It is estimated that a baby might need up to 6,000 nappy changes from birth to potty - that’s about a tonne of household waste that could end up in landfill, which would take up to 500 years to breakdown! Even the eco-friendly disposable or bio-degradable single use nappies don’t always break down in landfill.
Real nappy mum, Ella Ewens, 31, from Hackney said:
“I've been using reusable nappies since Isabella (11 week old) was born - they're much easier than expected to use and once you get in a routine, it takes just 10 minutes to hang and dry them, even quicker when we have some sun! The voucher scheme is great, went along to a ‘Nappacino’ baby store, grabbed my voucher, scanned and sent to supplier when I ordered my nappies online- slick and easy. What a great initiative!"
" I would highly recommend other mums give reusable nappies ago. Even part time use is a help with your household costs and waste, they’re better for the environment, your baby is likely to potty train much earlier, plus they come in super cute colours and prints!”
NLWA has supported the use of real nappies in north London since 2005 by offering parents a subsidy of up to £54.15 if they buy real nappies for home washing or sign up to use a nappy laundry service. Real nappies are absorbent, fun, fashionable and easy to use. They come in a variety of styles –
§ Shaped with poppers or velcro, to adjust to your baby’s size, made of breathable cotton, bamboo or other natural material
§ Flat (two sizes needed from birth to potty), but they are still very economical and versatile, made of organic cotton or other natural material
§ Pocket – very versatile, but more expensive, as you will need larger sizes as the baby grows, with inserts of microfibre, cotton or bamboo
With all of these styles, biodegradable (flushable) paper liners or washable (cotton, silk and fleece) liners can be placed inside nappies to catch the poo! So if you haven’t tried them, give them a go, you may just be surprised!
For more information on real nappies and how to claim your £54.15 subsidy for your borough, please visit our Real Nappies page
Real Nappy Week runs from 20 April to 26 April.
