Information pack - www.enfield.gov.uk/recycling
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Rea l n a p p y
m a t i o n p a c k
i n f o r
www.enfield.gov.uk/recycling
1. Why use real nappies? Save money Having your first child can be one of life’s great joys but can also be one of life’s big financial surprises. Disposables will cost a family £5-£10 per week per child. This is literally thrown in the bin! Real nappies will save you money in the long run. A birth to potty set of real nappies can start from as little as £70 and you are unlikely to ever spend more than £200 for your first child. Once you have bought your real nappies all nappy changes are free and you can start saving money, especially with subsequent children. As a Enfield resident you are entitled to a subsidy of up to £54.15 which you can claim for real nappies purchased, so you can wash your own nappies at home. The Real Nappy Association has calculated that buying and washing your own nappies can save you over £600 for your first baby compared with the cost of disposables. This includes the costs of all accessories, washing powder, electricity and wear and tear on your washing machine. Reusable cloth nappies should last for two or more children so savings increase as your family grows. As the market for cloth nappies grows so does the market for second hand nappies so you may find that once you are finished with your nappies you can sell them on. By doing this you can save even more money and reduce environmental impacts even further. You just can’t lose! Save your baby’s skin The effects of the chemicals and plastics on a baby’s sensitive skin and genitalia have not been tested. Modern cotton nappies don’t contain any chemicals and absorbent gels and the breathable fabrics are kinder to baby’s skin. Save the environment In its early years a baby will get through an astounding 5,000 disposable nappies! To make the roblem worse, disposable nappies are not readily biodegradable. Research estimates that they could take up to 500 years to decompose which means every disposable nappy ever produced still exists in a landfill site. Disposable nappies also use natural resources. For instance, it takes one cupful of crude oil to produce the plastic for just one disposable nappy. It takes 4½ trees worth of paper to produce the wood pulp to make disposable nappies for just one baby. There are also environmental costs of distributing disposable nappies to retailers and transporting them to your home. The seriousness of nappy waste has been recognised by the World Health Organisation who have called for an end to ‘the inclusion of urine and faecal matter in landfill sites’. 2 Nappy information pack
2. Real nappies – the options available
a. Nappy laundering
Nappy laundering services are established to make using real nappies as easy as possible. They will
help you with sizing the nappies for your baby and then provide you with all the nappies you need
as part of your weekly fee. These will not be yours to keep. They will then collect the dirty nappies
from your door every week and replace them with clean ones. There are a number of benefits that
you can gain from using a nappy laundering service. The main one is convenience. As a busy mum
you may not feel you want to take on the extra responsibilities of buying and washing real nappies.
Using a nappy laundering service also gives you an opportunity to try real nappies before buying
them outright. Nappy laundering costs about the same price as using disposable nappies, however
as a Enfield resident you are entitled to discounted nappy laundering from the local, registered nappy
laundering service ‘Number 1 for Nappies’.
If you would like to find out more about their service, please call them directly on 07951 687 730 or
email them on sales@numberonefornappies.co.uk
b. Home washing
Washing your own nappies at home allows you to make the greatest savings. You will need to have a
washing machine and a good supply of real nappies. Real nappies come in numerous styles and
designs, so take some time to think which type will be best for you and your baby. The next section
of this guide will provide you with more information on the different types and styles available. If you
need more help there are a range of websites offering advice. These are listed in Section 6, on page
7 of this guide.
Nappy information pack 33. Which nappies to choose?
There are two main types of real nappy – all-in-one nappies and two piece nappies.
All-in-one nappies
This has the design closest to that of a disposable nappy. It has an integral waterproof outer as
well as Velcro fastenings, making it very easy to use. All-in-one nappies are usually stuffable
nappies, which means that they have a pocket to insert an absorbent pad. This makes them
easier to wash and dry. These nappies come in many different styles and designs.
Advantages + Disadvantages -
Cost: from
Easiest to use Most expensive option around
£8 per nappy.
Looks most like disposable Several sizes will be needed
Takes longer to dry An All-In-One
Nappy
Nappy only lasts for one baby by Fuzzi Bunz
Two-piece nappies
The two-piece system nappies include a nappy which fits snugly around a baby’s bottom and a
breathable waterproof wrap to go on top. You will also need to use liners to catch the solids. These
nappies are very easy to use.
Flat nappies (Terries and Pre-folds) Advantages +
Flat nappies include both terry nappies and pre-folds.
Cheapest option
Terry nappies consist of a plain cotton square whist Pre-
folds are usually made from woven cotton or flannelette Very absorbent
which is stitched into three panels so that the centre Quickest to dry
panel is double layered. Both types need to be folded to Readily available in high street shops
fit baby, fastened with a ‘Nappi-Nippa’ and then made
Only one size of nappy needed
waterproof with a wrap.
Can be folded in many ways to suit your
Flat nappies are the cheapest of all the nappies and
baby
have the additional benefit of being fast drying. Most
manufacturers suggest using a range of sizes as your
baby grows but many parents find they only need one or Disadvantages -
two sizes. Pre-folds are used by most nappy launderers. Traditional folding method can be fiddly,
Cost: around £2 especially with wriggly newborns
per nappy.
Can look bulky
Pre-fold nappy with
outer wrap and liner Terry nappy
4 Nappy information packShaped nappies Cost: from around
£7 per nappy.
Shaped nappies have a piece of cotton shaped to fit the baby, with
elasticated legs and waist. Most brands are made to fasten with poppers,
Velcro or ties, but others rely on the wrap to hold them in place.
Whilst sized nappies usually have two sizes to fit from birth to potty (some
have a third size for more versatility in the newborn stages or later on for
toddlers), they may seem initially more expensive compared to the flat
nappies; however they generally fit better at all stages and the largest size
tends not to get outgrown. These are a particularly good buy if you are Shaped nappy
by Bamboozles
intending to use the same nappies for more than one child, as overall
wear and tear will be less than a one-size.
Cost: from around £7 per nappy.
Advantages +
Disadvantages -
Easier to use than flat nappies
Slower to dry than terries
Elasticated legs and waist mean they fit well
More expensive than pre-folds
Less bulky than pre-fold
Durable as cover is separate Several sizes may be needed
One size fits all or birth-to-potty nappies
One size fits all or birth-to-potty nappies are shaped nappies that are designed to fit all sizes of
baby. These nappies are fastened with hook and loop fastenings, poppers or “Nappi Nippa”
and so are very easy to use. Although they are initially more expensive than the two-piece
nappies, they are economical in the long run, especially where families have different-aged
babies in nappies, as it reduces the overall number of nappies needed.
By re-arranging a system of poppers, or by simply folding the front over, the nappy can be
adjusted to fit most babies from birth to potty. The downside of a one-sized nappy is that it can
be bulky on a newborn and it can get outgrown at the other end of the scale.
Cost: from around £11 per nappy
Advantages + Disadvantages -
Easy to use Can be bulky on newborns
Economical in the long-term Initially more expensive
Quick drying
Birth to Potty shapped nappy by Popolini
Nappy information pack 5Accessories: The two-piece system nappies include a nappy which fits snugly around a baby’s bottom and a breathable waterproof wrap to go on top. You will also need to use liners to catch the solids. These nappies are very easy to use. The nappy itself may be a terry, pre-fold or shaped. Each of these are detailed below. a. Covers Unless you are using all-in-one, you will also need to buy covers and liners. Modern covers may be pull-on, poppered or fastened with Velcro. The fabrics are waterproof and breathable, with soft edges where the cover touches the delicate skin of the legs and waist. It is important that covers fit in order to avoid leakage. You will generally need several sizes to fit as your baby grows. It is possible to find ’grow with your baby’ covers. However, these are more expensive in the long term. Wraps come in numerous different colours and designs so you can have fun (Above) Outer Wrap choosing designs. Each wrap lasts a number of changes (on average about three changes) so you don’t need to buy as many. Cost: from £8 each. b. Liners Using a liner makes life easier, especially after weaning. There are two types: washable or flushable liners. Washable Liners Made from silk or cotton, they must be sluiced into the toilet and washed. These are ideal for sensitive skin but can be messy to deal with. Cost: about £2 each. Flushable Liners Made from paper, these come in perforated rolls. A roll of 100 costs around £2.50 and lasts around a month. It is essential to buy liners that say they are flushable and biodegradable. Some high street shops sell ’one way liners’ which are not flushable and block sewage pipes. If the liner is only wet and not soiled, these liners can actually be washed with the nappies and reused two or three times. c. Boosters Some babies need extra absorbency; this may be provided by a booster liner – a pad of cotton. For a better fit, you may also place the booster between the nappy and the wrap rather than inside the nappy 6 Nappy information pack
4. How many will you need?
Nappies:
If washed alternate days, tumble dried 10
If washed alternate days, line dried 18
Covers (unless using all-in-ones): At least 4
Liners:
Washable liners: At least 12 The initial
costs
or of changing
Flushable liners: Approx 1 roll over to real
nappies
per month
can be
Booster Pads: Optional quite an
investment
Also useful:
initially but
Wet-nappy bag – sealable bags to put wet nappies in when out Optional there is no
need to buy
Nappy mesh bag – to avoid handling nappies as they go into wash Optional them
Long handled brush – To deal with leaks on covers Optional all at once.
