In the midst of the severe economic crisis affecting Cuban families, many mothers have found a creative and desperate way to extend the lifespan of disposable diapers.
It’s not a new practice, but in recent years it has become much more widespread due to rising inflation and the shortage of basic goods in the country. Buying disposable diapers is a luxury that many families cannot afford.
Content creator Yatmara (@yamitejidosacrochet) shared a video on Instagram demonstrating step by step how mothers on the island recycle diapers to reuse them.
The process begins by soaking the used diapers in plenty of water to separate the absorbent gel from the plastic covering. Then, that material is removed and the diaper is carefully cleaned. It is hand-washed with soap before being left to dry in the sun.
Finally, mothers fill them with gauze diapers, the only ones that are sold regularly in Cuba.
This system is used to keep babies dry when they urinate. In the country, they do not sell reusable waterproof diapers, like the ones produced in the 1950s, which allowed for a fabric insert and could be reused.
This method of recycling disposable diapers, which might seem unusual in other countries, has become a necessity due to the high cost of this essential item for baby care. The price of a pack can sometimes double the average monthly salary.
While the Cuban regime continues to provide no real solutions to the shortages, the mothers on the island demonstrate their ingenuity and resilience in the face of state neglect.
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