Real nappies
Nappy advice sessions
In conjunction with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the Royal
Borough runs monthly nappy advice sessions. These are open to any
parents or parents-to-be wishing to find out more about real
nappies.
At each session there are registered nappy advisors on hand to
demonstrate different types of nappies; you will also meet Mums
using real nappies and hear from them how easy real nappies are to
use.
The sessions are held on the last Friday of every month at St
Mary’s Church Hall, 2 Edith Road, W14 9BA. Please contact jvaughan@doctors.org.uk for
more information and to book your place.
Information leaflets about nappies
We have a range of nappy leaflets available which provide more
information on washing and general use of nappies.
Or visit the Real Nappies for London
website.
Did you know?
- we throw away eight million disposable nappies every day
- disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to bio-degrade and
are filling up landfill sites all over the country
- you can save between £700 and £800 by using real nappies - more
if you have more than one child
It's your choice
A baby could wear about 5,400 nappies before potty training so
it's an important choice.
Paediatricians suggest that newborn babies should be changed
10-12 times per day, and older babies about six times. Infrequent
changes are a causal factor of nappy rash with any nappy type.
"Among infants with 'very bad' or 'quite bad' nappy rash, the
type of nappy worn did not emerge as a significant factor.
Therefore, and contrary to widespread belief, disposable nappies
seem to have little protective effect. This is an important point
as disposables are so expensive. Parents' money may be better spent
elsewhere.
Professor Jean Golding, Bristol, co-author of 'Getting to the
Bottom of Nappy Rash', British Journal of General Practice.
Save money
Home laundered nappies could save parents £500 for their first
child. Savings could be even greater with a second and third
child.
Payment plans spread the cost of buying nappies.
Second hand nappies are cheaper still. Second hand nappy
exchange at The Women's Environmental Network (WEN) is an
economical source of nappies, for more information call 020 7481
9004 (Thursday and Friday only).
Style file
Modern cloth nappies are shaped, fitted and self-fastening. They
come in a variety of styles, patterns and sizes and can be a fun
part of your baby's wardrobe.
Flat nappies such as traditional terries and pre-folds are quick
drying, economical and still a popular choice.
"I am no eco-warrior but find I am already quite defensive about
the whole issue of real nappies. Not many of our friends are
environmentally conscious let alone aware, but now I can show them
my healthy, happy little boy and a wheelie bin that's never full
and won't stink in the summer"
Trish, mother of baby Boris
Home washing is simple
- no need to soak or boil - this wastes water and energy
- can be washed at 60 degrees centigrade
- biodegradable nappy liners can be used inside a cloth nappy -
simply lift the liner out and flush the contents down the loo
- nappy washing services deliver a pile of freshly laundered
nappies right to your door and take away the dirty ones to be
laundered to NHS standards
Bebeco offer a free cloth nappy consultation, in your home, to
help you decide on the type of nappy that best suits your lifestyle
and baby. To book this free service visit the Bebeco website.
Useful contacts
Two nappy laundry services covering the area of the Royal
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are:
- Number One for
Nappies: 01992 713600 / 07951 687730
- Nappy Ever
After: 020 7383 5115
- UK Nappy Line 01983 401959 gives details of all your local
cloth nappy contacts whether you want to wash your own or use a
local laundry service.
- The Women's Environmental
Network (WEN) is a non-profit membership organisation working
to educate, inform and empower people who care about the
environment. There are active local groups and they publish a
quarterly newsletter. The WEN
website has practical tips on using and washing real
nappies and detailed information on environmental issues.
WEN Contact details:
PO Box 30626
London
E1 1TZ
Tel 020 7481 9004
If you are interested in nappy issues, email
streetline@rbkc.gov.uk or see Streetline for
further contact details.