Did you know that disposable nappies account for about 10% of landfill bin contents in the Surf Coast Shire, and often contaminate the FOGO and recycling bins?
And remember it doesn't have to be all or nothing - even if you use cloth nappies interchangeably, for example only during the day or for a couple of days a week, that still makes a huge difference in reducing the amount of disposable nappies ending up in landfill.
These handy videos show you how to make sure your cloth nappy fits properly and a nappy washing routine for optimal care of your nappies.
These videos have been created by Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne.
*Note: It is NOT needed or recommended to soak nappies!
1. Pre-Wash: Daily | 0.5 - 1 hour cycle @ 40-60°C
Items: Nappies only
2. Main Wash: Every 2 - 3 days | 2.5 - 3 hour cycle @ 40-60°C
Items: Pre-washed nappies plus kid’s clothes and other small items
*Note: Many regular liquid or powder detergents from supermarkets are suitable to use
Source: www.cleanclothnappies.com
Reusable nappies range from $10 to $35 each new, however there are many excellent nappy groups offering pre-loved sterilised and laundered nappies for just a fraction of the cost (see more tips on buying second hand from Clean Cloth Nappies). Depending on the type, reusable nappies cost on average only one fifth as much as using disposable nappies over the long run. It is approximately $250 to $800 for a full set of reusable nappies (which can be used for multiple children), compared to between $2,000 to $,3000 (per child) for disposable nappies. And the cost of energy, water and detergents to launder nappies at home is less than you might imagine. Studies have shown it only costs approximately $80 per year ~ about $1.50 a week.
There are two main types of modern reusable nappies:
Disposable nappies have a significant impact on the environment - from manufacturing the oil used to make the nappies which leads to environmental degradation, right through to disposal which fills up landfill sites and contributes to global warming through methane production. In comparison, the environmental impact of reusable nappies is very minor, and even less so if you are using solar or a green energy provider, line drying instead of using a dryer, and only washing with full loads.
There are two options for laundering:
1. Wash at home – contrary to popular belief, modern reusable nappies do not need to be boiled or bleached, and can go in the washing machine like other clothes. There are a few basic steps including:
Learn more about these four steps online or print out the simple at home wash guide and stick it up in the laundry room.
2. Use a local nappy laundering service (do an online search of local nappy laundering services). These services can pick up nappies from your doorstep and drop off a clean nappy delivery. A good service can be both cost effective and convenient. Some offer generic nappies as part of the service, or some you can use your own cloth nappies.
A liner is similar to a thin piece of cloth or a wet wipe that can be used to line the nappy to make them much easier to clean, by keeping most solids off the nappy. Liners can be used for all reusable nappies, with reusable or disposable types available. Like wet wipes, if using disposable liners, these must be put in the red bin – not in the toilet or any other bin.
Modern reusables are size adjustable, so parents only need to buy them once. To completely switch to reusable nappies, a set of approximately 24 - 30 nappies should be enough for most babies through to toilet training. This allows for washing every couple of days, although parents may want more if they don’t have a dryer at home. If you currently use disposable nappies, try purchasing a few reusable nappies and maybe consider just using them a couple times during the day to start.
The Australian Nappy Networkis a non-for-profit advocacy group and a great place for parents to start their modern reusable nappy journey. We also recommend attending workshops (online and in-person), joining online groups or forums, and chatting to other mums. Parents can also try before they buy atSouth West Cloth Nappy Library – a free Warrnambool based service where parents can try different kinds of modern cloth nappies and receive information and support.