So, we own a cloth nappy store and have a vested interest in more parents using cloth nappies. And there are lots of reasons parents feel they're not an option for them. And that's OK. We know cloth nappies aren't for everyone.
But we also know that sometimes there's a lack of information available to parents when they're making the choice of what sort of nappy to use, so here are the most common reasons why parents might not consider cloth nappies, and (because we can't help ourselves!) some things to think about if these are some of your reasons for rejecting cloth nappies.
Cloth Nappies are Old Fashioned, Ineffective and cause Rashes
If your only knowledge of cloth nappies is an old school terry flat held together with nappy pins and covered with plastic pants, then be prepared to enter the world of 'modern' cloth nappies! Cloth nappy manufacturers are at the forefront of innovation in nappy design, use of high tech fabrics and modern style.
Cloth nappies are now as easy to use as a disposable nappy, easy to wash and care for, and easy on the planet as they're reusable. They work extremely well and a cloth nappy is often much more effective against blow outs than disposable nappies.
As for rashes? There is no proof anywhere that demonstrates that children have more rashes in cloth nappies than in disposables. In fact, many parents find their children have less rashes in cloth nappies. The number one cause of nappy rash is a nappy (cloth or disposable) being left on too long.
And even the humble terry flat nappy is becoming popular again due to its adaptability, the fact that modern detergents and washing machines mean no more soaking, and effective, breathable modern waterproof nappy covers.
Cloth Nappies are too Expensive
So you've discovered the world of modern cloth nappies, but you've also discovered that - compared to disposables - they cost a lot! A disposable nappy can cost less than 50c each, and you can buy a whole packet of disposables for the cost of a single modern cloth nappy from a reputable brand.
But though cloth nappies do have a high upfront cost, did you know that if you had to buy a baby's supply of disposable nappies all at once, you'd be out of pocket between $1,800 and $3,000+? According to CHOICE Magazine that's how much parents will spend on EACH child in disposables.
You'll find there are ways to cut down on the cost of cloth nappies. Here are 9 ways to build a cloth nappy stash on a budget.
Choosing Cloth Nappies is Overwhelming
Yes, we know, there is way too much choice out there: all the different styles, so many brands, and you can't see most of them in shops so you feel like you're flying blind on website after website. And that's excluding all the advice out there - what one parent swears by another will say was a disaster. How to you go about choosing which cloth nappies for your family?Don't let all the confusing information out there put you off and make the decision for you. Here's our advice for working out which cloth nappy to try first.
Cloth Nappies are Disgusting
This is something you generally hear from people who don't yet have children and so don't understand that changing nappies is not necessarily the most disgusting thing about babies! Deciding not to use cloth nappies won't save you from poo. Trust us!
Just a bit about dealing with poo and nappies.
Cloth Nappies are Hard Work & Time Consuming
Look, we get this. For some families, washing cloth nappies is one thing more than they're capable to dealing with and so they cross them off the list. And that's fine.
Yes, you have to wash cloth nappies. And that is work. But, realistically, it's your washing machine that does most of the work, and luckily it doesn't need supervising. There's a lot of advice around about washing cloth nappies that can make it sound really complicated, but just follow the Australian Nappy Association's simple 5 step routine and it's not really much different to washing clothes.
And once you're in a routine, cloth nappies don't have to take more time than disposables. If you include the time you take going to the shops to buy disposable nappies and taking them out to the rubbish bin, you could argue that putting nappies in the washing machine, hanging them out, and bringing them in again takes about the same amount of time.
But don't just believe us. We asked a heap of cloth nappying parents how much work cloth nappies added to their day, and here are the responses.
And don't forget that it's not an all or nothing proposition. You can use cloth nappies part time - when it's most convenient for you.
Which of these reasons do you hear most often for not considering cloth nappies? Are there any others?