DISPOSABLE NAPPIES

by WhichNappy.co.uk

The first disposable nappies were invented in 1940s. Modern disposables have a layered construction, which allows the transfer and distribution of urine to an absorbent core structure where it is locked in. The most well-known disposables are Pampers and Huggies.

Disposable nappies are usually made of a combination of different materials. According to the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA), the average nappy composition by weight is pulp (cellulose fibre) - 34%, SAP - 32%, a water-absorbent polymer and the rest is a combination of a fibre layer, Velcro-type fastenings and a waterproof plastic outer. Different materials are fixed together with polymer-based glues and then packed in a combination of plastic bags and cardboard boxes. Many parents wrap used nappies in disposal sacks and then put them into bin liners, often made of plastic, which may further delay the decomposition process. Much of this material takes a long time to break down in landfill.

Environmental impact of disposable nappies:

The major problem with the disposable nappies is the very fact that they go straight to landfill. If properly handled and landfilled, there is no evidence suggesting that the disposable nappies will create any health hazard. However, the materials used in most disposable nappies take very long to biodegrade, figures vary from 10 years to 100 years. Many estimates suggest that up to 2 percent of solid household waste in the landfills is nappies.

Many of environmentally-concerned parents are switching to reusable/cloth/washable nappies, but is there a way to minimize environmental impact without giving up convenience? Switching to biodegradable disposable nappies that manufacturers claim will decompose in two to ten years rather than the 400 or so required for conventional disposable nappies sounds like a viable alternative – a convenience-without-guilt appeal. The most popular biodegradable nappies in the UK are Nature Babycare and Moltex. Read more about biodegradable nappies here...

Pampers nappies:

Pampers is a brand of nappies marketed by Procter & Gamble since 1961. Pampers was at one time only used as a name for a disposable nappy and is currently the #1 disposable nappy in the UK. Read more about Pampers nappies here...

Huggies nappies:

Huggies is the brand name of a disposable nappy marketed by Kimberly-Clark. Huggies nappies were introduced in 1978 and are currently the second best selling nappies in the UK.Read more about Huggies nappies here...

Where to buy disposable nappies?
All major brands of disposables are sold in the supermarkets and pharmacies. Another option (and sometimes the cheapest one if you buy in bulk) is online retailers - Buy disposable nappies HERE...

Read more about:

- Potty training - fast and easy;

- Airborne with newborn - air travel tips and advice;

- Nappy bags - exclusive review;

- Nappy rash - are nappies to blame?