why cloth nappies

Also known as washable nappies, recyclable nappies, reusable nappies, real nappies, cotton nappies, natural nappies and non-disposable nappies! I will refer to them as cloth nappies on this site.

What is in a nappy

disposable nappy
70% core containing fluff pulp and absorbent chemicals (sodium polyacrylate)
10% polypropylene lining
13% polyethylene cover
7% other (tapes, elastics, adhesives)

typical cloth nappy
80% soft organic natural fibre
10% polyester
10% PUL wrap

which would you prefer to put on your baby's bottom?


cloth nappies have many benefits including


health


Cloth nappies are made mainly of natural fibres avoiding exposure to the gels and chemicals used in disposable nappies. They are breathable and provide a soft and comfy layer next to your baby's skin.

Sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent gel within disposable nappies, has been banned from use within tampons due to causing cases of toxic shock syndrome.
Disposable nappies have been implicated as a factor in male infertility, due to raised temperature within the nappy. Cloth nappies are not associated with such concerns.
Cloth nappies keep babies hips apart at the optimum angle for hip joint development, and provide more padding and protection when they starting to toddle and fall over!
Babies in cloth nappies may potty train early.


environment

Whichever type of nappy you use will have an environmental impact. 

Disposable nappies;
It takes 4.5 trees to make the disposable nappies a baby will use from birth to 2.5 years old.
One cupful of crude oil is used to make one disposable nappy.
Disposables from one baby make up 50% of the volume of that household's waste.
8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK. Most just go to our fast filling landfill sites where they take hundreds of years to decompose, producing methane gas which contributes to global warming.

Cloth nappies
For cloth nappies, the main impact to the environment is washing and drying. However, the great thing is that you have some control over this, especially if you do the following:

· wash nappies at 60°C maximum
· use 'A' rated appliances
· store used nappies dry
· use washable liners and wipes
· minimise tumble drying or use dryer balls (or a dry towel) to reduce drying time
· use half your usual amount of eco-friendly detergent, or use eco balls
· don't use fabric conditioner as this will reduce the absorbency of the nappies
· don't iron nappies


Other tips for the environment
· don't use bleach to soak or wash nappies
· choose environmentally friendly fabrics (unbleached organic cotton, hemp or bamboo)
· buy second hand cloth nappies
· use cloth nappies for more than one child (either for your next baby or give / sell them to someone else)
· try potty training as early as possible


cost

In terms of overall costs, cloth nappies are much cheaper than disposables.
You will save at least £500 with your first child, and even more if used again for subsequent children. This saving, of course, includes the cost of all nappies, electricity, detergent and depreciation of machine. The catch is that you have to pay up front for cloth nappies, but just think of the savings in the long run.
Many Local Authorities encourage use of cloth nappies by offering cash incentives.

It is also worth bearing in mind that there is a good second hand market for cloth nappies. Once your children are potty trained you can sell them to recoup some of the initial outlay.

Being green usually comes at a premium, but this is one environmentally friendly purchase that will save you money as well!


easy to use and wash

Gone are the days of folding nappies, safety pins and boil washing!
Modern cloth nappies are shaped to fit like disposables with Velcro or popper fastenings. There is no need to soak used nappies, they can be stored in a bucket or a bag and then washed at 60°C every 2 -3 days.


fun and funky!

Modern cloth nappies are slim fitting and the wraps come in a fantastic range of colours and designs to co-ordinate with your baby's outfit, allowing your baby to be stylish as well as making an environmental statement!