Health Articles

In today’s world, it seems most people, when buying their ‘bits n pieces’ for an impending bubba, seem to assume, or accept the fact that buying disposable nappies is ‘part of it all’. There is so much advertising on the many brands of disposable nappies, and it all just seems like a ‘natural’ thing to do.

Once again, we have lost touch with balance. We allow the influence of the media, and huge companies to tell us “you don’t have time to tend to…… for your child/family/self”.

If you truly want to do a little research, take some time to make informed choices, for the health of your child and the planet.

There is plenty of information out there on disposable nappies and hundreds of types of fitted cloth nappies, and also about learning the art of Elimination Communication, or Natural Infant Hygiene. Let’s have a look at some information:

Firstly, there is no ‘right or wrong’. We, at Angelmothers, simply strive to bring information to people like you, so you can achieve more balance in your own lives which will also directly affect Mother Earth.

When it comes to nappies, there are many options. Firstly, with disposable nappies, there are the commercial brands that continually claim “even greater absorbency”. A lot of companies also now have jumped onto the enviro band-wagon, and like to use the word “biodegradable” to promote their product. Well, all disposable nappies will eventually biodegrade – but how long it takes will depend on what it is made of. Questions to ask yourself are:

“What are these nappies made of? What is in the filling to make them absorbent?”

“Do I really want to keep my baby in a nappy that has up to 10 pee’s in it – just because they are super-absorbent?” (Remember, a lot of new borns pee every 10 -20 minutes.)

“How much money will they cost each week/month?” (This can be up to $3000 in total over 2-3years for some people who choose to use them full-time from birth to age 2 or 3.)

If I choose to use disposable nappies, what brands are healthier, non-plastic, and breathable and have a safer filling (and outer material)? How have they been bleached white?

How can I use disposable nappies responsibly? E.g.. Night-time use only, or when it rains for a few days, on holidays etc.

There is a difference between convenience and laziness. Even for some of us, who are very environmentally conscious and really contribute to the well-being of our Earth, we can admit to getting ‘lazy’ with things like full-time disposable use. However, sometimes we may have to do this for a period of time, and that’s ok too.

If you are using disposable nappies, be sure to empty contents into a toilet, and don’t put the nappy into another plastic bag (although there are now biodegradable/compostable bags available) to place in the bin. Keep an eye on your bubba’s skin, and make sure you let their skin ‘breathe’ without a nappy on for at least 10 minutes a day. Maybe with a little gentle morning sun for 5 minutes, or laying down in a warm spot in winter. (This also applies for cloth nappy use).

Now with cloth nappies – some things to consider:

“How many do I need for a whole days use? How often am I planning to wash them?” (Many fitted cloth nappies these days do not need soaking before washing, just place in a dry bucket. Most are not recommended to sit for more than 24-48 hours though).

“What fabrics do I want them made from?” (See details below)

“How much do I want to spend?” (You can purchase a few nappies at a time.)

“Do I want one-size fits all, nappies that have a built-in cover (AIO – all in one’s), and/or sized nappies (new born, small, medium, large)? Do I want to use simple, square terry nappies?”

There are many cloth nappy systems available these days, and once you start researching you will be amazed at how many mums out there are making their own, either for their own use or selling them under a label/name. They are also becoming a bit of a ‘fashion’ item also! There are so many great fabrics to choose from. Speaking of which, fabrics for fitted nappies these days have improved so much, with the use of hemp & bamboo. These fabrics are both very absorbent, much more than cotton, and contain anti-bacterial properties and are so soft.

Hemp & bamboo are grown without the use of chemicals, unlike cotton (unless it’s organic). Many nappies also contain a layer of micro fleece which lies against bubba’s skin. Now, although micro fleece is not a natural fibre, (I, too, was a little put off by this at first, but now I know more about it), it is very breathable, and it stays drier against bubba’s skin.

You will usually find the soaker / insert in a fitted cloth nappy is made up of a few layers of hemp or bamboo, and topped with micro fleece so the wetness is absorbed by the hemp/bamboo and the micro fleece remains fairly dry. I really encourage you to check out, and use, hemp and bamboo products, for the health you your bubba and the earth, and for the excellent quality.

We recommend sampling a few different varieties before deciding on purchasing a whole system of one kind of nappy. That way you will get to know your baby, and how they pee or poo, and what nappy style works. This will also change as your bubba gets older. Most people find the square terry cloth nappies are fine for new born and a few months, but when bubba starts crawling or walking they continually fall down. This is the beauty of fitted nappies – and some can be very slim designed for ease of clothing (most clothing these days are made for fitting over disposables), and ease of a little one learning to walk.

One more option, which you can choose to do either ‘full-time’ or ‘part-time’ is the nappy-free choice. EC (Elimination communication) can be put into practice from birth, or when bubba is a few months old. You may choose to practice this whilst at home, and use a nappy when out, or during the day and use nappies at night, or EC full-time. Consider - when a baby/child is taught to pee or poo into a nappy 24 hours a day, is it any wonder parents have trouble “toilet training” their child? So many children are still in nappies at age 3 these days, and even 4 years old. You have to stop and ask yourself “why??”. Unfortunately, the big disposable nappy companies have their hands in ‘the pie’ when it comes to ‘teaching’ Pediatricians the “right” age to toilet train so as not to “damage” the child! They WANT you to keep your toddlers in their nappies – it keeps their company going!!

For more information, visit www.natural-wisdom.com or google “Elimination communication”.

With the amount of information and products available today http://www.angelmothers.bigpixie.com/shopping.html there are so many ways to choose how to care for our bubba’s toileting needs, and you may not stick to the same way from start to finish. Find what is best for you, bubba and the Earth remembering balance and health.

Happy re-search and decision making!

PS. To know more about the fitted cloth nappies and enviro disposable nappies available at Mamma Metta Shop, contact Tara at shopping@angelmothers.com or phone 07 41 625136 / mob. 0413835587 (Australia)

Check out the range of ‘BabyLegs’ which make nappy changing, toileting & EC so much easier!

Tara yewdall