The great debate: Disposable or washable diapers?
Équipe Ma'boule de couche
| Criteria | Disposable diapers | Washable diapers |
|---|---|---|
| Waste produced | 900 kg to 1 tonne per child | Reusable, zero waste |
| Cost over 3 years | €1,500 to €2,000 | €400 to €700 |
| Composition | Plastics, perfumes, lotions | Oeko-Tex® certified fabrics without additives |
| Sustainability | Single use | Reusable and transferable |
Disposable diapers: advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Practical: they are thrown away after use;
- Rapid absorption and “dry” effect;
- Available everywhere (supermarket, pharmacy, subscription).
Disadvantages
- High cost: up to €2,000 over 3 years;
- 1 tonne of non-recyclable waste per child;
- May contain perfumes and chemical agents.
Reusable nappies: advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Eco-friendly: only 20–25 diapers for the entire baby's journey;
- Economic: investment pays for itself in a few months;
- Healthy: without endocrine disruptors;
- Comfortable: breathable materials, custom fit.
Disadvantages
- Requires washing and drying;
- Initial investment;
- Less practical when travelling without planning.
Environmental impact
The life cycle of disposable diapers consumes far more natural resources than that of washable diapers, which are reused hundreds of times...
FAQ – Disposable or washable diapers
Are washable nappies really more economical?
Yes. Over three years, a set of reusable diapers costs between €400 and €700, compared to €1,500 to €2,000 for disposables. The cost is even lower if you use the same diapers for a second child.
Do washable nappies require a lot of maintenance?
No, the routine is simple: quick pre-wash, cycle at 40–60 °C and drying. The system stabilizes within a few days and becomes automatic.
Can disposable and washable nappies be combined?
Yes, it is even the preferred solution for many families: washable at home, disposable for outings, holidays or exceptional cases.
Are disposable diapers dangerous to health?
Some contain perfumes, lotions, or manufacturing residues. Washable ones, on the other hand, use Oeko-Tex® Class 1 certified textiles, free of additives and endocrine disruptors.
Are washable cloths thicker than disposable ones?
Yes, but breathable materials offer better thermal comfort and reduce redness. Some brands, like Ma Boule De Couches®, design very thin and stable models.
What is the actual environmental impact of the two solutions?
Disposable items generate approximately 1 tonne of waste per child. Reusable items, which can be reused hundreds of times, reduce this impact by 80 to 90%.
Are washable nappies suitable for nursery?
Yes. More and more nurseries are accepting them. All you need is a simple kit: pre-assembled nappies, a waterproof bag and instructions.
Conclusion
A comparison between washable and disposable diapers shows that no solution is perfect...
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