| A recent study by undergraduate paediatric students | | | | Genuine fleece or wool nappy covers tend to rank in |
| from Cambridge University in the UK found that the | | | | first place because fleece and wool are natural fibres |
| number of new mothers choosing cloth nappies over | | | | which are water-resistant but have the ability to |
| disposable nappies has increased by almost 30% over | | | | breathe, so baby doesnt have a mini-sauna on his or |
| the past 5 years. | | | | her bottom! And because the natural material allows |
| This is a clear indication that modern mothers are | | | | air to circulate around and through the nappy, these |
| taking a more eco-friendly approach to the future | | | | fabrics act as natural air conditioners, cooling babys |
| wellbeing of their children. Similar research in Europe | | | | bottom and keeping it drier through moisture |
| and the US is clearly showing that although disposable | | | | evaporation. |
| nappies are still the most popular choice, a definite | | | | Woollen or fleece nappy covers also have another |
| mind-shift is occurring. | | | | benefit for busy mothers. The lanolin in wool breaks |
| It stands to reason that a more proactive approach to | | | | down the elements in urine so they dont have to be |
| protecting our increasingly fragile environment would | | | | washed every time you change nappies. In fact, a |
| have its genesis in those who are responsible for the | | | | wool reusable nappy cover can be used over and |
| health and wellbeing of the next generation. | | | | over with no ill effects and mothering manuals suggest |
| And why not? The simple, square cloth nappies we | | | | they only need to be washed every 4 to 5 weeks. So, |
| associate with our grandmothers have adapted to the | | | | hows that for a labour-saving natural alternative to |
| 21st century with new styles and fabrics that make | | | | disposable nappies? |
| them every bit as convenient and easy to use as | | | | Another popular choice is polyester reusable nappy |
| disposables. | | | | covers with an inner lining of polyurethane laminate |
| Sadly though, many of the arguments about the | | | | (PUL) which forms a protective wetness barrier and |
| inconvenience and bulkiness of cloth nappies are | | | | thus prevents leakage. PUL covers also allow a |
| outdated and obsolete, yet they still persist. | | | | degree of breathability, so keep baby comfortable. |
| These days, cloth nappies, liners and inserts are made | | | | PUL covers can be easily added to the nappy wash |
| from super-absorbent fabrics using the latest | | | | and dry quickly, so they can be easily reused in a short |
| technologies. Mothers who choose cloth nappies can | | | | space of time. |
| also select from a number of eco-friendly options to | | | | Wool or fleece covers allow air to circulate and also |
| increase absorbency during the long nights when the | | | | have the ability to help moisture evaporation, but dont |
| reusable nappy has to work hardest. | | | | work as effectively when there is little or no air flow. |
| The most important consideration for new mothers | | | | Wool is highly water-resistant, not water-proof, so |
| deciding on whether to choose cloth nappies versus | | | | prolonged periods in, say, a car seat or pram may |
| disposables is the nappy cover. A quality reusable | | | | cause leakage to occur. |
| nappy cover can mean the difference between a | | | | On the other hand, PUL covers provide moisture |
| happy contented mother - which usually equals a | | | | protection in most situations, particularly overnight, but |
| happy, contented baby and one who is ready to tear | | | | dont allow air to circulate well. |
| her hair out. | | | | New mothers who want the economy and |
| Reusable nappy covers come in a variety of materials | | | | eco-friendly advantage of cloth nappies with reusable |
| and with a variety of benefits for baby and mother, so | | | | nappy covers need to consider using both wool nappy |
| it makes sense to look at which ones get the tick of | | | | covers and PUL nappy covers for their individual |
| approval and which ones fail miserably. | | | | properties. In that way, both mother and baby are |
| Lets start with the best choices and why they are | | | | happy, comfortable and contented, and that has to be |
| generally recommended by all cloth nappy advocates. | | | | a good thing! |