Nappy bucket or bin with lid 1
Non-biological washing detergent
5. Real nappies – the costs
The cost of using real nappies will very much depend on which nappies you decide to use and the
quantity you want.
If you chose flat nappies (the cheapest option), you could buy all the nappies and accessories you
need for around £100. Shaped nappies on the other hand are more likely to cost around £150. A
number of retailers offer ‘birth-to-potty real nappy starter packs’. These include all the real nappies
and accessories you will ever need. The average cost for a complete starter kit like this is around
£200.
The initial costs of changing over to real nappies can be quite an investment initially but there is no
need to buy them all at once. You could for instance, buy one nappy each week through pregnancy
and then apply for Enfield’s ‘Real Nappy – Real Happy’ subsidy of up to £54.15, once the child is
born. This will make the initial investment less noticeable.
At around £8.50 per week, the cost of using a nappy laundering service is quite similar to using
disposables. As an Enfield resident you can receive discounted nappy laundering through the local
registered nappy laundry service ‘Number 1 for Nappies’ (see Section 2).
Nappy information pack 76. Where to buy real nappies Shops in the London Borough of Enfield selling real nappies: Anna’s 2 Market Parade, Winchester Road, London, N9 9HF 020 8807 5961 Cims Stores 45, The Market Square, London N9 0TZ 020 8807 9955 Mothercare 4, Palace Gardens, Enfield EN2 6SN 020 8367 1188 Mothercare World Angel Road, London, N18 3WE 020 8807 5518 Toys ‘R’ Us Great Cambridge Road, Enfield EN1 3RN 020 8364 6600 If you know of any other shops in the Borough selling real nappies, please let us know! Mail order companies: Mail order Company Website address Telephone number Babykind www.babykind.co.uk 0845 094 2275 Little Green Earthlets www.earthlets.co.uk 0845 072 4462 Bambino Mio www.bambino.co.uk 01604 883777 Nappies by Minki www.nappiesbyminki.co.uk 01851 890402 Twinkle Twinkle www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk 0118 969 5550 Ella’s House www.ellashouse.co.uk 01955 641358 Greenfibres www.greenfibres.com 0845 330 3440 The Nappy Lady www.thenappylady.co.uk 0845 456 2441 Meadow Green www.meadowgreen.co.uk 01449 723377 Kitty Kins www.kittykins.co.uk 01986 784445 Yummies www.yummies.biz 01273 738733 The Baby Catalogue www.thebabycatalogue.com 0870 120 2018 Natural Collection www.naturalcollection.com 0870 331 33 33 Plush Pants www.plushpants.co.uk 01534 617839 Snazzypants www.snazzypants.co.uk 01522 778440 Ellie Pants www.elliepants.co.uk 0151 2005012 8 Nappy information pack
7. Caring for real nappies and reducing
their environmental impact
• Real nappies can be washed in your washing machine at 60ºC with non-biological powder. There
is no need to boil wash. Wraps can be washed at 40ºC.
• Use half the amount of detergent as you would use with your normal clothes. Your nappies will still
be as clean.
• Don’t use fabric conditioners as these make the nappies less absorbent. Adding a touch of vinegar
to the wash keeps the nappies really soft.
• You do not necessarily need to wash the nappies every day. Every two or three days is enough as
they can be stored in a nappy bucket until there is a full wash load.
• Minimise tumble-drying. Nappy life is prolonged if you line dry them, and it’s better for the
environment and will save on electricity bills.
• Using A-rated appliances can reduce energy and water consumption.
• Flushable nappy liners should only be flushed when they are soiled. If they are only wet, they can
be washed at least twice. Make sure the flushable liners you buy are biodegradable and flushable.
• Real nappies may be used for more than one child.
