Storing Diapers Made Easy: A Guide for Sustainable Parents

Photo by @ammenmaerchen

On the exciting journey of parenting, there are many decisions to make – one of them concerns the type of diapers we choose for our children. While disposable diapers are found in many households, more and more parents are opting for the sustainable approach of cloth diapers. But regardless of the diaper choice, the question arises: How do you store them properly?

Can diapers be stored incorrectly? Yes, diapers can be stored incorrectly. Improper storage, such as keeping them in damp or too tight spaces, can affect the functionality and hygiene of the diapers. In the case of cloth diapers, this can also reduce the longevity of the material.

In this article, we show how to store diapers properly, both disposable and eco-friendly cloth diapers, and provide tips for hygienic and mindful handling.

The Proper Storage of Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers are a pragmatic solution for many parents. However, it's also important to observe some basic rules for their storage to ensure their efficiency and hygiene.

Why Proper Storage is Important

Disposable diapers are made of special materials that can absorb moisture and trap odors. However, improper storage can cause these materials to lose their functionality. It's important that the diapers remain dry and clean to avoid skin irritations and allergic reactions in children.

Tips for Optimal Storage of Disposable Diapers

• Store dry: Ensure that the place where you store your diapers is dry. Moisture can affect the absorbency of the diapers and promote the growth of mold.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can break down the materials in disposable diapers. Therefore, it is advisable to store them in a shaded area or in a cupboard.
• Use the original packaging: It is best to keep diapers in their original packaging to protect them from dust and dirt.
• Keep out of reach of children: Disposable diapers can contain small parts that may be dangerous for children, such as the fastening pieces. Therefore, keep them out of reach.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the disposable diapers consistently serve their purpose and offer the best possible protection for delicate baby skin.

When we talk about diapers, we must not forget that there is another eco-friendly option: cloth diapers. But how should they be stored best?

Photo by @antonia_natascha

From Disposable to Sustainability: Switching to Cloth Diapers

There are many good reasons to switch from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. The search for greater sustainability and concern for our planet are just two of many aspects. In recent years, cloth diapers have gained popularity not only because of their eco-friendliness but also due to their efficiency and economy.

Benefits of Cloth Diapers in Terms of Sustainability

• Less Waste: A baby produces a significant amount of waste in the first years of life with disposable diapers. In contrast, cloth diapers can be washed and reused, significantly reducing the amount of waste.
• Eco-friendly Materials: While disposable diapers are made from materials that are hard to degrade, cloth diapers are significantly more sustainable as they are made from natural materials like cotton or hemp, which are compostable and environmentally friendly.
• Long-term Cost Savings: Despite the initial investment, cloth diapers are cheaper in the long run, as they can be reused for years, whereas disposable diapers must be continually repurchased.
• Chemical-free: Cloth diapers are free from harmful chemicals and bleaching agents that are found in many disposable diapers. This is especially a good choice for babies with sensitive skin.

The benefits speak for themselves, and it becomes clear why more and more parents are choosing the sustainable path of cloth diapers. As with everything in life, there are some things to consider here as well, especially when it comes to storage. But don't worry, with a few tips and tricks, this becomes child's play!

How to Properly Store Cloth Diapers

Choosing cloth diapers is not just a step towards greater sustainability, but also a contribution to a healthier environment. However, as with all products that you use regularly, proper storage is crucial to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

Storing Fresh Cloth Diapers: Hygienic and Practical

• Airy Storage: Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers require good air circulation. Avoid storing them in airtight containers. An open shelf or a breathable bag is ideal.
• Prefer Dark Places: Direct sunlight can fade the colors of cloth diapers. A shaded place not only protects the color but also helps to preserve the materials of the diaper.
• Store in Stacks: To save space and keep diapers easily accessible, they can be folded and stacked.

Handling Used Cloth Diapers Until Washing

Used cloth diapers require special attention to minimize odors and make cleaning easier:

• Air Circulation: A well-ventilated bucket or a special diaper bag is ideal for storing used diapers between wash cycles. This not only preserves the materials but also prevents the development of odors.
• No Soaking: It was once recommended to soak cloth diapers in water. Today, it is known that soaking can damage the fabric and promote bacterial growth. It is better to store the diapers dry and rinse them only if necessary before washing.
• Separate Storage of Inserts: If your cloth diapers have inserts or covers, separate them before washing to ensure that all parts are thoroughly cleaned.

With these tips, storing and caring for cloth diapers becomes an easy and efficient process. You will not only enjoy the benefit of clean, fresh diapers but also feel the positive impact on the environment.

Mindfulness and Sustainability: A Conscious Approach to Diapers

Over time, the call for a conscious and responsible lifestyle is getting louder. And as parents, we want our children to grow up in a world marked by appreciation and mindfulness. How we use and store diapers may seem trivial, but it is a crucial step on this path.

