diapers. The biggest difference is that you don’t throw them away after use—you wash and reuse them instead. 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. An optional, reusable, absorbent Diaper liner.
These components are combined differently in various cloth diapering systems. In a Complete diaper , the insert is sewn directly into the overpants, so the entire diaper is washed after use. In a so-called Hybrid wind switch , the absorbent insert is placed into the overpants, buttoned in, or tucked in.
Both outer covers and inner parts are available in a variety of materials. With outer covers, you can also choose between models with buttons or ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, or pull-on styles. Just like disposable diapers, cloth diapers come in different sizes to fit your baby’s age and weight. There are also models that grow with your baby through various button options, allowing them to be used for 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 to change your baby’s diaper about every two to three hours to help prevent leaks and skin irritation. 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 you wash cloth diapers?
A common question 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 cleaned regularly in the washing machine—be 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. Stool from solid foods 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’s sufficient to throw it into the machine when soiled. To prevent damage to the material, pay close attention to the washing instructions for 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 still remain on cloth diapers—if they bother you visually, you can treat them with ammonia soap or a biologically safe stain remover.
What do you need if you choose cloth diapers?
The number of diapers you need depends on the diaper system and how often you change and wash. If you wash about every two to three days, you’ll need around 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:
Gentle on sensitive baby skin, as they are breathable and the temperature inside the diaper is 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 more logistics (especially on the go) 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 many parents consider reusable diapers 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 are not necessarily more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers, since frequent washing also requires a significant amount of resources. How much electricity and water are used—and how environmentally friendly the cloth diaper alternative is—depends on your 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. 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 touching 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.
