Wokingham Borough Council are offering £30 cashback to encourage people to use reusable nappies.

Did you know by using real nappies you could save up to £500 per child compared to using disposables, as well as helping the environment.

How to claim cashback

Wokingham Borough Council give £30 Cashback to Cloth Nappy Users is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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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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The Flip Nappies from bumGenius are good for hard water areas, and they dry relatively quickly too. They are one size nappies, easy to use, you need a cover and an insert that can be disposable or washable, if you want to learn more please visit our Quick Guide to Flip Nappy System

One of the other reusable nappies we recommend at the Natural Nursery for hard water areas is the bumGenius. This is a birth to potty pocket nappy and it is also a relatively quick dryer.

1) Use a fleece liner to reduce the amount of hard nappy touching your babies skin.

Fleece liners are cheap, colourful and they can be washed and re-used hundreds of times. They are soft against your baby’s skin and help to wick the wet away from the bottom, meaning a more comfortable baby.

2) Scrunch the nappy up and rub it hard between your hands after it has dried.

The idea here is to physically fluff up the fibres of the nappy. It is mostly the movement in a tumble dryer that helps to keep a nappy soft so anything you can do to replicate that helps.

3) Hang the nappy out on the line if possible

Grab every opportunity to give your cloth nappies a bit of line drying time as they will be softer than if they are dried on a radiator. If you really have to radiator dry try to keep the nappies away from the radiator a little – either by using an airer that hooks over the radiator or by drying on chair backs next to the radiator.

4) Tumble dry nappies now and again if possible.

A once a month tumble dry will give your nappies a boost, I used to take mine to my mum’s for a nappy spa day, or I’d use a launderette once in a while.

5) Reduce the amount of washing powder you use.

Washing powders can build up on fabric, stiffening it and making it less asorbent.  Once in a while try just running the nappies through on a hot wash with no powder to strip them of anything that might be making them hard.

6) Put a small cupful of white distilled vinegar into the wash.

White vinegar is great for neutralising smells and for softening hard water. You just put it in the conditioner drawer.  I have used ordinary vinegar in desperation and it works just as well, just smells more vinegary than the distilled stuff.

7) Do an extra fast spin at the end of the wash.

The logic here is to remove as much water from the nappies as possible so they need less time to dry.

Add bicarbonate of soda to the washing powder.

This helps to soften the water, you can use it with white distilled vinegar as well to remove stains.  Half a tablespoon  of bicarbonate of soda is more than enough.

If you have any other tips to help keep your real nappies  soft please let us know.

8 Top Tips for Keeping Cloth Nappies Soft and Fluffy is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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There is currently free postage on them at the Natural Nursery too!

http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/real-nappy-wraps/gen-y-universal-nappy-wrap.html

Twelve Days of a Natural Christmas – Day 9 – GEN-Y Universal Nappy Wrap is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Flushable nappy liners  are made from soft paper, they are gentle on little bottoms for a happier baby. They are designed to have one way moisture control that helps prevent wetness from coming into contact with your baby’s skin. Nappy liners also help to protect your reusable nappies from heavy soiling, keeping your nappies looking fresher.

Natural Nursery customer Wendy gave flushable liners full marks and said:

Very happy with these, thank you ”

http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/washable-nappy-accessories/flushable-nappy-liners-roll-of-100.html

Twelve Days of a Natural Christmas – Day 7 – Flushable Nappy Liners 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

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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

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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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She reviews the BumGenius pocket nappy, which is one of the best selling real nappies at the Natural Nursery  in this post : http://littlegreenchicken.wordpress.com/tag/cloth-nappies-2/

For more nappy reviews from Little Green Chicken please see her blog http://littlegreenchicken.wordpress.com

For advice and help about cloth nappies please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Little Green Chicken Reviews Pocket Nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Wool is naturally watertight and the soft knit construction allows plenty of air to circulate and they are ideal for babies with sensitive skin. The soft ribbing around the legs and waist hold the pants firmly in place without the need for elastic. Very comfortable and very economical.

You will need to lanolise these pants before using but the oil in the wool will keep them watertight and help them “clean themselves” – just air them in between uses.

When they need washing, use a wool shampoo and lanolin conditioner to maintain the oil content and keep them waterproof.

Natural Nursery customer Amy gave them 5 marks out of 5 and said:

The Natural Nursery stocks a wide range of beautiful cloth nappies and there is loads of information to help you choose the right ones for your family on www.naturalnursery.co.uk

“Easy to care for” Organic Wool Nappy Wrap gets top marks is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Alice chose to try prefold nappies to start with and her blog talks about how easy they were to use:

Day 2 of the real nappy trial is titled ‘Confidence needed’. Alice decides she needs to put as much confidence in the cloth nappies as she does disposibles which constantly fail her.  She also writes about the need to educate her hubby!

I can’t wait for the next installment!

Did you start with cloth nappies or disposables? If you are using disposables and fancy trying reusables there are lots of council incentive schemes that could help you to try before you buy or even give you money off vouchers.

Mummy and Sam’s BIG Re-usable Challenge!!! is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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“Last May, ahead of my maternity leave, I wrote about how I’m a bit of a cheapskate, and that I was going to resist all the attempts to part new mums from their cash. One reader remarked that asking an expectant mother for tips on having a cheap baby was similar to asking someone who didn’t yet have a garden to give gardening tips. Few believed my prediction that with careful budgeting I would spend no more than £300 or so. I now realise that perhaps that was naive.

My main nappies have been reusable. Having intended to use a £50 voucher from Haringey council to try a laundry service, I then decided it would be better invested in nappies I could keep. I didn’t start until Wyn was three months old and was conscious that most nurseries won’t use them, so I didn’t want to invest too heavily. Through eBay, scouting out special offers, and nappy swaps I managed to get hold of 16 nappies and all the accessories needed for £105. I’m unsure if this is going to save me money, but I feel better when I look in the bin.

For more information about cloth nappies or to see a list of incentives like the Haringay Council one please visit the Natural Nursery.

Do nurseries use cloth nappies? is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Time for a Change is the Derbyshire Real Nappy Campaign.

The campaign is supported by the councils of Derbyshire, local real nappy retailers, advisors/agents, laundering companies and healthcare professionals.

We can offer you:

• £25 cashback when spending over £50 on real nappies and covers.
• A two week trial of a nappy lending kit, which costs £5.
• Nappuccino events around the county – a chance to meet a nappy adviser and find out more about real nappies.

For further information and advice on real nappies please contact:

Tel: 01629 539788
email: realnappies@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Real easy to use

There’s not a safety pin in sight with real nappies, so they’re simple to use. They come in lots of modern and funky styles that fasten easily with poppers, Velcro or nifty little plastic grips so that the nappy fits your baby snugly. A biodegradable liner, that keeps baby dry, goes inside the nappy and can be easily flushed away. To prevent leaks – most real nappies are covered with a breathable waterproof cover available in colourful designs.

Real savings

The total cost of using real nappies can be half that of using disposables. Further savings can be achieved by using the same real nappies for your second or third child.

Home washing offers the greatest savings, costs can be as low as £1 a week including the price of detergents and energy. There is no need to soak or pre-wash the nappies, just wash at 60 degrees C. For extra convenience, local nappy laundries offer weekly services that collect used nappies and provide a fresh supply, laundered to the highest standards, for the next seven days all for a cost similar to that of buying disposables.

Real rubbish reduction

Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK and most go to landfill. Cut your household rubbish by up to half and help the environment by choosing real nappies.

Real cool!

Taking the real nappy option is all about exercising your right, as a consumer and a parent, to make an informed choice between real nappies and single-use disposable nappies. It reduces rubbish going to landfill and helps your pocket.

Of course, real nappies don’t have to be an ‘all or nothing’ option. You may still prefer to use disposables when travelling or away from home. Most people find, however, that once they’ve made the change they want to continue to ‘keep it real’.

Try them and claim £25 cashback

Residents across Derbyshire using washable nappies or a nappy laundry service can claim £25 cash back. A Nappy Lending Kit is also available for families to ‘try before they buy’.

Regular Real Nappy events are held across Derbyshire. ‘Nappuccino’s’ are an opportunity to find out more about real nappies, share experiences with other users and have a coffee.

Real Nappy advisors operate across Derbyshire to provide further assistance and advice and an up to date list of shops and outlets stocking real nappies is also available.

For more information about the cash back scheme, lending kit, local real nappy events or the latest list of real nappy advisors and stockists please Phone ‘Time for a Change’ on Tel: 01629 580000 x7051 or email realnappies@derbyshire.gov.uk, or visit the real nappy pages on the Derbyshire County Council Website

Sure Start Maternity Grants

A Grant of £500 per each baby is available through the Sure Start Maternity Grant Scheme. Perhaps some of this money could be used to get started with Real Nappies. A Sure Start Maternity Grant is intended to help you pay for the immediate needs of a new-born baby if your income is low. It is paid from the Social Fund as a lump sum, and you do not have to pay it back. It is not limited by a budget and everyone who is entitled will get a payment or grant.

