To take advantage of these offers or for more information please call the Essex Cloth Nappy Helpline on 01245 437318, or visit www.essex.gov.uk/nappies.

Disposable nappies now account for four per cent of all household waste with the average baby going through 5,000 nappies from birth to potty training. Disposing of all these nappies costs the taxpayer around £40 million a year.

Approximately 8 million disposable nappies are used in the UK every day, with around 7.5 million ending up in landfill sites. Once there, they then take up to 500 years to decompose.

Cloth Nappies, also known as real nappies, cotton nappies, reusable nappies and washable nappies are a natural and gentle alternative to disposables. They are made from soft, breathable cotton and, when used with a liner and a waterproof cover, they are reliable and comfortable.

Although there have been no scientific trials to date, both parents and health professionals have recognised that a child in cloth nappies will become potty trained quicker than those in disposables. Because the child is able to feel some wetness this awareness acts as stimulant to encourage your child to use a potty.

Although all nappies have some environmental impact, you can help to reduce nappy waste going to landfill by using cloth nappies. Cloth nappies also work out cheaper than disposables, saving you up to £500 until your child is potty trained.

To find out more about how cloth nappies work, how much money you can save and to see a list of  Real Nappy Incentives across the UK please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Uttlesford District Council – Sample Real Nappy Pack for £10 is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. Three Rivers District Council offer up to £80 Cashback for Real Nappy Users
2. Whitby Real Nappy Event 20th May 2011
3. Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents

We would love to see your pictures! Everyone who emails us a photo of their beautiful reusable nappies to stars@naturalnursery.co.uk will get a 10% discount code to use at www.naturalnursery.co.uk and one lucky person, drawn at random after the 26th January 2012  will win a Natural Nursery goodie bag!

Entries from Europe only please and if you send us a photo you are giving us permission to use it on the Natural Nursery websites.

The winner of this round of Natural Nursery Cloth Nappy Stars is Melony Robertson who has been emailed!

Has your cloth nappy got Natural Nursery Star Status? win a goodie bag (ends 26th Jan 2012) is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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There is an alternative – have you considered modern cloth nappies?

Bracknell Forest Council is offering a financial incentive of £30 cash back to borough residents who choose to use cloth nappies. To qualify for the ‘Smartie Pants’ payment:

• You must be a resident of Bracknell Forest Borough
• Your child must be under 18 months old
• You must be the child’s parent or legal guardian
• You must use the payment to go towards the cost of purchasing reusable nappies or towards the weekly cost of a nappy washing service

To claim the cashback you must complete the ‘Smartie Pants’ application form.

Bracknell Forest Council can only give the £30 cashback to Bracknell Forest Borough residents.

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/environment/env-local-agenda-21/env-real-nappies.htm

If you don’t live in the catchment area for this cashback offer there might be another near you – we have a list of real nappy incentives at the Natural Nursery that is still growing!

Bracknell Forest Council £30 Cash Back to try Cloth Nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. Watford Cloth Nappy Incentive – up to £50 cashback
2. Wyre and Worcester celebrate Real Nappy Week May 21st 2011
3. Whitby Real Nappy Event 20th May 2011

Olgas' son Sylas happy in his real nappy

An enormous thanks to Olga for letting us re-post her incredible research about the cost of real versus disposable nappies. Olga has set up Green Fluffy Bottoms which is a Facebook group dedicated to real nappy advice and chat. It was established in July 2011 and has been very active ever since.  They  are a mixture of experienced real nappy users and complete beginners, always happy to answer any cloth related questions.

An average child potty trains about 2.5 years old = 912 days in nappies

7 nappy changes a day x 912 days = 6384 disposable nappies

(I personally find this shocking! just imagine pile of them on a landfill)

Disposable nappies: 

ASDA nappy = between 10.7p and 19.9p each = average 15.3 per nappy x 6384 = £976.75

ASDA wipes = 1 pack per week £1 each x 130 weeks = £130

TOTAL cheap version = £1106.75

 

PAMPERS nappy = between 15.4p each and 22.4p each = average 18.9p per nappy x 6384 = £1206.57

