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Are washable nappies healthier for babies? Here's what to know

The National Medical Association's team of doctors and anti-fraud experts answers the most important health questions

22 April 2026

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

What options exist for nappies?
What is the correct use of washable nappies?
Are washable nappies healthier for babies?
Are washable nappies really more environmentally friendly than disposable ones?

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Every minute, worldwide, more than 300,000 disposable nappies become waste. Since they are not biodegradable, they accumulate mainly in landfills and partly reach the oceans, contaminating them in the long term. What if 95% of the households using them chose the washable and reusable version? The ecological footprint of baby poop is not a marginal issue. We discuss it on the occasion of World Earth Day, which falls on 22 April. It is also an opportunity to consider the health of babies: are hemp or cotton nappies less aggressive on such delicate skin?

What options are there for nappies?

Of the different types, the most widely used are disposable ones, chosen for convenience and because they are perceived as more hygienic. Their use, however, creates a large amount of non-biodegradable waste. Therefore, the market is offering new types that are environmentally friendly, i.e. more sustainable for the environment.

Disposable nappies are made of elastic, lightweight synthetic materials (polypropylene and polyethylene). The inner part, which must absorb and retain urine, is made of cellulose and synthetic materials, often in gel form to limit leakage. Sometimes moisturising substances are added to these components to protect the skin.

Recently, even more environmentally friendly versions of disposable nappies are becoming popular: they can be biodegradable (to be disposed of in the wet waste) or compostable.

There are different types of washable nappies. All are composed of several layers with different functions. The part in contact with the skin, which must guarantee the passage of liquids but dry quickly without remaining damp, can be made of synthetic microfibre or organic materials (such as hemp, cotton, bamboo fibres): some of these fibres, such as bamboo, are attributed antibacterial properties, although scientific evidence on this is still limited. The other layers of washable nappies consist of fabrics, such as micro-fleece or other technical fibres, or wool, with a waterproof function. The main disadvantage of environmentally friendly solutions is the increased workload for parents: the fabrics have to be cleaned and sanitised.

What is the correct use of washable nappies?

It depends on the format, there are several. The most common are the foldable ones, which are made up of different layers and have several sizes according to the weight of the child, just like the disposable ones. To keep them in place, the closures are adjusted with hooks or Velcro and covered with a waterproof panty. Among the environmentally friendly ones, there are also the 'all-in-one' cloth nappies, which resemble disposable ones because there is no need to use a slip, and the 'pocket' ones, consisting of two sewn-on layers but with a small pocket to insert an absorbent accessory. In short, the manufacturers of these environmentally friendly solutions have invented different solutions to meet the growing demand of families.

For correct use, it is good to remember that: they can be used from the earliest hours; they can be changed from disposable to washable even later; they must usually be changed after about three hours (depending on the material); they should be washed in the washing machine at at least 60 degrees, after removing residues and stains with cold water. For the choice of detergent, it is best to follow the instructions on the product label.

Are washable nappies healthier for babies?

One of the most cited advantages among users of washable nappies is the reduced risk of dermatitis. Common sense, in fact, suggests that skin contact with synthetic materials, with plastic, can easily cause irritation, inflammation, mycosis. Among the different types of skin problems in babies, nappy dermatitis (or erythema) is very common.

It manifests itself as redness and swelling, sometimes small blisters, on the lateral regions of the buttocks and hips or in the groin. It occurs because children's skin is particularly sensitive in the area covered by the nappy, where it may also react to the cleansing and soothing products used at each nappy change. Finally, the presence of urine and faeces increases moisture, further sensitising those areas of the body. Nappy dermatitis is not a serious condition, it resolves in a few days, taking care to change the baby more often, washing and drying the area well. And taking care if, in addition to trivial redness, infections, caused by bacteria or fungi, are noticed.

Whether this discomfort is more frequent in disposable nappy users is a question addressed by scientific research, but the available evidence does not allow the conclusion that washable or disposable nappies are more protective than others. In fact, the most comprehensive and rigorous studies were analysed in a Cochrane review aimed at confirming the effectiveness of different types of nappies in preventing dermatitis. The conclusion is clear: the studies to date do not allow one to select which type of absorbent device is healthiest for children's skin.

Are washable nappies really more environmentally friendly than disposable ones, though?

The actual impact on the environment deserves extensive reflection. While it is clear that disposable nappies create huge amounts of waste that remain in the environment for a long time, washable nappies also have controversial aspects. They require a lot of water, energy and detergents for washing and contain, as we have seen, synthetic and technical materials. Only in part, therefore, are they organic or ecological. One solution, which remains expensive and difficult to find for the time being, is the disposable but compostable nappy, which can be disposed of in wet waste or in composting devices.

Read the full fact sheet on the dottomaeveroche website of Fnomceo