Why Use Real Nappies?
Real Nappies can save you money
- Using even just one reusable nappy instead of one disposable nappy each day has the potential to save a family over £40 a year.
- You can save even more money by using Real Nappies on your second child.
- You never run out of Real Nappies.
- You can sell your Real Nappies once you have finished using them.
- Use reusable baby wipes to reduce your costs further.
You can save around £500 by using Real Nappies and washing them at home. And you can save even more if you use them for your second or third child or buy them second-hand. Some Real Nappies have a good resale value.
The total cost of using Real Nappies can be half that of using disposables. If washing your nappies at home, a one-off payment is needed to buy the supply of nappies. However you can save up for this and it means that you are not constantly paying for single use disposable nappies on a weekly basis.
A 2006 study has estimated costs from birth to potty for real and disposable nappies as:
- Buying Real Nappies and washing them at home costs from £182.50 to £359
- Buying disposable nappies costs from £615.16 to £922.74
These costs are based on nappies being used over two and a half years. They are average costs and depend on the type of nappy used and how often disposable nappies are changed. Visit www.wen.org.uk for full details of the study and the assumptions made.
Incentive schemes
In addition to these savings, some local authorities offer incentives such as cash back rewards, vouchers for the purchase of Real Nappies, free or discounted laundry trials or free sample packs of nappies.
To find out more about Real Nappies in your area please visit our Sort-It website.
Real Nappies are convenient to wash and dryHome Washing
Please follow the manufacturer's advice on storing and washing nappies. Pre-soaking is not required with modern Real Nappies, although you may wish to soak them if they are heavily soiled. There is no need to boil wash Real Nappies; they can be washed easily at home in a 60°C washing machine cycle along with washable liners.
Brand new nappies should be washed a couple of times before use, as this will increase their absorbency. Covers should be washed at 40°C where possible to protect their waterproof fabrics. If inserts are used, these should be removed from the nappy before washing both parts. Choose from the quicker drying fabrics if you have concerns about drying time.
Nappy laundry services
For extra convenience, nappy laundries offer a weekly service in many areas that collects used nappies from your doorstep in a bin supplied and provides a fresh supply of clean nappies, laundered to the thermal disinfection standards used in hospitals.
For details of nappy laundry services that may operate in your area, visit the useful contacts section of our Sort-It website.
Real Nappies are easy to use and comfortable for the baby
Real Nappies are soft and comfortable, and come in various colours and patterns with easy-to-use fastenings (e.g.Velcro®, poppers, grips). They are absorbent, and inserts or booster liners/pads can be used to soak up extra wetness if required. There are a variety of styles available to fit snugly to baby, with soft elasticated sides to prevent dampness, made of a range of fabrics including organic cotton.
Modern Real Nappies are made of specially designed breathable materials. This means that your baby is no more or less likely to get nappy rash from Real Nappies than from disposable nappies. With all nappies, to avoid nappy rash it is important to change them regularly and allow plenty of fresh air between each change.
Real Nappies mean less waste to landfill
Using Real Nappies will reduce your household waste, which goes to landfill sites. Reducing your waste saves the Earth's natural resources, saves energy and reduces the risk of climate change. It also reduces waste disposal costs, which fall on Local Authorities and Council Tax payers.
