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Washable Nappies

Saves you money

One pack of disposable nappies per week for up to two and a half years can cost over £1000 per child. Using modern washable nappies could save you up to £600 for the first child, including washing costs and depreciation on your washing machine, and they can also be used for subsequent children.

Helps the environment

One baby’s disposable nappies fill 40 black sacks in a year. Across the UK around 8 million disposables are used every day. All disposable nappies are landfilled as they cannot be reused, recycled or composted. All disposable nappies that have been landfilled still exist today. By choosing to use washable nappies less waste is landfilled.

Hygiene

Washable nappies are used with a degradable paper liner to catch the solids. These can be flushed down the toilet and treated through the sewage system. Nappies can then be pre-soaked or washed. Using disposables means the faeces tend to be wrapped up in the nappy and then placed into your bin where they remain until refuse collection day.

Padding

As children learn to walk they tend to fall over frequently at first. Washable nappies are more bulky than disposables, so provide extra padding for the base of the spine.

What washable nappies are like

Washable nappies are now high performance cotton nappies. Covers are simple and quick to use with excellent protection against leaks. They are shaped, fitted and fasten without the need for pins.

How many nappies you need

Considering that 2 days worth of nappies make up a washing load, a total of 18-20 nappies and 4 wraps should be enough to meet all your requirements. The waterproof covers do not need to be washed after every nappy change.

How they are washed

With modern washing machines and centrally heated houses, washing and drying nappies couldn’t be easier. A 60 0C wash will adequately cleanse your nappies and the nappies and wraps can be tumbled or air-dried. To contain heavy soiling you can put a thin nappy liner between the skin of the baby and the nappy. This can then be easily flushed down the toilet.

Soaking is not necessary provided that soiling is removed. You can simply:

Pop the nappies into the washing machine on a pre-wash programme with a nappy sanitiser

Spin out and store in a dry bucket until you are ready to wash them

Alternatively, wet nappies can be stored in a half filled bucket of water with a touch of white vinegar added until you have a wash load.

There are nappy laundering services that will wash your nappies for you. For details see below.

How to prevent leaking nappies

Modern washable nappies are shaped to fit snugly and prevent leakage.

A cloth nappy, adequately padded, should last for up to 4 hours during the day and 12 hours at night. If you are finding that nappies are not lasting for more than an hour or so, try putting extra cloth in. insets and boosters can be used, otherwise cutting muslin or small terries in half and folding in an oblong will work.

Nappy Promoters and Stockists

There are numerous suppliers of washable nappies and many offer special discounts and trial offers. Quote ‘The Dorset Reduction & Recycling Group’ when making enquiries and the discounts will then apply.

There are also real nappy promoters who can offer advice and support in choosing the right nappy system for you and your baby.

Lollipop

Have a network of local agents who give free demonstrations, advice and sales of a wide range of different nappy systems in your home. For details of your nearest agent contact: www.teamlollipop.co.uk

Cotton Bottoms

Provides a nappy laundry service to most areas of Dorset. They use a popular birth to potty nappy system. For further information contact: www.cottonbottoms.co.uk

Great Choice Professional Nappy laundering Service

Provides a nappy laundry service based in in Poole. For further information contact: www.makeagreatchoice.co.uk  

Heybaby

Drop in to this local shop and browse through the extensive selection of modern washable nappies and accessories. For further information contact: 24 Middlemarsh Street, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester. www.heybabyshop.co.uk

My Cheeky Chimp

Bournemouth based Real Nappy Stockist & baby products available from an online shop. Will also do visits in the Dorset area. www.mycheekychimp.co.uk

Other useful contacts:

The Real Nappy Campaign

Womens Environmental Network, Nappy Information, PO Box 30626, London, E1 1TZ www.wen.org.uk Send a large self addressed envelope to receive more information.

Washable Nappy Suppliers

Note: Prices correct as of September 2006. Please contact Suppliers directly for latest prices.   

 Borough of Poole

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