Why use reusable nappies?
For some mums the thought of washing nappies, like their mothers used to do, is a real turn off, but there are some strong plus points to consider before you dismiss the idea completely:
- they look great because they are 'shaped' liked a disposable with velcro/snap fastenings. There's no need to worry about safety pins and plastic pants so they're very straightforward to use! Modern re-usables are made from colourful fabrics that look fantastic on your baby - shopping for nappies has never been such fun!
- they are relatively easy to use
- they are kind to the environment
- they are soft on your baby's bottom because they are chemical-free and kind to baby's skin. Modern fabrics include organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and even wool which are soft and 100% natural against your baby's bottom. Nobody actually knows if the chemicals in disposables are harmful to babies' skin because there's never been any research into them.
- they save you money. The Real Nappy Association has stated that new parents can save over £550 per year by buying and washing their own reusable nappies (including washing powder and machine costs) compared with the cost of disposables.
- You can recycle outgrown nappies by selling them or storing them for any future babies that come along.
- Re-usable nappies can be equally as absorbent as disposables and as long as they're changed frequently pose no increased risk of nappy rash.
- Many local councils are now offering special schemes to help you get started with reusables. Get in touch with your council or call the UK Nappy Helpline on 01983 401959 for further information about nappy services in your area.
Which type of reusable nappy should I use?
You can tailor your baby's nappy collection to suit your budget, your ability to get them dry quickly, or if neither of those factors are an issue, whichever nappy you like the look of, and which fits your baby best. There really is a much wider choice of reusable nappies than there used to be. There are basically four different types of reusable nappy available today:
Terries: The cheapest and most basic reusable available. These traditional terry-towelling squares need folding into a triangular shape and securing with a nappy clip. On the plus side, they are quick to dry, but on the down side they are not as absorbent as some of the modern reusable nappies.
Pre-fold: Basic cotton non-terry nappies that are folded into a rectangular shape and held in place by a waterproof outer wrap. These also take less time to dry but may not be as absorbent as shaped nappies and all-in-one nappies.
Shaped nappies: A cloth nappy already shaped to fit around your baby, which you use with a waterproof outer wrap. They resemble disposable nappies in shape and fasten either with Velcro tabs or poppers. Some shaped nappies are available in different colours or patterns.
All-in-one/All-in-two nappies: Cloth nappies, shaped like disposables, with the nappy and a waterproof cover stitched together. Depending on the design, you can get more leaks with this type of reusable as there are fewer layers to catch any escapes. They can also take longer to dry because of the built-in waterproof outer, but they look snug when on and come in a range of colours and designs.
Environment
Disposable nappies create huge amounts of waste and can take up to 500 years to rot away in landfill. A staggering 8 million disposable nappies are thrown to landfill in the UK every day. Reuseable 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
