Real Choice Nappies Blog

Ethics of real nappies

2012-02-20T19:09:00.002Z

Hopefully we all know that real nappies are less harmful to the environment than disposable nappies, create less waste and save you a lot of money in the long run. But what about the ethics of the nappies we choose?

With the current economic climate, most of us are searching for the cheapest alternative and we all like a bargain. But should this be at the expense of others? For instance, nappies made in a sweatshop in China are likely to be a lot cheaper than nappies made in a UK factory by staff who are paid a fair wage. In my experience, if something is very cheap it usually means that someone is getting a rough deal, and I tend to be wary of anything that seems "too" cheap.

There certainly seems to be a lot of very cheap nappies appearing on places such as ebay recently. But some of them really are suspiciously cheap – with prices as low as £3 or £4 per nappy, can you really be sure of the integrity of the nappy? Crucially, can you be sure that the nappy will last? A nappy needs to be made of good quality components, especially the outer waterproofing, in order to withstand constant washing and wearing for around 2 years plus. What about the materials used and how they were produced? And what about the people making the nappies? If a nappy made in Hong Kong is selling in the UK for £3, say, then how much are the factory staff receiving, after you’ve taken off the ebay fees, transport to the UK, company overheads and management profits? It just doesn’t add up.

Which is why I think it is important to look not just at the nappy, but who it is made by. Personally, I like to work with companies who have good ethical credentials, as I think this is as important as the nappy itself. Companies such as Nature Babies, for instance, have a great range of reliable, well-performing nappies, which are all made right here in the UK. Similarly, Lollipop is a great UK-based company. The company is based in Cornwall with their nappies being made in an ethically-run factory in Turkey. The nappies are then road freighted to the UK, rather than air freighted, to reduce the carbon footprint.

Both of these companie also have excellent customer service, and do everything they can to help on the rare occasions that something goes wrong. If you buy from a respectable, ethical company then you can have more confidence in their products and their service. On the other hand, what sort of customer service do you think you’d get if your cheap ebay purchase leaks after a few uses?

Of course everyones likes a bargain, but I’ve seen too many people disappointed by ultra-cheap nappies that just don’t work or don’t last. And I do think it is important that we don’t ditch our ethics just to save a few pounds. Real nappies will save you a small fortune anyway, and in the long term a reliable nappy that lasts well will work out cheaper than one that needs replacing after a few months.

Recycle for Gtr Manchester blog

2012-02-14T20:01:00.004Z

Hello, & sorry I've been a bit absent on here lately. It's been a busy few weeks, especially with my boys. Trying to run a business whilst looking after and home-schooling two boys can be a challenge sometimes!

I have, however, been keeping up with my blog for Recycle for Greater Manchester - the blog can be found here: http://r4gm.wordpress.com/ There is a new blog every week on all sorts of nappy matters.

Vicki

Nappies for small babies

2012-01-23T13:45:00.001Z

Some real nappies can seem relatively bulky, especially on tiny babies. One-size nappies in particular can seem huge on a newborn! However, this in itself does not usually bother the baby, especially as they are not going to be doing very much (real nappies usually have most of the fabric at the front of the nappy and so it doesn’t bother a newborn baby lying on its back).

However, if a nappy is simply too big then it won’t do its job properly. You need to have a good fit around the legs and the waist to ensure good containment (it is containment rather than absorbency that tends to be the issue for newborn babies).

In general, sized nappies offer a more customised fit and so may be a better option for smaller babies. A one-size nappy is always going to be a bit bulkier since that excess fabric has to go somewhere! A slimmer shaped nappy can be a good choice for a small baby (such as the Diddy Diaper, the non-velcro version of which can be folded to fit from around 4-5lbs) or even a sized pocket nappy with a slim insert (such as the Pop’N’Gro Pocket).

If your baby is particularly tiny then you may need some different nappies to fit for the first few weeks or so. One of the cheapest options for tiny babies is to use folded muslins inside an extra-small nappy cover. Muslins are very thin and so can be folded to fit smaller babies without adding too much bulk, and they have plenty of uses once you have stopped using them as nappies.

Another option is to have a small pad inside an extra-small cover – something like a booster out of your normal nappies or even a folded bamboo baby wipe. It doesn’t need to be super absorbent as absorbency is rarely an issue with tiny babies.

For more information or advice, or for details on where to buy extra-small nappies and covers, please contact me at vicki@realchoicenappies.co.uk.

"Eco" disposable nappies

2012-01-12T11:17:00.002Z

“Eco” disposables have become more popular in recent years, with many people viewing them as a kind of half-way house between real cloth nappies and conventional disposables.

Unfortunately, they are often not as “eco” as they are believed to be. Certainly from a landfill point of view there is very little advantage to eco-disposables, for several reasons.

Firstly, most eco-disposables are so called because they use more environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. Perhaps they use less chemical gels, perhaps they are made in an energy-efficient factory. This is all good, of course, but it says nothing at all about their landfill implications. Some eco-disposables use degradable packaging, but still there is nothing particularly degradable about the nappies themselves.

Secondly, even if the nappies are slightly more degradable than their conventional counterparts, they still won’t do much if they are sent to landfill. Landfill waste takes a LONG time to rot down, whether it is degradable or not. Generally, what goes in to landfill stays there, even after the site is capped off. This is why councils encourage us to compost our kitchen waste at home rather than send it to landfill – even veg peelings don’t rot down in a landfill site.

So, even if your eco-disposable nappy was completely biodegradable you would have to compost it at home in order for it to actually degrade properly. In theory, this is fine and there are a few eco-disposables on the market that can be home-composted (although it really is just a few). But the reality is a bit different, because we’re not talking about composting one or two nappies. A child in nappies full-time is likely to get through anywhere between 30 and 60 nappies per week, and it would have to be a pretty impressive compost bin to deal with that!

So, if you are concerned about landfill then washable nappies are likely to be a far better option for you. If there is the odd occasion when you choose to use a disposable, then yes, you may want to go for an eco-disposable from an environmental point of view, since they have usually used less energy in their manufacture. But from a landfill point of view, they really are just as bad as any other disposable nappy.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T15:12:00.003Z

A (slightly belated) happy New Year to all our friends and customers! We hope that 2012 proves to be a happy one.

