Five natural alternatives to disposable nappies
If you, like me, are adjusting to the new "normal" and questioning some of the things we took for granted, you might be thinking about using fewer nappies.
Although supermarket shelves are well-stocked on most items, the idea of running out of nappies is enough to give most parents a panic attack.
And even if you're not one to panic-buy, below are some suggestions on things you can do to use fewer nappies. The first three apply for babies (and toddlers) of all ages. And at the bottom, you'll find two suggestions specific to each age.
1. Naked time. If your baby isn't crawling yet, all you need is a waterproof layer and you're set! Try a wool puddle pad for a natural alternative that you don't need to wash with every wee - just wring out and dry flat. If they are crawling or walking, then have a potty to hand.
2. DIY nappies - not as bad as it sounds, I promise! Fashion your own with a makeshift nappy belt (or get one from Little Bunny Bear on Etsy) and an absorbent layer: you can use a muslin, a prefold nappy or even an old (clean) tea towel.
3. Training pants. My favourite option and lifesavers. Appropriate for babies from 6 months, they save you having to clean a puddle from the floor, allow for more mobility than nappies (and less falls if they're walking) and can become waterproof if you use a wool/fleece/or PUL wrapper on top.
18 months & up
4. Aim for a poo catch. By 18 months, most of us know when our toddlers need to poo. So instead of letting them go in their nappy, put it in the toilet!
5. Potty train. If you have been putting it off, or not sure whether you're ready (your toddler is, trust me), there's no better time than now. Most of us are home with our children anyway!
Ages 0 - 18 months
4. Reusable nappies. If you can, now may be the time to invest in them. Don't know where to start? Follow @nappyneighbours or book a workshop with a local cloth bum mum.
5. Practice Elimination Communication (ie: take your baby to the potty!). All of the above options will be easier if combined with EC. Not sure where to start? Book an online class below.