Real Nappies
Disposable nappies are not just expensive for parents - about eight million nappies are thrown away every day in the UK. Most of these end up being buried in landfill sites. We all have to pay for this waste to be disposed of and it’s becoming increasingly expensive as we run out of landfill space and landfill tax increases.
There is an alternative - have you considered modern cloth nappies?
Bracknell Forest Council is offering a financial incentive of £30 cash back to borough residents who choose to use cotton nappies. Click on the link to the Smartie Pants Scheme on the right to find out more about the scheme and to download an application form.
What are washable nappies?
A wide variety of cloth nappies is now available from simple, flat terry-cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted, organic, unbleached, velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies. The three basic types are flat, shaped and all-in-ones.
There is no one perfect cloth nappy. Many parents mix and match with easy-dry flat nappies, convenient shaped and fitted nappies and all-in-ones for days out.
Flat
Traditional terries, prefolds, muslins, and continental tie-on nappies. All cheap and versatile, they need some folding to fit the baby and a waterproof cover, but they are economical and quick drying. Even terries have changed – no pins are required if you use a nifty little plastic gripper or special wraps. From around £2 per nappy.
Shaped nappies
Requiring a waterproof cover. Shaped and fitted, with elasticated legs and waist, they generally have a neater, less bulky fit than flat nappies and are even easier to put on. Most have velcro fixings, some use poppers. They wash and dry easily. From around £4 each.
All-in-one
Supremely easy to use, as the shaped, fitted nappy with velcro or popper fastenings has a built-in waterproof cover. Not as durable as two part systems, and taking longer to dry, these are nonetheless the easiest cloth nappies to use, notably when out and about. From around £8.00 each.
Covers
Forget nasty plastic pants that crack, chafe and leak. Most new-style covers are soft, durable, breathable and machine washable. Fabrics vary from waterproofed nylon, polyester or cotton to wool, and styles range through popper and velcro fastening to pull-on, all of them allowing for quick and easy nappy changes. Avoid polyurethane and PVC wraps and pants.
What are the benefits of using cloth nappies?
Your Baby
Modern cloth nappies have come a long way since the old-style Terry and there is no need for lots of pinning any more. Modern cloth nappies come in a wide range of sizes and styles and are shaped, fitted and fasten easily without the need for pins. As they are made from natural fibres they will be more comfortable next to your baby's skin.
Your Pocket
Home laundered nappies could save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies. The average spend on disposable nappies is £791.70 over 2.5 years. For a detailed comparison of the costs of using home wash nappies and disposables visit www.wen.org.uk/nappies/cost_comparison.htm
They have biodegradable liners which can be flushed down the toilet and the nappies can be washed in a normal washing machine at 60 degrees centigrade, with no boiling or scrubbing necessary.
Alternatively you could use the nappy washing service - they deliver a fresh stack of nappies (clinically laundered to hospital hygiene standards) to your doorstep every week and whisk the dirty ones away to be laundered. Even this personal laundry and delivery service should not cost more than your disposable nappies bill!
Our Environment
The eight million nappies thrown away each day in the UK amounts to about 800,000 tonnes of nappy waste each year - enough to fill Trafalgar Square to the top of Nelsons Column more than ten times over!
Almost all nappy waste is buried in landfill sites and could take hundreds of years to decompose.
Where can I find out more about washable nappies?
The Real Nappy Campaign - www.realnappycampaign.com/index.html
Twinkle Twinkle - www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk
Women’s Environmental Network - www.wen.org.uk
Real Nappy Helpline – 0845 8500606
The Nappy Lady - http://www.thenappylady.co.uk
If you would like further information on washable nappies or would like to organise for someone to come and talk to a group about washable nappies and show you some samples please call Customer Services on 01344 352000 or email customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
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