Just to let you know that there is no New Mills nappuccino this month, so our next one will be 4th February. If you need anything in the meantime, just let us know.

Federation of Cloth Nappy Retailers

2011-11-14T18:35:00.003Z

We are very pleased and proud to be part of the newly formed Federation of Cloth Nappy Retailers.

The Federation of Cloth Nappy Retailers (FCNR) are a group of UK based cloth nappy retailers dedicated to giving consumers the service that they deserve along with the best range of products.

All FCNR members :-

1) Are UK based independent retailers of cloth nappies, not tied or restricted to any brand or brands.
2) Have a bricks and mortar store and/or a website to retail their products.
3) Have a maximum 5 employees
4) Have been trading for a minimum of 1 year
5) Abide by the FCNR Code of Practice

By putting these criteria in place the FCNR hope that consumers will be confident that the retailer they choose will be UK based and dedicated to supplying them to the best of their ability.

For more details on the FCNR, see their website.

Nappy review - Lollipop "Super Softee"

2011-11-08T14:59:00.003Z

It's nappy review time again. We are so pleased to finally have the gorgeous "Super Softee" on the website so wanted to shout a bit about this new nappy!

The new nappy from Lollipop, the Super Softee comes in two sizes, with poppers at the front to allow for micro-adjustment within the size. This gives a lovely, customised fit across the whole range - from teeny baby to chunky toddler.

It is a velcro-fastening nappy, which requires a separate waterproof cover. It offers great containment and good absorbency, and also comes with an additional booster for extra absorbency if needed.

What makes it special (IMHO) is the fabric - a soft, luxurious minki. Not only does this look and feel great, it is also very slim fitting and super quick to dry. It really is a luxury feel - super soft for your baby.

It is available in a choice of 5 bright and bold colours - I personally love the red and the orange! With matching covers available too.

I must admit I was disappointed when Lollipop discontinued the old "Softee" & "Micro" nappies, as these were always some of my favourite nappies and had been popular due to the quality and quick dry time. However, I am delighted with their replacement - the Super Softee certainly seems to offer as much as the old Softee & Micro did, but with added extras!

So yes, I am a fan of this nappy, possibly even more than I was of the old Softee. I love the minki fabric and the luxury feel it gives, and I like the fact that it is quick drying. Admittedly a sized nappy isn't as cheap overall as a one-size nappy would be, but then you do get a better fit and the nappies are likely to last better for subsequent children than one-size nappies would do.

The Super Softee retails at £9.99 (covers £10.99) and there are some good value sets available too. For more details, check out the website.

New Mills nappuccino

2011-10-30T19:31:00.003Z

We're back at New Mills this coming Saturday, for our regular monthly "nappuccino". It's a drop-in event with no need to book - just pop along some time between 10.30-12.30 for some nappy chat and a brew!

Saturday 5th November, 10.30 - 12.30
At New Mills Volunteer Centre, Union Rd, New Mills SK22 3EL.

Run in partnership with Derbyshire County Council

Marple Market

2011-10-17T16:43:00.003+01:00

We're back at Marple Garden Centre this coming Sunday, for the popular Marple Farmers' Market. We'll have all the nappies to see and feel, plus plenty of stock of the lovely Dry Bibs, washable wipes, baby gift sets, etc.

If you're after some nappy advice, pop in and say hi. And please let your friends know we'll be there too!

Marple Farmers' Market
Marple Garden Centre
SK6 7HE

Sunday 23rd October, 10am - 2pm

http://www.realchoicenappies.co.uk/news--events.html

Different nappies for different folks

2011-10-03T11:22:00.003+01:00

It is great that there is so much choice in real nappies these days, and it definitely means that there is a real nappy to suit every family. The "problem", for want of a better word, is that every nappy has different features and so will suit different people. The trick is to match the nappy to the family, since different people have different priorities and what is ideal for one person may not suit someone else.

This is where personal advice comes in. A nappy advisor (like me!) will be able to help you find the right nappy for you, based on your own priorities and circumstances, and there are several factors that that I take into account when making a recommendation.

Perhaps one of the first things to look at is the drying facilities you have. Do you have a tumble dryer, and if so, are you happy to use it or would you prefer to minimize its use? If you have limited drying facilities, then a quick-drying nappy system, such as a man-made microfibre, may suit you best.

Another factor is the age of your baby, and how they are fed. Newborn babies can produce rather explosive nappy contents, especially if they are breastfed, and so good containment is likely to be a higher priority! Therefore you may be better off with a two-part nappy system – i.e. a nappy with separate cover – as these generally offer better containment than an all-in-one type.

However, if your baby is older and/or you are more concerned about ease of use rather than containment, then an all-in-one may work best. All-in-ones are closest to disposables and are the easiest type to use since there is only one piece.

Other factors taken into consideration may include:

· The number of children you have in nappies

· Whether you plan to have more children

· Your budget

· Whether you would prefer natural fabrics

· Whether you or your partner are above average height

· Whether you would prefer a slim fitting nappy

Quite often, there are also subtle things that affect the decision too. Some people find that they don’t like the velcro on a particular nappy, for instance, or prefer the feel of one microfibre nappy over another. This is why it is helpful to be able to see and feel the nappies before committing to buy, if possible.

For more information or personal advice based on your priorities and circumstances, please contact me at vicki@realchoicenappies.co.uk. I offer face-to-face demonstrations, as well as personal advice via e-mail or phone.

New Mills nappuccinos

2011-09-22T12:52:00.003+01:00

We've now got another 6 months of nappuccinos booked for New Mills. They run the 1st Saturday of the month (except January) at New Mills Volunteer Centre, SK22 3EL, from 10.30-12.30.

Next one is Saturday 1st October - why not pop in for some real nappy chat and a cuppa?

http://www.realchoicenappies.co.uk/news--events.html

Derbyshire incentive scheme

2011-09-13T20:13:00.002+01:00

Derbyshire residents can claim £25 cash-back on real nappy purchase of £50 or more. You can also borrow one of the council's nappy lending kits, allowing you to try a selection of real nappies out at home.

