Working as an early childhood educator was an eye-opener for sustainability-minded Kew mum Claire Lawrence.
'With the babies and the toddler rooms there was just a lot of nappy waste,' she says. 'And learning that the average disposable nappy takes 150 years to break down really makes you think. I knew if I had my own kids I would use cloth.'
Some parents at Claire's previous job opted for reusable nappies, so she had a chance to try them out. They're shaped like disposable nappies but have a waterproof shell, absorbent inserts and snap fasteners.
She bought a stack before her son Jules, now 3, was born. The adjustable nappies took him from newborn to toilet training. Now 6-month-old brother Arlo uses the same ones.
'They still look almost like new,' says Claire. 'That's the beauty of them, they can keep on being used again and again. After Arlo we'll probably try and sell them or give them away to a local family, keep them going around.'
Claire lists other advantages of reusable nappies, which outweigh having to wash them. They'll save you money. They're more breathable than disposable nappies so there's less chance of nappy rash and irritation. And the fun and collectable prints make them 'super-cute'.
Arlo wears reusable nappies full-time, except rare times like when the family goes camping. But Claire says using just a few reusable nappies a day still makes a difference. 'Every little bit counts.'
Join our reusable nappy workshop
Find out how reusable nappies can help cut waste and save more than $2,000 per child. Boroondara residents will receive a free reusable nappy and go into a draw to win a reusable nappy pack.
When: Friday 21 February, 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Ashburton Community Centre, 160 High Street, Ashburton
Book: Go to our reusable nappies workshop page.
