by Beckie Knowles

Created on: September 08, 2009

Most mothers would recoil in horror if you suggested that they tried reusable nappies. After all, isn't it time consuming enough having small children to take care of, without having to fiddle around with big, bulky, smelly reusable nappies?

The image that comes to mind is terry towling sat in boiling water and huge nappy pins that seem more than a little outdated. However, reusable nappies have come a long way in the last few years and you might be surprised to learn just how easy and practical they are to use. Also, consider the

environmental impact of using disposable nappies, which take 100 years to bio-degrade. Reusables are more sustainable to make, as well as making next to no waste. There's no comparison when it comes to eco-friendliness.

As with disposable nappies, there are many different brands and variations of reusable nappies. Two of the most popular brands are Bambino Mio and TotsBots, which within the brand have several different types of nappy on offer. There's a nappy to suit just about every family. Reusable nappies have become much more compact and practical. A nappy generally comes with a waterproof cover, the cotton or bamboo nappy and an inner booster.

To use the nappy, you simply put a liner down the middle of the nappy. When it comes to changing, the liner gets flushed away and the nappy goes into a smell-proof nappy bin. Some designs are all-in-one, which means the cover is attached to the nappy. You might find this more convenient, or prefer the flexibility of changing just the inner nappy each time.

Lots of reusable nappy styles are similar to disposables in the sizes. However, one huge benefit of reusable nappies is in the designs that go from birth to potty. Poppers allow the length of the nappy to be adjusted as the baby grows, and aplix fastening means a snug fit that prevents leaks.

Bamboo reusable nappies are better than cotton for both your baby and the environment. Bamboo is 70% more absorbent than cotton, keeping your baby's bottom nice and dry until it's time for a change. It also means that, with an added booster, you're less likely to need to change the nappy during the night. The one way absorbency keeps the nappy in contact with the baby's skin totally dry.

Apart from being incredibly eco-friendly, reusable nappies can also save you hundreds of pounds. You may have to fork up the cash up front, but the one of payment for a starter kit of nappies is nothing compared to how much you would spend on disposables. Plus, there is no waste. If you choose a one-size reusable nappy, there are no left overs from the last size of nappy your baby grew out of. The more children you use your nappies for, the more money you save. It couldn't be easier!

Washing isn't even difficult. Reusable nappies can be washed at a normal temperature in a washing machine, although certain designs do dry quicker than others. Overall, the hassle is actually less than disposables, which can leak, give bad nappy rash and smell really bad! Cotton and bamboo both save on smell, something no parent can argue with.

Overall, reusable nappies are actually much easier and practical to use than most parents think. Sustainable, eco-friendly and wallet-friendly too, there are benefits for you as a parent, the environment and for your baby. Take the time to look into whether reusable nappies could work for you, because when it comes to quality and economy, there really is no match.

Learn more about this author, Beckie Knowles.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.