Dont let Devon go to waste

Using Real Nappies

Washing

Washing your nappies at 60°C will ensure they are clean. Boil washing was common before people had washing machines. However, boiling can reduce the life of the nappy, so is not generally recommended by manufacturers. It is also costly to your purse and to the environment.

Rinsed soiled nappies and nappies that are only wet can be added to the rest of the household washing at 40°C.

If your baby is under one year old their rinsed soiled nappies should still be washed at 60°C (while he or she is developing resistance to infection).

Wraps should be washed at 40°C. They don’t have to be washed each time they are used if they haven’t been soiled and can be quickly rinsed under a tap if you feel this is necessary. Most are very quick drying.

Biodegradable liners can also be washed once or twice if they are wet and not soiled.

Storing

Wet nappies and rinsed soiled ones can be placed in a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed.

Soaking is a personal preference, it’s not essential but it reduces staining and wash times. Soaking your nappies in a lidded bucket and washing every 2-3 days means there is no smell, unlike leaving used disposable nappies in your dustbin until collection day.

If you choose to soak prior to washing, try ONE of these solutions in each bucket of water (use fresh solution each day for maximum effect):

White distilled vinegar (2-3 tablespoons), find it in your local shop or supermarket.

Bicarbonate of Soda (1 tablespoon), available in large packets from chemists or weigh-and-save shops.

Tea Tree or Lavender essential oil (5 drops), available from health food shops and chemists.

Nappy sanitising powder (1 tablespoon), available from health food shops and chemists.

Top tips

Don’t soak wraps, all-in-ones or pocket nappies as this shortens their lifespan.

Always carry out a skin test patch for Tree Tree or Lavendar oil before use. Dilute 1 drop in some water and apply to your baby’s arm or leg with a cotton bud before using on nappies or in wipe solution.

Drying

Dry nappies out on a washing line if you can. Sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach them. Otherwise line-dry indoors. Avoid tumble drying, as this uses a lot of energy and therefore costs more, reduces the life of the nappy and is not good for the environment. Some washing methods may not be suitable for some nappies – if in doubt call the helpline or your supplier.

Have you considered washable wipes? They have the same financial and environmental benefits as washable nappies and put you in control of the products used on your baby’s delicate skin. They are also great for hands and faces too.

Most nappy retailers sell washable wipes or make your own from scraps of fabric or cut up an old cot sheet. The following recipe is great:

Steep 1 camomile teabag in a cup of boiling water and allow to cool.

Add a couple of drops of lavender oil and a little vegetable or olive oil.

Pour into a bottle and shake well.

Use in various ways: soak washable wipes in it and store in a sealable tub ready for use, decant into a spritzer bottle (from chemists) and spray directly onto the skin or use at home at each nappy change instead of water.

(Information provided by the Cornish Real Nappy Project)

How many will you need?

If you usually wash nappies every 2-3 days you will need:

24 nappies for a newborn (going down to 18 nappies as your baby moves onto solid food) and

3-4 waterproof wraps in each size.

If you use shaped, sized nappies you will normally need three sets - small, medium & large - as your baby grows.

If you use one size - birth-to-potty nappies - one set should be enough. However, you may need a particularly small set for a newborn.

How much will it cost?*

Starting with 24 flat nappies and 4 wraps plus some liners (at £2-3 per roll of 100), you can expect to pay around £60 for a set. You will need to get larger wraps later as your baby grows, which will bring the total to about £120 for everything until your baby is potty trained. Retailers often sell sets, which are better value than buying individual items. One-size wraps cost more but you will need fewer. A full set of birth-to-potty shaped nappies with wraps and liners, providing everything you need in one go, will cost a little over £200. This compares to £600-900 for disposables.

* Estimated from average prices at the time of publication.

Laundry Services

Laundries supply, deliver, collect and wash your nappies for you. They supply a lidded nappy bin into which you put the wet and soiled nappies. Once a week all the used nappies are collected and a freshly laundered set delivered. They are washed to hospital disinfection standards and thoroughly rinsed to protect your baby’s skin. You might need to provide your own wraps. After the nappies’ useful life they are sent for reuse by industry. Some laundries also sell new nappies.

Laundry services cost £8.50 - £11 per week.

Cute as they are, with babies comes mess, whether they are rubbing food into their hair or being sick over their clothes!

What we recommend

Do:

Use eco laundry liquid, or powder, where possible.
Use an A-rated washing machine to reduce energy, water costs and consumption.
Add half a small cup of vinegar to the last rinse cycle, or a few drops of lavender in the conditioner compartment of the washing machine, to keep nappies soft as well as smelling fresh.
Thoroughly rinse nappies before drying – whether in the washing machine or after just soaking.
Pass on your nappies for another child to use, when your child is potty trained.
Use a laundry service if you don’t want to wash your own, particularly in the early months.
Try it first. Get a trial pack of different types, to see which suit you best, before getting a full set.

Don’t:

Use commercial fabric conditioners, as they reduce nappy absorbency.
Tumble dry. This shortens the nappy lifespan and consumes more energy.
Use chlorine bleach or perfumes. These chemicals, as well as the optical whiteners and other ingredients in ordinary washing detergents, may cause skin irritation.

The Devon Real Nappy Project lets you try out different nappies, by providing free trial kits as well as independent information and guidance. Interest free loans are available in some areas to help with the initial costs.

(Information kindly supplied by Real Nappies for London)