So, with the new business venture taking shape, I thought it was about time to get down to some washable nappy nitty gritty!
Why use wahable nappies?? Lets start with some stats...
1. Using washable nappies will save you money!
I think one of the most off putting thing for new parents when considering using cloth nappies is the initial outlay. But long term, using washable nappies could save you betweeen £500 and £12oo depending on which nappies you choose! Now think of the money you could save by using the same nappies on second or third children. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I managed to sell Harry's nappies for after we had finished using them, getting about a third of the money back. Using washable wipes will also not only save even more money, they are much kinder to your baby's skin.
2. Washable nappies are better for the environment!
An average baby will get through around 6000 nappies over 2 and a 1/2 years! That's 6000 nappies sitting in a lanfill site...for anywhere between 40 and 500 years. Even taking into account the energy used in producing and washing cloth nappies, they were found to 40% better for the environment than disposables by the Environment Agency. So, 6000 disposable nappies buried in the ground, or 20 fluffy cloth nappies flapping in the breeze on you washing line?
3. Best for Baby!
What would you prefer to have your bottom wrapped up in all day and night? I personally would choose a soft, fluffy, bamboo cloth nappy over a scratchy diposable one everytime! There is some evidence to suggest that cloth nappies are less likely to cause nappy rash than diposables as you have much more control over what is next to your baby's skin. The fleecey liners are the best to have directly next to the skin as they are beautifully soft and feel drier for longer by wicking water away. I also found having a big, cloth bottom was great when Harry started walking as he had a ready made, built in cushion for all those falls! Further more, there is support that cloth nappies can help with potty training as toddlers can feel when they are damp and start to know when they have had a wee that bit sooner.
4. Accessorise Darlings!
Gone are the days of having only plain white terry squares and frilly, plastic outer wraps. Now there is a huge variety of fabrics, styles, colours and patterns making cloth nappies an item of clothing in their own right. Go on, make a nappy statement!
So, a few reasons why you should choose washable nappies...but why did I choose to use them for Harry? My main reason was that I just couldn't stand the thought of his delicate little bottom being wrapped in a nappy that was made with goodness knows what kind of chemicals and plastics. I wasn't convinced that traditional disposables would allow air to circulate and keep him irritation free.
The next thing weighing on my mind was that I just knew I wouldn't sleep at night knowing how many nappies I had sent to the landfill site! I feel guilty enough putting an apple core in the bin rather than on our compost heap! I once saw a programme that showed a tipper truck dump one child's worth of disposable nappies onto someone's front lawn. Seeing those 6000 nappies in a huge nappy mountain is not an image you quickly forget!
Although I was aware of how much money it would save in the long run, the cost element for me was a bit further down the list. Using washable nappies was something I felt very strongly about and I was happy with the value of the nappy kit we chose, especially as it fetched some money back at the end of using them.
So, have I ever used a dispoable nappy then? Of course...I'm only human! Once Harry started rolling onto his front at night, we couldn't find a nappy that could cope with a 12 sleeping boy on his tummy. We have also had holidays from washables when on holiday with no washing machine and out for long days. However, I always stuck to the chlorine free, degradable nappies to lessen the guilt!
I really hope that you would consider using washables for your Little Ones as it really does benefit everyone from your baby, to your wallet, to the environment. As soon as you get into your new washing routine and realise how easy they are, you'll wonder why you ever considered disposables!
In terms of finding the right nappy for you, pop along to the Norwich Nappuccino group for friendly, independent advice on Thursday 11th August, 10am-12pm at St Alban's Hall, Grove Walk, Norwich. Or visit www.goreal.org.uk for more facts and figures. I would also be happy to chat to you about all the different options in the comfort of your own home, just drop me an email for more details, amyshawcross@yahoo.co.uk .
Good luck! x
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