WIPES Johnson’s baby Skincare Wipes = £1.50 pack per week  x 130 weeks = £195

TOTAL expensive version = £1402.57

Reusable nappies

I’M COMPARING MOST POPULAR POCKET NAPPIES

Cheap version

20x cheap eBay pocket birth to potty nappies. £2.50 per nappy x 20 = £50

Fleece reusable wipes pack of 15 = £5

TOTAL £55

Expensive version

20x Bumgenius v4 pocket birth to potty nappies. £15 per nappy x 20 = £300

Cheekey wipes kit = £35

TOTAL £335

De luxe version

20x Wee Notion custom made pocket nappy with embroidery. £25 per nappy with inserts = £500

Cheekey wipes kit = £35

TOTAL £535

Washing cost

Rocking green detergent costs £14 for 90 washes. You will do 456 washes washing every other day x 15p per wash = £68.40 detergent cost

I’m basing my calculation on this washing machine BOSCH WAE24165GB

http://www.bosch-home.co.uk/WAE24165GB.html

WATER

It uses 45l per load = 45l x 456 washes = 20520l of water = 20.52m3

Charge per m3 by United Utilities is £1.374 water and £1.1 sewage = £2.74 per m3

Total = £2.74 x 20.52 = £56.22

 

ELECTRICITY

204kWH per annum (manufacturers website)

510kWH total

EON price per kWH = 10.1p

510kWH x 10.1p = £51.51

 

Detergent = £68.40

Water = £56.22

Electricity = £51.51

TOTAL = £176.13

TOTALS

Cheap version             £231.13

Expensive version       £511.13

De luxe version           £711.13

 

Disposable nappies

Cheap version                         £1106.75

Expensive version       £1402.57

In total depending on what option you choose you can save between £1171.44 and £395.62

AND THIS IS JUST ONE CHILD. YOUR NAPPIES CAN BE REUSED ON SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN.

For more information about the different types of cloth nappies and advice about their use please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

You might be able to save even more money if your local council has a Real Nappy Incentive scheme!

Real Nappy Maths – you can save between £1171.44 and £395.62! is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

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2. A simple guide to the real nappy world
3. Save £12 per Week by Switching to Washable Nappies

Disposable nappies make up 6% of domestic waste going to landfill in West Berkshire and nearly 8 million nappies are thrown away each day in the UK.

West Berkshire Council funds several trial buckets containing Real Nappies for parents to try for two weeks. This gives parents and carers the opportunity to try out different types of nappies before they buy them. To get your free 2 week trial or for more information contact Customer Services; customerservices@westberks.gov.uk
Tel:01635 519080

Two Week Free Cloth Nappy Trial from West Berkshire Council is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. Wyre and Worcester celebrate Real Nappy Week May 21st 2011
2. Oldham Council – Real Nappy Incentives
3. Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents

You can apply for a Real Nappies for London voucher as long as

• You are a resident of a participating borough.
  (Click here to check if your borough is participating)
• You are expecting a baby or have a baby under 18 months.

Vouchers vary in value from £25 to £55 depending on the scheme in your borough. They can be used to buy trial kits, cloth nappies or for real nappy laundry services.

www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk
If you don’t live in London there might well be a Real Nappy incentive scheme near you that can help you start or switch to real nappies – we have a growing list at the Natural Nursery, please let us know if we have missed one!

We can also help you with the paperwork – you will always receive an emailed and paper receipt from us for your reusable nappy purchase but do let us know if there is anything else you need.

Real Nappy Incentive Schemes for London is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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This is what she has to say about cloth nappies. You can read the rest of the story and about the Sullivan Family at www.largerfamilylife.com

Another way to save money on cloth nappies is with a local council incentive. There are many schemes around the country that give you money back when you buy reusable nappies or free trials. Check out the list on the Natural Nursery to see if your council is involved.

The list is growing so please let us know if there is a scheme near you we haven’t added yet.

Family with 9 children saves money with Cloth Nappies! is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Essex residents can currently benefit from two promotional offers:

• Sample nappy pack
• £10 refund

Each pack will contain:

• 1 shaped cotton nappy, gingham design (no folding required);
• 1 one-size (birth to potty) shaped bamboo nappy (no folding required);
• 1 bamboo prefold nappy;
• 2 PUL waterproof wraps;
• Paper liners;
• Instructions and an information booklet containing a £10 voucher.

To see what’s in the sample pack and how to use it, see our video on YouTube.

Terms and conditions:

• You must live within the Essex County Council, Southend on Sea Borough Council or Thurrock Council statutory areas. (Offer excludes London Borough residents);
• Only one pack per baby is permitted;
• This offer operates on a first come basis.