Regular events are held at various places across on in the county, giving information about real nappies and allowing people the chance to get some advice. I run the High Peak events, which are held at New Mills Volunteer Centre on the first Saturday of the month, 10.30-12.30.

For more information on Derbyshire's incentive scheme, to enquire about a lending kit or to find an event near you, see the council's website.

Trafford incentive scheme

2011-09-05T19:25:00.005+01:00

The Trafford borough of Greater Manchester offers a great incentive scheme to encourage people to try real nappies. Any Trafford resident can apply for a FREE real nappy starter pack, containing a selection of different real nappies for you to use and launder at home.

The kit is your to keep and can be tailored to suit your needs, if you wish. It is just a starter kit so does not contain enough nappies for full-time use. However, it is ideal if you just want to try real nappies out, or if you are unsure what type or brand will suit you.

Real Choice Nappies administers the starter pack scheme on Trafford MBC's behalf, so you can contact me direct with any questions or to request a kit.

http://www.trafford.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/recyclingrubbishandwaste/recyclingathome/#2

Alternatively, you can claim one month's free laundry trial with the nappy laundry service Cottontails. For more details on this option, see the Trafford site (link above) or contact Cottontails direct.

New Mills nappuccinos

2011-08-23T11:11:00.005+01:00

We're glad to say that more dates are being booked for our monthly nappuccinos in New Mills, Derbyshire. These events are run in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and are held the first Saturday of the month at New Mills Volunteer Centre, SK22 3EL.

We'll be there on 3rd Sept, 10.30-12.30, so pop along for some nappy advice or more information about Derbyshire's incentive scheme.

http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/environment/rubbish_waste/real_nappies/real_nappy_events/default.asp

How many nappies?

2011-08-08T14:23:00.002+01:00

One question I get asked a lot is “How many nappies will I need?” Unfortunately, the answer is “It depends”!

There are a few different factors that will affect the number of nappies that is right for you. The first thing to consider is the age of your baby. Obviously, a newborn baby needs their nappy changing more often than a toddler will do, so generally you will need more nappies for a younger baby.

The next factor is how frequently you plan to wash. You need to have enough nappies to last in between washes, allowing for the drying time of the nappies. So, if you plan to wash daily, say, then you'll get away with fewer nappies than if you plan to wash every other day.

And the final thing to consider is the nappy fabric that you have chosen, as this greatly affects the drying time. Fabrics such as man-made microfibres dry very quickly (how quickly depends on the spin cycle on your machine!), whereas fabrics like bamboo and hemp take a lot longer. So you need to factor in the drying time of the nappies, and whether you plan to line dry or tumble dry.

As a (very general) rule of thumb, I usually recommend 20-25 nappies for a newborn, and 15-20 nappies for an older, post-weaning baby. This is based on washing every other day, allowing for the wash and dry time. The ranges allow for the different dry times of the fabrics – from quicker-drying fabrics at the lower end to slower-drying fabrics at the upper end.

Please note that these figures are for one child in nappies. There are other factors to consider if you have multiple children in nappies at the same time - in this case, I'd suggest that you get in touch for some individual advice.

If you would like more information or personal advice based on your circumstances, you can contact me at vicki@realchoicenappies.co.uk.

Nappy review - Nature Babies Bambini

2011-08-02T11:17:00.003+01:00

Nappy review time again! We're looking this time at the Nature Babies Bambini, a one-size bamboo nappy which requires a separate waterproof cover.

The Bambini is a lovely soft bamboo nappy, offering great absorbency. It is velcro-fastening, with Nature Babies' typical wide velcro strip meaning that you can get a really snug fit. It is a one-size nappy, adjusting via poppers on the front of the nappy. I was particularly impressed with the adjustability of this nappy - it is nice and snug for a newborn on its smallest setting, but pretty generous for a toddler on its largest setting.

It is a slim cut nappy so there is no unnecessary bulk. It offers a lovely fit for a newborn baby and so gives good containment, but it is longer in the rise than, say, the Bamboo Lovable, so should cater for larger toddlers better too.

Nature Babies is a UK company and all their nappies are manufactured in house, in the UK. They are a great company to work with and have excellent customer service.

Because of the slim fit, I was concerned at first that this nappy wouldn't have the necessary absorbency. However, it seemed to perform very well on this score and lasted well. The nappy comes with one bamboo booster, although you may need to use another for overnight or for very heavy wetters.

The main downside is, as with all bamboo nappies, the long drying time. The nappies can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, but you may struggle if you don't have a tumble dryer (or if you would prefer to limit its use). A combination of bamboo and quicker-drying microfibre can be a good option if you have limited drying facilities but still want to use some bamboo.

Overall, I am a big fan of this nappy. I have always preferred two-part nappy systems personally, as I find them more reliable than all-in-ones. I also love the fact that it is a one-size nappy, so an economical choice, but it still offers a good fit across the age range.

The Bambini retails at £9.99 and will be available on the website soon. In the meantime, please contact us at vicki@realchoicenappies.co.uk for more information or to order.

Nappy facts & myths

2011-07-26T14:28:00.005+01:00

There are lots of myths and preconceptions surrounding real nappies and their use. So firstly, here are some nappy facts:

Around 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away each day in the UK. Most go to landfill, where they could take 500 years to decompose (no-one really knows).
It costs Local Authorities over £60 million every year to dispose of non-reusable nappies.
Disposable nappies and wipes for the first 2.5 years of a baby’s life are estimated to cost between £800 and £1,800 per baby, whereas an “average” real nappy system costs around £300-£400 for the same period.
A 2008 Environment Agency report concluded that, with sensible use, real nappies could reduce the environmental impact of using nappies by 40%. And this report was based on the “life-cycle” of the nappy – manufacture and usage – i.e. it did not consider what happens to the nappy after it is taken off the baby.

