As Reusable Nappy Week comes to an end Lizzie has been out and about this week talking to people at Neston Earth Festival and Storyhouse reminding people of the plastic in single use nappies and what the alternatives are. We caught up with Lizzie to get the low down on Reusable Nappies
Hi, I’m Lizzie. I set up Lizzie’s Real Nappies way back in 2003, soon after we discovered reusable nappies for our second daughter. When buying nappies myself, I found that there was no-one selling real nappies in the local area. Advice is available on the internet, but I feel that it’s important to see and feel the nappies before buying them. I also wanted to be able to speak, one-to-one, with someone who could advise me on the right nappies for me and my baby.
At Lizzie’s Real Nappies I, therefore, not only sell nappies, but also act as a source of information for parents who:
- are just starting to consider using real nappies and are looking for honest, straightforward, practical advice.
- need guidance on which specific nappies are best for them in terms of fit, practicalities and budget.
- Have already purchased their nappies but may have questions or teething problems.
What are real nappies?
Modern real nappies are a world away from traditional terry squares with pins and plastic over-pants. They are shaped like disposables and elasticated at the waist and legs for a really snug fit. They consist of an absorbent core (usually cotton, organic cotton, microfibre or bamboo) with a soft waterproof outer layer to prevent leaks. The size is then adjusted using poppers or velcro.
Properly fitted, they tend to leak less than disposables and won’t need changing much more often. They come in a variety of colours and look super cute! Unlike disposables, real nappies are not thrown away after each use; they are washed and used again. They are therefore a great way of cutting down on single-use disposable nappies.
Why should I use them?
- Real nappies are washed and used again; they, therefore, cut down on the amount of waste sent to landfill. The average baby uses around 7 single-use disposable nappies per day – that’s around 5000-6000 nappies used before they reach potty training! Typical disposable nappies will take around 400-500 years to break down within landfill sites. They say that if Henry VIII had worn disposable nappies, they’d still be in the ground now!
- Unlike disposables, real nappies give you control over the chemicals in contact with baby’s skin.
- They save you money. This can be £100’s depending on the brands used.
- They come in some beautiful designs.
How does the nappy system work?
The nappies are put on baby much like a disposable. While disposables have sticky tabs, most real nappies are held in place with either velcro or poppers.
Between the nappy and baby’s bum you place a ‘liner’; this is very thin and protects the nappy from the poo. Poo is then flushed down the toilet (if solid) and the liner is placed in the bin (as you would a disposable nappy). The nappy is then ready for washing.
Used nappies are stored in a lidded nappy bucket before washing. They are stored dry; they do not need soaking. Bleaches or chemical soaking solutions are not required.
How do I wash and dry the nappies?
Nappies are washed at 40-60º and should be given a good long wash to ensure that they are fully clean, and all the detergent has been rinsed out. Use standard non-biological washing powder but avoid fabric softener as it reduces the absorbency of the nappies. Nappies should be dried on the line; this is the cheapest method, plus sunlight will naturally bleach them, helping to maintain their whiteness. Tumble dryers make the process quick and easy, but they do use a lot of electricity. When outdoor drying is not possible, a more cost effective, and ‘green’, alternative is to dry on an airer.
Will they fit my baby?
The nappies are fastened using either velcro or poppers. Each of these options allows for flexibility in the shape of the nappy, so whether your baby is chubby or slim, long or short, you will find that the nappy can be adjusted to suit.
Most nappies fit from around 10-35lbs (4.5-16kg). For most babies, this will be a few weeks after birth, up until potty training. Tiny newborn nappies are available, but parents generally opt for disposables nappies in the first few weeks, to keep things as simple as possible while they get used to little one.
How many nappies will I need?
If using cloth nappies full time, babies will need around 16-20 nappies. Many parents, however, opt to use them part-time initially – maybe cloth when at home, and disposables at night time and when out and about. You can increase the number of nappies you use per day as your confidence increases.
Nowadays most people opt for ‘One-size’ nappies. These are intended for use from birth to potty (around 4.5-16kg), so you’ll only need to buy one set. If you look after your nappies you should be able to use them again on younger siblings.
How much will they cost?
You can kit yourself out, including all the necessary accessories, for around £200-£350 (depending on the brand). This tends to see most babies through from around 10lbs (4.5kg) up to potty training. You need to include the cost of water, electricity and detergent in your calculations, but it has been found that real nappies do work out cheaper than disposables (especially when used again on siblings).
What do you stock?
I stock a wide range of nappy brands to suit different budgets, however I tend to avoid ‘cheapies’ as I find that the quality simply isn’t there. I currently stock Motherease, TotsBots, BumGenius, Baba&Boo, Little Lovebum, Easy Peasy, Little Lamb, Muslinz etc. I also stock nappy accessories such as nappy buckets, liners, wet bags, booster pads, muslin squares, washable swim nappies and washable baby wipes, as well as reusable sanitary products and other eco products.
What to do next
I offer free one-to-one advice from my home in Hoole, Chester. Feel free to contact me to make an appointment. We can discuss:
- What real nappies are all about, pros and cons etc.
- The different types of nappies available, from traditional terry squares, right through to super-easy ‘All-in-Ones’.
- Practicalities of using cloth: how to put them on, washing, drying etc.
- How to select the best type of nappies and accessories to suit your baby, your lifestyle, and your budget.
To discuss further please feel free to get in touch.
Tel: 07540 221 992 | http://www.lizziesrealnappies.co.uk
Sustainable Cheshire 