| Disposable nappies are very convenient for a busy | | | | mess off with a spatula reserved for the purpose. |
| mother (or father) but they are an environmental | | | | Keep this in a container of dilute disinfectant in |
| nightmare! They aren’t reusable or recyclable, so | | | | between uses. |
| the only thing you can do with them is to throw them | | | | Washing the nappies after they have been in the |
| into the landfill – where they create nasty leachates | | | | solution is easy – just put them in the machine and |
| and take centuries to break down again. Cloth nappies | | | | wash as normal. Nappies can stand a hot wash |
| are by far the greener option – and, ultimately, the | | | | without any difficulties, if you want to do this, but a cold |
| cheaper option. | | | | wash is also good. You can use fabric softener, but |
| However, cloth nappies do have their own problems, | | | | this is optional. According to some people, adding |
| mostly to do with washing. In some centres, you can | | | | natural cleaning product like vinegar to the final rinse |
| find nappy washing services, where someone will take | | | | helps to prevent nappy rash. |
| away the dirty nappies and give you back clean ones. | | | | Drying the nappies is also straightforward. Line drying in |
| If you don’t live near a nappy cleaning service or if | | | | the sunshine is a cheap method, as is drying on a rack |
| you can’t afford their services (or don’t’ | | | | or in front of a radiator. Line drying especially is good |
| want to pay for them), you will have to wash them | | | | for freshening and softening the nappies and the |
| yourself. | | | | sunlight acts as a final germ-killer and bleach. But most |
| To wash cloth nappies, you will need a disinfecting | | | | of us will resort to the dryer at some time while our |
| bleaching solution or powder, and a very large bucket | | | | children are in nappies. |
| with a lid. Nappies should be soaked in a bleaching | | | | After the nappies have dried, you will need to fold |
| solution for an hour or more before washing so | | | | them ready for re-use. Don’t bother ironing nappies |
| excess bacteria can be killed, and any stains can be | | | | – ever! It’s a waste of time, effort and electricity. |
| dealt with. Change the solution daily – one handy | | | | A few creases and crinkles on a nappy won’t |
| hint is to wash one load with nappies every day and to | | | | matter at all. If the idea of ironing nappies makes you |
| change the solution after putting the nappies in the | | | | laugh, I have heard of one person who did…honest! A |
| machine. The lid is to prevent things falling into the | | | | number of different methods can be used for folding |
| solution – particularly alarming if the thing is a toddler | | | | nappies and everyone has their own favourite. It’s |
| or an over-curious kitten. | | | | quite like doing origami, but don’t panic if you’re |
| Dirty (as opposed to just wet) nappies will have to | | | | new to it. If you can fold a paper plane, you can fold a |
| have the solids removed before going into the solution. | | | | nappy without any problems! |
| This waste can, of course, be flushed down the toilet | | | | Some new styles of cloth nappies have been shaped |
| like any other solid body waste. Use a flushable liner to | | | | so they don’t need folding. Good for you if you can |
| catch waste – you peel this off the main part of the | | | | get hold of these! |
| nappy and flush it down. Alternatively, scrape the | | | | |