Answers To Your Real Nappy Questions
You may have a number of questions or concerns about using real nappies, you should find the answers to most of these questions below. If you have a question to which you cannot find the answer to then email it to recycle@leics.gov.uk, or call 0116 305 7005, and we will endeavour to provide you with an answer.
To reduce the environmental impact of real nappies we recommend:
- Using A+ rated appliances to reduce energy and water consumption
- Washing on a full load at 60 degrees, or 40 degrees if not heavily soiled
- Use half the amount of soap powder as you would use with your normal clothes. Your nappies will still be as clean
- Minimise tumble drying by line drying in summer months, or natural drying on radiators in the winter
- Using the nappies again on a second child
- Don't iron real nappies
For more details on the enviromental impacts of using real nappies see the Environment Agency report (2008).
They will take longer than disposables at first, but you will speed up as you become used to them. Soon you will have got into a routine of changing and washing that suits your lifestyle and it won't seem like any effort.
The exact number of nappies you need will depend on the age of your baby, your drying facilities, frequency of changing and your washing routine.
For newborn babies around 15 - 20 nappies should be sufficient.
For older babies around 12 - 15 nappies should be sufficient.
If using flat or shaped nappies rather than an all-in-one you will need about 4 wraps to fit each size of nappy in addition to the number of nappies suggested above.
The cost of a set of real nappies can be as low as £110 (based on 4 wraps x 3 sizes and 15 terry squares) or up to £400 for the top of the range nappies. There is such a choice of nappies available there will be an option to suit any budget. You can puchase a complete set of birth to potty nappies (that will fit your baby until they are potty trained), for approximately £250. There will be additional costs associated with washing the nappies, but even taking this into account, using real nappies could save you up to £500 over the time your baby is in nappies. Using the same nappies on your next child will save you even more money.
All nappies leak from time to time, but real nappies are no more prone to it than disposables. It is important to get a nappy that fits well as babies come in all different shapes and sizes. Why not try Leicestershire County Council's FREE lending kit to find the best fitting nappy for your baby.
Yes. Second hand nappies are a great way to further cut down the cost of using real nappies. Find them online or speak to a local Real Nappy Advisor.
Another way to save money with real nappies is to use them again for your next child.
There are a number of local suppliers who are members of Leicestershire Real Nappy Network and sell a wide range of real nappies. Alternatively nappies can be purchased from one of Leicestershire County Council's Baby Fairs (check our events page for nappy events near you), or the internet.
This will be up to the nursery itself as to whether they have the facilities to store the nappies during the day and whether they are able to help. Contact your nursery or childcare provider to discuss your ideas.
If you have bought real nappies but are struggling to keep up with using them, or are having problems with them and you're not sure who to speak to for advice, contact us on 0116 305 7005 and we can put you in touch with a member of the Leicestershire Real Nappy Network who as an experienced real nappy advisor will be able to offer you advice and support.
I don't have a tumble dryer, and don't much have room to dry nappies around the house, can I still use real nappies?
Nappies can be dried naturally either outside or if you have no outside space on the radiators or clothes drier. If you have limited room in your home try placing the clothes drier in the bath to keep it out of the way. Nappy life is also prolonged if you don't tumble dry them.
No. If you place the dirty nappies in a bucket with a lid they can be stored until there is a enough for a full load. You can add a few drops of lavender oil onto a piece of fabric and place in the bucket to keep it smelling fresh.
Yes. Real nappies are very good to use at night. However, you may need to use booster pads for extra absorbency, or you may find that you prefer a different style of nappy from those that you use during the day. Ask before you buy if the nappy is suitable for night time use.
No more than disposables. Removing solids from a real nappy is easy with a 'flushable nappy liner’. Just remove the soiled liner from the nappy and flush it down the toilet. Place the used nappy in a washable net bag in the nappy bucket, so when you are ready to wash them you need only pick up the bag rather than the nappy itself and put in the washing machine.
No. Fabric softener will build up on the nappies over time making them water resistant, so reducing the absorbancy of the nappy.
Real Nappy Advisor's Blog
Follow our nappy advisor Kerry Mullins' personal blog for practical advice and guidance on real nappies and the challenges that real nappy users may face.
Page Last Updated: 30 November 2010
