Heading down the supermarket aisle with your partner, you push the trolley while he pushes the buggy. Your little one is huddled inside, sucking on her dummy and people-watching to her heart’s content.

You’re in a bit of a rush to get the weekly shop done, so you hurry down the next aisle, trying to tick everything off your list.

However, while you’re choosing what cereal to buy, your partner comes up behind you with the buggy. A familiar smell simultaneously fills the aisle.

“Don’t forget to pick up some nappies. I think we need to go home and change him.”

Being a parent to a 1-3-year-old, you’ll know that nappy changing time isn’t the highlight of our experience as parents. However, it’s a necessary part of bringing up a baby. And since it’s a regular product we need to buy, many parents will question whether it’s best to buy disposable or cloth nappies.

We understand that you’ll want what’s best for your baby, your family, and the environment. But to keep all of these parties happy, which is the better choice? And what do you need to know when it comes to this area?

What do I need to know when buying nappies for my baby?

You’re always going to come across different opinions of what you should buy. Overall, it’s good to mention that you are always going to come across different opinions when it comes to this topic. After all, companies will try their best to convince you that their product is the best for your baby and the environment. That’s why it’s best to do your individual research on the matter and only take professional advice.

Disposable nappies impact the environment negatively. We’re sure that you’ll be aware that disposable nappies don’t have the best reputation when it comes to environmental factors. This is because the production of the plastic and gels that make up the nappies produce waste that needs disposing of. On top of that, nappies are made from a material called polypropylene - a nonrenewable resource that can’t biodegrade under landfill.

Although disposable nappies affect the environment negatively, chlorine-free disposable nappies have recently become available. These are nappies with lower toxins levels and are considered more environmentally friendly.

Although cloth nappies are preferable environmentally, there isn’t a huge difference between them and disposable nappies. You might assume that cloth nappies are significantly better for the environment. Although they are preferable, there isn’t a huge difference between the two options. This is because cloth nappies are made from cotton, which uses a lot of chemical fertilisers and insecticides. They also amount to a large production cost and use up a lot of hot water (as they need to be washed).

Additional green options (hybrid nappies) are becoming regularly available. While it may be confusing whether you should purchase plastic or cloth nappies, other options are becoming available. These ‘hybrid’ nappies have a cloth shell that can be reused and a biodegradable liner that’s good for the sewage system and can be flushed. However, this is a more expensive option, so it won’t be suitable for every family.

Disposable nappies are thought to be best to avoid nappy rash. Nappy rash is something that all parents want to avoid. Therefore, when it comes to this, disposable nappies are thought of as the best option as they keep a baby’s skin drier. They are very absorbent and good at keeping the skin dry so there is no need to change them as frequently.

Are disposable or cloth nappies best for my baby?

On our Baby Health Journey, we ask whether disposable or cloth nappies are best for baby.