Cloth Nappies - Why We Love Them

FEATURE CLOTH NAPPIES -

WHY WE LOVE THEM

By Ella Diprose

I started our cloth nappy journey when my eldest daughter was a few weeks old with a trial pack from Nappy Mojo, a company you can hire cloth nappies from. For me, however, it was all too much and adjusting to life with a newborn was as much as I could handle so I returned the trial pack and went back to disposables. I started using cloth nappies again full time when my daughter, Sofia, was 6 months old and I’m proud to say, I’m still using them 1 ½ years later. I now have 2 kids under two in cloth nappies and it is busy but also super cute. Is it more work than using disposables? Yes. At times I wonder if I am crazy for having two kids so young both in cloth nappies. It is more prep work, stuffing nappies, and more washing loads to go on. It’s a bit messier cleaning up poo nappies. But, for me, the cute fluffy butt is worth it. That and the money saved in the long term, as well as being more environmentally friendly. I like how cute cloth nappies look on your baby’s bottom, there are prints and designs for just about everyone’s style and every occasion or holiday. It’s true when people say you can get addicted to buying them, there’s something exciting about a new cloth nappy release, getting the new prints for your collection. Here’s two photos showing how my nappy stash grew from having 1 kid in cloth to 2. Cloth nappies just seem to fit better and stay on better than disposables. My hubby even says they’re easier to put on than a disposable nappy once you know how. Here’s some thoughts from a few of my friends who use cloth nappies and their advice.

LEIGH LEMMEN:

“It’s a lot easier than you think, and not at all smelly. Make sure you have a good wash routine and you are sorted. We have not had any nappy rash since moving to reusables and I would never go back.”

JAIMEE WESTCOTT:

“I love cloth nappies because they are super cute! But also good for the environment, it reduces your rubbish by so much. We were surprised by how many disposable nappies we went through in 1 week. If you are thinking about using reusable nappies just do it. Find a friend who already uses cloth to ask questions, they would love to help you out. It’s not as scary as you think once you understand it all. “

3 reasons why I love using cloth nappies. The obvious environmental benefits, reducing waste and our environmental impact. I also find the process of washing, drying and folding very satisfying and it’s not as hard as one would think. The biggest reason I love cloth nappies is the amazing prints and cute fluff butt.

SHANNON FROM NAPPY MOJO SHARED HER THOUGHTS ON A FACEBOOK POST RECENTLY:

The secret to successful long term cloth nappying may not be what you think it is. Feeling guilty about waste is sometimes a starting point for considering giving cloth a go, but it’s not a long term motivation. We all get that parental guilt that we are in one way or another, not perfect. And it drains us of our energy. Relieving guilt is not a long term motivator to use cloth nappies. And this is why at Nappy Mojo don’t go on and on about the obvious environmental benefits of using cloth. I believe the key to long term cloth nappy success is finding what it brings to your life rather than focusing on the guilt it may take away. And there are so many good things! For my strange selfThe simple pleasure of choosing the nappy and capturing that super cute photo was enough to break up the monotony of those endless days at home with a new baby- Satisfying Snapping up a second hand or clearance nappy bargain-Exhilarating! Hanging them on the line, the white inserts so clean they are almost reflective, looking out the window every now and then to see them swaying in the breeze- meditative Seeing that little round fluffy tush as my new walking baby stretched up to reach something- Too cute What is your why? Is environmental guilt enough for you? Cloth nappy week happened throughout New Zealand from the 25th April to 1st May. It was a chance for retailers, manufacturers, advocates and basically anyone who is passionate about using reusable nappies to celebrate cloth nappies. There were several online events going over the basics of cloth napping, discounts and of course, giveaways. If you’re thinking about using cloth/reusable nappies check out Facebook groups like Cloth Nappies Uncensored New Zealand or Clean Cloth Nappies, ask around and find some people to help you on your journey.

www.nappymojo.co.nz