Real Nappies - Frequently Asked Questions
- Are real nappies just terry squares with safety pins?
- Do real nappies leak?
- Are real nappies more likely to cause nappy rash?
- Do real nappies smell more than disposables?
- Is washing and drying real nappies hard work?
- What do I do with the nappy liners?
- How practical are real nappies?
- What are the different types of washable nappies?
- How do I decide which type to buy?
- How do I buy real nappies?
- What do I need to get started?
- What is the cost?
- Are washable nappies really more environmentally friendly?
Are real nappies just terry squares with safety pins?
No - real nappy technologies are continuously advancing and there are now over 30 different types and patterns available with easy to use fasteners such as velcro, poppers and elasticated grips. Modern real nappies are soft, absorbent and comfortable.
Do real nappies leak?
To minimise leaks it is important that you choose a size and type of nappy that fits your baby snugly. There is a wide range of products available to assist in fitting nappies and booster pads can be used to increase the absorbency of nappies. Waterproof outer layer or ‘wraps’ that have elasticated around the legs prevent leaks.
Are real nappies more likely to cause nappy rash?
No - research has shown that real nappies are no more or less likely to cause nappy rash than disposable nappies. Frequency of changing is the most important factor in avoiding nappy rash.
Do real nappies smell more than disposables?
No - real nappies do not smell more than disposable nappies. You can flush away solid nappy content when nappies are changed. Also, by using real nappies, you can avoid placing soiled disposable nappies into your household bin.
Is washing and drying real nappies hard work?
No - modern real nappies do not need to be boil washed or bleached and only take a few extra minutes a day to wash and dry. Soiled nappies can simply be stored in a dry, lidded container and washed at 40-60°C along with other whites. You do not need to soak, scrub or boil your nappies.
Biodegradable nappy liners can be flushed down the loo with any solid waste. Washable liners can go in the wash with your nappies.
The waterproof outer layer or ‘wraps’ can to be washed at 40°.
Fabric softeners should not be used as they can reduce the absorbency of the nappies and damage the covers.
Most cloth nappies can be line or tumble-dried or simply placed on an airer in a warm room to dry. Most types are quick drying.
There are nappy laundry services in some areas – they collect your dirty nappies and deliver back your clean ones each week.
What do I do with the nappy liners?
Nappy liners will contain the solids and can be fabric or paper. The solids can be emptied into the toilet and a paper liner can either be flushed in the toilet or carefully disposed of in the ordinary rubbish bin. Fabric liners are easily sluiced and can be stored with the nappies until washing.
How practical are real nappies?
Most types of cloth nappy consist of a soft absorbent nappy, a liner and waterproof breathable cover (also called a wrap). New designs are shaped and fit snugly and nappy pins have been replaced with Velcro, poppers and plastic grips for quick and easy fastening. Made of lightweight fluffy materials, usually cotton, hemp or polyester, real nappies wash and dry easily and quickly.
Using cloth nappies is not an all or nothing option. For example, you could use disposables when going out or travelling. If you don’t want to wash your nappies at home then a nappy laundry service is available in most areas.
What are the different types of washable nappies?
Most washable nappies are made from natural fabrics and come in a wide range of styles:
Flat nappies - either traditional terry squares, tie-ups or prefolds, all need a liner, waterproof outer wrap and, if required, a booster pad to increase absorbency. All require some folding and are economic, if not necessarily more efficient. Prefolds are the type used by most laundry services.
Shaped nappies - shaped nappies have a neat precise fit, fasten with Velcro or poppers and require a separate waterproof wrap and liner. These systems are generally more leak-proof than all-in-ones
and come in various sizes or one size fits all.
All-in-ones - incorporate a built-in waterproof outer layer and fasten with velcro or poppers. These need a liner to catch solids.
How do I decide which type to buy?
There are many different types and styles of real nappies on the market. Local nappy suppliers can provide you with nappy hire packages so that you can try before you buy. Also try The Nappy Lady website (www.thenappylady.co.uk) for where you can type in all your requirements and discover the best types of nappies for your needs.
How do I buy real nappies?
A wide choice of nappies are available from local shops, suppliers, nappy agents and from the internet. Go back to the main washable nappy page for a list of retailers.
What do I need to get started?
You need enough nappies to allow you to wash only when there is a full load for the machine, around 18-24 nappies and if you choose a two-part nappy, 3-6 wraps. You may also want to buy some biodegradable or washable liners to draw the moisture away from the baby, add extra absorbency and make changing easier. You will probably need to buy larger nappies as the baby grows unless you choose the one-size type. Most styles have three sizes.
What is the cost?
There is an initial outlay to equip you with a number of cloth nappies, but this is a one-off payment and means you are not paying for disposables on a weekly basis. Overall, cloth nappies can save you up to £500 - with even greater savings if you use the same nappies for a second baby. Visit www.wen.org.uk/nappies/cost_comparison.htm for detailed analysis of the cost breakdown.
Bracknell Forest Council offers £30 cashback to parents using real nappies to help towards the costs. Visit the Smartie Pants webpage to find out more.
Are washable nappies really more environmentally friendly?
There has been considerable debate recently as to whether washable nappies are really better for the environment than disposables when you take into account the growing of the cotton, the washing detergents and the energy used in washing and drying the nappies. Irrespective of the energy consumption associated with real nappies in relation to disposables, washable nappies do not create any where near the same amounts of waste.
Disposable nappies go to landfill. About 8 million nappies are disposed of everyday in the UK. That takes up a lot of landfill space - space that is in short supply and that we're running out of. Every tonne of rubbish we send to landfill incurs a cost (in addition to collection and transport costs) from landfill tax. This tax will continue to increase. The UK government and local authorities have to meet strict targets from Europe to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and will be fined for exceeding these targets.
By choosing washable nappies you have more control and have the power to minimise the environmental impact of using them by washing the nappies at 60 degrees in an A rated washing machine, line drying them where possible, not using fabric softener and using them on more than one child.
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