Real Nappies
Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK and mostly go to landfill. Cut your household rubbish by up to half and help the environment by choosing Real Nappies.
Gone are the days of the old terry-toweling nappies, and in their place is a new breed of super-trendy, easy-to-use variety of Real Nappies. Modern, cotton nappies can be used again and again, unlike disposable nappies.
Real Nappies
They are REAL because they are not made from plastic and do not contain chemicals.
They are REAL because they fit in with your lifestyle and are as simple to use as disposables.
What's more, there are so many REAL benefits to using them.
Why choose Real Nappies?
Save Cash: Real Nappies can cost half that of disposables, saving up to £500 for your first baby. Reuse your cotton nappies for a second baby and save even more money! The cheapest option, even taking into account the cost of washing powder, energy and depreciation of the washing machine, is buying your own real nappies and washing them at home. visit money saving expert for some price comparisons
Health Benefits: Disposable nappies are made of super-absorbent chemicals, paper pulp, plastics and adhesives, while Real Nappies let your child’s skin breathe in natural cotton. If you want the best solution, organic cotton and hemp nappies are available at a reasonable cost. Real Nappies also widen your child’s hips, therefore making them stronger as they're growing. Babies using washable nappies also tend to potty train 6 months earlier than those in disposables.
Variety: From pre-folds to quick-fastening Velcro, there are a wide range of Real Nappy types to choose from, so you can select the best style for your baby and your individual circumstances.
Convenience: You can choose a routine which suits you, maybe washing every 2-3 days. You can store nappies prior to washing either in a lidded nappy bucket or in a waterproof bag. It is up to you whether you soak or 'dry-pail' your nappies. Try both to see what suits you best. Washing at 40-60°C is perfectly adequate to sterilise nappies - there is no need for a boil wash.
Environment: Disposable nappies create huge amounts of waste and can take up to 500 years to rot away in landfill. Real Nappies create less waste and by following these simple tips you can help reduce their environmental impact even more:
- only flush liners containing bowel movements
- use low temperature detergents
- buy more nappies initially and wash full loads
- use a biodegradable washing detergent such as Ecover and don't use fabric softener
- look at the label and try washing at a lower temperature
- air dry rather than tumble dry where possible
- purchase electricity on a green tariff
Jen, your local nappy advisor is on hand to give you all the help and advice you need. Contact Jen Harris on 0800 328 8175 or visit or Recycle Devon Website.
Free Real Nappy Trial Packs
East Devon District Council offer Real Nappy Trial Kits, enabling parents to try a range of modern day re-useable nappies over a 4 week period. The kit contains a range of options including shaped nappies, flat nappies, pocket nappies, birth to potty nappies as well as waterproof wraps and accessories, with different brands represented. Most of the nappies in the trial packs are made from organic cotton and bamboo fabric.
During the 4 week trial you will have access to a Real Nappy Advisor who can help nurture you through any problems and answer any questions you may have. Each kit comes with flushable disposable liners, a fresh set of fabric liners, as well as accessories including sanitiser, reusable wipes, a full set of washing/care instructions and guidance documents.
The nappy trial kits come in 4 sizes (newborn, small, medium and large) and the kits are free, but require a £25 deposit which is refunded on return of the kit.
Please contact Jen Harris, our Real Nappy advisor, on 0800 328 8175 or visit or Recycle Devon Website for more details on free trial packs.
For more information on Real Nappies visit the following external sites:
