|
|
Did you know?
- Disposable nappies are responsible for about 4% of household waste in the UK.
- 3 Billion nappies are thrown away each year in the UK.
- Nappy disposal costs local authorities thousands of pounds a year (Bristol City spend £500,000). (WEN)
|
What are real nappies?
Real nappies are also referred to as ‘cotton nappies’ or ‘reusable nappies’. Essentially, they are nappies that are made from natural materials, that are washable (at home or by a laundry service) and they can be used more than once.
Many mums and dads are changing to using real nappies for a number of reasons. These include:
· Disposable nappies contain super-absorbent chemicals and plastics.
· Real nappies are made from natural fabrics and are chemical free.
· Parents can save from £500 to £1,250 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies. Real nappy kits, which include nappies and waterproof covers, can cost as little as £70 on the high street. This is a huge saving.
· Disposable nappies have a negative effect on the environment.
· Real Nappies are very flexible and can be adapted to suit your baby. For example, extra liners can be used for heavy wetters and at nighttime.
For more information contact The Real Nappy Association and ask for a free parents' information pack. Send a large stamped adderssed envelope with two stamps to PO Box 3704, London SE26 4RX or call 0208 299 4519
What are the choices?
There are hundreds of cotton nappies available and it can be hard to know where to begin. There are nappies with poppers or Velcro;nappied where one size fits all; all in one nappies; prefolded nappies. The list goes on, but the most common nappies are:
Two part systems
For these, you will need a nappy and a waterproof breathable wrap.
They are available as prefolded nappies or fitted nappies. You can either buy nappies and wraps in different sizes or buy a ‘one size fits all’ which is fully adjustable as your baby grows.
Advantages of this system is that you can wash the nappy and wrap separately so they dry quickly. You don’t have to wash the wraps after every use unless they are soiled.
All in one Systems
These nappy systems refer to a fitted nappy and waterproof wrap which are all in one. 'All in ones' come in different sizes or ‘one size fits all’ which is fully adjustable as your baby grows.
Advantages are that they are very easy to use and you do not have to buy separate nappies and wraps.
Many parents use liners along with their cotton nappies, for solid waste. You can either buy biodegradable flushable liners, which can be put straight down the toilet, or you can buy washable liners that can be used again.
Cotton nappies can be washed easily at home on a normal cycle at about 60˚. They really are easy to use.
Click here to find out more about Real Nappies - frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Real Nappies?
Independent shops or services
The Nappy Biz
Contact Tracey Wade for independent advice and a home consultancy service. Tel: 01483 833640 or visit the website at www.thenappybiz.co.uk
Twinkle Twinkle
Contact Kay Oulds for independent advice about washable nappies.
Tel: 01483 852507 Website: www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk
Cotton Bottoms
Cotton Bottoms offer a variety of reusable nappies that can be washed at home or you can use their home nappy laundering service. Tel: 0901 880 0011 Website: www.cottonbottoms.co.uk
Lollipop
Contact Surrey’s agent Penny Vaughan for a variety of cloth nappies. Tel: 01342 799512 or 01736 799512 Website: www.teamlollipop.co.uk
Lotties (Natural Collection)
Contact Lotties for 100% unbleached washable cotton nappies.
High Street shops
Boots, Mothercare, Waitrose, selected Tesco and Sainsbury's stores
Mail Order
Green Baby Co
Mail order with online ordering. Selling a variety of cotton nappies and accessories. Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0870 2406894 Website: www.greenbabyco.com
Little Green Earthlets
A selection of both cloth nappies and disposable nappies that claim to be better for the environment.
Tel: 01825 873301 Website: www.earthlets.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Nappy Laundering Services
Nappy laundry services are available for those who would rather not wash nappies at home. Each week the laundry service will take away dirty nappies and deliver fresh new ones!
For your nearest nappy washing service contact: National Association of Nappy Services (NANS) Tel: 0121 693 4519 or visit www.changeanappy.co.uk
Or contact the following companies direct:
Cotton Bottoms
0870 777 8899
www.cottonbottoms.co.uk
Nifty Nappies
01420 549 659
www.niftynappies.co.uk
More information and contacts
National Association of Nappy Services (NANS)
Tel: 0121 693 4519
Website: www.changeanappy.co.uk
The Real Nappy Association
PO Box 3704, London SE26 4RX
Tel: 0208 299 4519
Website: www.realnappy.com
Women’s Environmental Network (W.E.N)
Tel: 020 7481 9004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wen.org.uk
Nappy Line 01983 401959
For talks about reusable nappies, displays and demonstrations, please phone Suzanne Attryde or Katherine Willmott on 01483 445046 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]