HK BABY

Converting to cloth

Mum-of-two Alix Delahaye discusses the advantages of cloth diapering

Charlie Banana

These days, more households are looking to engage in sustainable lifestyle choices. Many parents like the idea of cloth diapering but are a little overwhelmed at the thought of it.

In the first six months of life, a baby will go through between 40 and 60 diapers per week, that’s over 1,000 diapers which will end up in landfill. That environmental impact, along with some health concerns over the plastic-based ingredients in disposable diapers lead me to consider cloth alternatives for my two children.

For many, cloth diapering still conjures up images from our grandparents’ days; with a muslin cloth and safety pin. However, thanks to some incredibly innovative brands, modern washable diapers have come a long way since then. They can be thrown in the washing machine without any soaking, the liner with poop gets flushed and most diapers can go in the dryer.

I can happily say that since making the switch to cloth, I’ve never looked back. I now exclusively cloth diaper my five-monthold daughter and use them on my two-yearold son at night. Here are five reasons to give it a go.

1. Environmentally sustainable

Most brands of disposable diapers are not biodegradable, meaning they will stay in the landfill for hundreds of years. Cloth diapers that are well-cared for can be used for many years and on multiple children, making them a much kinder choice for the planet.

2. Plastic-free

Disposable diapers raise safety concerns due to the nature of plastics they contain, most of which act to increase absorbency. Some studies show that chemicals in disposable diapers could be considered potentially threatening to baby’s skin and hormonal development. Cloth diapers are a far more natural way of diapering and tend to cause less irritation to baby’s bottom.

3. You’ll be financially better off

In our household, the overall cost of cloth diapering has worked out to be 60% cheaper compared to if we were to use green premium disposable diapers.

4. Tailored to snugly fit your baby

Cloth diapering offers custom solutions to reach the adequate absorption level for your baby, thanks to many types of shells, inserts, and boosters.

Alix’s daughter Diane wearing Just Peachy

5. You are not alone

Petit Tipi is the reference for cloth diapering in Hong Kong and founder Vicky regularly hosts workshops to teach the basics and help customers choose what kind of washable diapers would meet their needs.

petittippi.com Cloth diaper brands in Hong Kong

Just Peachy

Just Peachy is a new brand on the market, founded in 2020 by Hong Kong mum-of-two Victoria Chuard with the aim of simplifying eco-conscious parenting. The brand has recently launched the world’s first easy-fit design that fits from newborn to potty training with a pull-up style and the option to unsnap for mess-free poop changes.

justpeachybaby.com

Grovia

A US brand which is available in Hong Kong. In 2008, founder founder Kim Ormsby created a line of eco-friendly parenting products under the brand The Natural Baby Company. Following great success, the brand launched a modern, eco-friendly diapering system that took the market by storm in 2009 and GroVia was born.

grovia.com

Charlie Banana

Founded by Hong Kong-based French designer Gaëlle Wizenberg in 2010, Charlie Banana has since become globally recognised for retailing reusable baby and feminine products which are gentle on skin and planet. The brand has sold over one million cloth diapers and won numerous awards for their diapers, swim and training pants. hk.charliebanana.com

Charlie Banana