Get Real

Back in the day...
When someone mentions reusable nappies, your thoughts are probably with the times when terry nappies were the option for most parents back when your mum and dad were babies. Bulky and uncomfortable, usually requiring a bit of elbow grease to get them clean, with the added 'joy' of working out how to fold them and actually putting them on a wriggly baby with no intent on keeping still, terry nappies have certainly received bad press in the past! However, reusable nappies have come along way since then, and many parents are turning in favour to the huge range of funky, user friendly and easy-on-the-pocket designs that are readily available to buy.

What, no boiling?
The beauty of modern reusable 'real' nappies is that they have the shape and comfort like a conventional disposable nappy, and are no longer held in place by massive pins that could jab your baby. They are designed with the addition of a bio-degradable environmentally friendly liner that collects your baby's poo, which is flushed down the toilet when the nappy is changed. The used nappy can then be washed on a 60 degree wash, and can be line or tumble dried - although it is always best to follow the manufacturers instructions. They also come in a range of quirky and attractive designs and colours, to keep your baby up to date with the latest fashions!

Why use them?

• On a cost comparison basis, a starter pack of real nappies, which includes all the accessories and nappies you will need for your baby's first twelve months costs about seventy pounds. This amount would buy you approximately three months worth of disposable nappies.
• Most modern real nappies are very absorbent, and are made of natural products, protecting your baby's sensitive skin where she needs it most.
• Some local authorities offer subsidies on the cost of real nappies, and can arrange for dirty nappies to be collected, laundered and delivered straight back to your home at a small cost. The price you pay usually includes the cost of the nappies, and so you don't even have an outlay with this option - contact your council for more information.
• You will be protecting our precious environment and making a real change to the destructive forces damaging our fragile world - where your children and their children will live in the future.
• Babies who have worn real nappies are reported to potty train more easily, as they are trained to be aware when their nappy is wet or soiled. Most disposable nappies are so dry, it can cause problems when you are ready to train your baby.

For further information on the use of real nappies please try the following links: