Washable nappies

8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every single day in the UK, 3 billion are thrown away every year - have you considered washable nappies?

What are washable nappies?

If you still think of cloth nappies as being terry squares, safety pins and sweaty plastic pants, then think again! Washable nappies, also known as reusable or real nappies, are now made from a range of natural materials such as cotton, hemp and bamboo. Washing them is easy, either at home or by using a nappy laundering service. They are available in a range of modern styles that fit snugly and are easily fastened with poppers, velcro or plastic grips.

Why should I consider using washable nappies?

• You could expect to save hundred of pounds per child if you use washable nappies.
• In Britain 4% of all waste sent to landfill is nappy waste (disposable nappies and sewage). That's over 880 tonnes a year from Tandridge residents alone!
• Disposable nappies are collected in your refuse bin and then buried in the landfill site between Redhill and Nutfield. They contain a large amount of plastic which could stay in the ground for thousands of years.
• By using washable nappies you would be reducing the amount of rubbish your household produces and therefore reduce the amount sent to landfill sites which are already running out of space.
• Disposable nappies cost the Council thousands of pounds a year to collect and dispose of through the household refuse collection.
• Modern washable nappies are very easy to use, there is much more choice available and
• they can be adapted to suit your baby.

What types are available?

There are two main systems available:

The all-in-one nappy system has a shorter life expectancy due to the fact that the waterproof outer is exposed to the same washing temperature and number of washes as the nappy and may only last for one or two children. They are more expensive and take longer to dry than a two part nappy system unless you choose a pocket nappy system. However, they are the easiest to use and for a quick change they are the most similar to a disposable nappy. These are available in two types:

• The all-in-one nappy which is a shaped and fitted nappy made up with layers of absorbent cotton and an outer layer of waterproof fabric to keep your baby's clothes dry. These are available with Velcro or popper fastening.
• The pocket nappy which has a waterproof fabric on the outside and an inner fleece lining. It also has a pocket opening at the back of the waist edge, into which a pad or folded flat nappy of your choice should be inserted. Once put together this nappy system works like an all-in-one nappy but separates for washing and quick drying. You will need the same number of pocket nappies as flat nappies to go inside.

The two part nappy system requires either a flat or shaped nappy and a separate waterproof wrap to keep your baby's clothes dry. They are available with Velcro or popper fastening in a variety of colours and designs to suit all tastes - whether you like plain or funky! These again are available in two types:

• The flat nappy is the most economical and quickest drying nappy system and will last for many babies, and you can choose between:
  1. A 'prefold', which is a rectangle of several layers of cotton sewn together, which requires only a very simple fold.
  2. A 'terry square', which is more versatile as it may be folded into a simple pad shape or traditionally folded and secured.
  3. A 'muslin' which requires some folding that may take some practise and getting used to. These are most suitable for newborn babies offering a limited amount of absorbency.
• The shaped nappy is good for containment. It is shaped and fitted around the baby. It fastens at the waist and legs to avoid any leaks. Shaped nappies are available either in one-size, which are designed to fit from birth to potty training and offer very good value for money, or they are available in different sizes to fit each stage of your baby's growth. The shaped nappy system is more expensive than the flat nappy system and takes longer to dry but some parents find them easier to use with no folding required and a high level of absorbency.

What else might I need to get started?

• Nappy Liners which play a crucial part in any nappy system. For an easy nappy change, they will catch solids, which can be flushed away, whilst allowing wetness to soak through to the absorbent nappy. These are available in sheets of flushable/biodegradable paper, washable silk (particularly good for babies suffering with eczema or sensitive skin conditions) or washable fleece, which provides a stay dry layer next to your baby's skin.
• Booster Pads which are a shaped pad made from layers of absorbent cotton or terry, which can be added to any nappy system to increase the level of absorbency as and when it is required. This may be required as your baby wets more, sleeps throughout the night or for longer periods of time.

You could also consider these:

• Trainer Pants which are extremely convenient to use when your child is learning to use the potty. They are waterproof, breathable pull up pants that have an absorbent inner layer, just enough to catch the odd accident.
• Swim Nappy which are essential in public swimming pools and a washable variety offers good value for money whilst containing any accidents.

How do I decide which type to buy?

If you would like more help deciding if washable nappies are right for you and your baby, or want to discuss the best options for you then why not speak to the Surrey Real Nappy Network who are run by Surrey County Council.

The Surrey Real Nappy Network offers free impartial advice to all parents, parents-to-be, child carers and health professionals in Surrey on all washable nappy types from their team of experienced nappy experts who are volunteer parents keen to show you how easy modern washable nappies really are to use. For more information please call 07768 916276, email surreyrnn@surreycc.gov.uk or visit their website.

Are there any incentives to help me decide?

Yes, Surrey County Council, in association with the Surrey Real Nappy Network, is offering you the opportunity to try a carefully selected pack of washable nappies for FREE (while stocks last). The "Trial Nappy Pack" contains a good cross-section of nappy types so you can try them at home to find a nappy that best suits you and your baby.

To help you, the Surrey Real Nappy Network are on hand to talk you through using your nappy pack and offer any other help you might need whilst using washable nappies.

Each Nappy Pack contains the following:

1x Shaped & fitted nappy in bamboo fabric
1x Shaped & fitted nappy in hemp fabric
1x Shaped & fitted nappy in micro fibre fabric
1x Nature Babies Stuffables Lite
1x Cotton prefold nappy
2x micro fibre inserts for pocket nappy
2x Waterproof wraps
1x Nappi Nippa
1x Roll 100 flushable liners
1x Wet nappy bag

To order your pack please download the trial nappy pack form or order online. For more information about the scheme please contact either the Surrey Real Nappy Network or the Nappy Trial Service.

Can i save money by using washable nappies?

Yes you can. There will be an initial outlay to equip you with a number of nappies is necessary; but this is a one off payment and means you are not constantly paying for single use disposables on a weekly basis.

• From birth to potty each baby typically gets through between 4,000 and 6,000 nappies.
• Basic real nappies cost less than £2 each, with more sophisticated products costing around £3-10 each.
• Disposables cost on average 12.2p each (including in-store offers).
• Approximate cost of purchasing and home laundering real nappies for 2.5 years ranges from £185 to about £352 depending mainly on nappy type.
• The minimum cost of using disposables for 2.5 years is £463.11 but could cost as much as £732.
• You can achieve further savings by using the same real nappies for your second child.
• Home washing can cost as little as £1 per week.
• Laundry services range on average from £6-11 per week.

Where can I find out more?

The Surrey Real Nappy Network has lots of useful links on their website, listing washable nappy retailers, local nappy advisor's, nappy laundry services, washable nappy friendly Nursery Schools, and many others.

The Real Nappy Campaign provide more information with helpful tips, fact sheets and a helpline number to answer all your queries.

Nappy Valley is a website for buying and selling good quality nearly new baby and toddler items.