Washable diapers: advantages and benefits of this choice
More and more parents are approaching the world of washable diapers , but unfortunately there are still many false myths surrounding this topic.
In this article I want to debunk all these false beliefs and reveal the true benefits of using washable diapers.
Before starting, I'll leave you some useful information:
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- In the video courses section you will find how to promote the psychomotor development of the newborn.
How much have cloth diapers changed since the past?
“ I plan to use cloth diapers .”
At this statement several mothers have been able to see their grandmothers or mothers turn white. If you don't believe me, try to put them to the test!
This is because in the 80s the introduction of disposable diapers marked a turning point and it is unthinkable, for those who lived through that change, to go back. However, when we talk about washable diapers today, we are light years away from those that mothers used in the past .
The diapers used by our grandmothers
Our grandmothers' diapers were rags that the baby was wrapped in. They were made up of many layers to make it as absorbent as possible, they were pinned together and wool pants were put on top.
Sure, this may already seem complicated, but washing was the most critical moment.
In fact, in the years of the “old” washable diapers there were no washing machines ; therefore, they were washed by hand with hot water (for those who were lucky) or in the river (for the majority). The result was diapers that were often not sanitized and smelled.
In winter everything was much more complicated, including drying, which took place indoors.
Of course, if it were the same today, it would be crazy to make this choice. Fortunately, it is not.
Today's diapers
Today using washable diapers is a whole different story. In fact, thanks to the washing machine it is enough to organize the washing, but nothing more.
Drying, for most inserts, can be done in the dryer and the covers have very short drying times.
Furthermore, the materials with which they are made, as we will see in the next chapters, ensure a significantly smaller footprint than those of the past.
Types of Washable Diapers
There are so many brands of washable diapers, but there are 4 types. Based on the needs of the parents, it is possible to choose the most comfortable one. Let's see them in detail.
All-in-one
We can define these as “ ready-to-use diapers ”. In fact, the absorbent part is sewn together with the external waterproof part or can be attached with buttons. They are excellent for those who need practicality , but they cannot be put in the dryer. Two brands of this type are Bambino Mio Miosolo and Grovia .
Pre-fold
Prefold is a “pre-folded” fabric , that is, it is made up of layers already sewn together so that they can be folded along the seams very easily. The central part usually contains double the layers compared to the side bands, to have more absorbency. Since this is just the fabric, it is necessary to place a waterproof PUL or wool cover on top .
What are the benefits of this?
- They cost about half as much as other types;
- They can be dried in the dryer or on heat sources;
- They adapt perfectly to the child without the risk of having a thigh that is too wide which would lead to leaks;
- They last forever and can be used as rags around the house during potty training.