60 Second Guide to... Reusable nappies

Your guide to reusable nappies. We get stuck into the green nappy debate

Billions of disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK each year, most ending up dumped in landfill sites. But there is an alternative. Here, we look at the benefits of reusable nappies, so you can make the right decision for you, your child and the environment.

Q:
Why should I use reusable nappies?
A:
Reusable nappies have a number of advantages over disposables: they are better for the environment, cheaper and kinder to your baby's skin. An Environment Agency report published in May 2005 found that disposable and reusable nappies had a similar environmental impact but this has been questioned by many experts because it was based on incorrect assumptions.

We currently use 3 billion nappies every year and 90 per cent of them end up in landfill sites. Unfortunately the environmental problems don't stop there – once in landfill, soiled nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose. They also release the greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere and a toxic liquid called leachate, which can leak into soil and water, contaminating supplies.

According to Danish healthcare manufacturer Abena, the use of nappies in the UK causes emissions equivalent to 98,600 cars each driven an average 12,000 miles every year. Reusable nappies may also be the more comfortable option for your baby, as well as helping to protect the environment for their future.

The Ecologist magazine reported that disposable nappies contain up to 200 chemicals. Reusuable nappies are made from natural fabrics that are breathable and prevent irritation, as well as sustaining a more natural temperature for your child.
Q:
Aren't they difficult to use?
A:
Reusable nappies have improved considerably in recent years and are far more sophisticated than when Terry nappies were most parents' only option. For example, the oversized nappy pin is now a thing of the past. Instead, a variety of safer fastening alternatives are now available, such as poppers, plastic clips or velcro fastening.

Another difference is that most modern reusable nappies are shaped similarly to their disposable alternatives so there is no need for folding. There are also lots of different styles available, so it should be easy to find one to suit your baby’s body shape.

You could buy a trial pack of reusable nappies (available from most reusable nappy companies) to find out what type is best for your child. A well-fitting reusable nappy should give just as much protection to your baby as the disposable alternative, so there should be no need for extra changes.
Q:
How expensive are reusable nappies?
A:
Using reusable nappies can help your pocket as well as the planet. Depending on the style, reusables vary in price, but the following nappy comparison from the Women's Environment Network should give you a rough idea.

Flat nappies
You can expect to pay just under £50 for two and a half years' worth of flat nappies, which will include liners and fastenings. Add £133 for washing energy and detergent, and that's a total cost of £183. You may need to buy a larger set as your baby gets bigger – resulting in an overall cost of £233 until your child is potty trained. However, this type of nappy does involve folding, which you may find tricky at first.

Shaped nappies
You can buy a full set of birth-to-potty shaped nappies with wraps and liners, which are easy to use and should provide everything you need in one go. The approximate cost would be £226 plus £133 for washing energy and detergent – a total price of £359 until your child is potty trained.

Disposable nappies
Branded disposable nappies cost approximately £934 a year (based on six changes a day); non-brand disposables cost around £924 a year (based on six changes a day). That's approximately £600 more expensive than the reusable option.

Laundry service
A laundry service is another option and this usually works out at a cost of £8.50-11 a week. This service should provide a weekly delivery of laundered nappies, a weekly collection of your used nappies for cleaning. You also get a lidded bin to store them in. All nappies are cleaned to hospital standards, so are fully sterilised before they are returned.
Q:
How do I wash them?
A:
Washing your child’s nappies is one of the downsides to using reusables. But on the bright side, you are saving yourself time by not having to regularly re-stock on disposable nappies at the shops. Here are some top tips for a hassle free nappy wash.
- It is a good idea to pre-wash your reusable nappies at least two to three times before use as this will improve their absorbency.
- A wash of 60°C is hot enough to ensure that soiled nappies are clean without reducing the life of the nappy and using unnecessary energy.
- It is best for your pocket and for the environment to wait until you have a full load of soiled nappies to be washed. These can be stored in an airtight container to prevent odours.
- Try to avoid soaking, but add a drop of tea tree oil if these need to be stored longer than a few days.
- Applying a fabric conditioner may reduce the absorbency of the nappy – so it is best to avoid this unless really necessary.
- Rinsed soiled nappies or nappies that are merely wet can be added to the rest of the household washing at a temperature of 40°C.
- Air drying nappies instead of tumble drying cuts the cost of using reusable nappies, prolongs their life span and is kinder to the environment.
Q:
Where can I get them?
A:
You can find reusable nappies in several high street shops and specialist online stores – try these for starters:
Q:
Are there any eco-friendly disposable nappies?
A:
If using reusable nappies all the time simply isn’t practicable (for example, travelling and bed times) but you still want to be eco-conscious, there is another way. Environmentally friendly disposables contain fewer chemicals and they are free from bleaching agents, which means no polluting the environment during manufacturing and decomposition.

You can buy eco-friendly disposables in the shops or online: