Our top five reasons for using reusable diapers

In our last post, I wrote about how we first arrived at the idea of using cloth diapers. As new parents, we did a lot of research prior to the arrival of LO, including about diapering a baby, and subsequently, modern, reusable cloth nappies.

In the end, we came across five compelling reasons in our research that motivated us to use cloth diapers:
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1. Better for the environment
2. Better for baby
3. Not an all-or-nothing choice
4. Good for our wallet
5. Many delightful prints and colors

1. Better for the environment
I briefly mentioned this in the last post: Switzerland may be exceptional about how they dispose their waste, so that it doesn't end up in a landfill. Nevertheless, the fact is that each person in Switzerland still produces over 700 kg of waste a year, of which over 300 kg cannot be recycled; this includes disposable diapers. Considering the fact that a typical baby will use thousands of disposable nappies until he/she is potty trained (that’s if she's potty trained at the average age of 2.5 years), you can imagine how much waste disposable diapers add to the numbers!

Although we are aware that reusable nappies are not always completely eco-conscious, choosing environmentally thoughtful materials such as hemp and GOTS-certified organic cotton certainly helps to make the use of cloth diapers more sustainable than disposable nappies. Other eco-thoughtful methods that mitigate high-water and energy consumptions include choosing high-energy efficient washing machine, and line-drying whenever possible. 

2. Better for our baby
I remembered picking up a disposable diaper in the hospital hours after our son was born and was put off by the strong smell of artificial perfume. I was curious about what was exactly in this well-known and very popular disposable diaper, but to my dismay, I could not find the information on the packaging, nor the official website.

While we realize that some disposable diaper companies do make an effort to produce nappies that are more eco-conscious (i.e. use FSC-certified pulp) and be transparent about how their products are made, with cloth diapers, we didn’t have to worry about what artificial perfumes or chemicals are in our diapers and, subsequently, touching our baby's skin. Instead, we were able to use diapers made of natural, organic and sustainable fibers.  

3. It’s not an all or nothing choice
In the beginning, we weren't entirely sure how reusable nappies would end up working for our family as the both of us had no experience using it. Nevertheless, we thought that we could at least give it a chance. So, we compromised. We started with a small stash and used cloth diapers part-time. For us, this meant using disposable eco-nappies primarily when our baby slept or when we went out.

I'll fully admit that using cloth diapers took a little adjustment, but not much more than learning to use a disposable. It’s a little different, but with some tips and keeping certain things in mind, we found the ease of using of cloth diapers was similar to using a disposable. In fact, we were really amazed how easy using cloth diapers was, so much that I didn’t think disposable diapers were necessarily that much more convenient. 

Two years down the road, we've increased our use of cloth diapers (and subsequently our stash), but still use disposables occasionally (i.e. when we travel and don't have access to a washing machine). We don’t regret our choice; the use of cloth is not an all or nothing decision. Let me repeat, it is not an all or nothing choice ! Every little reduction you can take in the consumption of non-reusable material helps the environment.

4. Better for your wallet
In Switzerland, the cost of one disposable diapers can cost over 40 rappen for premium and eco-brands. Of course there are budget options available, but let's be honest, many parents in CH choose the premium brand above all other options.

With cloth diapers, the initial cost may be higher, but it’s an investment that will cost you much less on the long run. It's also an investment that you aren't required to make all upfront. You can start with a small stash and see which type or brand of reusable nappies work best for your family. Our various Fluffy Bundles are a great way to incorporate the use of cloth diapers into your everyday routine, with a small upfront cost. 

5. So many cute prints and colors
Cloth diapers come in a wide arrange of adorable prints and colors. Maybe this wasn’t the deal breaker in our decision, but it’s certainly an added bonus…at least for mom!

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