Penny-wise moms go back to cloth nappies
CLOTH diapers are back with a bang, with modern moms trading in the common disposable nappy for what they believe is better for baby, and for the environment.
The new nappies, however, are a far cry from the old terrycloth squares and require no pre-folding or pins – instead they use clips or velcro and come in an array of colours and designs.
“I love my cloth nappies. I remember opening a pack of newborn disposables and the strong chemical smell hit me and made my eyes water,” says Monique Wessels of Kamma Heights.
“I changed when my baby was six months old and found that although it has its challenges, they are better for baby, better for the environment, save me thousands and look amazing,” she says of the nappies she now uses for 14-month old Ella.
Other mothers are not quite as sold on the idea. Cindy Pegram, 28, from Kensington, mother of 10week-old Alfred, says she wanted to use cloth nappies but found disposable nappies saved her time.
“Babies already take up a lot of time, disposable is just easier.”
With a pack of newborn nappies retailing at R140 for 48, cost is often the biggest reason for switching over. Cloth nappies sell for around that each, but can be reused indefinitely.
Mom of five (soon to be six) Naomi Mitchell, 36, from Redhouse, is the creator of cloth nappy brand Tom Flips. “Wasting money on disposables didn’t even enter my mind,” she said.
A keen seamstress, she now makes and sells various cloth diapers which have become sought after around South Africa.