REUSABLE NAPPIES

by WhichNappy.co.uk

Reusable nappies, also known as real, washable or cloth nappies are a good alternative to "disposable" nappies.

Reusable nappies can be made from natural fibers, manmade materials, or a combination of both. They are often made from industrial cotton which may be bleached white or left the fiber’s natural colour. Other natural fiber cloth materials include wool, bamboo, and unbleached hemp. Manmade materials such as an internal absorbent layer of microfiber toweling or an external waterproof layer of polyurethane laminate (PUL) may be used. Polyester fleece and faux suede cloth are often used inside cloth nappies as a "stay-dry" wicking liner because of the non-absorbent properties of those synthetic fibers.

There are several types of reusable cotton nappies:

- All-in-ones (AIOs). AIOs are fitted, have Velcro or popper fastenings and a waterproof outer cover. Shaped nappies are similar to all-in-ones, but are worn with separate waterproof pants or wraps, which are purchased separately. These have the advantage that they are simpler to use, being similar to disposable nappy shapes.

- Pre-folded. These nappies require folding and separate waterproof wraps or pants. They are made of three panels, with more thickness in the centre panel for greater absorbency and have the advantage that they are easier to dry, but are fiddly to fit.

- Old-style. Old-style terry nappies are usually a simple square, which needs to be folded and pinned. They are also usually worn with waterproof plastic pants.

Reusable nappies come in a host of shapes, including preformed cloth nappies, all-in-one nappies with waterproof exteriors, fitted nappy with covers and pocket or "stuffable" nappies, which consist of a water-resistant outer shell sewn with an opening for insertion of absorbent material inserts. Many design features of modern cloth nappies have followed directly from innovations initially developed in disposable nappies, such as the use of the hour glass shape, materials to separate moisture from skin and the use of double gussets, or an inner elastic band for better fit and containment of waste material.

Why use reusable nappies? There are a few reasons for that:

- Reusable nappies save you money. Having a baby can make monthly bank statements a regular ordeal. Prams, nappies, wipes and clothes; the list goes on and on. While initial price of reusable nappies is higher than that one of disposables, reusable nappies are much cheaper in the long run. The bottom line: If you go reusable and launder them yourselves, the cost over three years will be between £500 and £700, half as much as disposables. And if you have a second child it would only cost you the laundering (about £250 for three years);

- Better for the environment. With reusable nappies you are in full control of the impact they have on the environment. The impact is directly related to how you chose to wash your nappies;

- Fun to wear. Nappy patterns can have different patters, from animals, flowers, trees to Superman. You can choose from slim fitting, low rise, high cut - the possibilities are endless.

How to wash reusable nappies?

There's no longer any need to soak, rinse, or flush a nappy. Simply shake solids into the toilet and drop the nappy into a plastic-lined pail after a change. When the pail is full, tip into your washer. Wash once with a detergent, reset washer, add more detergent, and wash again. Don't use bleach. Rinse twice to be sure all residue detergent is completely rinsed away and dry on hot.

How many reusable nappies do I need?
You'll need about 2-3 dozen nappies if you get to the wash every third day or about 75-80 if you wash nappies on a weekly basis.

Where to buy reusable nappies?
One of the cheapest options to buy reusable nappies is from an online retailer - buy reusable nappies HERE

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