Now let’s deal with some myths:

Washing: You do not need to soak or boil wash real nappies. Washing at 40 or 60 is fine. Nor do you need to own a tumble dryer – many modern real nappies are made of quick-drying microfibres.
Wetness: Your baby will feel wet in a real nappy, compared to a disposable, but it shouldn’t upset them or cause them to wake. And wetness in itself does not cause nappy rash.
Nappy rash: Babies are no more likely to suffer nappy rash in real nappies. A good change routine is the best thing to reduce the likelihood or severity of nappy rash, regardless of what nappy type you use.
Bulkiness: Wearing a real nappy will not adversely affect your baby's development, or their ability to sit up, crawl, walk etc.
Environment: As mentioned above, real nappies can significantly reduce your environmental impact, even allowing for washing. With real nappies, you are in control – so if you want to reduce your environmental impact, you can choose to wash at lower temperatures, avoid the tumble dryer, use eco detergents etc.

If you would like any more information, please contact me at vicki@realchoicenappies.co.uk.

Marple Market - this Sunday

2011-07-18T18:37:00.001+01:00

We'll be back at Marple Farmers' Market this Sunday, 10.00-2.00. The market is held at Marple Garden Centre, SK6 7HE, and there is plenty of free parking as well as some lovely stalls to browse.

Hope to see you there (and hope it stops raining!)

Nappies & Childcare

2011-07-03T21:07:00.000+01:00

A question I get asked a lot is "What about nursery / childminder?" Many people are worried that their childcare provider won't accept using real nappies.

Firstly, there should be no problem with any childcare provider using real nappies. They are acting in loco parentis and therefore, if you say you want them to use real nappies then that is what they should do!

In my own experience, I've not come across anyone who has had a problem with their nursery or whatever using their real nappies. Both of my boys went to nursery in real nappies and it was fine - I just sent them off with some clean nappies and covers, and a dirty nappy bag. The only "problem" we had in the whole time was when we discovered one day that a nursery worked had put DS2's nappy on backwards. Totally backwards, nappy and wrap. It still did the job so not really a problem - in fact I wanted to know how she'd actually managed it!

This girl was new and had perhaps not come across real nappies before. Certainly I think most childcare providers appreciate a little instruction (and perhaps reassurance) when you first discuss using real nappies. They may have concerns about the nappies being complicated or requiring some advanced course in origami - these fears are quickly allayed once they actually see what you're talking about!

It also doesn't hurt if you can choose a slightly easier-to-use style for the childcare times. It doesn't necessarily have to be an all-in-one type - most people are perfectly happy with a shaped nappy and separate cover - but terry squares are perhaps not the most appropriate for childcare!

As always, the choice is yours - if you want to use real nappies at childcare, then you can. Just discuss your requirements with your childcare provider and be prepared to show the staff or childminder how it works and what you expect.

Reusable sanitary wear

2011-06-21T18:58:00.000+01:00

Reusable sanitary wear has the same sort of advantages as reusable nappies: it is a cheaper option over the long term, reduces waste and is much comfier!

I made the switch to reusable sanitary wear quite late, and certainly a while after I'd started using reusable nappies on my kids. My first thought when encountering reusable sanitary products was that this was perhaps a step too far, and that I was doing "my bit" using real nappies.

Of course, I was assuming that reusable sanitary wear was somehow a second choice - less convenient, less reliable. How wrong I was! Now I wonder why on earth I used to put up with disposables every month!

If you use pads, then washable pads are a great alternative to the scratchy paper disposable alternatives. They are so much nicer to wear, and are generally fleece topped to keep you feeling dry and comfortable. You can get different sizes according to your needs - I wasn't sure if they would be up to the job, but I've never had a problem with them. I wouldn't go back to paper now.

If you use tampons, then the mooncup is the way to go. This little silicon cup is (and I don't think I'm over-selling it) pure genius! Inserted in the same way as a tampon (except that it should sit lower), it basically catches rather than absorbs. It holds in place using gentle suction, until such time as you want to change it. The contents can be emptied down the toilet, and then the mooncup rinsed and re-inserted. Unlike tampons, the mooncup doesn't dry you out or irritate, and doesn't affect the delicate internal balance (around 35% of what tampons absorb is natural moisture). It can hold around 3 times what a "super-absorbent" tampon could hold. And because it is not absorbent, you can also use it when you are expecting your period, as a "just in case". One mooncup is all you need and it will last you for years.

Give it a go and you might never have to buy tampons and pads again!

Charlie Banana pocket nappy

2011-06-13T10:19:00.000+01:00

It's nappy review time! And I thought I would focus on the very popular Charlie Banana.
http://www.realchoicenappies.co.uk/charlie-banana.html
This one-size pocket nappy has a great adjustment method, using a button & elastic system not dissimilar to that found in maternity trousers! This means that you can get a really snug, neat fit from newborn through to toddler. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a good fit around the legs with a one-size nappy, especially if your child has particularly skinny or chunky legs, but with this adjustment system it is not a problem!

Two microfibre absorbent inserts give you good absorbency but with a very quick drying time. There is plenty of room in the pocket too, should you wish to add more absorbency for heavy wetters or overnight.

The popper fastenings are secure and long-lasting, and the nappy comes in a choice of lovely colours and prints.

This nappy is still one of our best sellers and it's not hard to see why. Personally I always favoured two-part nappies but this one won me over, with the great fit, ease of use and quick dry time it offers.

We'll be on the market!

2011-06-09T11:04:00.001+01:00

We're going to be at Marple Farmers' Market on Sunday 26th June. http://www.alderleyedgefarmersmarket.com/Local-Markets.php

I've been looking for a good venue for a regular "shop" for a while now - obviously I would love a proper bricks and mortar shop, but finances and family wouldn't allow for that right now! So I thought that a regular stall at a local market would be good compromise. Hopefully, it will serve as a handy pick-up point for regular customers, as well as promoting real nappies to a wider audience.

At the moment, we have just booked one date - 26th June - but if all goes well we'll be making it a regular thing.

Pop in & say hi if you're in the area! The market is held at Marple Garden Centre, SK6 7HE, Sunday 26th June, 10.00-2.00

Flat nappies

2011-06-01T12:34:00.001+01:00

I have been selling loads of flat nappies just lately! Which is not, to be honest, a huge surprise - these nappies are cheap, flexible, last for ages and dry fairly quickly. The downside, of course, is that you have to learn to do a few folds, but folding is pretty quick and easy to learn.