£10 refund

Terms and conditions:

• You must live within the Essex County Council or Thurrock Council statutory areas. (Offer excludes Southend on Sea Borough Council and London Borough residents);
• You must have purchased cloth nappies or joined a laundry service within the previous year;
• The total amount spent must exceed £10;
• Can not be used against the sample nappy pack
• Only one claim per household per year;
• All claims are on a first come basis.

http://www.essex.gov.uk/Environment%20Planning/Recycling-Waste/Reducing-Waste/Cloth-Nappies/Pages/Cloth-nappy-offers.aspx#1

If you don’t live in the catchement area for this scheme there might be a Real Nappy Incentive near you. The Natural Nursery is compiling a list so if you know of any we have missed please let us know!

There is a wonderful range of cloth nappies at the Natural Nursery and reams of advice too!

£10 refund or £10 for a sample cloth nappy pack in Essex is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The scheme receives an annual sign up of around 100 households a year from approximately 1900 births. Each household on the scheme diverts approximately 1 tonne of disposable nappy waste from landfill!

To find out more visit www.telford.gov.uk/a_to_z/services/200084/recycling_rubbish_and_waste

If you don’t live in Telford there may be a nappy incentive near you – there is a growing list at the Natural Nursery who can also help you with paperwork if you buy your reusable nappies from them online.

Telford & Wrekin Real Nappy Scheme is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

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2. Real Nappy Incentive Schemes for London
3. Leeds Real Nappy Incentive – Cash Back or Trial Pack

“I’m not sure what to do with regards to nappies and our first child is expected soon! I’d always thought that I’d plump for reusable nappies, however, we have recently moved to Kuwait with my husband’s work and he says that due to the way that water is desalinated here, and consumes so much water, it would be more environmentally friendly to use disposables. The eco-friendly disposables on the market are not sold here and even if I stocked up I would largely be reliant on the less ethical brands. I really am in a quandary, please help!”

Claire Shepherd, by email

It seems to have been a while now since I last heard anyone raising this age-old debate. Six years ago, it was all the rage, most likely because the Environment Agency published its controversial report which calculated and compared the environmental footprint of both washable and disposable nappies.

My reaction to the report can be seen here in an article I wrote for this paper’s G2 features section. Why, I asked, had the report not examined the amount of waste sent to landfill that disposable nappies generate? And why, when trying to calculate the embodied energy of washable nappies, did it assume people ironed them?!

In 2008, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published an updated report (pdf) which drew much more nuanced conclusions. It concluded: “The environmental impacts of using shaped reusable nappies can be higher or lower than using disposables, depending on how they are laundered. The report shows that, in contrast to the use of disposable nappies, it is consumers’ behaviour after purchase that determines most of the impacts from reusable nappies.”

It then listed six ways for users of washable nappies to “reduce their environmental impacts”: line drying outside whenever possible; tumble drying as little as possible; when replacing appliances, choosing more energy efficient appliances (A+ rated machines); not washing above 60°C; washing fuller loads; and reusing nappies on other children.

There was a time when the (previous) government was actively promoting the use of washable nappies with subsidised schemes such as WRAP’s Real Nappy Campaign. In 2007, the then environment minister said this “three-year campaign had succeeded in diverting approximately 23,000 tonnes of biodegradable nappy waste from landfill in England”.

But, beyond answering the opening query about the comparative environmental merits of washable and disposable nappies, I would also be interested to hear if any local schemes are still up and running promoting the use of washable, or laundry-serviced nappies.”

Please join in the debate on the Guardian site here – http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2011/jul/21/nappies-diapers-washable-disposable-environment?commentpage=last#end-of-comments or let us know what you think by commenting below.

The Natural Nursery has been compiling a list of Real Nappy Incentive Schemes, there are more to add so please let us know if there are any we have missed.

UK parents throw away around 3 billion disposable nappies every year – that is a lot of landfill!

Each one of these nappies will require around one cup of crude oil to make the plastic in the waterproof wrap – all to be thrown away, a massive waste of our natural resources.

A Women’s Environmental Network commissioned study shows that disposable nappies use:

• 3.5 times as much energy
• 8 times as much non-renewable raw materials
• 90 times as much renewable raw materials
• 2.3 times as much waste water
• 60 times as much solid waste
• up to 30 times as much land

as reusable nappies.

It is believed that it will take up to 500 years for these nappies to decompose (all the while producing dangerous methane gas), which could be a big headache for our grandchildren.

