Which Material Is Best For Reusable Nappies?
Reusable nappies offer many benefits for parents and childcare providers. They are kinder on the environment, better for your baby’s skin, and have a lower overall lifetime cost compared to disposable nappies. However, many different materials are used in reusable nappies, which can leave some parents questioning which is best.
Here we look at all of the materials that might be used in reusable nappies, highlighting their pros and cons.
Cotton
The most-used plant fibre on the planet is cotton, so it should be no surprise that most cloth nappies utilise cotton. Cotton production and farming is a major industry, and the absorbency of cotton has apparent advantages for reusable nappies. The cotton fibres are able to transmit liquid to others, maximising the overall capacity of the nappy and preventing issues, such as ‘flooding’ in one specific area.
However, cotton sourced by manufacturers driven by yield does have an impact on the environment. Cotton production uses high volumes of water during irrigation and pesticides that protect plants from yield-harming insects. Organic cotton is quickly becoming a realistic alternative that reduces the environmental impacts and avoids using pesticides. However, compared to conventionally produced cotton or polyester, wear becomes visible after around one hundred washes.
Bamboo
Our reusable nappies have liners that contain bamboo, which maximises absorbency. Bamboo is an excellent natural material that resists the growth of bacteria. The bamboo plants from which the cloth fibres are made are fast-growing, and many suppliers have moved to sustainable farming methods, which are better for the environment.
Fleece
Fleece has a few properties that are unique and offer advantages when used in nappies. The characteristics of this synthetic man-made material include being water-resistant while remaining breathable. The fleece layer is fast-wicking, performing a capillary action, which means it quickly pulls water off your baby’s skin, moving through and into the absorbent nappy materials.
Our reusable nappies are lined with super-soft fully polar fleece. The fleece in our cotton nappies provides a soft and gentle barrier between your baby’s skin and the PUL outer liner (waterproof polyurethane laminated polyester). The fleece works to keep skin dry while also aerating your baby’s skin, preventing issues such as rashes and soreness.
Microfibre
Our reusable nappies have liners that contain microfibres, which maximises absorbency. Microfibres are synthetic materials made from polyester. These have lots of small fibres with tiny spaces between them. The surface area is increased, and the many small spaces allow the microfibre to soak up liquid quickly.
Hemp
Another natural fibre that can be used in the production of reusable nappies is hemp. Hemp can be grown using less water than cotton, which provides environmental benefits, and it also resists bacterial growth. However, hemp is stiffer and thinner and not as absorbent as cotton or polyester.
Nipper Nappies Reusable Nappies
Our cloth, fleece, microfibre, and bamboo reusable nappies bring together the active and attractive qualities of each material. While all environmental factors are almost impossible to avoid altogether, our product uses the most environmentally sensitive material combinations. It will help parents make a significant positive impact on the planet, as we reduce the millions upon millions of disposable nappies that find their way into landfills each year.