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Choosing diapers can be a first step towards a mindful lifestyle. Cloth diapers, when properly cared for and stored, are not only eco-friendly but also health-promoting for your baby. It's about more than just reducing waste: it's about making conscious decisions that benefit both the child and the planet.

Sustainability for the Future

Every choice we make in favor of sustainability is a contribution to the future of our planet. Disposable diapers take centuries to decompose and contribute to the growing waste mountains. Additionally, they are incinerated as hazardous waste, leaving behind a toxic residue, which is stored in former mines, continuing to harm the environment. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, not only reduce waste but also save resources and money.

A conscious approach to diapers is only a small part of the bigger picture, but one with significant impacts. It reminds us that every action counts and even small steps can contribute to a sustainable and mindful life.

In conclusion, we can say: Our children are worth it for us to choose sustainable and conscious alternatives. And with a little planning and preparation, this path can be easier than you think. Whether you choose disposable or cloth diapers: it's about being informed and mindful and finding the best possible way for your family and the environment.

A Sustainable Future – with Judes

We at Judes, a small cloth diaper start-up, also want to contribute to sustainability. For this reason, and to support parents in everyday life, we developed Judes. Our cloth diaper is made from sustainable and recycled materials and is at least as easy to use as a disposable diaper – if not even easier.

Our Concept: Minimalist Through the Diaper Phase

We have consciously decided to keep our system as simple as possible. Therefore, Judes consist of only two parts and do without various inserts and cumbersome folding techniques. To diaper with Judes, you only need:

• An inner diaper: Made from 100% organic cotton, the absorbent inner diaper ensures that Judes remain leak-proof for up to twelve hours. This means they can also be worn overnight or on long car journeys without any issues. They are equipped with flexible cuffs at both the leg openings and the back, ensuring that the diaper adapts to your child's body shape, fits perfectly, and does not leak. The inner diaper is closed with a Velcro fastening, allowing for perfect size adjustment.
• And a cover: Our cover is made from PUL (the layer that creates the water barrier) and ensures that everything stays inside the diaper. The fabric is waterproof yet breathable, making it perfect for cloth diapers. The cover also adapts perfectly to your child's body shape through flexible cuffs and Velcro fastening.

Judes Benefits

Judes offer a variety of benefits that significantly improve the lives of families. Our diapers are particularly sustainable as they are reusable unlike disposable diapers and thus significantly contribute to the reduction of waste. A family can save up to a ton of waste per child with Judes cloth diapers, which has a significant positive impact on the environment.

Another important advantage is the healthy skin of the children. Our cloth diapers are made of breathable materials that prevent skin irritation and diaper rash. Unlike disposable diapers, Judes cloth diapers do not contain harmful chemicals, which further promotes skin health.

Children who wear our cloth diapers become diaper-free faster. Since they can feel the wetness better, they learn to understand their bodily processes more quickly. This means that children may no longer need diapers up to a year earlier.

Moreover, using Judes cloth diapers saves time. They are easy to handle and easy to wash, eliminating tedious trips to the supermarket and the constant repurchasing of diapers. With little effort, the diapers are ready for use again in no time.

Judes cloth diapers also offer financial benefits. While disposable diapers incur ongoing costs, families can save up to €3,000 per child with the one-time purchase of our cloth diapers. If the diapers are subsequently used by other children or sold, these savings become even more apparent.

Our innovative diapers provide better leak protection than conventional disposable diapers. Thanks to the high-quality materials and thoughtful fit, Judes cloth diapers offer optimal leak protection, even overnight. Flexible cuffs at the legs and back fit perfectly to your child's body shape and ensure optimal support.

Finally, Judes cloth diapers are hygienic. The use of Poo Papers allows easy disposal of stools. The diapers are washed at high temperatures, ensuring thorough cleaning and the highest hygiene standards. Due to the airy storage in the diaper bag, cloth diapers are also odor-neutral. In contrast, disposable diapers quickly cause unpleasant odors if they are not immediately placed in the trash.

Judes cloth diapers are the ideal choice for environmentally conscious families who value sustainability, health, and comfort. Judes parents are also enthusiastic:

"We love Judes! With our middle child, we also tested several other diaper brands in parallel, but we stuck with Judes. All in all, it's the easiest system with super (!) absorbency that can be individually boosted with boosters. So flexible, even the daycare is impressed. We have now also decided on Judes for our little one out of sheer conviction."
(Nina Finke)

"I find the Judes diapers great and enjoy diapering our child with them. You can just tell how many good thoughts and how much effort are behind the diapers and the associated products."
(Anonymous)

Are you curious? Visit our cloth diaper shop and use our trial set for your start into the world of cloth diapers!