Nappies Users- What type are you?

Think to yourself the type of person who uses cloth nappies. If it’s you great! If it’s not then think again, and ask yourself why not?

By writing this article I’m hoping to widen peoples views on cloth nappies and broaden the horizons of readers who may feel that cloth nappies are the trend for a select minority rather than for the greater good.

In an Eco-consious society I often wonder why the uptake of cloth nappies isn’t higher! I aim to enlighten you the various types of nappy users I have come across and see where you fit, including an estimated spend of each group on nappies from birth to potty training – on the assumption that potty training is successful by the age of 2 1/2 years old; I’ve worked out a conservative estimated total spent on standard ‘sposies (disposables) to be between £800-£1,200.

I’ve grouped the ‘types’ allowing a split between a ‘sposie and cloth user, this way you can comment freely without prejudice. This is purely for ‘fun’ there is no research to back me up – only my personal experiences!

One-off or One-brand Wonders
‘Sposie User
Probably brought a brand of cloth nappies when pregnant without really researching what would work for you, maybe had a leak then gave up or you braved the use of nappies until you realised that the poo has to go somewhere other than the bin. So on top of the cost of ‘sposies you probably have the additional cost of a birth to potty kit of un-used cloth nappies.
Cost: £1,200-£1,500
Savings: None

Cloth User
On the opposite extreme, you researched you invested and very pleased with your selection. You probably only have 1 or 2 types of nappy in your stash (maybe day/night ones).
Costs: £300-£400
Savings: £400-£800

Hooked and Addicted
Cloth User
Unfortunately ‘sposie users can’t really be quantified in this category.
These lush fluff lovers buys nappys now instead of shoes/handbags etc. Outfit matching or custom fluff is a must.
You probably keen on swapping or buying/selling pre-loved nappies to regularly refresh your stash.
Cost: £400-infinity
Savings: Depending on how ‘addicted’ you are.

Practical nappy lovers
‘Sposie User
Your a highly seasoned nappy user – you’ve tried them all and made your choices. You probably have a preferred ‘sposie brand for day/night use, heading out etc. Possibly have excess stocks of those nappies that didn’t work for you.
Cost: £1,200+
Savings: None

Cloth User
Has a nappy for all occasions, on the go, overnight, lazy day at home. You probably brought pre-loved before investing in new so you can be sure you like to shape, fit and absorbency of the nappy. Majority of your stash is probably birth-to-potty with a few fitted nappies.
Cost: £400-£500
Savings: Can be substantial

Eco-Lovers
‘Sposie User
Likely to be using ‘eco’ nappies which claim to bio-degrade faster than standard ‘sposies
Cost: £1200+
Savings: None

Cloth User
Has a vast majority of their nappy stash made from eco or sustainable materials – hemp & bamboo galore! or enjoys buying/selling pre-loved nappies and saving on pre-washes.
Cost: £200-£300 (on the basis of 50% stash ‘pre-loved’)
Savings: Can be substantial

Part-time Practitioner
Theres no ‘sposie – cloth split for this type of user as they juggle both nappy types. You might use cloth during the day and a ‘sposie at night or use ‘sposies out & about/childcare.

In ‘some’ ways your getting the best of both worlds but the savings aren’t as great as special offers can lead to purchasing too many ‘sposies of one size.
Cost: £800-£1200 (if 50% of time in ‘sposies’ and cost of cloth accounted for)
Savings: Negligible

Remember: This is for fun, I’m not intentionally aiming to offend anyone, nor has this article been based on any research other than my own experiences – Enjoy!