So all in all, washable nappies are the best.

from http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/news/cloth-nappies-why-are-they-best.html

Is it greener to use washable or disposable nappies? (tell the Guardian) is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Arabella has a wealth of knowledge about natural parenting based on  personal experience and extensive research and she is well worth listening to.

To listen go to www.goreal.org.uk/online-events and sign up for the webcast at 11am.

Listen to The Natural Nursery on the Go Real Webinar 25th July 2011 is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The Wonderoo V2 has a soft and stretchy waterproof outer that feels like fabric on the outside, but keeps wetness and mess inside. Next to baby’s skin is the softest microfleece that allows wetness to pass through, away from baby’s skin, and “locks” it into the absorbent pad or “insert” inside. The fleece dries quickly, keeping baby dry and comfy. There is an opening at the back of the “pocket” formed by these two layers into which the absorbent pad or “insert” is easily inserted or removed.

It is a birth to potty pocket nappy so you only need one size.

Simply stuff the nappy with the insert then put on just as you would a disposable nappy.  No need to use a paper liner. At nappy change time, simply take the nappy off, flick any solids into the loo and put the nappy into your nappy pail. Comes complete with 2 inserts to use right the way from 8lbs (3.5kg) to 35lbs (16kg).

To be in the draw to win a Wonderoo Pocket Nappy from the Natural Nursery AND an organic ‘My cloth nappy makes me happy‘ t-shirt from Lactivist leave a comment below telling us

How many different designs of Minky Wonderoo Outers are there for sale at the Natural Nursery? AND

How many different sizes is the ‘My cloth nappy makes me happy‘ t-shirt available in?

• To get more entries just tell people about the competition,share it on Facebook, Twitter or blogs (one more entry per place)
• Like the Natural Nursery Facebook page (an extra entry)
• Like the Lactivist Facebook page (an extra entry)
• You must let us know how many entries you are claiming and where you have shared the competition in your comments  otherwise we won’t know how many entries to allocate you.

The draw will be held on Thursday 14th July 2011 at around 4pm and the winners will be notified by email.
This prize draw is only open to people in Europe, sorry!
The winner will be chosen using random.org

The competition is now closed and the winner was Angela Flint who has been emailed.

Fluffy Friday with Lactivist – Win a Wonderoo Nappy and a Cloth Nappy T-shirt – Ends 14th July 2011 is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Every day in the UK 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away.

There is an alternative available real nappies are reusable, washable nappies and a practical alternative to disposables. They are easy and cheap to use and help reduce rubbish going into landfill.

Leeds City Council has run a real nappy incentive scheme for a number of years to encourage and support families in Leeds who want to save some money and the environment.  Since the scheme started the families have saved nearly 700 tonnes of landfill waste.

What is the real nappy incentive scheme?

Parents can either get a free trial pack or £30 cash back when they spend £50 on real nappies.

Trial packs
These are a good way to try the system, especially if it’s your first baby or if you don’t know much about the real nappy system.

The trial pack includes:

• 1 Bum Genius v3 nappy
• 1 Pop-in nappy
• 10 x disposable paper liners
• Instructions and a list of suppliers

These are shaped nappies which can be adjusted to fit as your baby grows.

Cash back
The cash back option is good if you have already decided to use real nappies. Leeds City Council is offering £30 cash back on purchases over £50 from any supplier. This option does not include nappy accessories and proof of purchase will be required to claim the cash back.

This option allows you to:

• Choose your own style of nappy
• Use a nappy laundering service (see suppliers list)

Am I eligible for the real nappy incentive?

• The child’s parents or guardian must be a resident within Leeds City Council boundary.
• The child must be under 12 months old or the expectant mother in receipt of a Mat B1 form.
• To apply for a trial pack or cash back please download a claim form and return to the address listed below with the relevant documentation as indicated on the claim form.
• One trial pack or cash back is available per child.

Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
Environmental Services Communications Team
Knowsthorpe Gate
Cross Green
Leeds
LS9 0NP

Families taking part in the incentive scheme will also be asked to complete a feedback form to help us assess the success of the scheme.

Please note the scheme is subject to availability.

For more information about washable nappies please visit the Natural Nursery Advice and Information Page

Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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2. Darlington Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
3. Telford & Wrekin Real Nappy Scheme

This is a gallery of the pictures parents sent in for the Natural Nursery Fluffy Friday Competition.

As you can see real nappies are beautiful things!

