By Melissa Corkhill
22nd April 2015
How many Real Nappies do you need for a single child in nappies?
You will need a minimum of 20 Cloth Nappies and 3 – 6 waterproof wraps of each size, if you choose a two part nappy system. For Twins you would need about 12 extra nappies. This will be enough for washing every 2-3 days.
I have a toddler and a baby in nappies, are Real Nappies for me?
Many families manage with more than one child in reusable nappies. The vast majority of reusable nappies are designed to fit babies from “Birth To Potty”. For example, they may have poppers to adjust the size. And of course having more than one child in reusable nappies will save you even more money and have less environmental impact. Again you will need about 12 extra nappies and we would suggest you purchase an extra bucket for storing used nappies.
Is it best to buy them before or after I have my baby?
This is down to personal preference. Some people like to buy a complete “birth to potty” set before baby arrives; others like to buy a selection of different brands and styles to try out, or borrow a Trial Kit from their Local Authority or nappy library to try before they commit to buying.
There are so many to choose from, what is the best type?
Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer to this question. different styles and brands work best for different babies and parents. Take a look at our Events page to see if there is something happening near you, you’ll be able to meet with other parents and carers and local nappy experts! Try to find a Trial Kit to test out the different styles available before your buy.
Where can I buy Real Nappies?
Many high street baby shops and well known stores sell reusable nappies and you can buy online.
Can I get help purchasing Real Nappies?
Sometimes! Cash back schemes are implemented and run by Local Authorities so it depends if your particular Local Authority has decided to run one. It may also be worth calling your Local Authority Waste and Recycling team to double check whether they do have a scheme or are planning one.
Are Real Nappies easy to use?
Modern cloth nappies couldn’t be easier to use. Many are All In One which means that the absorbent and waterproof parts come together as one single nappy. They then fit around your babies waist with Velcro or poppers in a similar way to disposable nappies. And of course modern washing machines and detergents make washing simple.
Are Real Nappies really messy?
All nappies need to be changed regularly regardless of type and no matter which type you choose, it will never be your favourite part of being a parent! With Real Nappies liners catch the solid waste which is then flushed down the toilet, much more hygienic than the bin. We recommend storing used nappies in a lidded bucket until ready for the wash. A laundry net bag can be used inside the bucket to make transferring nappies from bucket to machine even easier!
Are they really better for the environment?
Yes! The Environment Agency’s Life Cycle Analysis Report from 2008 showed that you can reduce your impact on the environment by up to 40% by using Real Nappies instead of disposables.
By using Real Nappies you won’t be producing any extra waste to go into landfill sites. Plus, they use fewer natural resources than single use disposable nappies.
Can using Real Nappies save me money?
Yes! If used from birth, you can save anywhere between £150 and £1000 by the time your baby is potty trained. There is an initial outlay of around £70 – £250 (depending on what brand you choose) when buying your reusable nappies so we do recommend saving up for your nappies through pregnancy when possible.
A 60 Degree C wash in a standard washing machine costs approximately 23p, totaling £42 a year (including detergent). If you choose to tumble dry, instead of line – drying, this will cost a additional £87 a year, how ever you will still save money!
How much will it cost me?
It depends on your chosen system, the cheapest option is using flat nappies, also known as terry squares, which would cost as little as £70 to see you through from birth to potty. Real nappies can cost up to £250 but work out much cheaper than disposables in the long run.
As a rough guide:
Terry Square / Prefold: £1.50 – £2.50 per square
Shaped Nappies, sized: £5 – £10 per nappy
One Size or Birth to Potty: £10 – £15 per nappy
All-in-One or Pocket Nappy: £10 – £16
Wraps: £6 – £10
Washing: £1 per week for 4 washes (includes electricity, water, detergent and wear & tear)
Will the extra washing add to the cost?
Research shows that washing Real Nappies at 60 degrees costs £1 per week – this includes wear and tear to your washing machine, detergent and electricity costs.
But don’t I need to boil wash them to get them clean?
A maximum 60 degree wash with non-bio detergent will be quite sufficient to get your nappies clean. Some wraps should be washed at 40 degrees so always check the label and try experimenting with lower temperatures for nappies which are just wet or not overly soiled. Overall, you can treat them as any other item of clothing.
What about drying?
Although most Real Nappies can be tumble dried, we recommend drying on a line or airer for environmental reasons. If you have limited space for drying you could try nappies made from quick drying fabrics such as fleece or microfibre or single layer nappies such as terry squares which dry much more quickly.
With thanks to goreal.org.uk
