Want your nappies to be eco-friendly? Here are our top cloth diapering tips, plus a list of some great reusable diapers that are gentle on your baby’s bottom – and the planet.
Did you know babies can go through an average of 2,500 nappies in their first year? Now multiply that by the number of babies in Singapore… and then worldwide. Shocking, isn’t it? If you want to do your bit to help save the planet (and can invest a little more time into the extra laundry required), then you may want to consider ditching the disposables and opting for reusable cloth diapers. Well, you’ve come to the right place. And, if you spend loads of time in the pool because of the tropical heat, how about washable swim diapers, too?
But first, how do I start cloth diapering my baby?
Washing cloth diapers
OK we know what you’re thinking – how does one even wash cloth diapers? Will I need to get an old school wooden laundry board and start scrubbing poop (*shudders*) off of them? The good news is, no you don’t. It can all be done in the washing machine. Hear us out before you go running for the hills!
Cloth diapers require two rounds of washing to be cleaned thoroughly – a prewash, which is a load of laundry of soiled diapers only and helps remove most of the urine and poo; and a main wash, which can be done with the rest of your laundry as you usually would.
“Poop swimming around in my washing machine? No thanks.” Nooo, poop should be washed off using a bidet or showerhead into your toilet bowl first, wrung, and then popped into the washing machine. Once you do the two washes, you’ll be surprised at how squeaky clean the diapers come out!
Types of cloth diapers
There are a number of cloth diaper ‘systems’ that you can try, from All-in-Ones that come ready to go like a disposable diaper, to those with multiple components that require some prep before putting them on your baby. A good start would be to join a community like the Cloth Diapering Singapore Facebook group, filled with thousands of parents in Singapore who are interested in, or are already cloth diapering their kids. Here you’ll find useful resources for all things cloth diapering and meet other likeminded parents.
So that’s a quick primer on how you can start on your cloth diapering journey. Without further ado, read on for our round-up of the best reusable diaper brands to help keep baby – and Mother Earth – happy!
Best reusable cloth diapers and swim diapers in Singapore
1. Little Lalang
This homegrown brand by two Singapore-based mums was started with the simple goal to go green and sustainable. Bringing their personal experiences to the fore, they decided to stock plenty of sustainable wear for the tinies. And with the amount of waste generated today, we say this is really an answer to our prayers! Expect to find easy-to-wear, high-quality cloth diapers to swim diapers on offer. Psst, you also get free local shipping for orders above $100.
2. Moo Moo Kow
We love this Singapore-born brand for its colourful reusable diaper options. Born from the passion of mums who wanted to make a difference, it’s been in the cloth diaper business since 2007. Looking for swim diapers, nappy liners and training pants? Moo Moo Kow stocks them all… and more!
3. Just Peachy Basics
Founded by a mum (and Launchpad member!) hailing from Hong Kong, Just Peachy stocks a range of cloth diapers, zero-waste accessories and sustainable underwear for kids. Its high quality cloth diapers come in the nicest colours and prints, and designed to be leak-proof and easy to use. Opt for the bundles to get more bang for your buck!
4. Pupsik
Pupsik is a favourite pit stop amongst Singapore mums and dads for all those nifty toy essentials. Have you checked out its wide range of swim diapers yet? We are talking over 20 designs to choose from. Aren’t we spoilt for choice? The diapers are comfy and absorbent, with snug-fitting elastic at the waist and legs to protect from a leaky avalanche. Foof! Plus, with their grow-with-bub design (fits bubs newborn-two years old), you won’t have to dispose of them every few months. Psst, Pupsik has cute reusable training diapers on offer too!
5. Little Kooma
This Singapore baby product brand is all-too-familiar amongst us mums and dads. Did you know it also stocks up on some snazzy-reusable cloth diaper designs? Yup! We’re talking nappies with extra absorbency for heavy wetters, and an easy-to-adjust snap system, and it grows with your bub till toddler age. That’s a lot of positives packed in a nappy! Plus, it’s available for less than $10 a pop. We’re sold!
6. Alvababy
Alva Baby makes a wide range of cloth, reusable diapers from soft, highly absorbent and breathable material. It also makes oh-so cute washable swim diapers in amazing prints, too (pictured above). Meaning peace of mind around the clock for all those thrills and spills! Buy them online from the site, or check out Amazon.
7. Bambino Mio
We’re personal fans of the swim diapers from Bambino Mio and found they really stood the test of time – and lots of washes! Made in the US, the brand ships to Singapore, so online shopping is easy-peasy. As for your standard reusable cloth diapers, the award-winning miosolo is a simple, stylish and super soft all-in-one cloth diaper that grows with your little one from baby to toddler. Also good for training pants when you start potty training!
8. Close Parent
Award-winning reusable nappies brand Close Parent is another great recommendation for cloth diapers, and also makes swim diapers for safe splash time. We love the Pop-In range’s cool colours and patterns… they certainly make diaper change time more pleasurable! Find them at Agape Babies and Mums and Babes.
9. Bumwear
Want to shop small and support local? Set up by a mum, Bumwear started off as a small business that now has three boutiques in Singapore and online stores in Indonesia and the US. These award-winning reusable diapers give parents a fuss-free environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable nappies. Available in lots of cool prints, these one-size diapers will grow with your baby up to toddlerhood. Boutiques are in Changi and Marina Square. Check the site for swim diapers, too.
10. Charlie Banana
Priding itself as an eco-conscious brand, Charlie Banana boasts an impressive range of stylish and functional reusable diapers and swim diapers. These nappies have wide back and leg elastics to keep them snug and prevent leaks – the dreaded poonami! Since each cloth diaper is washable and can be used over and over again, all you have to do is change the inserts, which you can do with ease thanks to the front flap opening.
Thank you for saving the earth, parents!
