Tired of classic disposable diapers? Want to limit the pollution caused by throwing 1285 diapers in baby’s first year? Do you want to keep controversial substances as much as possible from your little one’s skin? Here is all the information you need to take the plunge into cloth diapers.
You are tempted by the experience of washable diapers but you ask yourself lots of questions. Is it really more ecological than the disposable diapers that are easily found in all supermarkets? How do you know which model to choose for baby? Does a washable diaper cost more or less than a conventional disposable diaper? We explain step by step everything you need to know before deciding to embark on this adventure!
Why choose washable diapers?
Usually, the number one reason to move away from disposable diapers in favor of cloth diapers is the composition that they offer. No more chemicals and other endocrine disruptors present in many baby hygiene products. The materials composing these layers are natural, often organic and benefit from certifications which prove it.
Choosing washable diapers also means favoring an ecological solution since you no longer have to throw away several kilos of waste per month (result of dozens of diapers used by baby) but also economic (the washable diaper can be reused many times).
What are the components of a washable diaper?
A washable diaper is made up of several elements
- An absorbent part washable and the insert that serves to increase the absorption capacity of the diaper. There are also liners or booster, sort of “improved inserts” for a really superior absorption.
- A disposable veil placed at the bottom of the layer. This veil directly in contact with the genitals of the child must be very soft and antiallergic. Favor natural and organic.
- Protective panties : waterproof, it prevents leaks. Protective panties come in different shapes, designs, materials, or even closure systems (velcro, press studs or snappie (fastener for diaper).
What are the different types of cloth diapers that can be found?
There are three main categories of layers:
There are three main categories of layers:
- The classic system: this system comprises an absorbent layer combined with a separate waterproof panty. After each use, only the diaper part is changed.
- The TE1 system (All in one) : The absorbent part is associated with the waterproof part. They can be sewn or the absorbent part can be slipped into a pocket provided for this purpose in the waterproof part. At each change, we change everything, as with disposable diapers.
- The TES system (All in two): It includes an impermeable part detachable from the absorbent part (as for the conventional diaper). The two parts are attached to each other by pressures or scratches. At each change, only the absorbent insert is changed.
From XS to XL, you will have the choice between one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-all diapers depending on baby’s weight.
What is a washable diaper made of?
If one chooses to use washable diapers rather than disposable diapers, it is most often for their composition which seems more harmless for the sensitive and fragile baby’s skin. So what are cloth diapers made of?
Protective pants can be made from treated fleece, wool, fabric coated with polyurethane (or laminated polyurethane PUL) or even microfibers (fleece or suede).
The absorbent part is generally cotton (ideally organic) but it can also be found in polyester, bamboo or hemp fiber, microfibers (sponge) or even tencel (produced from eucalyptus pulp).
For more information, also consult the doctissimo file on washable diapers and their composition.
Decipher the certifications
When buying a washable diaper, you may see different certification labels appear in relation to their composition:
- The Oeko-tex Label is a certification of a textile without harmful chemicals. This label can mainly concern cotton, bamboo, tencel or microfiber.
- GOTS label (Global Organic Textils Standard) guarantees products without pesticides and heavy metals. This label often certifies cotton.
How many diapers will I need?
Don’t be stingy on diapers if you don’t want to do laundry several times a day. You can buy about 20 washable diapers for your baby without hesitation. With this stock, you will use 75% (or about fifteen) for the day and 25% (or about 5) for the night.
Washable diapers, how much do they cost?
Between birth and two and a half years, the average “disposable diaper” budget allocated for a child would be a little over € 1,500.
A washable diaper will cost you between 10 and 30 €. Over these same two and a half years, you therefore spend around € 600 for the purchase and maintenance of your stock of diapers (ADEME figures).
At the second child, with disposable diapers, everything has to be started over while if you still use washable diapers, you will only have to buy a few diapers.
What are the different brands offering washable diapers?
Depending on the type of diapers you use, there are many brands on the cloth diaper market (some even offer swimwear versions, a convenient option for seaside vacations or baby swimming lessons). Here is a small list (not exhaustive) to help you find:
Applecheeks
Cheeky baby
Best bottom
blueberry
Bummis
Close Pop in
gDiapers
Hammock
Kushies,
Lulu Nature,
Naty
Piwapee
Popolini
Storchenkinder
Tots Bots
To buy them, nothing could be simpler, you will find them on the Internet (brand website or Amazon) but also in childcare stores and those specializing in organic food and hygiene products.
How do I take care of my washable diapers?
The importance of soaking
You should know that it is essential to soak the different parts of the diaper (absorbent insert + panties) overnight in cold water before using them. They will then have to be washed twice. Once these operations have been carried out, you can use the product normally. Successive washes increase the absorption of diapers, so don’t hesitate!
Regular washing
Regular washing
The little tip that is important before the laundry: if you have scratched diapers or panties, do not forget to fold the hooks back on themselves before putting them in the washing machine so that they do not damage not all of the content on your machine.
You do not have to do laundry with diapers only, wash them with all your laundry. Note that making a machine fully loaded is more eco-friendly than running one half full. And let your laundry air dry.
For your washable diapers, use a detergent suitable for the fragile skin of your little one. Do you use diapers without aggressive components? Do the same for your laundry. Le Chat Bébé laundry detergent is perfectly suited to the sensitive skin of children since it is free of preservatives. Diapers are usually washed between 40 and 60 ° (watch the labeling).
Read also :
> Food, clothes, toilet … it’s decided, my baby is going organic!
> Diapers, wipes, small jars, the list of endocrine disruptors to avoid
6 things not to do when cleaning your cloth diapers
- Carry out laundry at a temperature above 60 °.
- Use a softening.
- Employ stain removers.
- Use whitening products (bleach etc …).
- Adopt the soap nuts.
- Wash with glycerin-based detergent (which clogs the machine like diapers).