| Q - How do I decide which type to buy?
A - There are many different types and styles of real nappies on
the market. Check if your local Council, nappy network or retailer
has a loan pack of nappies that you can try out for a week or two.
If not, buy two or three nappies in different styles to see which
you like best.
Q - What are the different types like?
A - There is a large choice, but the main types are flat nappies
(terries or prefolds), shaped nappies or all-in-ones. You can use
a flushable paper liner with all real nappies to keep the nappy
clean. You will need 20 – 30 nappies and 3 – 5 waterproof
covers at any one time.
Flat nappies are made from terry towelling (terries)
or cotton (prefolds) that are folded and covered with a breathable,
waterproof cover. If you are using a terry you can use a simple
plastic grip to keep the nappy in place instead of a safety pin.
Each nappy will cost about £2.50 each and covers start from
about £7.50
Shaped nappies are cut to fit your baby snugly.
You can either buy one-size ones that will adjust to fit as your
baby grows, or buy different sizes as your baby needs them. They
are covered with a breathable waterproof cover. Shaped nappies,
and the covers to go on top, start at about £7.50 each
All-in-ones have the nappy and cover already attached
together rather than separate layers as with the others. You will
need 2 or 3 sizes. They will cost from £12.00 each.
Q – Can I save money with real nappies?
A - Whichever type of real nappies you use you will save up to £500
if you wash them at home. – with even greater savings if you
use the same nappies for a second baby.
You can spread the cost by buying your nappies gradually and change
over from disposables over several weeks. Check with the Waste Management
department of your local council to see whether they offer financial
incentives to parents who use real nappies.
Q – Are real nappies as efficient as disposable nappies?
A – As long as you have well fitting waterproof covers, real
nappies will not leak any more than disposables. You can increase
their absorbency by using a booster pad.
Q – Will my baby be more likely to suffer from nappy
rash?
The type of nappy chosen does not affect the incidence of nappy
rash. It is important to change any type of nappy frequently and
make sure the baby’s skin is kept clean and healthy.
Q – Are real nappies easy to wash and dry?
A – You do not need to soak, scrub or boil your nappies. Put
the dirty paper liner down the loo and then wash your nappies and
covers at 40 – 60 degrees. Do not use fabric conditioner.
You can dry them in the same way as any other washing, including
in a tumble dryer (use a low temperature for covers though).
There are nappy laundry services in some areas – they collect
your dirty nappies and deliver back your clean ones once a week.
The cost of the nappies is included in the weekly fee (usually about
£9.00). Laundries use only prefold nappies.
Q – Where can I buy them?
A – Look at the web site of your Council which may list local
suppliers of real nappies. The list below gives the suppliers in
the Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North
East Somerset and some good web sites for general information
and links to national suppliers.
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