West Dunbartonshire Council, in conjunction with local nappy services Tots Bots and The Scottish Nappy Company is offering parents a subsidised real nappy programme.
Parents can choose from one of three options - a choice of two different free nappy starter packs, or use of a nappy laundry service. The companies above offer the latest in real nappy designs and/or professional nappy laundry service which is simple and efficient, catering for newborn babies through to toddlers who are being potty trained.
Tots Bots and The Scottish Nappy Company will provide you with a starter pack containing:-
- Cotton nappies
- Nappy liners
- Waterproof nappy covers
We have answered some of the most common Real Nappy questions below:
Why Should I Use Real Nappies?
The choice is yours as a consumer and parent - some parents live busy lives and need the easiness that disposables bring, some others may wish to set time aside to use real nappies. In reality it may be appropriate for both systems to work hand in hand, where real nappies are used the vast majority of the time and disposables are used in times of need such as kids parties, shopping trips, car journeys. The choice is yours!
I've Read Different Stories About Real Nappies. Give Me Some Facts?
- Approximately 8 million disposable nappies are used in Britain every year - most of these end up in landfill sites.
- Babies get through between 4,000 and 6,000 nappies in their first two to three years.
- Up to 4% of all household rubbish in the UK is disposable nappies.
- Disposing of nappies costs the tax payer over £40 million per year.
- Parents can save hundreds (on average £300) of pounds by using cotton rather than disposable nappies for their first child. The savings for subsequent children are even higher.
- Modern re-usable cloth nappies are very similar to disposables and are as easy to use, as well as coming in a range of cool patterns and styles!
- Cloth nappies are a more natural product against a baby's skin.
- Cloth nappies provide good padding for the base of the spine - this is particularly beneficial when your child is learning to walk and tends to fall over.
- Cloth nappies tend to have a very snug fit around the waist and legs and are therefore generally very reliable - leaks should rarely happen, if ever.
Misconceptions About Real Nappies
"They are just Terries"
There are 30 different types of nappies including the traditional terry nappy with easy to fasten with Velcro, poppers or grips.
"They leak"
They shouldn't leak as long as you choose the right size for your baby to fit snugly.
"They lead to nappy rash"
Nappy rash is mostly triggered by the irritating effect of baby's urine and bowel motions, and causes some of the skin covered by the nappy to appear red and inflamed. Babies are no more likely to get nappy rash with real nappies. Frequency of changing is important to avoid nappy rash.
"They smell more"
Every nappy smells! Real nappies only smell of whatever is put in them.
"They are expensive"
An initial outlay to equip you with a number of nappies is necessary but this one-off payment means you are not regularly shelling out on disposables and will save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.
What Different Types Are Available?
There are three basic types:
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Flat nappies with separate waterproof covers
These nappies are cheap, versatile and quick to dry. Traditional terry squares, muslins, pre-folds and continental tie-ons fall into this group. They need some folding to fit the baby and may need to be fastened.
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Shaped nappies with separate waterproof covers
These nappies are fitted with elasticated legs and waist and generally have a neater fit than flat nappies. With Velcro or popper fastenings, they are very easy to put on and because they come in two parts, they wash and dry very easily.
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All in one nappies
These nappies have a waterproof outer layer and are especially easy to use. They are the nearest thing to a disposable except you don't throw them away. They generally take longer to dry than other nappy types, however, they are particularly good for occasional carers or when out and about. Contact us for more information on the types available and a comparison chart.
What Do Real Nappies Cost?
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Much less than disposables!
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Studies have shown that the approximate cost of purchasing and home laundering real nappies for two and a half years ranges from £185 to about £352 depending on nappy type
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The cost of using disposables for two and a half years ranges from at least £463 to as much as £732
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You can achieve further savings by using the same real nappies for your second child
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Home washing can cost as little as £1 per week
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Laundry services range, on average, from £6-11 per week
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West Dunbartonshire Council can help you with the initial costs of purchasing real nappies through our subsidised scheme.
How Do I Wash Real Nappies?
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Real nappies don't need to be sluiced, boiled, scrubbed, soaked or machine washed at 95c
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Simply place them in a separate laundry container and wash at 60c along with other whites
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Biodegradable nappy liners can be flushed down the loo with any solid waste. Washable liners can go in the wash with your nappies
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Modern home washing machines wash so well that real nappies do not have to be sterilised
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'Collect and Wash' laundry services are available
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Most real nappies can be line or tumble dried or simply aired in a warm room to dry.
How Can I Find Out More?
Visit the Real Nappy Campaign website or call West Dunbartonshire Council's Waste Aware team on 0845 1110050 where you can request a nappy voucher and information pack.
