Everything you want to know about washable diapers
In 7 easy questions
1. So, why washables?
- Potty train faster.
- Reduce single-use diaper waste.
- Decrease exposure to chemicals.
- Minimise rashes and skin irritation.
- Save money.
- Stop leakages.
2. What is a washable diaper?
A diaper that can be washed and reused. A washable diaper is typically made of 2 washable fabrics and a semi-washable liner. The liner does the heavy work and can be thrown away with every diaper change. Here are the three components that make up a Billie Wonder washable diaper.
- The Wrap – The washable, decorated shell holding everything together. It’s covered in buttons so it can adjust to the shape of every baby.
- The Inserts – A washable, absorbent hemp-cotton layer that snaps into the wrap. It absorbs moisture coming from the liner.
- The Liner – A semi-washable, biodegradable, gentle sheet between baby and the insert. It catches solids, wicks moisture into the insert, and can be washed up to 5 times if without solids.
3. Are washable diapers more work?
It depends on how you look at it.
Yes, it takes 30 sec more per diaper change. But consider this, kids are potty-trained 1 ½ to 2 years faster, reducing your diaper changes by 3,000 to 4,000.
Yes, it adds 2x 30 minute cycles per week. If washing 2x per week, that’s 4 minutes added to your weekly laundry routine.
Also consider these pluses. You never run out of diapers. Trips to the trash are replaced by trips to the laundry room.
4. What about poo?
In the washing machine? No. Solids are immediately disposed of with the liner and do not go into your diaper bin.
On hands? No. Liners are built to hold solids and have plenty of extra fabric to ensure hands stay clean.
In diaper bags? No. Again, solids are immediately disposed of with the liner, so no solids in diaper bags.
On clothes? No. The elastic legs and waist, as well as adjustable buttons, make for a better fit. This keeps moisture and solids in the diaper, making the proverbial, up-the-back-blow-out a thing of the past.
5. Are washable diapers better for the environment?
The average child uses about 6,000 diapers in its lifetime and is potty-trained by 3 ½ years old. That’s 2,000 diapers per year.
Research tells us kids who use washable diapers are potty-trained 1 ½ to 2 years faster than those using disposables,
It also tells us disposable diapers can take 500 years to decompose in landfills.
So, yes, washable diapers reduce waste, which is better for the environment – even when factoring in washing and drying.
And, as an added bonus, parents reduce diaper changes by 3,000 to 4,000 per child.
6. How many do I need and what does it cost?
Quantity and cost depends on how often you use washables and how often you want to do laundry.
Assuming full time use with 2 washes per week –
- 12 x The Wrap
- 20 x The Insert
- 4 x The Nighttime
Billie Wonder’s full kit costs EUR 540.00. Two kits are required to take a child from new-born to potty-training, for a total cost of EUR 972.00.
For those who prefer to sample or use less, trial kits and day kits are an option.
7. Does potty training happen faster?
Yes. It turns out wrapping babies in fibre-based material has many benefits, faster potty training being one of them.
The reason? Fibre-based, washable diaper’s natural absorption allows the baby to feel the sensation of going to the toilet. This subtle difference creates awareness.
It doesn’t mean discomfort or increased risk of diaper rash. In fact, the opposite. Diaper rash and other skin related conditions are less common with fibre-based, washable diapers.
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