Funnily enough, this was a decision that I didn’t even realise had to be made until about 2 weeks before my baby was born! I just hadn’t thought about it, then whoosh! Everyone wanted to know what I would be doing about nappies – would I be using disposables, eco – disposables (don’t worry, all will be revealed) or the re-usable option. I think the best way to go about this would be to tell you about each of the individual nappies and let you make you own minds up.

Disposables.
• Right, these are most certainly a quick, easy and undoubtedly clean option. Convenience with a capital C.
• They are very light and fit snugly into a little corner of your changing bag.
• The price has gone down over the years, and supermarkets offer their own brands (which are often just as good as the leading brands!). Plenty of choice.
• They are available everywhere, so you don’t really have to panic too much if you are out and realise that you don’t have any clean nappies on you.
• You don’t need water to clean them; therefore you are helping save water!
• As with everything, there are always a few cons; although they aren’t as expensive as before, you do have to keep buying them on a regular basis.
• Con number 2: They aren’t as kind to the environment as re-usable or eco-disposables.

Eco Disposables.
• These are either made wholly or partially from recycled material
• Chlorine or bleaching agents are not used in them.
• Even the packaging they come in bio-degrades!
• They are free from deodorants, perfumes, dyes, and lotions etc which have been known to irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
• The only real con here is that you can’t just pop into Asda and buy some. They have to be ordered online.

Reusable Nappies.
• Now-a-days, they come in lightweight, breathable, soft fabrics (mainly cotton and some organic), so have no fear, you’re baby wont be stumbling about in a huge wad of material with a giant safety pin jammed in the side, much in the manner of a well known RugRat!
• It’s a one off payment, so even if it is a bit pricey to get started, it’s not a regular money loss.
• They can fasten with Velcro! Modern or what?
• Reusables are a great aide to landfill sites in reducing the amounts of waste being dumped
• Here comes a con to even up the score a little: you will feel like you are forever washing, which is a double barrel con as it’s not water usage friendly.
This, along with the majority of parenting decisions, is a personal choice and preference. Don’t feel bad if you decide to use disposables – the majority of mothers use them, and even though they aren’t as great for the environment, they could well be what are best for you. On the other hand, don’t be deterred by the eco-friendly versions. As with everything, they are getting better and better as far as size, comfort, compatibility etc goes, and it will give you the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing a little bit more for the world’s well being.

I have a few tips up my sleeve to give too. With disposables, tip poop (when possible) into the toilet to stop your bin bags smelling (think of the bin men ladies, it can’t be great) and if you can, leave out on nappy sacks as these will slow down the degrading of the nappy. With reusable and eco disposables, shop around online for the best deals, this could well knock off a few quid that is of more use in your purse than someone else’s.

Have fun deciding ladies!