I generally recommend bamboo terries rather than cotton - bamboo gives much more absorbency than cotton but is less bulky. The slimmer fit of bamboo also means that you can usually get away with just one size of terry from newborn to toddler, whereas a toddler-sized cotton terry would be pretty huge on a newborn! Similarly, nappi nippas are far easier than pins, and are not going to prick your baby through the fabric!

There are lots of different folds you can use, although most people find a couple they like and stick with them. The different folds can be used at different times, to suit your baby's changing shape, size and needs. So you get a good fit, totally customised to your baby.

Having said all this, using terries exclusively does not suit everyone. Most of my recent terry-buying customers have gone for a mixture of flat terries, to use at home, and a few shaped nappies or all-in-ones, to use for out and about or for childcare. At home, you can have all your terries ready folded and ready to be used, but you maybe don't want to be trying to fold a terry nappy whilst dealing with a wriggly baby in a public change room! So a combination of flat and shaped nappies works well - it is still a cheap option, but gives you a few easy-to-use alternatives for those occasions when you need them.

Real Nappy Week

2011-05-22T19:23:00.001+01:00

Well RNW 2011 is over now and what a week it's been! We've been all around the region at various nappuccino events, met some lovely people, cooed at some cute babies and talked real nappies until hoarse!

At Stepping Hill hospital nappuccino, I bumped into a lady who had bought some bamboo terries from me a couple of weeks previously. She was in hospital with her new baby, not even a day old yet and very cute. And he was already in his terry nappy! I was so chuffed - and it's proof that you can you cloth in hospital if you want to.

I was also particularly pleased with a great turn-out of people at Sale West Community Centre - my last nappuccino of the week. They were a lovely, friendly bunch of people and it was the perfect end to a wonderful week

So, now Real Nappy Week is over we should be due for a rest, eh? Not a bit of it! There are still plenty of events coming up - our regular nappuccinos in New Mills as well as various antenatal and postnatal talks. We're busy testing potential new products and these should appear on the website over the coming weeks. We're also debating the idea of a regular market stall spot - the intention is that it could be handy for regular customers to pick up smaller orders, as well as promoting real nappies generally. It will probably be a monthly or bi-monthly thing, at a farmers' market or similar. More details to follow as soon as we know ourselves!

Real Nappy Week

2011-05-10T18:39:00.001+01:00

Blimey, just realised how long it's been since I last posted! It's been busy here, what with Easter, extra bank hols and of course plans for Real Nappy Week.

So, Real Nappy Week is next week - I can't believe how it's crept up on me again. There is loads going on in the local area - 27 nappuccinos in Greater Manchester for a start! I'm attending 6 nappuccinos myself, in Stockport and Trafford. Details of the GM nappuccinos can be found here: http://www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com/what-else-can-i-do/re-use/real-nappies/nappuccino-events

There is still time to book yourself a place at one of the GM nappuccinos -anyone booking a place will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a birth to potty kit worth up to £300 or 6 months real nappy laundry (nappies included).

There is also a nappuccino in Macclesfield, at Macc library on Saturday 21st from 9.30 to 12.30. I would have liked to attend but unfortunately I'd already booked to be at Stockport library on Saturday morning. But there will be representatives from the council there, as well as some volunteer nappy advisors.

So I'm looking forward to a busy week next week, hopefully with lots of fluff and clothy chat. And then I'm looking forward to a sit down!

Real Nappy Week runs from 16th - 22nd May. Details of all the events we're attending are on the website (http://www.realchoicenappies.co.uk/news--events.html). For details of events near you, see Go Real (http://www.goreal.org.uk/rnw-2011-events-map)

Real nappies on holiday

2011-04-21T10:56:00.000+01:00

It's Easter, the weather is glorious, and most of us are thinking of holidays. So do you have to resort to disposable nappies on holiday? Well, not if you don't want to - if you want to use reusables there are ways to do it.

If you are going self-catering, particularly in the UK, you will find that a lot of properties have washing machines. So it is then just a case of doing the same routine away as you would at home. This is what we did in the main, taking our normal nappies away with us, although I had an extra-large nappy bag to take away rather than the nappy bucket!

If you're camping or going somewhere without a washing machine, then quick-drying nappies are the way to go. Microfibre nappies are ideal, or alternatively a terry nappy that you can dry unfolded. We found that muslins make good folded nappies for smaller babies too; use them with an absorbent nappy booster for older babies. Again, a large nappy bag is a better option than a bucket for storing the nappies. It's fine to handwash the nappies (you can tea-tree oil or similar in the water to sanitise the nappies), and using flushable liners will make life easier for you too.

Another option is to use disposable pads in your normal nappies. These are generally a lower-impact option than conventional disposables and so are a good choice if you go disposable. You could choose to use just disposable pads whilst away, or you could use a combination of washable and disposable.

If you do choose to use disposables, try to use one of the "eco" types - they usually have a higher proportion that is biodegradable (although they still won't degrade if sent to landfill) and generally will have used less energy in the manufacturing process.

Personally I think that disposable nappies have their place - I don't think they are, or should be, an everyday item but they can sometimes be more convenient. So you may wish to use disposables when on holiday, and then return to washables at home. But it needn't be the default option for holidays, and using reusables when you're away needn't be any different to using them at home.

Whatever nappies you use on holiday, have a good one!

Real Nappies for Greater Manchester

2011-04-07T19:51:00.001+01:00

The Real Nappies for Greater Manchester campaign launched this week. The aim of the campaign is to promote reusable nappies as a real alternative to parents within Greater Manchester. There are lots of events planned for Real Nappy Week 2011 (16th - 22nd May), with three "nappuccinos" in each of the nine Gtr Mcr districts. The nappuccinos are free to attend but you do need to book a place - see the website for details of the events & how to book your place http://www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com/what-else-can-i-do/re-use/real-nappies/nappuccino-events.

At the nappuccinos, you will be able to see a range of modern real nappies and speak to the local nappy experts about how it all works and what might suit you best (I'll be attending the Stockport and Trafford events, other local advisors will be covering the other districts). Those coming along to a nappuccino can also enter into the prize draw to win up to £300 worth of real nappies or 6 months' nappy laundry service.

