Real Nappies
Tel 01332 255256 Fax 01332 255121 Minicom 01332 256666 email mailto:realnappies@derby.gov.uk
Many parents simply don’t realise that modern re-usable nappies are an easy-to-use alternative to the millions of disposables thrown away every day. The aim is to give them the opportunity to make an informed choice about the type of nappy they use and to increase awareness of the range of re-usable nappies that is now available.
The key facts:
- 2.8 billion disposable nappies (around 1/2 million tonnes) are thrown away every year in the UK that is 8 million every day!
- Most dispoable nappies end up in landfill sites
- the taxpayer is actually subsidising the cost of this waste as local authorities spend £millions a year disposing of disposable nappies
- each baby requires around 25-30 real nappies, compared to some 3,800 disposable nappies (from birth to potty – 2.5 years)
- modern real nappies are very different from their traditional image – they are attractive, well designed, and self-fastening
- modern technology and designs means that as well as cutting down on our waste, re-usable nappies can be washed and dried in a way that reduces their environmental impact even further
- on average, re-usable nappies can offer parents a cost saving of at least £100, and up to £500 if they are laundered at home.
Nappy Types
Parents who purchase re-usable nappies have a rapidly growing range of products to choose from. Traditional terry nappies now only account for around 10% of the re-usable nappy market.
There are four main types or real nappies:
Flat Nappies
Such as the traditional terry square, need to be folded into a pad and secured with either nifty plastic grips (nappi nippas), a wrap (waterproof cover) or traditional pins. There are also prefolds, which are flat squares of cotton folded and inserted into a wrap. These are used by laundry services. Prices start from £2 each.
Shaped Nappies
Most shaped nappies come in two or three sizes. They often fasten with Velcro or poppers and are very easy to us. They will require a separate waterproof cover. Prices start from £7.50 each.
Birth to Potty
Are shaped nappies, which cover the weight range from around 7lbs to 35lbs. They adjust through either a series of poppers or Velcro. May not suit smaller birth weight babies but are ideal when you have (or planning) to have more than one child in nappies as you don’t need to buy different sizes. They require a separate waterproof cover. Prices around £8 each.
All in Ones
They are exactly what they say, a fabric nappy covered by a waterproof cover. They are quick and convenient to use, good to use when out and about with baby. Prices start from £10 each.
What do I need to get started?
All you need is nappies, liners and wraps.
Nappy
The nappy itself is the absorbent part and can be made from a variety of different materials including cotton terry material, bamboo, micro-fibre. Normally between 18-24 nappies are required, depending on how often you wish to wash and your drying facilities.
Liner
A liner catches solids and keeps moisture away from your baby's skin. These can be biodegradable and flushed away. Alternatively fleece lners are available which can be simply washed with nappies and reused.
Waterproof Layer
A waterproof cover or wrap keeps the baby's clothes dry. Different sizes of wrap will be needed as your baby grows. The covers do not keep to be changed every time unless dirty. Normally around 3-4 wraps are adequate.
The outer wrap or cover is the fun part with a funky range of cool styles and bright colours; these are made in a range of materials for example wool, fleece or waterproof PVC. The wrap sizes alter as your baby grows. Initially you will need at least 3 wraps that can be washed at home at 40ºC or 60ºC, just check before you buy. Wraps don’t need to be changed every time you change the nappy.
Nappy Additions
Boosters
Boosters are an extra layer of absorbency used to prevent leaks. They can be used overnight. Boosters come in a variety of shapes and could be simply a folded muslin.
Wipes
Washable wipes are an excellent alternative to the commercial wipes. These can be bought or simply made from a towel cut up into small squares and just hemmed. Use with warm water or with a drop of baby soap. Wash them along with the nappies.
How to Choose
A good nappy seller will ask you some key questions before advising you on the right type of nappy for your circumstances. There are pros and cons to each choice. For instance, you may wish to buy a mix of different systems, to cater for different circumstances such as for home use or if your baby is in childcare.
If you have limited drying options, you should consider using either flat nappies or nappies which open out for faster drying. If your child is at nursery, it may be important to have an ‘easy to use’ reliable nappy.
It can be a mistake to focus too much on cost if this means that the nappies you get do not meet your needs. It would be better to get fewer nappies of a suitable type and top up as your budget allows.
Looking after your nappies
Washing
Let your machine do the work – a simple wash at 60ºC will sterilize the nappies. If you wash at 40ºC you may choose to do a 60ºC wash every week or so. Nappies can also go in with your normal washing.
