Real nappies have come a long way since the days of pins, terry squares and crinkly plastic waterproof pants. Modern real nappies are made of lightweight, fluffy fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, fleece or microfibre. There are different types, too, although most systems consist of a soft, absorbent nappy, which is covered by a leak-proof cover, often called a wrap. A one-way liner is usually placed inside the nappy to catch solids and a booster liner can also be used with most to soak up more liquid.
There are many benefits to using real nappies over disposables that we?ll look at here. You can make substantial cost savings and you are in control of your baby?s chemical environment ? important when you consider that a baby?s skin is around six times thinner and five times more sensitive than an adult?s. Cloth-wearing babies may potty train quicker as they can feel when they are wet. As with every parenting decision, however, what you choose will be a matter of individual preference and will come down to what suits your lifestyle and your child.
There are really three main nappy types:
Shaped nappies
Designed to be a snug fit on your baby and don?t require folding, these nappies have elasticated legs and waist and are fastened with Velcro, poppers or grips. These require a one-way liner and a wrap and some can be used from birth to toddler stage.
Main advantage: Easy to put on.
Cost: Between ?5-12 each.
All-in-ones
These are also shaped but with the nappy and wrap all in one piece. These require a one-way liner. There are also pocket nappies that have a pouch for adding an insert like a folded flat nappy or a prefold pad to soak up the moisture.
Main advantage: Removable inserts can save drying time.
Cost: Between ?8-15 each.
Flat nappies
Made of towelling fabric, these nappies and can be folded into a variety of shapes depending on the sex of your child. These are usually secured with grips called ?nappy nippas? or a safety pin and should be used with an outer, waterproof wrap.
Main advantage: lower cost.
Cost: Between ?2-4 each.
Other essentials
Covers or wraps ? these don?t normally need to be replaced at every nappy change, as long as they are dry and clean. Some brands will grow with the baby, which saves on costs.
Cost: Between ?1-10 each.
Liners
There are three main liner types:
One-way liners and boosters ? used to catch solids. Placed inside the nappy on top of the booster liner/pad this allows wetness to pass through, keeping the baby?s bottom drier. Flushable liners are made of paper and can be flushed away when soiled, as long as these are biodegradable.
Fleece liners are better for keeping baby drier but do have to be emptied into the toilet and rinsed before being washed with the nappies for re-use.
Cost: Flushable 2p each.
Booster liners are usually made from cotton these can also be used inside the nappy to soak up more moisture. These are good for longer car journeys or overnight. These are washed with the nappies for reuse.
Cost: washable between 60p and ?2.50 each.
If you are starting with natural nappies from the birth of your child, you?ll need around 20 nappies whichever system you choose, as newborns tend to need 6-8 changes a day. Older children will need less, but if you start with 20 nappies, you can adjust to suit your child. Add to this 4 wraps, if required, and plenty of flushable liners ? a roll of 100 will last about a month, or about 25 fleece liners. If you opt of boosters, you should get about 8 of these.
You will also need a bucket with a lid for storing the soiled nappy and an out-and-about waterproof bag for clean and dirty nappies. Nappies should be washed at 60?C and wraps at 40?C. Try to use eco-friendly washing powder, but don?t add fabric conditioner. Finally, line dry or use a radiator rack when it?s wet outside, or if you don?t have access to a garden.
We spoke to Lynoa Cattanach, a director at BabyGROE who is a mum of two, one of which is still in nappies at just four months old. She offers the following tips for parents who want to go down the real nappy route:
- Find a system that works for you and don?t beat yourself up ? you can use eco-disposables when you?re out or for the first couple of months.
- If breastfeeding, try dabbing a little breast milk on your baby?s bottom ? it?s good for nappy rash. Just make sure baby?s bottom is dry before replacing!
- If convenience is key, try all-in-one nappies and use a local nappy service
- Make sure you check with your nursery or child carer that they are happy to go along with your choice of nappies.
- Put 4-6 drops of tea tree oil in your nappy bin to remove bad smells. It?s also good for its antibacterial qualities.
USEFUL LINKS
BabyGROE