Getting started with real nappies
This section will explain everything you will need to know
about real nappies:
- Which nappy? information on the different types of nappy
- Finding the right nappy for your baby
- How many nappies do I need to get started?
- Where to get real nappies from
- What else you need to get started using real nappies
One of the reasons people do not try real nappies is the
perceived image of piles of terry towelling squares, dangerous
pins, smelly buckets and pots of boiling nappies on the stove,
however this is not the case! Modern real
nappies are shaped to fit your baby, close with Velcro, poppers or
ties and are covered with waterproof, breathable covers (also
called wraps) so they do not leak. They can be
used with biodegradable liners that flush down the toilet so
sluicing is a thing of the past. All real
nappies can be washed on a 60° cycle and can be tumble dried.
Or if you do not want to wash your nappies at home, then a nappy
laundry service can do it for you.
There is a growing range of funky real nappy products
available; they can be divided into three main categories.
All-in-one
nappies
A cotton inner permanently attached to a waterproof cover
fastened with Velcro. The whole nappy can be
machine- washed and tumble dried. Starting from around £10
each.
Advantages
- easy to use the most similar to disposable nappies in design and ease of use
- convenient for quick changes when you are out
- quick to put on a wriggly toddler
Disadvantages
- may take longer to dry than shaped or pre-fold nappies as the outer is attached
- as the outer is washed each time, the nappy lasts only for one baby, maybe two
- on average they cost more than shaped or pre-fold nappies
Two-Part Shaped
Nappies
A piece of cotton cut and sewn to fit the baby snugly, usually
fastened with Velcro, a water-proof cover fits over
this. The cover does not need to be washed every
nappy change. Prices start from around
£7.50 each.
Advantages
- shaped nappies will last at least two children, often as many as four
- cost less than all-in-one nappies
- shaped to fit no folding needed
Disadvantages
- not as easy to use as all-in-ones as you have to do two things put on the cotton nappy, then the waterproof pants
- usually take longer to dry than pre-fold nappies, if you have a tumble drier this would not be a problem
- they cost more than pre-fold nappies
Two-Part Pre-Fold
Nappies
A square or piece of cotton is folded to fit inside a
waterproof cover. The cover does not need to be
washed every nappy change. Prices start at
£2 each.
Advantages
- the cotton insert dries quickly as it is usually one sheet, which opens flat for quick drying
- a set will last for many children
- this system is the cheapest of the three
Disadvantages
- not as easy to use as all-in-ones or shaped nappies as each time you have to fold the nappy to fit the baby and the waterproof pants
- slim babies do not always fit pre-folds well, there can be a gap between baby and nappy
For extra convenience shop for real nappies
online. Sites such as ebay (www.ebay.co.uk) offer a real
choice of brands or alternatively visit the Women's Environmental
Network (www.wen.org.uk) for
great deals on second-hand real nappies.
The best way to decide which cotton nappy to use is to try it
out. It is advised to try 3 or 4 different
nappies one after another. Using real nappies in
between disposable nappies does not give you a good idea of what
they are like. Have a go when you have the time,
use them at least 4 times before deciding which ones you
like. When you are happy with your choice, order
a full set. You can mix and match nappies and
covers until you find a combination that suits your
baby. It is also worth considering who will be
looking after your baby and changing its nappy.
The shaped Velcro fastening nappies are easier to explain to a
childminder or nursery than those which need to be
folded. You can have different nappies for
different situations.
For full time use of real nappies (including nights) we
suggest an ideal of between 18 to 24 nappies and 4 to 6 covers (if
you are using shaped or pre-fold nappies). The
outer cover or wrap is the fun part with a colourful range of
styles and bright colours; these are made in a range of materials
for example wool, fleece or waterproof PVC.
Babies that are breast-fed are likely to soil their nappies less
frequently than bottle-fed babies as breast milk is designed to
meet your babies needs exactly, therefore there is much less
waste.
Click on the link below for a list of real nappy retailers in
the area.
- a bucket to store used nappies: a lid is not essential, but is preferable
- a nappy net: useful for transferring nappies from the bucket to the washing machine
- liners: either biodegradable or reusable these are not essential, but make it easier to deal with soiled nappies. The inner liner catches solids and keeps moisture away from your baby's skin; these can be made from paper so that they can be flushed down the toilet if soiled; alternatively reusable, washable pads are available
- a long-handled washing up brush: if the liner did not contain the soiling you can use a long-handled washing-up brush to remove it under running water
- non biological washing detergent
- a wet nappy bag: for when you are going out, to take home a used nappy