'Go Real' Real Nappy Guide DVD
Introduction
The purpose of the DVD is to inform and advise on the benefits of modern washable nappies.
Disposable nappies on average make up 2.6% of normal household rubbish per year. This is equivalent to the weight of 70,000 buses. If lined up front to end, the buses would stretch from London to Edinburgh.
Using real nappies can save parents £500 and they can make more savings if the use the same nappies with subsequent children.
There are lots of different types of nappies available, so there will always be one to suit your baby and your personal circumstances.
Quote from Rebecca and Kevin (parents): (50 seconds into DVD)
"We were aware of the positive effect that washable nappies had on the environment right from the start and it was probably one of our strongest most motivating factors for using them.
We've been using real nappies since the birth of our first daughter Eleanor and we've used them with our son as well. So we probably went through 4 years of the same batch of nappies." (1:26 mins into DVD)
Types of nappy
Flat
These are cheaper, they dry quicker and they have lots of other uses around the house after their normal working life.
The two types are Terry's and pre-folds.
Terry's nappies can now be fixed in place with "nappy nippers" rather than safety pins.
Pre-folds are folded into a rectangular pad, which are then held in place with a waterproof wrap.
All-in-one
These are convenient and very easy to use. They're therefore useful to give to other adults when they're caring for your child and also when out and about.
The waterproof part of the nappy is attached to the absorbent part of the nappy.
They're more expensive than other nappies (but you don't have to buy waterproof wraps)
One type of all-in-one nappy is a pocket nappy where you can stuff a booster pad or a pre-fold into the
pocket of a waterproof nappy.
Shaped
These can come in different sizes or alternatively can be a birth-to-toddler design.
They require a waterproof wrap and they dry faster than all-in-one nappies.
Quotes from Pam Crooks, Sure Start midwife:
"It's so easy. With modern fasteners they don't have to worry about getting pins in the baby's tummy. They're beautiful materials and very soft. The mums just seem to love them. So do the dads really!"
Quote from Shelley (parent): (4:06mins into DVD)
"..just as easy and just as quick. There 's no difference really apart from the benefits."
Quote from Liz Toseland (midwife): (4:32 mins into DVD)
"Well, having done it myself and friends as well that have also used washable nappies, it's very simple. Much more simple than in the past."
How to use washable nappies
Place a biodegradable nappy liner in the nappy. This catches the poo and can be flushed down the toilet.
You can store the nappies in a lidded bucket. Soaking is a personal preference. You don't have to soak them but it can reduce washing times. Soaking solutions can be as simple as a few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil. Washing every 2-3 days when you have a full wash load will reduce the environmental impact. Nappies can then be washed at 60 degrees in the washing machine. Do not use fabric conditioner as this will affect the absorbency of the nappy.
You can wash most waterproof wraps in the washing machine, but always check the label.
Washable nappies do not leak. On average, a well-fitting nappy will last up to 4 hours in the daytime, although if it is soiled then it is better to change it straight away to prevent nappy rash.
Independent research has shown that nappy rash is no more likely when using washable nappies.
At night-time use a well padded nappy.
Quote from Stephanie (parent):- (6:05 mins into DVD)
"The advantage is we've had no nappy rash with washables and also Cara potty-trained herself at 23 months"
Top Tips
Quote from Paul (parent): (7 mins, 7 secs in DVD)
"Go and buy some small face flannels. They cost anywhere between 25p and 49p normally. They're wonderful for wipes. Just keep them in a little tub."
Quote from Lucy (parent): (7 mins, 25 secs into DVD)
"I find the most convenient way to soak the nappies is to keep the nappies in a bucket of water with just a a bit of Bicarbonate of Soda and some Lavender Oil or Tea Tree Oil. It's a very cost effective and efficient way of doing it."
Quote from Stepahnie (parent): (7 mins, 41 secs into DVD)
"Give yourself a couple of weeks with disposables when the baby arrives. But after that start straight away. At that stage you're going through such a steep learning curve that whatever you start with, you'll stick with, because that's what you've learned to use when your baby comes along."
Quote from Kevin and Rebecca (parents) : (8 mins, 2 secs into DVD)
"We used Tea Tree Oil in the bucket to try to reduce any offensive smells and it also worked as an antiseptic as well. "
"They're great because you can use the nappies for many other things. If you're out and about and you have a spillage you can use a nappy to mop it up then just wash it again. We've still got them in the house even though our children are both potty trained now because they soak anything and everything up."
