Choosing to use washable nappies is a decision that is becoming more popular with parents as they are more aware of the environmental impact of disposable nappies. Disposable nappies are made from plastic and other synthetic materials, which take centuries to break down in landfill. They’re also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Washable nappies are mainly made from natural materials like bamboo, which are biodegradable and don’t pollute the environment. They’re reusable, so you don’t have to keep buying new nappies every time your baby wets or soils one. On this page, we’ll explore the benefits of using washable nappies and why they’re the green and eco-friendly choice for your baby.

What are washable nappies?

Washable nappies, also known as cloth nappies, modern cloth nappies, or reusable nappies, are nappies for babies that are made from reusable materials. They are washed in the washing machine instead of being discarded in the bin and going to a landfill. They are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use disposable nappies. They consist of a water-resistant outer layer and absorbent inner layers.

Washable nappies are environmentally friendly

Disposable nappies contain many synthetic materials that take up to 500 years to break down in landfill. The plastics used in disposable nappies don’t biodegrade, so they’ll be polluting the environment for a very long time. Disposable nappies are also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. They are single use and each nappy uses a lot of energy to produce, which contributes to our carbon footprint. Washable nappies are made from natural materials like bamboo. They’re biodegradable and sustainable, so they don’t pollute the environment. They can be reused time and time again for your baby and future babies,

Washable nappies are economical

Disposable nappies are single-use and therefore very expensive, especially if you plan to have more than one baby. You’ll have to continue to purchase a large supply of them, which can become very expensive. It’s pretty impossible to predict when your baby is going to have a growth spurt and need the next size up, so often the small sizes you purchased end up going to waste. Washable nappies, on the other hand, are very economical. They are fully adjustable to grow with your baby, meaning you’re never wasting nappies. They’re reusable, so you only have to buy them once. You can also use them for more than one baby, which means that they may just be the only nappies you’ll ever need to buy. Since you don’t have to keep replacing them, you’ll save a great deal of money over the years.

A healthier nappy for your baby

Disposable nappies contain many synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to your baby’s delicate skin. They can trigger allergies and can irritate sensitive skin, causing rashes and other problems. Washable nappies are made from natural materials like bamboo, so they’re natural and healthy for your baby. They’ll keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth and help keep nappy rash away, which can be very uncomfortable and distressing for your baby.

Easy to use

Those who are in the habit of using disposable nappies often have the misconception that washable nappies are complicated, but they’re extremely easy to use. Rather than needing to bag a disposable nappy into a plastic bag and dispose of it in the bin, washable nappies are simply placed into a basket to be washed at a later time. They’re not the old-school fold and pin style nappies that our grandparents used - they’re a modernised creation that’s already in a nappy shape. They are put on babies in the same way a disposable nappy is. What's more, washable nappies are size adjustable to fit your baby from newborn until toilet training age. No need to buy a separate stash of newborn cloth nappies or multiple sizes of disposable nappies each time your baby grows.

Better at containing mess

Being single-use, disposable nappies are made from very cheap materials. The plastic elastic around the baby’s back and legs is soft and notorious for not being strong enough to contain baby blowouts. Those dreaded poonamis easily end up leaking up the back and legs and all over the baby’s (and your own) clothing, furniture, car seat, or pram. This mess causes a lot of stained washing and extra work for already busy parents. Washable nappies, on the other hand, are known for containing this mess as they’re made with strong, good-quality elastics. NappyLuxe nappies are designed with a double elasticated back panel for added protection against these messy situations.

Washable nappies are easy to clean

Modern-day washing machines do all the heavy lifting to keep your washable nappies clean. When cared for properly, it’s easy to keep white cloth nappies looking as pristine as the day you bought them. Our simple 2-step washing guide: how to wash modern cloth nappies contains all you need to know to avoid unwanted stains or smells on your nappies. Most washable nappies, such as NappyLuxe, are made up of 2 parts which makes for easier drying too - these are often referred to as All in Two (Ai2) Cloth Nappies.

Don’t stop at washable nappies - make the whole nappy change process a reusable one

Many parents who use washable nappies also opt for other easy switches at their nappy change stations, such as reusable wipes. These are also made of natural bamboo and when used with water, provide a great way to wipe a baby’s bottom instead of fiddly disposable wipes. In addition, portable change mats provide a clean and hygienic surface to change your baby’s nappy wherever you venture. And reusable wet bags are great to transport dirty nappies home for washing when you’ve been out of the house.

Make the switch today

Choosing to use washable nappies instead of disposable nappies is an increasingly popular switch that modern parents are making. The benefits of using washable nappies far outweigh the work involved: they are eco-friendly, economical, healthy for babies, easy to use, they’re better at containing mess, and they come in a variety of adorable hand-drawn prints.

Ready to start your washable nappy journey? Shop our modern cloth nappy collection now.