The 2 winners who get £25 to spend on cloth nappies at the Natural Nursery are Kayleigh Findlay-Peers and Kate Strickland who have been contacted! Congratulations Kayliegh and Kate and thank you to everyone who entered.

Keep an eye on the Natural Nursery Blog for more Fluffy Friday giveaways and if you want to know more about cloth nappies visit the Natural Nursery Nappy Advice Page or ask for one of our free 8 page Nappy Guides.

The Natural Nursery Real Nappy Gallery is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. Fluffy Friday, 14th January 2011
2. Win £25 to spend on Reusable Nappies at the Natural Nursery (ends 22nd May 2011)
3. Fluffy Friday with Lactivist – Win a Wonderoo Nappy and a Cloth Nappy T-shirt – Ends 14th July 2011

You can get a 1 month free trial with a nappy laundry service or a free 2-week trial using a home laundry kit.

If you decide to buy real nappies you can apply for a £30 voucher to help with the cost.

• Nappy trial application form (PDF 98Kb)

If you are interested in learning more about reusable nappies please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Oldham Council – Real Nappy Incentives is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Real Nappy Starter Packs with a retail value of over £70 are currently available to Highland Council residents for only  £15 (£5 for famiies using Healthy Start vouchers).

Each pack contains a range of easy to use, modern washable nappies and everything else you need to try real nappies for your own baby. The pack – which takes the form of a handy nappy bucket – includes six different types of nappy and two different nappy covers, plus liners and accessories. Full instructions and information also included. You can also get a short demonstration from one of our experienced volunteers of how to get started with your real nappies and can call our helpline at any time with further queries.

At the moment (April 2011) we have small (approx 0-3 mths) and medium (approx 3-9 mths) packs available. You can see a sample small pack at the Pram & Nursery Centre on Greig Street in Inverness – telephone 01463 715565.

Contact HRNP to reserve one today!

Download the Download the Starter Pack Instruction Manual inc. description of pack contents

For more information about reusable nappies visit The Natural Nursery.

Highland Real Nappy Project Bargains! is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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2. Northumberland Cloth Nappy Incentives
3. Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents

If you are pretty sure that you want to use Real Nappies but would like to give them a go before you spend any money, you can borrow a trial kit completely free of charge.  A trial kit allows you to try a range of Real Nappies so that you can decide which type are best for you

www.goreal.org.uk/surrey

Visit the Natural Nursery for more advice about cloth nappies.

Free Real Nappy Information Pack from Surrey Waste Partnership is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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2. Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents
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The incentive scheme will offer £25 cash back to residents who register. Applicants must be a Darlington resident (proof of residence should be provided – a council tax or utilities bill), be able to provide a receipt for purchase of a pack of real nappies (cash back is available on purchases of over £50 on real nappies) and provide a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate when applying.

Real Nappy Incentive Scheme Claim Form[word document]

Please email your completed form to paula.jamieson@darlington.gov.uk or post to:

Sustainable Development Officer
Darlington Borough Council
Town Hall
Feethams
Darlington
DL1 5QT
Tel: 01325 388920

For more information about real nappies and advice about the different types available please visit The Natural Nursery.

Darlington Real Nappy Incentive Scheme is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The table has pictures and links to flat nappies, shaped nappies and pocket nappies and marks out of 5 for value for money, containment, ease of use and speed of drying.

Check out the guide to cloth nappy types here.

The Natural Nursery has lots of advice about cloth nappies and a wonderful range of colourful and practical real nappies in the shop.

Confused about Cloth Nappies? The Natural Nursery can help is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The Natural Nursery was on hand to give advice about real nappies and we gave goodies away to the to partipants, including slogan bags promoting real nappies, reusable nappy liners and washable wipes. If you were not at the event and you want some advice about cloth nappies the Natural Nursery has a great advice section that can help you choose the best type of nappy for your baby and a fantastic range of real nappies in the Natural Nursery Online Shop.

Express & Echo Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 11:00

Mums join in nappy record attempt

Time for a change: From left, Phoebe Connors, one, Sarah Connors, Phoebe Spearey, one, Emma Cayley, Sophie Cayley Wykes, one, Hayley Starling and Dulcie Hughes, one

Exeter Cloth Nappy Record Attempt in the News is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Parents can either get a free trial pack or £30 cash back when they spend £50 on real nappies.

