Ooops! Is it actually true that cloth nappies are good for hip development?

[NorktasticNinja]

I hope so!

DD's nearly 14 months and in cloth nappies, she's just starting to walk, so, inevitably nursery asked if the relative bulkiness of cloth wouldn't hinder her development. Obviously I know it's fine but I racked my brains for a positive benefit and said it was good for hip development...

I didn't pull it totally out of thin air, I remember reading something about it on here once. But, I can't remember what, if it was a thread or just one comment

Anyway, it wouldn't matter, but today when DP dropped DD off one of the nursery nurses asked him for info about cloth, what with it being so good for hip development and all. He isn't sure if she meant info for another parent or the nursery. I'd be confident to advise someone on the choice of nappies and the pros and cons of cloth, but I certainly don't want to be making spurious medical claims.

I think they are more supportive for clicky hips - but that affects newborns not 14 month olds!!

Oh bugger, how am I going to get out of this one?

YOu could say that what you meant is that it helps prevents spinal injuries from them falling back onto their bottoms onto hard floors as it's give more padding than disposables.

I think I remember somewhere that it has been noted that there has been an increase of spinal injuries in toddlers because of super thin disposables. We're not taking major injuries but I suppose jarring?

mmmm, and I could try and blame the confusion on the language barrier

It is true that cloth nappies hold small babies hips in position better than disposibles. Clicky hips are often treated by putting two disposible nappies on at a time to support the hips better where as with cloth nappies that not necessary.

Thanks tutu

& hundreds of years ago when I was a baby I was put in double terry nappies as I had clicky hips

yup its true. When ds was in hosp the consultant told us that cloth nappies are brilliant for littlies as they hold the hips in place

It always amazes me that people think cloth could hinder development - we all learnt to walk didn't we?!

yes - my 7mo doesn't roll and people always say perhaps the big nappy is a hindrance. But my ds1 never ever rolled - and he was in disposables. Both just lazy!

What I've heard is that with dispos getting thinner and thinner, there's been an increase in hip dysplasia, as they don't cushion the hips and back when baby's learning to walk. Also in smaller babies, cloth holds the hips in the right position.

Anyone over about 30? learnt to roll, crawl, walk with thick nappies on. Silly moos. Fascinating stuff about the hips though.

Well, I'm 27, and I was in great thick terry squares as a baby. My mum's bang alongside me using cloth, and my sister has used cloth on both her DDs as well. We all walk fine, as does my older niece (younger niece only 4 months old, so doesn't count)