Real Nappies - NSDC Cashback Scheme

Why use real nappies?

From birth to potty, the disposable nappies used by the average baby will fill 16 wheeled bins. Three billion nappies a year - eight million a day - are thrown away in the UK, and an incredible 6000 tonnes of disposable nappies end up in landfill sites in Shropshire each year. Each nappy could take 200 to 500 years to decompose fully.

There is an alternative to disposable nappies. Modern reusable real cotton nappies are very similar, and just as convenient.

By using real cotton nappies, parents can reduce waste and save around £500 on the cost of nappies for one baby, and more if they use them again on another baby.

There is such a range of real nappies available that parents are bound to find something to suit their taste and budget.

North Shropshire District Council Cash Back Scheme

The Council is encouraging the use of real nappies as part of our waste minimisation strategy. We are keen to reduce household waste at the source and the use of real nappies is an alternative to disposable nappies. Therefore we are offering £30 to the first 75 parents who present receipts showing they have purchased real nappies.

For more information please contact Environmental Services on 01939 238460 or on the contact details below.

What kinds of real nappies are available?

Real nappies have improved a lot over recent years, they are so much easier to use and care for. These days you don't even have to use pins because modern shaped nappies have quick, safe fastenings. A machine wash in non-biological detergent is all you need to keep nappies clean and hygienic.

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.

Advantages

Easy to use - the most similar to disposable nappies in design and ease of use
Convenient for quick changes when you're out
Quick to put on a wriggly toddler

Disadvantages

May take longer to dry than shaped or flat nappies as the outer is attached
As the outer is washed each time, the nappy lasts for only one baby, maybe two
On average they cost more than shaped or flat 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.

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 flat nappies. If you have a tumble drier this would not be a problem.
They cost more than flat nappies

Two-part flat nappies

A square of piece of cotton is folded to fit inside a waterproof cover. The cover does not need to be washed every nappy change. Pre-folds, muslins, terry squares and stuffable/pocket nappies fall into this category.

Advantages

The cotton insert dries quickly as it is usually one sheet, which opens flat for quick drying
Turns can be folded in many ways to suit your baby's shape
A set will last for many children
This system is the cheapest of the three
Stuffable nappies are as easy to use as all-in-ones

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 don't always fit prefolds well, there can be a gap between baby and nappy
Stuffable nappy covers need to be washed every time they are used so you need to have around 8-12 covers per size. They are also likely to deteriorate quicker due to frequent washing.

Flat Nappy

Folded flat nappy with Nappi Nippa

Nappi Nippa

Pre-folded nappies

Various outer wraps

What kind of nappy should my newborn wear?

A new-born can go straight into real nappies. In fact it's easier to tell if a new-born is wet if it's wearing a real nappy.

I've heard real nappies leak?

A real nappy and cover are no more likely to leak than a disposable nappy. Simply check the nappy is tucked inside the cover, any cotton that protrudes from the cover will wick moisture from the nappy and onto any clothing or bedding it may be in contact with. Use a booster pad(s) if you find you have to change a wet nappy more than every 3 hours. Some babies just wee more than others! When buying that next size of wrap look at the thigh opening as well as weight range of wrap to suit your baby's shape.

Is there an alternative to expensive throwaway wipes?

Wipes are expensive, contain strong chemicals and create waste. If you want to save yourself money invest in some flannels or cut up an old sheet or towel. When changing a soiled nappy use toilet paper first (that can be flushed along with the soiled liner) then cotton wool or a cloth wipe. The wipes can be washed along with the nappies.

Potty training - will using real nappies make it easier to potty train?

Washable cotton training pants look just like ordinary underwear but come with an in-built waterproof layer. If children wear disposable pull-on training pants they are unable to feel wet and may be harder to potty train. If you child doesn't make it to the potty on time, cotton training pants will stop their clothes from getting too wet, but the child will feel wet and will be able to make the association.

Financial costs

Having your first child can be one of life's great joys but it can be one of life's big financial surprises. Most people are aware of the costs for the new baby such as clothing and equipment but most are surprised to learn that they will need to spend £5-£10 per week on disposable nappies. That's more than half their weekly child allowance and up to one fifth of their weekly shopping bill, literally thrown in the bin! The cost may seem affordable, but 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 £400 for your first child; this includes the initial purchase and the estimated costs for washing and depreciation of the washing machine. Once you have bought your real nappies, all nappy changes are free and you can start saving money, especially with subsequent children.

Environmental Costs

Each baby using disposable nappies can produce up to half a tonne of nappy waste a year. For a family with one child in nappies, disposables can make up half the content of their rubbish each week. Most nappy waste ends up in a landfill site somewhere. Councils are keen to reduce waste going into landfill sites.

Nappy Laundry Services

There are three laundry services which serve the North Shropshire area. A laundry service provides parents with all the prefold nappies that they need for their baby, in a weekly delivery.

Dirty nappies are stored in a special bin until the following week when they are collected and clean nappies are dropped off. The nappies are laundered to a very high standard (usually NHS standard - check with the individual service).

Laundry services cost around the same amount per week as buying disposable nappies, though some services offer a discount if you have more than one baby or child in their nappies.