As well as the events for Real Nappy Week, some districts offer an ongoing incentive scheme to real nappy users. For instance, Trafford offers a free nappy starter pack for home laundry, or one month's free laundry service trial. It's worth having a look to check what your district offers.

For more info on the Real Nappies for Greater Manchester campaign, see http://www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com/what-else-can-i-do/re-use/real-nappies

The importance of advice

2011-03-24T18:53:00.000Z

Once you've decided to use real nappies, how do you choose what is best for you? There are loads of different options available and the amount of choice, particularly online, can be bewildering.

There are loads of different real nappies out there these days, and I believe that there is a real nappy to suit every family. However, different people have different priorities and what is ideal for one person may not suit someone else. The fact that your friend is getting on well with a particular brand of real nappy doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best choice for you.

And there's the money to think about. Real nappies will, of course, save you a lot of money over the long term, compared with disposables. But real nappies are an investment - the upfront cost is not insignificant and so you want to be sure that you’re getting something right for you.

That’s why tailored nappy advice is so important. By speaking to a nappy advisor, you can be confident that you will get a nappy system that works for you and fits your lifestyle. Over recent years more and more people are buying online, which in itself is no problem, but I still think that most people would benefit from advice from an expert before making a full purchase.

You may think, oh well of course she would say that. However, the truth is that my business would be a lot easier if I didn't give advice. The advice aspect of my job takes up most of my time, and yet I don't make any money from the advice itself, only from any nappies that I may sell. So in terms of profitability, I'd be better off just selling online and not offering advice at all. But I offer advice because I believe that it is the best way to buy your nappies.

I have tried and tested all the nappies I sell – and many more as well – and I can give you advice that is specific to you, based on your priorities and circumstances. I also offer ongoing support and advice on using and caring for your real nappies. I am proud of the advice service that I offer and plan to continue offering free advice as long as I'm selling nappies!

Environmental impact of nappies - real vs disposable

2011-03-08T20:46:00.000Z

There's a question that I've been asked many times before, albeit the wording changes slightly with each asking. The question is along the lines of: Are reusable nappies really any better for the environment, once you allow for washing and drying?

Unfortunately, it is very hard to accurately quantify the overall environmental impact of real nappies vs disposables. Different nappies are manufactured differently, using different levels of energy use and resources. Real nappy usage varies from individual to individual - some people boil wash and tumble dry, others wash at 30 and line dry. Some people use their real nappies on 2, 3 or even 4 children, thereby reducing the energy from manufacture per use. And of course, how do you quantify the environmental impact of disposable nappies after use?

Well, the closest answer we have at present came from the Environment Agency's 2008 report "An updated lifecycle assessment study for disposable and reusable nappies" (Note - this report, as the title suggests, was an update to a previous report in 2005. The 2005 report was widely criticised for its assumptions, particularly in regard to real nappy use, and the 2008 report attempted to address the concerns and criticisms raised.)

This report looked at the lifecycle of a nappy - in other words, its manufacture and use. It did not attempt to address what happens to a nappy after it is taken off your baby's bum.

The report made various assumptions and I obviously won't list them all here. However, the key assumptions as regards real nappy use were:

Nappies are dry-pailed (not soaked between washes)
Nappies are used on one child only
Nappies are washed at 60 using an averagely rated machine
Nappies are line-dried 75% of the time and tumble dried for 25% of the time
Nappies are not ironed. (No honestly - the previous 2005 report actually assumed that 10% of people were ironing their nappies!)
Nappies are shaped & 100% cotton, with separate covers
Nappies are pre-washed before every main wash cycle.
Nappies are mainly washed alone, rather than with other laundry.

Based on these assumptions, the report found that the overall impact of real nappies was roughly the same as that of disposables. However, the report stated that the conclusion is highly dependant on the way that real nappies are laundered.

So, for instance, washing in fuller loads would reduce the overall impact of real nappies by 16%. Line drying rather than tumble drying reduces the overall impact by the same amount. If you assume that nappies are washed in fuller loads, line dried and reused for a second child, then the overall impact of real nappies works out at 40% lower than that of disposables.

Unfortunately, some ambiguity just means that the different camps can quote the figures that show themselves in the best light! But to me the report seems to say that if you wash and dry sensibly, then you really can make an environmental difference.

Looking at the assumptions used, there are many I don't fully agree with. I rarely washed at 60, for instance, generally preferring to wash at 40. And I don't own a tumble dryer! Best of all, my nappies saw me through my two boys and then went off to an orphanage in Tanzania.

Another important point is that with real nappies you are in control. Want to reduce the impact of your real nappies? Fine, you could wash them at 40 and line dry them. Want to reduce the impact of your disposable nappies? Erm well, you could use less of them I suppose....

As I mentioned above, though, the biggest problem with the 2008 report is that it does not consider what happens to the nappy afterwards. So no allowance is made at all for the issue of nappies going to landfill. Which seems to me to be missing the point somewhat. Even if this report had concluded that disposables are better for the environment, would that mean that we suddenly found the space to put the 8 million disposable nappies we throw away each day in the UK? Of course not. I am glad that the issue was looked at, but I wonder if there is much real benefit in the conclusions when the main point of difference was ignored. The report considers the reuse of reusable nappies, but not the disposal of disposables.

For the full 2008 Environment Agency report, see here.

Nappy choice

2011-02-26T12:10:00.000Z

I am often asked why I chose to use washable nappies, and to defend my choice. And that in itself strikes me as odd, because those who choose disposable nappies don't tend to be asked the reason for their choice.

Because it is a choice - using disposable nappies shouldn't be the default. Whatever nappies you use for your child, you are making a conscious choice, whether you realise it or not.

So why would you choose disposables? It seems crazy to use single-use items for anything that is used regularly, let alone something that is going to be needed several times a day for several years. In what other situation would we do that? We don't use disposable plates and cutlery every day, we don't take disposable cameras on every holiday - to do so would be prohibitively expensive & incredibly wasteful. Plus disposable alternatives are never as good as the reusable original (again, think disposable plates, disposable cameras, disposable barbeques - the only real "merit" of these things is that you can bin them).

