A Guide to Eco-friendly Nappy Options

As a parent, making eco-friendly choices for your baby is a rewarding journey that benefits both your child, their health, and the planet. At CaliWoods, we have been through the process ourselves so our range of blogs are full of practical natural parenting tips and tricks. This guide explores various eco-friendly nappy options, from cloth nappies to biodegradable bamboo nappies, Elimination Communication, and reusable baby wipes.

Cloth Nappies

Cloth nappies are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to disposable diapers. Made from natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, they are soft on your baby’s skin and can be washed and reused multiple times. Cloth nappies come in various styles, including pre-folds, fitted, and all-in-one designs, catering to different preferences and needs. By choosing cloth nappies, you significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimise your baby's exposure to chemicals found in disposable diapers. You can try out different brands from Nappy Mojo hire service to see which ones you like best before investing. Long-term, reusables save you money. You can also buy second-hand to reduce that upfront cost. 

Top Tip: We liked the Velcro nappies during the day as they were easier to use while doing EC (see below). We then used the nappies fastened by domes at night. 

Elimination Communication

Elimination Communication (EC) is a practice where parents learn to recognise their baby’s cues for needing to use the potty, helping to reduce or even eliminate the use of nappies. Our Top Hat Potty is an excellent tool for parents practising EC. It’s designed to be comfortable for your baby and convenient for you, making the process of learning your baby’s signals easier and more effective. EC not only promotes bodily awareness, significantly reduces toilet training time, and stops nappy rash dead in its tracks, but also reduces the environmental impact associated with disposable nappies. Here is the link to the beginner EC blog and booklet is the best place to find all the information simplified and succinct in one place. 

Top Tip: A child who is EC’d uses nappies, but they are only considered a ‘backup’. We used Tiny Undies most of the time from 8 months to transition out of nappies as fast as possible. We were fully out of daytime nappies by 1 year and nighttime nappies by 2 years. 

More Eco-Disposable Nappies

For parents who prefer the convenience of disposable nappies but want a more sustainable option, biodegradable nappies are a better choice. The materials used are often non-petrochemical based and pollutant free - super important considering that nappies are against your baby’s sensitive area sometimes 24 hours a day! These nappies decompose much faster than traditional disposables and can reduce the long-term impact on the environment. They offer the convenience of disposables with a significantly smaller ecological footprint. Please remember that the terms ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ can mean lots of different things, check the brand out thoroughly before you dive in. 

DIY Baby Wipes or Reusable Baby Wipes

Disposable baby wipes contribute significantly to plastic waste. By switching to DIY baby wipes or Reusable Wet Wipes, you can reduce this impact. Our reusable baby wipes are made from soft, absorbent materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin and can be washed and reused many times. For those who prefer a DIY approach, making your own baby wipes using an old muslin wrap is another great option. Both methods help minimise waste, reduce cost, and ensure your baby is exposed to fewer chemicals.

Up-cycled Changing Stations

Creating an up-cycled changing station is a wonderful way to repurpose materials and reduce waste. You can transform old furniture or household items into a functional and stylish changing station for your baby. Using second-hand or up-cycled items not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your nursery. Plus, it’s an excellent way to keep useful items out of the landfill.

The Benefits of Eco-friendly Nappy Options

Choosing eco-friendly nappy options offers numerous benefits:

• Environmental Impact: Significantly reduce waste and pollution by opting for reusable or biodegradable products.
• Cost Savings: While there may be an initial investment, reusable nappies and wipes save money over time compared to disposable options.
• Healthier for Baby: Natural materials are gentler on your baby's skin and reduce exposure to chemicals found in disposable products. Be wary of this - some research suggests that it could impact fertility levels later in life. 
• Sustainability: Supporting sustainable practices and products helps promote a healthier planet for future generations.

The Takeaway: Making the switch to eco-friendly nappy options is a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family. At CaliWoods, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable products that make this transition easier. Explore our range of Organic Changing Mats, the Top Hat Potty for Elimination Communication, and reusable Wet Wipes to start your journey today.

Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and provide the best care for our children. Join us in creating a greener future for your family and the planet.