Nappies - did you know there's a choice?
The Bottom Line on Nappies....
5000 Nappies may be used by one child before potty training!
- Disposable nappies make up 50% of the rubbish produced by a family with one child in nappies! If disposable nappies are used for 2 and a half years this will fill around 25 wheelie bins!
- Around 3000 babies are born every year at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. If each of these babies uses five disposable nappies a day nearly 5.5 million nappies will end up in landfill sites in a year.
- Disposable nappies in landfill sites can take up to 500 years to decompose, so they could still be around when your great, great, great grandchildren are born!
Why Get Real?
They Are Not Like They Used to Be!
Real Nappies come in lots of great, modern styles and shapes that fasten with Velcro, poppers or nipper grippers so there's no need for safety pins. There are four main types, most of which are shaped so they have all the convenience of disposables, without the impact on the environment!
They Are Easy to Use!
Instead of throwing them away, washable nappies can be used over and over again. The nappies are made from natural materials which don't need soaking or boiling. They can be washed at 40 - 60 degrees in an ordinary washing machine!
Nappy Maintenance
Wash Real Nappies with a non-biological detergent but do not use fabric conditioner as this reduces the absorbency of the nappy. Air or line dry them whenever possible as too much tumble drying will affect absorbency over time as well as use unnecessary energy. Washing nappies at home using an A-rated appliance to reduce water and energy usage will also cost less that buying more disposables!
They Will Save You Money in The Long Run!
By the time your baby is potty trained you could use between 4000 – 6000 disposable nappies. Based on today’s prices that can cost between £488 – £732. To get you started on real nappies you’ll need 25-30 nappies which could cost as little as £185 including the washing!
Real Nappy Costs
- Flat £1.75-£3.50 each
- Shaped & One Size £4.75 - £10.99 each
- All in ones £7.90 - £14.50 each
- Accessories
- Covers/Wraps £3.50 - £9.95 (you’ll need on average about 3 of these)
- Flushable liners £0.02 each
- Washable liners £1.30 each
Where Do I Start?
Real nappies can be found on the Used Nappy Network, Freecycle or eBay at reduced prices.
You can save money straight away with the £25 Cashback Available on Real Nappies offered by Derbyshire County Council.
Coping with the extra costs of a baby can be difficult. Sure Start Maternity Grants can help to give you and your baby a good start in life.
Nappuccinos And More!
If you'd like to find out more about modern washable nappies then why not come along to a Nappuccino Information Event. Find out about the range of nappies and accessories that are available and get help and advice over a coffee and a chat. Nappuccinos are held throughout the year in the meeting room at Chesterfield Library between 10.30am and 1.30pm. Everyone is welcome.
2009's Nappuccino dates are:
- Friday 31st July
- Friday 28th August
- Friday 25th September
- Friday 30th October
- Friday 27th of November
If you are interested in trying Real Nappies but you are unsure whether they are right for you, then Derbyshire County Council have Nappy Lending Kits available. For a small fee of £5.00 plus a refundable deposit of £50 you can borrow a kit which will give you all the equipment you need to try washable nappies. for more details on the Nappy Lending Kit please contact Derbyshire County Council on 01629 580000 extension 7048 or email realnappies@derbyshire.gov.uk
Other Local Councils That Support The Real Nappy Campaign
- Derbyshire County Council
Tel: 01629 580000 extension 7051
- The District of Bolsover
Tel: 01246 827514
- Chesterfield Borough Council
Tel: 01246 345763
Nappy Networks
- The UK Nappy Line - advice on Real Nappy Suppliers
Tel: 01983 401959 or email nappy@wrap.org.uk
Tel: 01926 734274
Your community midwife or health visitor may also be able to help advise you on Real Nappies.
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