Imagine if the manufacturers of paper plates spent billions on advertising and suddenly the majority of the country was using paper plates as standard. You then get questioned about why you're still using those old-fashioned, hard-work china plates.
"But they're fine", you say, "You just wash them and reuse them."
"But they're so expensive - my paper plates only cost a few quid a week, your china plates cost loads more."
"Well yes, but they work out much cheaper in the long run."
"But my plates are better - the adverts say they have flex technology."
"Doesn't that just mean that they're flimsy?"
"Well I couldn't be doing with all that work anyway, it'd be too much."
"It's only washing-up, it's easy, everyone used to do it."
"Nah, I'll stick to paying over the odds for disposable plates that fill up my bin, thanks."

QED.

OK so yes, there will be the odd occassion when disposable nappies are more convenient, in the same way that disposable cameras or disposable forks are sometimes more convenient. But that doesn't mean that they are right, convenient or even appropriate for every day use. For every day use, stick with the reusable original - it's better, cheaper and won't clog up your wheelie bin.

Has your MP signed the EDM yet?

2011-02-23T12:33:00.006Z

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is currently carrying out a review of all aspects of waste policy and delivery in England. Go Real (www.goreal.org.uk) were keen to ensure that disposable nappies were considered under that review and so submitted a Call to Evidence stating their concerns and some suggested solutions. Go Real wrote to all MPs and as a result Austin Mitchell MP for Grimsby put down an Early Day Motion to help better display support for this issue.

Early day motions (EDMs) are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. They are also used for reasons such as publicising the views of individual MPs, drawing attention to specific events or campaigns, and demonstrating the extent of parliamentary support for a particular cause or point of view. An MP can add their signature to an EDM to show their support and the more support gained the better the chances of raising the profile of this issue.

You can see the Disposable Nappy EDM here.

So what can you do?

MPs listen to their constituency members, so write to your local MP to encourage them to sign the EDM . Go Real have prepared a sample letter covering the main points about disposable nappy waste - download the template letter.

Of course you can send your own letter but the important thing is that your MP signs the EDM. You can check to see if they have signed here. It doesn't take long but it could make a real difference.

Thank you!

If you know anyone else who would like to help, please pass on this link:
http://realchoicenappies.blogspot.com/2011/02/has-your-mp-signed-edm-yet.html
or share it via facebook or twitter. Thanks!

About me!

2011-02-17T20:29:00.000Z

As this blog is still quite new, I thought I'd say a bit about me and my real nappy experiences.

My hubby and I bought our nappies over 7 years ago now (yikes!), when I was pregnant with our first child. We did loads of research on t'internet to try to find something that would work for us. We ended up using Onelife nappies, which are still one of my favourite nappies.

We planned to use disposables whilst in hospital and then switch to cloth pretty soon. However, a combination of an unexpected stay in the SCBU and some post-natal blues meant that we didn't actually make the switch until our son was around 3 months old. And we then kicked ourselves for leaving it so long! In contrast, our second son went straight into the Onelifes at birth and has probably only worn 1 or 2 disposables in his life!

Honestly though, I wonder is we would have ever made the switch with our first child if it wasn't for the fact we had already bought the nappies - they were sitting in the nursery, glaring at us! There is a bit of a psychological barrier to making the switch, because you think it's going to be hard work. Actually it's not, it's just a different routine, but I see so many mums sticking with disposables, despite their earlier best intentions of using cloth.

Anyway, I digress. I decided to become a nappy advisor after the birth of my second son, as I wanted to do something from home. I joined up as a Lollipop advisor (www.teamlollipop.co.uk) and they were great - helping me to start up and giving really useful advice.

About 18 months ago, I decided to become an independent advisor and start my business Real Choice Nappies. I still work closely with Lollipop as they're a great company, but I also source nappies from other manufacturers now, and I like being totally independent.

Random facts about me:

I have been vegetarian since age 13
I married my first boyfriend, and we have been together since we were 17 (to slightly paraphrase Tim Minchin "it's not quite as sad as it sounds, but it's pretty close!")
We home-school our two boys
We live near to Lyme Park, where Colin Firth emerged from the lake looking wet and gorgeous in Pride & Prejudice
We have two chickens, who are currently doing very little to earn their keep!
I'm now off to the pub with the girls for our weekly attempt at the quiz ......wish me luck!

Washing real nappies

2011-02-09T19:35:00.000Z

Some people are put of using washable nappies because they don't like the idea of washing them, or think it's going to be a major hassle. Soaking in a smelly bucket, boil washing, having nappies hanging around the house taking days to dry.....

Fortunately, it's nothing like that these days! There is no need to soak nappies, they can be washed at 40 or 60 degrees (with other laundry if you wish) and many modern fabrics are extremely quick drying.

So, here's my easy-peasy guide to washing real nappies!

1. Once you've taken the dirty nappy off your baby, it needs to go into a lidded bucket or bag until you're ready to do a wash. Make sure you fold back any velcro tabs so that they don't snag in the wash.

2. You can get make you life easier at this first stage by using liners in your nappies - either flushable or reusable - to help with the removal of solids. Flushable liners are biodegradable and flushable, so the liner (and its contents!) can just go straight down the loo. If you're using reusable fleece liners, a quick shake over the loo will get rid of any solids and then the liner can go in the bucket with the nappy.

3. Store the nappies in a lidded bucket, without any water. In my experience, there is no real advantage to soaking nappies, and it's just a bit of a faff getting rid of the dirty water. So don't bother! A laundry mesh makes life easier too - this goes over the rim of the bucket so that the nappies go into the mesh bag, which can then go straight into the machine.

4. When you're ready to do a nappy wash, take the laundry mesh out of the bucket and stick it in your machine. If you wish, you can do a 5-10 minute COLD wash in the machine at this stage, without detergent. This will rinse the nappies through, and the cold water helps to prevent stains from sticking. The nappies should work their way out of the laundry bag during the wash, as long as you've left the neck of the bag open.