Who can get Sure Start Maternity Grants?

You are eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award or Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element. For more information or to apply for a grant follow the link to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Need more information?

For more information on real nappies and help choosing the best nappy for your baby please visit the Natural Nursery where you can get a free 8 page guide to reusable nappies and read more about the different types available.

Money off real nappies for Derbyshire parents. is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Do you live in Exeter?

If so, you can borrow a full set of washable nappies, including some of the most popular brands in the UK, for a whole month, absolutely FREE!

Just drop Arabella an email at info@naturalnursery.co.uk including your name, address, telephone number and age/weight of your baby and she will be in touch to arrange your free trial.

You will be able to test out lots of nappies, and the kit comes with everything you need, including bucket, wet bags and full instructions.

Arabella will talk you through each of the nappies and is always available to answer any queries that you may have.

The trial is completely free and there is no obligation to buy any nappies after the trial is over.

The Natural Nursery sell a great range of cloth nappies and have a wealth of experience and advice to share.

Exeter Reusable Nappy Trial is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Natural Nursery customer Eilis says:

“This is a great nappy, very absorbant,easy to put on, and quick to dry.”

She rated it 5 out of 5!

The Wonderoo is a very easy to use birth to potty pocket nappy. 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).

Wonderoo pocket nappies have been a firm favourite for years and the new V2 has state of the art fabrics and a trimmer design to give the ultimate in convenience, comfort and value for money.

Special Offer: buy 5 for the price of 4! Choose boy, girl or unisex and receive a selection of colours.  If you have a preference, please say in the comments box when checking out and we will do our best.

For more information about cloth nappies visit the Natural Nursery advice page. There might be a real nappy incentive scheme in your area too!

Wonderoo Pocket Nappy Review – “Great Nappy – very absorbant” is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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• Eight million nappies are thrown away every day in the UK – that’s three billion every year
• One baby creates nearly a tonne of nappy waste during its time in disposable nappies
• Disposable nappies can cost in excess of £1000 – that’s just for one baby
• It costs Staffordshire’s council tax payers over £500,000 per year to dispose of 13,000 tonnes of nappy waste

The real alternative

• Real savings. The total cost of using washable nappies can be half that of using disposables. Save up to £600, or more if you use real nappies on your next baby
• Real rubbish reduction. By choosing real nappies you could reduce your household rubbish by half.

Local suppliers and useful contacts

The Staffordshire New Nappy Network is a community group of concerned mums and dads who are working towards raising awareness of the environmental benefits of reusable nappies.

You can visit their website to obtain information on:

• types and brands of washable nappies (e.g. prefolds, shaped, all-in-one, etc)
• real nappy stockists in Staffordshire (high street retail and internet shopping)
• frequently asked questions (e.g. are laundry services avalable)
• coffee morning ‘nappucinos’ to share the knowledge with new and expecting parents

To promote the use of washable nappies, Staffordshire County Council is offering a £30 discount.

To claim your one-off discount your child must be between 0-24 months and a resident of Staffordshire. Simply print off this washable nappies discount form:

• Cash back application form

If you need more information on the real nappy incentive, please call 0800 232323 or email recycling@staffordshire.gov.uk with your enquiry.

For help and advice about choosing the best cloth nappy for your baby please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk and if Staffordshire is not your area check the list of Nappy Incentives as there could be one near you.

£30 discount on cloth nappies from Staffordshire County Council is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Midsummer discounts at the Natural Nursery is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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They asked the entrants to send in a short video telling the viewer ‘why choose cloth diapers’.  I know we call them nappies over here but it is comforting to know that the benefits of reusable nappies are international.

This is the winning entry – I love her enthusiasm!

Funny Advert for Cloth Nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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1) Dry on the line

Save money and energy costs by drying your reusable nappies on the washing line – if you are lucky enough to get a very sunny day the UV rays will bleach the material giving you glowing white nappies.

2) Save on conditioner

Fabric conditioner coats each fibre of the material that makes up a nappy – this stops them from absorbing any liquid.

3) Quick Fluffy Nappies

For a quick fluff up on cotton nappies pop them in the tumble dryer for a minute every so often.

4) Forget the Boil Wash.

With modern detergents you can get real nappies just as clean at lower temperatures, especially if they have been soaked first.

5) Put the Iron Away

Reusable nappies work best when they are NOT ironed because ironing flattens the fibres and makes them less absorbent.

6) Get a bucket (with a lid)

Some people wet pail (keeping the nappies in the bucket in water) and some dry pail but whichever way you choose you will need a bucket with a lid to store dirty nappies until they are ready to tip into the machine.

7) Use a Mesh

A nappy mesh is a bag that fits inside the bucket to make washing real nappies easier. Just put the whole thing into your washing machine but leave it untied so the nappies can work themselves out as they get clean.
Tea Tree Oil

A few drops of tea tree oil inside the nappy bucket, or even in the wash will help to neutralise smells and as it is naturally anti bacterial it will help to sterilise the nappies too – you only need a couple of drops!

9) Use a Nappy Liner

Washable or disposable, nappy liners are vital. With fleece ones the poo just falls off down the toilet and if the nappy itself is not wet you can just put in another liner.

10) Reusable wipes

Washable wipes are just as good as disposable ones.  Wet them under the tap with warm water before you use them, or soak in chamomile tea for nappy rash.

11) Don’t Dry on the Radiator

Cotton nappies can dry very hard on a radiator – if you have to radiator dry consider bamboo nappies because they stay fluffy.

There is more advice and help about cloth nappies at www.naturalnursery.co.uk including a free guide to real nappies. If you have any other tips about washing and drying reusable nappies please add a comment.

11 Tips For Washing Reusable Nappies is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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…we’ll even pay to get you started!

The Cumbria Real Nappy Campaign has one aim, and that’s to encourage Cumbrian’s to try real nappies. We understand that everybody and every baby is different, what’s right for one person might not be right for another. We just want everybody to give them a go. We think you might be pleasantly surprised at how good real nappies are.

And we’re even willing to put our money where our mouth is. If you sign up to take part in the campaign we’ll give you a voucher to the value of £30 (for a first time applicant with one child) with a minimum spend of £45 when redeemed, or a £45 voucher (for a first time applicant with twins) with a minimum spend of £67.50 when redeemed. These vouchers can be redeemed at most Cumbrian real nappy retailers (a full list of participating retailers can be viewed on this website).

You will only be eligible for a voucher if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

• You are a Cumbrian resident (i.e. your main home is in Cumbria)
• You are pregnant OR you have a child (or twins) under 6 months old
• You have NOT previously applied for a voucher

Once you have applied for a real nappy voucher, you will not be eligible for further vouchers.

So that’s it. Sign up, get your free voucher, and talk to your preferred retailer about the best real nappy for you and your baby. Easy peasy!

http://www.cumbriarealnappycampaign.org/thecampaign/default.asp

For more information about cloth nappies please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Cumbria Real Nappy Campaign – £30 voucher to spend on reusable nappies. is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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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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12:10pm Tuesday 10th May 2011

To celebrate Real Nappy Week, Wyre Forest District Council, together with Worcestershire County Council and Honeybee’s Natural Nursery Store, is hosting a Free Real Nappy Picnic and Family Fun Day.

The event takes place at Worcester Woods Country Park, Worcester on Saturday, May 21, from 11am to 1pm. Real Nappy Week runs from next Monday until May 21.

Parents and parents-to-be can find out all they need to know about real nappies.

The event starts with the Real Nappy Picnic, where there will be changing demonstrations, a real nappy fashion show, advice and information from families already using real nappies as well as local children’s services information such as from the National Childbirth Trust, Children’s Centres and Family Information Service.

There is also a competition to win a full set or day set of real nappies, a free goodie bag to the first 50 visitors and baby massage demonstrations and buggy fit trial.

Conservative councillor Nathan Desmond, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for resources said: “This is a really helpful event because the issue of disposable nappies going to landfill is significant.

“Over 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away every year in the UK, 90 per cent of which are sent to landfill. One baby will use about 4,000 nappies between birth and potty training.”

To demonstrate that, Jo Duffield, Wyre Forest District Council’s waste minimisation officer, built a “nappy mountain”, which represented the amount of rubbish just one baby will produce solely from nappy waste.

Ms Duffield said: “There are 52 bags in the nappy mountain to represent a year’s worth of waste for one child whilst the alternative is 20 real nappies that would last the same child from birth until potty-training.

“I have two children in real nappies and find them so easy and convenient to use. Even our childminder is happy to use them. There’s a large amount of money to be saved with using real nappies, too, with savings between £500 and £1,500, depending on which system is used.”

Parents can find out more from the waste prevention website, letswasteless.com or Wyre Forest District Council’s webpage, wyreforestdc.gov.uk/realnappies

http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/9016278.Wyre_Forest_council_hoping_for_a_nappy_ending/

If you don’t live near but are interested in real nappies check the every growing list of real nappy incentives at www.naturalnursery.co.uk and for more information there is a brilliant reusable nappy advice page – www.naturalnursery.co.uk/reusable-nappies-advice.html

Wyre and Worcester celebrate Real Nappy Week May 21st 2011 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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• One Month’s Free Nappy Laundering Service (worth £45) or
• Up to £25 Cashback on reusable nappy purchases (half of the amount spent, up to a maximum of £25)
• Download a Real Nappy Incentive Scheme Application Form (PDF, 44KB)
• or request a Real Nappy Incentive Scheme Application Form online
• Request an ”Introduction to Reusable Nappies” DVD online.