Wash with a non-biological detergent and no fabric conditioner. Fabric conditioner coats the fibres and therefore reduces absorbency. You can always add white vinegar, or add a few drops of lavender oil to make your nappies soft and smell nice.
Select a routine, which suits you, maybe washing every 2-3 days.
Drying
Try to air/line dry when possible, nappies can however be tumble dried if required. Constant tumble drying however may affect the nappies and their absorbency over time.
Storing
Store nappies prior to washing either in a lidded bucket or in a plastic lidded box or waterproof bag. Nappies don’t need to be soaked they can be left dry and simply washed.
If you prefer to soak your nappies, half fill the bucket with water, add a tablespoon of white vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda, or a few drops of tea tree oil. Alternatively you can use a chemical sanitizer such as Napisan.
Don’t fancy washing them yourself?
Local nappy laundries offer weekly services that collect used nappies and provide a fresh supply, all laundered to the highest standards, to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Won’t my baby get nappy rash?
Your baby is no more or less likely to get nappy rash from real nappies than from disposables. Frequency of nappy changing is the important factor to avoid nappy rash.
Do they leak?
It’s important to select the right size for your baby’s shape to avoid leakages and there is a wide choice of products available. You can also use booster pads to increase absorbency if needed.
Top 10 tips to reduce the environmental impact of real nappies
- Wash nappies at 60C and wraps at 40C – do not boil
- Use A-rated appliances to reduce energy and water consumption
- Minimize tumble drying – line dry or use an airer
- Don’t use fabric conditioner – it is unnecessary and it reduces absorbency
- Use eco-friendly washing powders
- Try potty training early, around 2 years of age
- Use real nappies for more than one child
- Buy second hand nappies where possible
- Use organic (non-bleached) products
- Don’t iron nappies
Simply by using real nappies you will reduce the amount of rubbish, which you throw away.
Where do I get real nappies from?
Initially for good advice and variety try your local real nappy agent, as speaking to a mum with first hand experience is really helpful. We also hold regular Nappuccinos where expetant parents can come and see real nappies. For more information on Nappuccions, visit Nappuccions.
Local nappy agents/advisors in and around Derby
Derby, Belper and Duffield
Hannah Carvell, 07813 321398, hannah@diddlybums.co.uk 
www.diddlybums.co.uk
(Independent Adviser - Motherease)
Derby and Ilkeston
Isobel Howe, 01332 677197, isobel@teamlollipop.co.uk www.teamlollipop.co.uk
(Lollipop Advisor)
Derby, Belper, Ripley, Heanor and Ilkeston Areas
Lisa Israel, 01159 444873 or 07917 101 311, Lisa.Israel@btinternet.com www.teamlollipop.co.uk
(Lollipop Advisor)
Well known supermarkets and retailers now stock various real nappy brands:
Tesco, Sainsburys and Boots (Cotton Bottoms and own make nappies)
Baby Grows, Unit 8 Eagle Centre, 07837 805490 (Junior Joy nappies)
Little Used, 16 Uttoxeter Road, Mickleover, 01332 513144 (Second-hand nappies when available)
Mothercare World, Wyvern Retail Park, 01332 280570 (Kushies and own make nappies)
The Department Store, Exchange Street, 01332 340230 (Cotton Bottom and Zorbit nappies)
Weenies, 7 Greenburn Close, Littleover, 01332 767642 (Kosi Kare nappies)
Local laundry services:
Currently there are no companies offering a Nappy Laundering Service in Derbyshire
Real nappies can also be bought by mail order or on the Internet.
When you start to look, there are a lot of websites devoted just to selling real nappies. Some sites offer impartial advice to help you choose the right nappy for your baby and your situation.
Here are a few examples:
www.kittykins.co.uk
www.thenappylady.co.uk
www.earthlets.co.uk
www.totsbots.com
www.babykind.co.uk
www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk
www.teamlollipop.co.uk
www.bumbeano.co.uk
www.plushpants.com
There are sites set up for purchasing second hand nappies plus auction sites such as ebay - www.ebay.co.uk offer a real choice of brands.
www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk
www.usednappies.co.uk
Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are currently offering a £25 cash back incentive for purchases of real nappies to wash at home or for the laundry service. For more information on the scheme and how to applyuse this link Cashback Scheme
Links
Information on this page was taken from the Women's Environmental Network - www.wen.org.uk and Waste Reduction Action Programme - www.wrap.org.uk