Real Nappies

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Children and Young Peoples Services

Services for Adults on the Isle of Wight

Real Nappies
“Real” nappies are washable, fabric nappies used as an alternative to ordinary disposables. Soaking and safety pins are a thing of the past!

Isle of Wight Council supports the use of “real” nappies in the campaign to minimise waste sent to landfill. But there are many other benefits to switching to real nappies, not least the cost savings!
Cost The cost of home laundered nappies could save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies. Click here to see cost comparisons between washable and disposable nappies.
Health Disposable nappies are made of super-absorbent chemicals, paper pulp and plastics, while real nappies are mostly made of natural fabrics. Organic cotton and hemp nappies and organic wool waterproof covers are available at reasonable cost.
Waste Nearly three billion nappies are thrown away in the UK every year. Most (90%) end up in landfill; that's nearly eight million nappies a day. We do not know how long it takes for the plastics in disposable nappies to decompose but it could take hundreds of years. Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose naturally in a landfill. Millions of disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK costing parents hundreds of pounds. They all have to be collected and disposed of at huge expense.
Real Nappies Colourful or natural, plain or patterned, organic cotton, fleece or wool - there is such a range of real nappies that you are sure to find something to suit your taste, budget and lifestyle. With all that choice it can be confusing; luckily there are a couple of really good places to get free, impartial, and most importantly first-hand advice on the matter.
	Formally known as the national real nappy campaign, Go Real is now independently run by parents who have had firsthand experience bringing children up in real nappies. Go Real has everything you need to know about the real nappy world, all in one place! Including free, impartial information about reusable nappies, guides, downloads and videos. Visit them online, or give them a ring on 0845 850 0606

The Isle of Wight real nappy network is run by Mum Niki Broadsmith, available to give you hands on advice and demonstrations with no obligation to buy. The nappy network has leaflets and factsheets and is available to visit nurseries, antenatal classes or other interested groups to show off real nappies in person! Visit them online, or give Niki a ring on 882108
Control your real nappy carbon footprint by: Using efficient, A rated appliances Washing nappies at no more than 60oC in a full load Washing wet nappies and wraps 40oC with other laundry Storing used nappies in a dry lidded bucket – no need to soak Using an eco-friendly washing detergent – no need for fabric softener Air drying nappies rather than tumble drying Using washable liners (fleece or silk) Avoiding PVC, try to use organic or unbleached products Never ironing nappies or wraps Passing your nappies on when you have finished with them, or buy second hand items.

Page last updated on: 12/10/2009