Reusable diapers: benefits for the baby and the planet

Why are more and more families using reusable baby diapers There are several reasons: economic, healthy and healthy.

It is calculated that a baby uses an average of 7000 diapers before being able to use the bathroom autonomously and that the 95% of European families use single-use nappies for their babies. This generates multiple problems, from the contamination of water, air and soil or the consumption of resources associated with its production, to waste management. Also, single-use nappies are made from materials that are not especially healthy for the baby and are not an economical option for families.

What are reusable diapers?

The reusable diapers (also called cloth diapers) are made with many layers of fabric and they have a absorbent part and a waterproof cover. They are often made of materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp fibers.

The disposable or single-use nappieson the contrary, are usually made with wood fibers, cotton, viscose rayon, plastic and various types of polymers. They are very popular due to their practicality, but compared to reusable ones, their use has a greater impact in terms of energy generation. waste and consumption of natural resources.

It should not be forgotten either that this type of diaper helps to reduce family spending because the reusable diapers are cheaper. Spending on diapers per month in families with a baby in Spain ranges between 40 and 100 euros.

In addition, reusable diapers do not contribute as much to the generation of waste. However, and although to a lesser extent than those for single use, they can also cause environmental contamination during their manufacture and cleaning.

Why reusable nappies are better for the planet

We are used to ephemeral things, to use and throw away, and many times we are not aware of the great impact that this has on our environment. The production of disposable diapers requires natural resources, including materials and energy. Some studies estimate that more than 22 kg of oil and 136 kg of wood to produce single-use nappies for one baby per year.

Additionally, these types of diapers produce an incredible amount of environmental waste. In fact, they are one of the largest contributors to plastic waste Worldwide. In Europe, the use of disposable nappies is estimated at eight million a day and it is estimated that in a house where there are children, single-use nappies represent at least half of the total household waste.

The plastic and polymers these diapers are made of can take up to 500 years to completely degrade.

Containing organic and inorganic parts, the possibility of separating and recycling them is very complicated. Although there are some initiatives to increase recycling in some European countries, currently, only 0.3% of used nappies in the world are recycled.

The reusable diapers are better than disposable ones from an ecological point of view. On one hand, the environmental impact of its manufacture is much less since they last much longer and this dilutes with number of reuses.

On the other hand, and although it is true that many liters of water and cleaning products are used for cleaning, it has been proven that when they are washed minimizing water use and in a way energy efficient and reusing them as many times as possible have a lower environmental impact. For this it is advisable:

put the washing machine when fully loaded.Wear washing machines that save water and energy.wash below 60°C.drying nappies in the sun.Reuse diapers for other children or donate them once the baby is grown.Use ecological detergents.

Why reusable diapers are better for the baby

In addition to concern for the environment, the materials with which one-ply diapers are made use can also be less healthy for baby.

Although single-use nappies are generally considered safe to use, they may contain potentially hazardous substances such as phthalates, acrylamide and dyes.

As recalled by a recent study that analyzes the technical, sanitary and environmental aspects related to diapers, the Phthalates are used for the manufacture of absorbent hygiene products disposable, including some nappies (although European regulations limit what can be used in baby products to minute quantities). Note that some types of phthalates such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are consideredendocrine disruptorsand have been linked to cancer and the development of neurocognitive dysfunction.

Another worrisome chemical used in some cases to dye diapers is tributyltin (TBT)which is also considered a endocrine disruptor highly toxic that can be absorbed through the skin barrier and leads to a impaired immune and endocrine system.

He sodium polyacrylate (SAP) It is another chemical compound whose main function is to allow the absorption of liquids. In some studies it has been seen that SAP in single-use nappies can cause skin irritation and build-up of bacteria.