8. Sources of information about real
nappies
UK Nappy Line 01938 401959
Real Nappy Campaign 0845 850 0606
www.goreal.org.uk
National Association 0121 693 4949
of Nappy Services www.changeanappy.co.uk
Please contact us for information on our Nappycino events where you can find out more about
washable and how easy they are to use.
Nappy information pack 99. Your questions Are they hygienic/safe?
answered... • If you are home washing, 60 degrees will give
them a good clean.
But don’t I have to take the dirty nappies home
Benefits to your baby with me?
Is it true that cotton nappies lead to earlier
• You might have to anyway if you couldn’t find
potty training?
a suitable bin to put your used disposables in.
• In most cases. The carer can look at the
nappy and see if the urine is being held and • Taking your cotton nappies home means you
can thus easily spot that the baby is ready for don’t have to open the smelly nappy bins in
potty training. shops etc.
• There are plastic-lined drawstring bags
Costs available on the market, to make storing them
Are cotton nappies affordable? when outside of the home easier.
• Yes! If you use a laundry service you get the
nappies as part of your weekly fee. Everything Do you need to use pins?
else you will need to buy; for example, wraps. • No. If you decide you need to put the cotton
If you home wash, you will need to buy nappy on tighter to prevent leakage then you
everything, including about 20 or so cotton can buy plastic “nappi nippas” which are
nappies. But ultimately home washing is the great and safe.
cheapest way of using cotton nappies.
Leakage etc
Hygiene/safety Do they leak?
How do I store dirty nappies? No more than disposable nappies. Make sure the
• Bins are provided if you use a nappy service nappy is tucked inside the wrap.
or just buy a plastic bin with a lid if you home
wash. Can I use them at night?
• Yes. Although some people also use a
• Wiping a few drops of essential oil (perhaps booster, an extra large nappy and an extra
tea tree) around the bin will also help to waterproof wrap, just to make sure the baby
reduce odour. stays dry.
• Avoid rinsing out the nappies before you put
them in the bin. Water activates bacteria and Can I use them on newborn babies?
creates smell. • Yes. Some people have concerns about
rubbing on the navel – but disposables have
• Try and ensure good airflow through your
the same problem. The solution is to get
house/flat.
wraps which are “lower cut”.
10 Nappy information packHow do I stop the liners leaking? savings in the long run.
• You can’t stop this for newborns or breastfed • A laundry service which costs £8.50 per week,
babies, but you’ll get exactly the same for example, would be about £2.50 per week
problem with disposables. dearer than disposables, depending on how
• There are different kinds of liners available, many changes. When pull-up disposables
so it is worth experimenting to see which one start to be used the costs are about equal.
works best for your baby. These nappies are delivered to your door,
• The nappies can be folded in different ways to however, so no more lugging around big
help keep the content in place! packs of nappies or worrying about running
out.
Do you need to change more often?
• No. If you find you are changing the nappy I don’t want to use someone else’s nappies!
more than every three hours, use a booster pad. • The nappies are very clean when laundered.
They are generally laundered to the same
Mum concerns standard as hospital/hotel towels and sheets.
Do they cause nappy rash? (The process is called thermal disinfection
• Nappy rash is usually caused by not changing which means that the nappies are completely
any kind of nappy frequently enough, disinfected by the high temperatures.)
teething, weaning or the baby being sick.
Disposables tend to be left on for longer Washing your own nappies
because they are so good at keeping the skin How much does home washing cost?
dry, which can lead to nappy rash. • Home washing is the cheapest method! Once
you have bought the basics it only means one
Do/can nurseries and childminders use them? more load of washing every few days.
• Yes they can. Many nurseries are now either
converting, or are happy to accommodate. How should I wash the nappies?
However it is always worth asking. • Usually 60º is fine, using readily available
detergents such as Ecover. Some people soak
Do they take longer to change? the nappies immediately prior to washing –
• They can initially if you have been used to with a couple of drops of tea tree or lavender
disposables. But once you get used to them it oil, or quite a lot of bicarbonate of soda.
can be enjoyable to take time to change your
baby’s nappy unhurriedly! What do I do with my wraps and cotton
nappies when I have finished with them?
• They can be sold or donated through a
Using a laundry service number of places, including e-Bay, the Nappy
Is a service cheap? Lady website, and online recycling networks.
• Using a laundry service is about the same
price as disposable brands such as Pampers
and Huggies, but earlier potty training means
Nappy information pack 11For further information please
visit: www.enfield.gov.uk/recycling
email: waste.services@enfield.gov.uk
call: 020 8379 1000
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