Environmental Benefits
Choosing cloth nappies can significantly reduce your environmental impact compared to disposable nappies.
- Disposable nappies can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill due to their plastic components.
- In the UK, approximately 3 billion disposable nappies are used annually, with the majority sent to landfill or incineration.
- Disposable nappies are estimated to account for around 2–4% of household waste sent to landfill.
Considering that babies use thousands of nappies before potty training—often over 4,000—the waste generated is substantial. By switching to cloth nappies, you can help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and the associated environmental issues.
Washing and Care
Many parents worry that washing cloth nappies will be difficult or expensive, but it’s usually straightforward and cost-effective.
- Washing nappies at home typically costs around £100 per year, covering energy, water, and detergent.
- Before first use, wash nappies to remove manufacturing residues and improve absorbency:
- Nappies with microfibre require one wash.
- Nappies with bamboo benefit from two to three washes to enhance absorbency.
- After each use, solids should be removed (especially once baby is weaning). Newborn nappies may not need rinsing as their waste is water-soluble.
- Avoid soaking nappies as it can damage waterproof layers (PUL).
- Use a cold rinse or short wash first, followed by a longer wash at 40–60°C with detergent.
- An extra rinse can help remove detergent residue and reduce skin irritation.
- Line drying nappies preserves their waterproof layers; inserts can be tumble dried on low heat.
How Many Nappies Will You Need?
The number of nappies needed depends on your washing frequency, baby’s age, and nappy system used:
- Newborns may require around 18–21 nappies for washing every other day.
- Older babies may need fewer nappies as they use them less frequently.
Cost Comparison: Cloth vs. Disposable
Here’s an approximate comparison of costs up to potty training at 2.5 years (based on UK averages):
Disposables:
- Average cost per disposable nappy: 20p
- 7 nappies per day = £1.40 daily
- Weekly cost: ~£9.80
- Total over 2.5 years: around £1,274
Cloth:
- Full set of 20 cloth nappies with boosters: under £200
- Washing costs over 2.5 years (approx.): £250
- Total: around £450
Switching to cloth nappies can save around £800 or more over the same period, with the added benefit of reducing landfill waste.
Final Thoughts
Cloth nappies are an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for many families. While there is an upfront investment and a small amount of extra washing, the environmental and financial benefits make them a smart option.