Washable Nappies

washable nappies

Did you know?

  • Parents spend around £1,000 on disposable nappies for just one baby
  • 8-9 million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK alone
  • 50% of all the household rubbish in a one-baby family is made up of disposable nappies
  • Every disposable nappy which has ever been used is still in a landfill site as they take up to 500 years to decompose
  • Using disposable nappies on one baby will produce about one tonne of nappy waste.

 

Using washable nappies is far cheaper!

One pack of disposable nappies per week for up to two and a half years can cost over £1,000 per child. Washable nappies are designed to be used and washed again and again and last for more than one child, saving waste and money too. Using washable nappies can save over £500 and even more if they are reused for subsequent children. It has been estimated that one baby produces 5,000 to 6,000 disposables in the few years it requires nappies. In comparison, a baby only needs 20 to 40 modern washable nappies

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Washable nappies are easy to use

Washable nappies are easy to use, and come in lots of funky, modern styles that fasten with poppers, Velcro or plastic grips. The colourful designs can make a real fashion statement. Washable nappies are also known as cloth, washable, terry, reusable, cotton and non-disposable nappies.

Washable nappies are made of absorbent textiles such as cotton. Other sustainable fabrics are now available such as organic cotton, bamboo, unbleached cotton and hemp.

Some nappies made of synthetic materials offer high absorbency and are quick drying- ideal if you have limited drying facilities at home.

There are three parts to a basic washable nappy system;

  • An absorbent washable nappy
  • A liner to keep the baby dry - use either washable or flushable/biodegradable
  • Breathable waterproof cover known as a 'wrap'

It's your choice; using washable nappies is not an all or nothing option. You could perhaps use disposables when travelling or when it's impractical to use washable nappies.

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£30 off washable nappies

Norfolk County Council offers £30 cash back for parents that use washable nappies. To apply, your child must be resident in Norfolk and be aged between 0-24 months. You must spend £45 or more on washable nappies, liners, wraps or towards the cost of a nappy laundry service.

For a claim form, please call 0344 800 8004 or visit Norfolk County Council

Nappy Birthday!

The council now also offers a further incentive for continuing to use washable nappies. The ‘Nappy Birthday' card is sent to you on the first anniversary of your original claim (but only if you agree to us contacting you) and entitles you to a further £10 discount on the cost of washable nappies and supplies. Call 0344 800 8004 for further information.

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Tips for purchasing washable nappies

  • Getting started with washable nappies can be expensive, so buy a few at a time (and keep all receipts). Don't buy too many nappies until you find the ones that suit you, your baby and your lifestyle. Avoid 'birth to potty' packs unless you have tried out that particular nappy.
  • Claim £30 cash back from Norfolk County Council
  • Visit a local Nappuccino group and talk to parents and suppliers for expert advice.
  • Shop around for discounts on multi-buy purchases and free postage and packing.
  • Consider 'nearly new' nappies. Some retailers sell returned goods at reduced prices. Also try the internet, local 'Free-Ads' or ask friends. When buying second-hand, make sure the elastic, poppers or Velcro are still useable.
  • Consider buying larger sized baby clothes as some sizes and styles do not always leave enough room for washable nappies.
  • Using washable trainer pants and swim nappies can save you even more money and be included in your £45 spend to claim your £30 cash back.

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Common questions and answers

  • How many nappies do I need to buy?

Roughly three days worth of nappies make up a washing load, so a total of 15 - 20 nappies and 5 waterproof wraps should be enough to meet all requirements. The waterproof covers do not need to be washed after every change.

  • What are types of washable nappies are there?
    • 'Flat nappies', such as the traditional Terry square, need to be folded to make a pad, then secured with a plastic fastening and covered with a wrap (you can also use muslin squares as nappies). These start at about £1 each.
    • Prefolds which are flat squares of cotton. These are used by most laundry services; prices start at a very reasonable £1.50 each.
    • Shaped nappies are designed to fit your baby snugly and some sizes go from birth to potty. They require an outer wrap and prices start from around £5 each.
    • 'All-in-ones' include a fabric liner and a waterproof cover with fastenings, starting from roughly £11 each.
  • How do I wash and dry the nappies?

A 60 degree wash is hot enough to clean your nappies adequately and the nappies and wraps can be air or tumble dried if necessary. If you are able, the best way to look after your nappies is to hang them on a washing line. This way the sun will deodorise and bleach the nappies leaving them at their very best.

  • Do the nappies have to be soaked?

Modern home washing machines wash so well that washable nappies do not have to be sterilised. Used nappies can be soaked in a half-filled bucket of cold water (you may wish to add a couple of drops of white wine vinegar or tea tree oil) until you have a full wash load. However soaking is not absolutely necessary provided that soiling is removed. You can simply pop the nappies into a bucket until you are ready to wash them.

  • Do they leak?

Modern washable nappies are shaped to fit snugly and prevent leakage, but it's important to select the right size for your baby's shape. You can also use booster pads to increase absorbency if needed.

  • How can I reduce the environmental impact of washable nappies?
    • Wash soiled nappies at 60oC and wraps at 40oC to 60oC - do not boil wash
    • Wet nappies that are not soiled can be washed at 40oC
    • Use A-rated appliances to reduce energy and water consumption
    • Minimise tumble drying - line dry or use an airer
    • Don't use fabric conditioner - it is unnecessary and it reduces absorbency
    • Use eco-friendly washing powders or organic (non bleached products) 
    • Use washable nappies for more than one child - it makes them even cheaper and saves you even more money
    • Buy second hand nappies where possible
    • Use organic (non-bleached) products
    • Don't iron nappies or wraps

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Useful Links

For an information pack including Norfolk County Council's DVD, 'Nappy Choice' and a £30 discount form,  please call 0344 800 8004 or email recycling@norfolk.gov.uk or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nappies. You can also download a copy of the Norfolk Nappy News - Norfolk's Nappy newsletter.