Babies’ nappies can either be reusable or disposable.

In this post we’ll explore the benefits of reusable nappies and the benefits of disposable nappies, to help you decide which sort is right for you and your baby.

The Benefits of Reusable Nappies

There are a number of benefits for reusable nappies, including:

• They’re better for the environment
• More cost effective
• Can be more comfortable
• Can be less likely to cause nappy rash

However, one downside can be that they’re a little more time-consuming. We’ll discuss each of these in a little more detail to help you make up your mind.

Are reusable nappies better for the environment?

The main benefit of reusable nappies is that they’re considerably better for the environment. Once your baby has used the nappy, you can wash it, dry it, and use it again. So for every reusable nappy your baby uses, it’s one less nappy that’s headed for the landfill. And conventional disposable nappies don’t really biodegrade.

Are reusable nappies cheaper?

Reusable nappies can also be more cost-effective. Once you have enough nappies for your baby’s needs, you may never have to buy any nappies ever again – at least, you won’t until your baby’s outgrown them. This can help you save hundreds over the course of the first few years of your baby’s life.

Can reusable nappies help nappy rash?

Some reusable nappies are made of soft cloth and others are from other bottom-friendly materials. So they can be more comfortable for your baby, and as they don’t use any chemicals, dyes, or plastics, they’re less likely to cause nappy rashes.

Are reusable nappies time-consuming?

The downside is that you have to wash and dry nappies between each use. This can be very time-consuming. But some reusable nappies feature a removable inner layer, which means you don’t have to wash the entire nappy each time. To find out more, explore our range of reusable nappies and removable booster liners.

The Benefits of Disposable Nappies

Disposable nappies are more commonly used and there is a few key benefits which help explain why:

• More convenient
• Practical for travel
• Easier to manage
• Lower up-front cost

However, disposable nappies are more likely to cost more in the long run and can be bad for the environment. We’ll go through each in a little more detail below and offer some alternatives.

Are disposable nappies more convenient?

There’s no denying that disposable nappies can be a lot more convenient than reusable nappies. There’s no need to worry about washing and drying the nappies between use. Instead, you can simply throw away the old nappy and fit a new one whenever you need it.

Are disposable nappies more practical for travelling?

Because of this convenience, disposable nappies can be a lot more practical for parents who travel a lot. They may also be better if you live in a smaller house or flat, as you might not have much space to regularly dry your reusable nappies.

Can disposable nappies help on a budget?

And though reusable nappies can be more cost-effective than disposable nappies, they may cost slightly more upfront. If you need nappies fast and budget is an issue, disposable nappies usually cost a less in the short-term.

Are disposable nappies bad for the environment?

But of course, disposable nappies can be bad for the environment. They often end up in a landfill, and they can take on average 500 years for a standard disposable nappy to degrade and even then not all components will completely compost.

Plus, many disposable nappies contain harsh chemicals and absorbents, which can make nappy rash more likely.

But we stock disposable nappies that avoid plastics and chemicals. This means they’re better for your baby’s skin. And if they do end up in a landfill, they’re biodegradable, which means they’re much better for the environment.

Using a Mixture of Reusable and Eco Disposable Nappies

Reusable nappies vs. disposable – only you can decide which is best for you and your baby. It all depends on your budget, your schedule, and on your baby.

So rather than choosing between the two, you may aim for a system where you use both reusable and disposable nappies:

• A stock of clean, comfortable reusable nappies for everyday use.
• An “emergency supply” of disposable nappies for when you have no clean reusable nappies to hand, for when you’re travelling, or for when you simply don’t have the time to wash and dry your reusables.

At The Conscious Parent Co, we specialise in baby products that are better for your baby, and for the planet. We stock both reusable nappies and eco-friendly disposable nappies, with styles and sizes to suit all babies, and to keep your child clean and happy throughout the first few years of their life.