New parents are being encouraged to say no to disposable nappies and turn to a more eco-friendly option instead.
A new scheme launched at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital is giving eligible parents vouchers towards reusable cloth nappy starter packs, with organisers hoping more families will make the switch from single-use nappies.
Backed by Dublin City Council and environmental charity Voice Ireland, the initiative is designed to help parents try reusable nappies without the hefty upfront cost.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about cloth nappies and how to use them
The starter packs contain everything families need to begin using cloth nappies from birth right through to toilet training.
Supporters of the scheme say it will help cut the huge number of disposable nappies ending up in bins every year while also saving parents money in the long run.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said the project is a practical way for families to make environmentally friendly choices from the moment a child is born.
Council officials say the programme is focused on making greener parenting easier and more affordable, particularly for families who may never have considered reusable nappies before.
Cloth nappies have both advantages and disadvantages, and whether they’re worthwhile depends on a family’s lifestyle, budget and priorities.
Although the initial cost is higher, reusable nappies can work out much cheaper than disposables over the course of a child’s nappy years, especially if used for more than one child.
Disposable nappies take hundreds of years to break down. Cloth nappies can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
They can be washed and reused, making them a more sustainable option.
Many parents find natural fabrics can reduce irritation or nappy rash, although this varies from child to child. Today’s cloth nappies are much easier to use than the old-fashioned terry squares, with poppers, Velcro fastenings and absorbent inserts.
However, using cloth nappies also has a downside.
Used nappies need to be rinsed and washed regularly, adding to the household laundry, and cloth nappies can take several hours to air-dry, especially in winter or damp weather.
Buying a full set of cloth nappies can be expensive, although they may save money over time.
Parents need to carry used nappies home in a waterproof wet bag rather than throwing them away. And washing them frequently uses water and electricity, so the environmental benefit depends partly on how they’re laundered (for example, washing full loads and air-drying where possible).
A limited number of Dublin households will qualify for the cloth nappy vouchers, with the kits available through the partnership between the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin City Council, and Voice Ireland.
Barry Woods, Head of Waste Management Services at Dublin City Council, said the initiative is another step towards reducing unnecessary waste while encouraging more sustainable everyday habits.
Voice Ireland also says early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many parents who initially had no interest in cloth nappies deciding to continue using them after trying the starter kits.
To be eligible for the scheme, you must:
- Be a permanent resident of a participating local authority
- Be pregnant or have a child under the age of 12 months living with you for whom the purchased reusable nappies will be used, and be new to cloth nappies.
You can find out if you qualify here.
