Nappy Information
Why use real nappies?
They are better for the environment: each child in disposables puts 5,500 nappies in landfill over 2.5 years, - with most going to landfill. It is thought they will not biodegrade for hundreds of years.
One cup of crude oil is used in the manufacture of each disposable.
Cloth nappies have no chemicals or gels and are more naturally breathable.
They are better for your wallet: it can cost over £1000 to use disposables but only up to £400 for washables including washing costs, even taking into account the energy, water and detergent used to wash them. In our experience, the time factor is actually minimal.
They leak less often than disposables as they come in lots of different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find a good fit for your baby.
They can be used for more than one baby.
They are so much cuter than disposables!
How many will I need?
As a rough guide, for a young baby you will need 20-24 nappies and 4-5 wraps if using a two-part system. For babies on solids 15-18 nappies and 3-4 wraps should be enough. You will also need a bucket for storing wet and soiled nappies until you are ready to wash them.
The main different types of nappy are:
Flat Nappies
Made from terry towelling (terries) or cotton (prefolds) that are folded and covered with a breathable waterproof cover. A terry can be held in place using a simple plastic grip (nappy nipper) instead of a safety pin.
Pre-folds are slim fitting; the nappy has a stitched, prefolded centre and is then folded into a pad and fits inside a wrap designed for them.
Cost:
From around £2 a nappy, £5 a wrap.
Advantages:
- best value for money & can be used on more than one baby
- absorbent
- quickest to dry
- available in high street shops
- versatile - fold in different ways to suit baby’s needs, e.g. for increased absorbency at night.
Disadvantages:
- folding terries can be a bit fiddly at first and not so good for an older wriggly child.
Shaped nappies
No folding needed. These are shaped and fitted, with soft, elasticated legs and waist. They generally have a neater fit than terry squares and are very easy to put on. Most have Velcro fastenings or poppers. The main types are ‘one size’ (birth-to-potty) or ‘sized’ (small, medium, large and even XL). They wash and dry easily, although some fabrics take longer to dry than others. All shaped nappies need a separate waterproof wrap.
Cost:
Both the shaped nappies, and the wraps to go over them, start from around £6-£7 each.
Advantages:
- easy to put on, wash and dry
- poppers and Velcro mean you can adjust to your baby’s size, increasing reliability
- widely available
- can be used on more than one baby
Disadvantages:
- birth-to-potty nappies and some brands may be bulky on a new born
- unless you buy one size, you will need larger sizes as the baby grows
- more expensive than flat nappies.
Pocket nappies
Also called stuffables, these are wraps with a pouch into which you can insert any pads eg folded terries, shaped inserts, prefolds or pads you have made yourself from absorbent fabrics; like creating an all-in-one. They do not require a separate covering wrap as this is integral to the design. Very versatile as you can add pads for night times and use fewer during the day. The inserted pads can dry quickly after washing. Available in one-size or multi-sized options.
Cost:
from around £10 each; special inserts from around £2.
Advantages:
- easy to put on, wash and dry
- useful when out and about or for nursery as they can be prepared in advance
- very versatile.
Disadvantages:
- more expensive than two part nappies
- unless you buy one size, you will need larger sizes as the baby grows.
All-in-ones
Particularly easy to use and closest to disposables in design. All-in-ones are shaped and fitted, with the nappy and cover already attached together rather than as separate layers. Only available in separate sizes (multi-sized).
Cost:
from around £12 each.
Advantages:
- the easiest cloth nappies to put on
- good for childcare situations eg babysitters or for those not confident using cloth nappies.
Disadvantages:
- not as long-lasting as two part systems
- extra drying time needed
- you will need larger sizes as the baby grows
- most expensive.
Wraps
A waterproof wrap is worn over flat or shaped nappies (not with pocket or all-in-ones). Most are soft, durable, breathable and machine washable. Fabrics vary from waterproofed nylon, polyester or cotton to wool. Styles range through popper and Velcro fastening to pull-on; all allow for quick and easy nappy changes.
Cost:
from about £5.
Liners
Biodegradable (flushable) paper liners or washable (cotton, silk and fleece) liners can be placed inside nappies to contain solids. After changing the nappy simply remove and flush the contents down the toilet (flushable liners) or flush the solids and wash the liner with your nappies (washable liners). If only wet and not soiled, some biodegradable liners can even be washed for reuse. Biodegradable liners are around £3 for 200, and washable liners from around £2 each.
How many will I need?
As a rough guide, for a young baby you will need 20-24 nappies and 4-5 wraps if using a two-part system. For babies on solids 15-18 nappies and 3-4 wraps should be enough. You will also need a bucket for storing wet and soiled nappies until you are ready to wash them.