5. Your nappies can then be washed at 40 or 60, and you can put other laundry in with the nappies if you want to. Most non-bio detergents are fine but avoid fabric softener or any 2-in-1 detergents. I also suggest using only half the recommended dosage of detergent - this will still get your nappies clean but should help to avoid any detergent residue in the nappies.

6. If you are washing below 60, a nappy sanitiser is a good idea to make sure that any nasty bugs are killed off. Tea-tree and lavender oils are good for this (a couple of drops in the detergent drawer). However, young babies can be sensitive to essential oils so for babies under 6 months I recommend using a proprietary nappy sanitiser. These nappy sanitisers, such as Pure, are anti-bacterial powders and just go in the detergent drawer with your normal detergent.

7. Drying time of the nappies will depend on the fabric. Man-made fabrics such as microfibres tend to dry very quickly indeed, whereas cotton, hemp and bamboo take longer. Most nappies can be dried on a low heat in a tumble dryer.

That's it. Essentially, you're just pressing a couple of buttons and letting your machine do the work!

Washable wipes

2011-02-01T16:14:00.000Z

Washable wipes - cheaper and less wasteful than the alternative, and just as easy to use. If you're using washable nappies, then you may as well wash some wipes too. And if not then the wipes can just be washed with your normal laundry.

You can make up some nice wash solutions if you want to, using olive oil and/or essential oils for instance. Cooled chamomile tea is also great if your little one has a sore bum. But generally I just used plain tap water - easier and cheaper! But whatever you choose to use on your washable wipes, you are in complete control of what goes on to your baby's bottom or face.

Disposable baby wipes, in contrast, contain all sorts of chemicals and alcohols, and it is not always clear what these ingredients are and what they do. But I know from my own experience that my youngest always got nappy rash when he went to nursery - the cause, we discovered, was the nursery's disposable baby wipes. We started putting washable wipes in with the nappy bag and the problem cleared up. And a friend of mine has a stash of baby wipes that he keeps in the garage because "they're the best thing for shifting bike grease". Hmmm.....

But the best thing about washable wipes, in my humble opinion, is that they will save you a small fortune. Using disposable wipes for the first 2.5 years of your baby's life could cost you around £250! Or, you could spend around £20 for all the washable wipes you'll need. It's not a big outlay and chances are you'll be able to re-use the same wipes for more than one child. We certainly did, and in fact we still use our washable wipes on a regular basis, despite the fact that our boys are out of nappies. They're ideal for picnics or just for mucky days out-and-about - we take a few out in a small waterproof bag, ready-moistened, so they're ready to go.

So, I love washable wipes. I'd recommend them to anybody and I'd love to see everyone using them. Just as easy to use as disposable wipes, but without the chemicals. And if something is easy to use, saves me money and reduces waste at the same time, then it gets my vote.

Different types of real nappies

2011-01-26T16:19:00.000Z

It can be rather bewildering when new parents or parents-to-be first venture into the world of real nappies. There are so many types! And it can sometimes seem as though nappy retailers are deliberating trying to baffle customers, with our own language and names that can be so confusing to newcomers.

So, let's break it down. There are actually only three main types of real nappies - flat nappies, shaped separates and all-in-one types.

Flat nappies
These are basically the terry squares that most people will be familiar with (indeed most of us were probably in terries when we were babies). Flat nappies are as they sound - a flat, square piece of fabric that is folded to fit onto baby. There are loads of different folds to choose from, so that you can adapt the fabric to fit your baby's size and shape, but the folding is pretty easy and quick to learn.

Flat nappies were typically made from terry cotton but are now also available in bamboo fabric, which gives you much more absorbency in a slimmer fabric. These days, most people choose to use a "nappi nippa" to fasten the nappies rather than a nappy pin. A nappi nippa is a t-shaped piece of stretchy plastic with hooks on the ends, to catch onto the fabric and hold the nappy in place.

Flat nappies require a waterproof cover (or "wrap") to go over the top.

Shaped separates
Shaped nappies are, again, as they sound - a nappy that is shaped to fit your baby. So unlike flat nappies there is no need for folding and the nappy fastens with poppers or velcro. So the shaped nappy is replacing the flat nappy, with a waterproof cover still required to go over the top. This system is sometimes referred to as a "two-part system" or as "separates" since there are two bits; a nappy and a separate cover.

Shaped nappies can be one-size, i.e. adjustable to fit from birth to toddler, or they can come in different sizes. You can also get a wide range of fabrics - cotton, hemp, bamboo, microfibre.

"All-in-one" types
With this sort of nappy, the waterproofing is built into the nappy so there is no need for a separate waterproof cover. The nappies have a waterproof outer with an absorbent inner and so they are the closest to disposable nappies in terms of their use.

Again, all-in-one type nappies can be one-size or can come in different sizes, and they are also available in many different fabrics.

With some nappies, it is possible to separate out the absorbent material from the waterproofing, usually to aid drying, and there are different ways that manufacturers do this. Some people use alternative terminology to distinguish between these different variations within the "all-in-one" category. So "all-in-one" might be used to describe a nappy where the absorbency is sewn into the outer and is not removable. "All-in-two" would describe a nappy where the absorbent material is removable, and either lies on top of or pops into the outer waterproofing. And "Pocket" would describe a waterproof outer with a pocket, in which are placed absorbent pads. All these names can lead to extra confusion, though and it is probably easier to call all such nappies "all-in-one" - after all, these nappy types are all essentially one piece when you put them on the baby.

So that's it. Three main types of nappies, albeit with variations within each type. What type of nappy you choose is entirely up to you, and will depend largely on your own circumstances and priorities. The best thing if you're unsure is to contact a nappy advisor such as myself for advice.

First post!

2011-01-22T21:51:00.000Z

So I've finally succumbed! I've been wanting to do a blog for some time, but never quite found the time to get started. But it's a new year and so I'll start as I mean to go on...!

I'm Vicki, mum to two gorgeous boys and the "brains" behind Real Choice Nappies. Both my boys were cloth-bottomed babies and I've been working as a nappy advisor since 2007 so the advice I give is from experience.

I can waffle for hours about real nappies so I'm hoping that this blog will be a good outlet!