Nappy 911

There was a time when moms didn’t have to make a decision about which type of diaper to use simply because there was only one option available: the cloth diaper. Mothers or their labanderas would slave away, washing maybe a dozen soiled diapers every day. But with the advent of disposable diapers, parents are faced with more choices. As if that were not enough, there are even new innovations in cloth diapers that might have you rethink your preference for disposables.

“Among other things relating to infant care, this is one where parental preference plays a role,” says Celine Blancas Evidente, M.D., pediatrician at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. And before you make a decision, you need to take a look at what’s out there.

Let’s see what disposables, traditional cloth diapers, and modern nappies have to offer.

Old school
The number one concern for using cloth diapers would be the washing. In the average Filipino setting, Dr. Evidente says, this is not much of a problem as yayas and other extended family members are often around to help with housework. However, for couples who live on their own and leave for work every day, this is not a feasible choice.

Dr. Evidente reminds that cloth diapers need to be washed thoroughly and even ironed. “You also need to ‘master’ the technique of pinning it and putting it on,” she adds.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Cloth diapers can be washed, dried, and reused until your baby is potty-trained. But you need to invest in dozens of cloth diapers since, Dr. Evidente says, you need to change baby more frequently (they get soaked even with just one urination).  

Generally speaking, cloth diapers are the more environment-friendly choice. “But consider the amount of water and soap used when washing them, unless you’re using biodegradable soap also,” says Dr. Evidente.

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Toss-out pick
The convenience of disposable diapers has yet to be matched. “It’s easier to change baby (no need for safety pins), easier to bring when travelling, easier to dispose. There’s no need to wash them,” enumerates Dr. Evidente. The key is choosing quality disposable diapers. “Some last longer in that baby doesn’t feel too wet even with several volumes of urine,” Dr. Evidente explains. This helps prevent diaper rash and leaks. “The material doesn’t get lumpy, and buttocks don’t get red even after several hours.” But Dr. Evidente cautions against paper tapes in some brands that may cause small cuts on baby’s skin.

Expensive doesn’t ALWAYS mean effective. “I’ve had parents change from one brand to another as their baby’s skin gets red and irritated even with the more expensive brands. Some are even happier with the cheaper brands,” Dr. Evidente says. Taking into consideration the individual reaction of your baby is important.

If we talk about the environment, disposable diapers aren’t exactly a good choice. Imagine how much more solid waste gets dumped in landfills when a baby uses 10 diapers a day. “Generally speaking, it’s not an environmentally friendly choice,” says Dr. Evidente.

Lampin with a twist
In recent years, with the growing concern for the environment, innovations in diapers have been introduced into the market. “More and more Filipinos are becoming ‘greener’ beings with love for life, community, and environment,” observes Denise Gonzales, a mompreneur who runs Indigo Baby, an online shop that sells baby products.

Some twists on the traditional lampin that have developed in the recent years:

1. Lampin with inserts and covers “Next 9’s Tushy Wushies are innovated lampins with inserts and covers which make them somewhat water-resistant,” says Gonzales. “They are made of cotton and fleece, and no chemicals are used to hold the pee and poo.” Because they’re reusable and washable, Gonzales adds that she was even able to pass them on to a friend’s infant after her baby was already potty trained.

2. Diaper covers These are better versions of the “plastic panties” our parents used before, says Rowie Palacios, owner of Pinoybaby Store (www.store.pinoybaby.com). Thirsties, a U.S. diaper cover brand, is made from laminated polyester, which is softer, thinner, and much more comfortable than the nylon or vinyl diaper covers of the ’70s and ’80s. “They are also more leak-proof than the poorer-quality diaper covers on the market,” adds Palacios.

3. Pre-folds Think of this as the traditional lampin, which is folded and sewn to be more absorbent in the center, explains Palacios. You’ll have an easier time putting this on your baby, since you don’t need to fold it anymore.

4. Fitted and contour diapers “Fitted diapers look like disposable diapers but are made of high-quality absorbent fabric. They are fastened with either Velcro closures or snaps. The lining is often made of fabrics that wick moisture away from baby’s skin,” says Palacios.

5. All-in-one diapers  These are similar to fitted diapers, but they already have a waterproof outer covering sewn over them (no need for a diaper cover). “A pocket diaper is similar to an all-in-one diaper, except that the soaker inside is removable for easier washing,” adds Palacios.

6. One-size diapers Imagine diapers that can be adjusted to fit babies as they grow from infancy to toddlerhood. “You only need to purchase one set of one-size diapers, and these will last all the way until potty-training,” Palacios explains.

7. Organic disposable diapers are also available, but Gonzales says the downside is, “They are quite expensive and hard to find in Manila.”

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Why go alternative?
In summary, there are two reasons why moms like Gonzales and Palacios use these alternative diapering systems:

l. Increased awareness Gonzales explains that moms are slowly learning about the effects of chemicals on our lives. “Although cloth diapers may be less convenient to use, the benefits are far more than disposables.” Palacios agrees, “A newborn can go through 10 to 12 nappies a day, and moms see how wasteful it is to fill an entire trash can with nappies every day! Each diaper goes straight to the landfill, where it will take up space for a few centuries. That’s a lot of waste for something that’s merely meant to catch pee and poop, and was only used for a few hours,” she says.

2. Significant savings “With disposables, you’ll end up spending P50,000 to P100,000 before your child is potty-trained (if you toilet-train him at two-and-a-half years old),” says Palacios. On the other hand, if you buy a set of one-size diapers, you’ll only need to shell out P20,000 to P25,000. “And you can even use the same diapers on your next baby as well,” she adds. If you buy pre-folds and diaper covers, you’ll still spend less than P10,000 for two and a half years, saving you as much as P90,000. Gonzales explains that one pack of Tushies containing three diapers costs only P1,000. “These are reusable and last about one year. Factor in the soap and water used to wash them. Disposables range from P6 to P9 per piece, and can only be used once. So do the math,” she emphasizes.

 

Photo by Steph Esguerra