Aside from the financial and environmental benefits of using cloth nappies, there are many other advantages. Modern reusables are easy to use, simple to care for and make a great fashion statement. There is a wide variety of styles, patterns and sizes to choose from and different types to suit different babies.
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Cloth nappies are the natural choice. There are no harsh chemicals and cloth nappies are mostly made from natural fabrics. For the most natural option, unbleached organic cotton nappies and woollen outer pants are available. Paediatricians suggest that new-born babies should be changed about 10 times a day, and older babies about 6 times. Infrequent changes could cause nappy rash with any nappy type. Nappy rash may also be a symptom of teething, or a reaction to new food that the baby's digestive system isn't ready for, or to perfumes, detergents and other chemicals used in some disposable nappies, wipes, lotions and detergents. (From an independent study published in the British Journal of General Practice 1997).
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The initial cost of buying cloth nappies can seem quite expensive but when you compare it to the overall cost of using disposables, you can make a huge saving. Even taking laundering and accessories into consideration, disposables are still the more expensive option. It is possible to build up your collection of cloth nappies while expecting or in the early months of your baby's arrival. The savings can be even greater for a second or third child. Second hand nappies are cheaper still.
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Britain throws away nearly three billion nappies a year. That's a hefty eight million a day. Disposable nappies are not just wasteful and costly for parents. Dealing with nappy waste costs local authorities hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. Cut your waste in half by using cloth nappies. Disposable nappies buried in landfill sites take up to 500 years to rot giving off methane gas as they do so an explosive gas that contributes to global warming. Over seven million trees are chopped down every year to produce disposable nappies.
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There are four main types of nappies. These are flat nappies like terries and prefolds, shaped nappies that need a waterproof wrap, all-in-one nappies that do not need an extra wrap and stuffable nappies that can be boosted for absorbency. There are also different types of fastening poppers, Velcro, buttons, lace or pins. You can mix and match nappies and wraps to suit your requirements.
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We have a nappy display kit for you to explore. It includes most of the different types of nappies and wraps available. As most modern reusables are sold on the internet or mail order, it is nice to see and feel the nappies first to get an idea of what you like. If you'd like to have a look at our nappy kit, please contact Kat.
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Nappy washing services deliver a pile of freshly laundered nappies right to your door and take away the dirty ones to be laundered to NHS standards. This is the ultimate convenience - home delivered nappies!
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It is no longer necessary to boil and soak cloth nappies. Biodegradable 'one way' liners can be used inside a nappy. They are simply lifted out and then hygienically flushed down the loo. Alternatively, you can use fleece liners which provide a stay dry layer. Store soiled nappies in a bucket with a tight fitting lid. You can dry pail nappies and wash every couple of days or wet pail using a soaking solution. Nappies can simply be washed at 60°C with your usual detergent. Dry your nappies for free in the sunshine or most nappies can be tumble dried.
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To get started, you will need to buy (or borrow) some cloth nappying accessories e.g. a bucket with a tight fitting lid, a nappy mesh net, liners, wet nappy bag. Choosing which real nappies to use can be a little daunting at first due to the wide range of choice available but you will learn the lingo very quickly and soon cloth nappies won't just be a necessity but will become a way of life!
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