The evolution from nappies to diapers is the greatest gift life has given our mother and mothers-to-be a peace of mind. The days of jik being your best friend because if the nappies were not as white as you bought them you were considered a dirty woman.
You also needed to have plenty because you had to keep changing the baby every time they pee or poo to avoid the nappy rush or the child will burn from his/her own poo. Moms were always on toes between changing and washing the nappies. Thank God for diapers, you just change and toss….
As much as diapers are a breath of fresh air, they are costly and also tend to be used on the baby for a longer period hence increasing the chances of getting diaper rash. It just inevitable, they are expensive and our penny clinching minds will want to “make the most” out of the diaper, not realising the damage it has onto our child’s health.
Now, we have disposable diapers, yes washing is back. Let’s just say this ‘protective gear’ is somewhere between a nappy and a diaper.
Why would you opt for disposable diapers?
I know nobody has time to wash diapers, but just maybe I could be your next run too ‘protective gear’
1. Saves you money
With cloth diapers, the cost per change is less of a factor because each cloth diaper can be reused hundreds of times, allowing for more frequent changes and a way to keep skin truly dry and rash free.
2.Great on baby’s skin
If you are looking to minimise the exposure to chemicals found in disposable diapers, your best bet will be choosing cloth diapers.
Cloth diapers are not tossed into the bin after a single use. They are reused and if they wear out, can be relegated to washcloths.
4. Can be resold
Good news is that they can be re-sold or donated when your baby outgrows them. That’s if they are still in good shape.
How to wash cloth diapers
Guaranteed, disposable diapers are more absorbent than cloth diapers which is why you need to be well stocked up on your cloth diapers if you are to ensure a clean and dry baby. Now that most, if not all babies are diaper assassins, and you have intentionally decided to use cloth diapers, the magic number for most families is between 24-30 cloth diapers.
Always ensure you have enough clean diapers to get you through a day or two without having to wash them. It would be prudent to have a basin dedicated to diaper washing purposes only (I know it feels like the stone age era is back, right?)
Begin the washing process by disposing any poo into the toilet and rinse the diaper in cold water first as this reduces staining.
Next, soak the diapers in hot water for some minutes. You can add some bit of baking soda to boost the cleaning. Vinegar can also be used instead of bleach.
Wash in water slightly above warm temperatures, using a mild bar soap. Avoid using strong detergents and bleach to wash the diapers as they might be a little harsh on the baby’s sensitive skin. Detergents also leave residues on the diapers.
Once clean, rinse the diapers with plenty of water and dry them out in the clothes’ line where there is plenty of sunlight.
Avoid using fabric softeners on your cloth diapers even if you may be tempted to enhance the smell!