Real Nappies - Questions and Answers
If you've already looked at the possibility of using real nappies, perhaps you visited a few websites and found the information a bit overwhelming - this isn't surprising because there is certainly a lot to take in. Let's take a look at some of the common misconceptions, and answer a few frequently asked questions.
- Q Aren't real nappies a lot more expensive than disposables?
- A It might seem that way at first glance, but it's been calculated that on average, you can save up to £500 by using real nappies for your first baby, and a great deal more if you then use the same nappies for a second baby.
- Q Are real nappies as leak-proof as disposables?
- A They are actually much sturdier in construction than disposables and you can also add booster pads if your baby is a heavy wetter - as long as you choose the correct nappy for your baby (I can advise on this) you should have no leak problems!
- Q Will I have to learn complicated folding and pinning routines?
- A No! Modern cloth nappies are often pre-shaped to look almost like disposables and they fasten with poppers or velcro - terry squares are still available although nappy pins are definitely a thing of the past!
- Q I've read a report that said cloth nappies were less eco friendly than disposables; is this true?
- A A report was published in 2005 that suggested real nappies were less eco-friendly than disposables; however the report made assumptions that the nappies would be washed at very high temperatures, tumble dried and ironed - none of this is necessary. More recently another report has shown that using real nappies can give CO2 savings of up to 40%, assuming wash temperatures of 40 degrees, air drying and no ironing - plus of course no addition to landfill.
- Q I'm not sure I'll have the time or energy to do all the soaking and washing involved?
- A Firstly, soaking is not necessary at all - disposable liners are used with real nappies and these are simply flushed away - the nappy itself can be kept in a closed bucket until you're ready to load the washing machine. You should be able to wash your nappies with other family laundry, thus saving electricity. In any case, even using one or two cloth nappies per day still saves you money as well as reducing landfill. Just do what you're comfortable with!
- Q I'll be going back to work and my baby will need to go to a nursery, they won't want to use real nappies, will they?
- A On the contrary - most nursery staff these days are familiar with real nappies and will be happy to go along with your usual routines.
© Naomi Johnson - 2011