Trial packs
These are a good way to try the system, especially if it’s your first baby or if you don’t know much about the real nappy system.

The trial pack includes:

• 1 Bum Genius v3 nappy
• 1 Pop-in nappy
• 10 x disposable paper liners
• Instructions and a list of suppliers

These are shaped nappies which can be adjusted to fit as your baby grows.

Cash back
The cash back option is good if you have already decided to use real nappies. Leeds City Council is offering £30 cash back on purchases over £50 from any supplier. This option does not include nappy accessories and proof of purchase will be required to claim the cash back.

This option allows you to:

• Choose your own style of nappy
• Use a nappy laundering service (see suppliers list)

Am I eligible for the real nappy incentive?

• The child’s parents or guardian must be a resident within Leeds City Council boundary.
• The child must be under 12 months old or the expectant mother in receipt of a Mat B1 form.
• To apply for a trial pack or cash back please download a claim form and return to the address listed below with the relevant documentation as indicated on the claim form.
• One trial pack or cash back is available per child.

Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
Environmental Services Communications Team
Knowsthorpe Gate
Cross Green
Leeds
LS9 0NP

Families taking part in the incentive scheme will also be asked to complete a feedback form to help us assess the success of the scheme.

Please note the scheme is subject to availability.
If you require additional information please telephone 0113 395 0778 or email info.recycling@leeds.gov.uk.
www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Recycling_rubbish_and_waste/Recycling__information_and_advice/Real_nappy_scheme.aspx

For more information and advice about cloth nappies and to see the different types available please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk.

The Natural Nursery is compiling a list of nappy incentives and is on the look out for more so please let us know if there are any in your area we have missed – www.naturalnursery.co.uk/real-nappy-incentive-schemes.html

Leeds Real Nappy Incentive – Cash Back or Trial Pack is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. Free Real Nappy Trial Pack or £30 Cash for Leeds Parents
2. Darlington Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
3. Real Nappy Incentive Schemes for London

The kits contain a range of nappies that have been chosen by local sellers as being the best on the market. You can hire a kit for free for two weeks, all we ask is that you provide them with a cheque for £100 as a deposit. This cheque will not be cashed, and will be returned to you when you return the kit to our volunteer.

The kit comes with information cards about each nappy and how to use them. There are also contact details and product listings for all the local sellers, who are members of the Alliance, and can offer you lots of advice and support as well.

The kits are available to anyone in North Somerset, and are currently being administered by Emma in Banwell. If you would like a kit you can contact emma@northsomersetnappies.org.uk to arrange a booking.

Please visit the North Somerset website for more information – www.n-somerset.gov.uk/Environment/Recycling+and+waste/Real+nappies/Hire+Kits.htm

Not in North Somerset but interested in saving money by using cloth nappies? The Natural Nursery is busy compiling a list of reusable nappy incentives so please let us know if there are any we have not found yet.

For more information about reusable nappies please visit the Advice and Information page on www.naturalnursery.co.uk and to see the range of beautiful cloth nappies check out the Reusable Nappy section in the shop.

Try Reusable Nappies for Free in North Somerset is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Nappi Nippas are clever little things that hold your cloth nappies in place without stabbing you or your baby.

We have just received this review of our 3 pack of Nappi Nippas:

Brilliant product – recommended!

I bought these because I was worried about accidentally hurting baby with nappy pins… I was sceptical as to whether they’d work or not.

However, they really are great.  They have clever little grippers with are sharp enough to grab the fabric but not so pointy or big that they would ever hurt the baby.

Three in a pack also means you have spares if you lose any.

Great idea… I’d be lost without them now!

5/5 from LW

April 2011

They are available to buy from The Natural Nursery priced at £3.90 for a pack of 3, including FREE UK post.

Nappi Nippa Customer Review is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The guide talks about the different types of reusable nappies, how to wash them, how many you need and provides links to guides on how to fold terry nappies and why you should consider using washable nappies.

Although terribly detailed, it has clear answers to many of the common questions asked by parents new to real nappies and is a great place to start your research.

You can find other information on cloth nappies on The Natural Nursery website:

Washable Nappies, Fact or Fiction?

Cloth Nappies, Why are they Best?

Save £12 per Week by Switching to Cloth Nappies

No-nonsense introduction to cloth nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The cost of disposables

I looked at one of the larger chemists at their branded nappy range and, based on a size 4 nappy, was shocked to find out that the average disposable nappy costs over 20p.

Working on an average of 8 nappy changes a day over 30 months, that works out to £1460 from birth to potty training (assuming 10-12 changes a day for newborn and the recommended minimum on 6 a day for older babies/toddlers).

Add into that the cost of 1.5 packs of baby wipes per week (around £2.40 per pack at the large chemist) that is getting close to £15 per week just on nappies that you are going to throw away – a total of £1941!

And just in case I had got my figures wrong, I did some more research and found a 2006 Guardian article* that quoted £14.50 per week on disposable nappies, wipes and sacks.

And in case anyone questions the fact that these figures are based on branded nappies, it should be noted that they account for over 90% of the UK disposable nappy market.

The cost of reusable nappies

You can buy a really simple to use and wash set of Flip Nappies for £125 or by spending around £300 you could have a set of premium Bumgenius Onesize V.4 Nappies that are just gorgeous to look at.

Either way, you will need to budget for another approx £20 on nappy accessories, such as nappy bucket, mesh and wet bag plus £24 for reusable baby wipes.

You need to add into that the cost of home laundry, which works out at £132 over the 2 ½ years, giving a total cost of reusable nappies of £297 to £420.

The savings

 My maths

The disposable nappies come in a range of sizes and packs.  Basing on size 4 nappy, the branded nappies cost:

32 nappies for £6.49

56 nappies for £9.99

42 nappies for £9.98

25 nappies for £4.99

That gave an average price per nappy of £20p, £1460 over 2 ½ years.

The wipes came in packs of 60-64 for either £2.40 or £2.54 per pack.  Assuming 2 wipes per nappy change, this gave a use of slightly over 1.5 packs or £3.70 per week, or £481 over the 2 ½ years.

The washing

Most studies quote an extra 3 washes a week, or 390 washes over 2 ½ years ( I know I didn’t do that many extra washes as I generally bunged the nappies in with other washing).

A 4kg tub of premium brand washing powder costs £13.37 – this is enough for 100 nappy washes (based on using half the recommended powder as nappy manufactures advise), giving a cost of £53.48.

An average B rated washing machine uses 1.15 kw of electricity per load at 60 degrees**, at an average cost of 12p kw/h, giving 13.8p per load or £53.82 for 390 washes.

WEN calculated that the average depreciation of the washing machine caused by washing nappies is £25 – I am not going to argue with their figures but I have the calculation if anyone wants to see it.

This gives a total home laundry cost of £132.30, even with the higher electricity costs of 2011.

Sources

Prices for consumer products based on online prices at large chemists and supermarkets and energy providers, January 2011.

*Details of a report commissioned by Family Circle magazine and sponsored by Maestro. Based on potty training at 30 months. Quoted in the Guardian Newspaper, 16^th February 2006.

**http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/blog/post/2010/08/06/How-to-calculate-your-washing-machine-running-costs.aspx

Save £12 per Week by Switching to Washable Nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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I used wool wraps with my daughter and found them very easy to use – a little more faff than just bunging them in the washing machine but not very difficult at all and so worth it.

And it seems as if our customers agree too:

“These are fabulously stretchy and cosy wool pants that keep my little one cosy and dry. They improve with each wash and lanolising but do eventually shrink so I’ve learnt to buy one or two sizes larger each time!”

This is one of our best-selling wraps and is the disana organic wool wrap.  It pulls on over the real nappy and gives a lovely leak-free, snug fit without leaving red marks.

Wool Wraps for Cloth Nappies – Customer Review is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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I’ve got 5 different types of cotton nappies at home for my 9 month old twins and I must say that these nappies are the best! Never leaked, much easier to put on wriggly babies than nappies with nappi nippas (they are very sharp!), certainly less bulky and perefct for night-time use too. Any booster can be used with them and as many as you like, and they’re so quick to dry on the line even in this cold weather. And if you need any more good points they’re great value for money. I spent over £300 buying a birth to potty kit of nappies (20 in total) and 10 of these napies cost just over £20 – bargain!
I wish I’d found these nappies earlier and throughly reccommend them.

You can find the review on the disana cloth nappy page on our site – best of all they only cost £2.25 per nappy and they are made from lovely organic cotton.

disana Organic Cotton Nappies – customer review is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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To celebrate the sun and to make the transition to using real nappies easier for you, we have put lots into our early summer sale.

You could save an amazing £81.00 on the Totsbots All in One / Easyfit Fluffle multi-pack of 20 nappies.

Other reductions include savings of up to 50% on pocket nappies, prefolds and bamboo nappies.

Stocks are limited and don’t forget that all orders received before Sunday 20th June will qualify for free UK delivery.

Visit our reusable nappy sale here.

Reusable Nappy Sale is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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I love my itti bitti nappies! The first thing I love about them is the velour outer and the pretty colours. They don’t look like nappies, more like plush pants and they are sooo soft and pattable. Really pretty on their own with a pair of babylegs! They are low rise and won’t stop your baby from bending, and they are so trim that they fit under clothes cut for disposables.

I use the SIOs and find the snap in inserts very useful because you can replace the insert when it’s only wet, which makes for an economical option, as well as less bulk in the changing bag.

Finally they are very absorbent and cope well with explosive breastfed poo!

You can find the Itti Bitti washable nappies in our shop and don’t forget you can use your discount code for a 10% discount – “friend” is the current code.

Customer Review – Itti Bitti Nappy is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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We are not surprised that Green Parent chose to feature the Wonderoos - they are great nappies, come in fantastic colours and are a very easy to use pocket nappy.

More Press for The Natural Nursery is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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real nappies

When it comes to reusable nappies (and pretty much every subject since you became a parent!), everyone will try to convince you that their favourite system is THE best nappy system. I don’t believe that there is One best nappy system. The best one for you is the one that suits you (and your child, obviously). Everyone has different criteria: ease of use, drying time, birth to potty or sized, fastening system, choice of fabric, baby shape, size, price, resale value and let’s not forget the all-important poo containment issue and prettiness factor.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you a series of articles to help you find your way around in the ‘real nappy’ world. We will help you decide which one will work best for your little one, how to wash your newly acquired real nappies, how to use them…

So let’s start from the beginning:

• What is a cloth nappy? A cloth nappy is always made of two parts, an absorbent part to soak up the pee and a waterproof part to contain the poo and the humidity.  Both parts can be  shaped and sewn together (all-in-one-nappy) and used just like a disposable. Other nappies are separate, you put up the absorbent nappy first and then fit the waterproof wrap over it.  The absorbent part can look either like a big handkerchief that your fold around the baby’s bottom or be already shaped into a nappy.
• How do I use it? Well, it’s not that different from a disposable nappy: pop the cloth nappy on your baby. When it needs to be changed, pop the poo in the toilet (you can use a liner to make it easier), rinse the nappy and pop it in a bucket until your next laundry.
• What about leaks? A well chosen and well fitted real nappy doesn’t leak. The waterproof wraps are especially designed to keep the humidity in and you can boost the absorbency of the nappy by adding extra nappy booster. It’s especially true for breastfed newborns for whom disposable nappies really struggle to contain the very runny poo.
• How do I wash it? when you remove the real nappy, pop the poo in the toilet (a good thing to do even if you’re using disposable!), rinse it and pop it in a nappy bucket (with or without water). Whether you wait until you have enough nappies to do a laundry of nappies or wash them along your regular laundry is up to you. When stored properly, washing nappies at 30 or 40 degrees is sufficient.
• What about the smell? Having tried both, I can tell you that the smell of the nappy bucket is nothing compared to the smell of a disposable nappy bin. First you’ve flushed the poo, rinsed the nappy and kept with a disinfectant or a bit of laundry liquid.
• Is it like an investment then? By the time your child is potty trained, you will have spent as much as £1,000 on disposable nappies. That’s huge! I’m not even sure that figure includes the cost for the council of disposing of the 5000 nappies your child will have gone through in 2 or 3 years. Compared to that, the initial investment of real nappies (about £400) is like a big saving. Remember there is a thriving market for second hand nappies.
• Does my bum look big in the this? Yes it’s true, some reusable nappies are bulkier than disposable nappies. You’ll have to keep it in mind when buying baby clothes. It’s usually not a problem in the UK as most brands have realised that many babies are ‘cloth-bottomed’. You can also use specially designed clothes like the adorable Frugi range of organic cotton baby clothes.
• How do I convince my partner? or nanny/babysitter/nursery worker. You can show them how disposable nappies affect the environment, and save them money, how it will help your child get rid of nappy rash… I found the trick was to choose a simple real nappy like an all in one nappy, it really is just as easy as a disposable nappy.

Click here for more information on real nappies.

Did this help help you decide what nappy might work best for your baby?

Choosing real nappies for your baby is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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