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/reducing_your_waste/real_nappies.aspx

Visit the Natural Nursery for more information and advice about cloth nappies.

Cheshire West and Chester Real Nappy Incentives is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Claim £25 back!

For every purchase made of real cotton nappies exceeding £60 from any retailer or online store, eco-friendly parents can claim £25 back*!

If you already have a child in washable nappies and you have signed up to a nappy laundry service you can also claim £25**.

* Offer of £25 cashback applies to either an order totalling £60.00 or more on washable nappies (excluding accessories, eg nappy buckets) OR ** an application to join a nappy laundry service.

www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/Environ/waste/campaigns/Pages/Nappycashback.aspx

Visit the Natural Nursery for loads of advice on choosing the best cloth nappy for your baby.

Northamptonshire County Council Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme 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

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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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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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In our quick guide to the real nappy world, we briefly mentioned pocket nappies. Here is in more detail what they’re all about.

A pocket nappy is just what it says: a pocket. The pocket is shaped like a disposable nappy and composed of a fleece layer and a waterproof layer.

The fleece layer is usually ultra soft fleece fabric. It is designed to draw the moisture away from your baby’s skin, keeping it dry. This reduces the risk of irritation, especially for babies with sensitive skin. Poo doesn’t attach to the fleece so it can easily be disposed of in the toilet.

The waterproof layer of the real nappy is composed of PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric). It provides the waterproof barrier needed and can survive numerous washings. It is stretchy and thin enough to be comfortable for babies.

The pocket nappies can be fastened by velcro or poppers. The poppers have the additional benefit of not ‘catching’ the fabric, especially in the wash allowing nappies to be more durable.

Inside the pocket, you can choose what nappy insert to stuff in. For a small baby, a small insert is enough. For a larger baby, a large insert on its own will do. For toddlers you will need to combine a large insert with a small one. For night time use, you can even ‘boost’ the absorbency by adding an additional nappy booster. Nappy boosters, especially those made of hemp or bamboo, will allow your pocket nappy to be use through the night.

Pocket nappies can be used just like disposable nappies and that’s what makes them such a sensible option. When they’ve been washed and dried, add the appropriate inserts and fold the nappies. Use as you would use a disposable nappy. When the nappy needs changing, just pop the poo in the toilet, rinse, and store in a bucket until your next wash. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant.

Pocket nappies are ideal for nurseries and childminders or anyone looking after your baby who might not be familiar with a two-part nappy system. They are ideal in hard water areas as the nappy or if you have very limited space to dry the nappies. The nappy is best air dried but the booster and inserts can be given a quick turn in the tumble drier when they’re almost dry. The Wonderoos pocket nappies in particular are shaped to look fairly slim.

Pocket nappies: real nappies, really easy is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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real nappy

This simple guide to the real nappy will help choose the best real nappy for your baby. You might prefer to buy all the same nappies or mix and match.

• Flat nappies, also called terry nappies. Made of a square of cotton terry towelling. They are affordable, easy to wash, quick to dry and durable. Flat nappies are versatile: the small terry nappies can be used as booster for toddlers and the large ones can be used as hand towels. They require a bit more practice for folding. Use a nippa to close the flat nappies and a waterproof wrap.

• Shaped nappies. A shaped real nappy is sewn in and pre-formed to be used just like a disposable nappy. The big advantage of shaped nappies is their ease of use and versatility: they adapt to babies of different sizes and body shapes. Some are sized (i.e. available in multiple sizes) or one-sized (the same nappy can be used for a newborn or toddler). You will need a waterproof wrap.

• All in one nappies: An all-in-one real nappy is the closest thing to a disposable nappy. The absorbent nappy, the waterproof wrap and often a soft lining are sewn together so they are very easy to use. Ideal for quick nappy changes and for carers who might not be used to nappies. The drawbacks are that they can take longer to dry, can be quite expensive and less durable.

• Pocket nappies are composed of a waterproof wrap and a soft fleece layer sewn in together. The flat adsorbent part of the nappy is stuffed in between those two layers and removed for washing and quick drying. Easy to use and wash, it can be more expensive than shaped nappies.

A simple guide to the real nappy world 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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