Real Nappies

GET REAL: use re-usable nappies

Converting to real nappies from disposables can make a BIG difference to the amount of rubbish that families with young children have. And don't worry - it's not all about terry squares and soaking any more...

Nappy Facts

• In Leicestershire alone 50 million disposable nappies are disposed of each year.
• The cost of disposing of them costs £250,000 in Leicestershire.
• They make up 4 percent of rubbish but can be over half the contents of the bin for families using nappies.
• Parts of disposable nappies take up to 500 years to decompose.
• On average a baby uses between 5000 and 7000 disposable nappies over a 2 ½ year period, equivalent to 1 tonne of rubbish.

Dispelling the Myths

• Myth: Using real nappies will involve terry squares and huge safety pins. Truth: Today modern real nappies come in many shapes and colours, with many looking and working very similar to disposable nappies.
• Myth: Using real nappies will mean lots of smelly nappies lying around and lots of soaking. Truth: real nappies are lined and it's as easy as flushing the soiled part down the toilet (as you should already be doing with disposables). The nappies can then be stored in a bucket with a lid ready for washing.
• Myth: Using real nappies will mean washing all the time at 90 degree washes. Truth: There would only be a need to do 1 additional wash every two to three days at 60 degrees.
• Myth: Using Using real nappies will cost more than disposable nappies. Truth: Using disposable nappies costs between £735 and £1211. Using real nappies can save up to £600. Leicestershire County Council also run a cash back scheme.

Getting Started

There are a huge number of nappies available on the market, ranging from simple terries to all in one, shaped nappies. Don't panic! - there is help available.

Leicestershire County Council offer a real nappy trial kit so you can find out what type of nappies will best suit your baby before buying.

The Leicestershire Real Nappy Network are a group of mums who use(d) real nappies on their children and would like to spread the word. They are here to help and will visit with a "nappy demo" kit that will show you what is available, as well as giving practical advice.

Your local representative is Isabel, contact her on 01509 621879 or have a look at the Leicestershire Real Nappy Network website . We are also hoping to hold monthly meetings where mums using real nappies can meet to discuss any problems they may be having or to say how wonderful they are!

Nappy Suppliers

There are lots of suppliers of real nappies. If you are a nappy supplier and would like to be added to the list, please contact recycling. Many suppliers are mums who have used real nappies on their own children and therefore offer another outlet for information and advice.

Nature Babies
40 Unitt Road, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8BY
Tel: 01509 621879
contact@naturebabies.co.uk

Stuffie Nappies
111 Factory Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0DP
Tel: 07816 229468
info@stuffienappies.co.uk

Whizzy Wheels
69 Queens Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, LE2 1TT
Tel: 0116 270 2888
info@whizzywheels.co.uk

Independent Nappy Sellers

• Angel Tots
• Plush Pants
• The Nappy Lady
• Twinkle Twinkle
• Snazzypants
• Just Nappies
• Cut4Cloth
• Time2Change
• Heathlands

Real Nappy Week

This is a well-established annual event. It is organised by the Women's Environmental Network(WEN) , the Real Nappy Association and the National Association of Nappy Services . The week focuses attention on the environmental impact of nappies and raises public awareness of the availability of fitted cloth nappies and nappy laundry services.

Each year the county council runs a series of "nappuchino" mornings for interested parents or parents-to-be. These were coffee mornings where parents who use real nappies were on hand to answer questions and where live models could be seen!

Further Information

As well as the organisations mentioned above, UK Parents also provides information on real nappies and an opportunity to discuss the issues.

Leicestershire County Council is currently running a scheme where parents can get cash back on their first purchase of real nappies or use of a nappy laundry service.