| The plastic components of each disposable nappy | | | | used has been designed for ease when washing and |
| take several hundred years to biodegrade. When you | | | | no soaking is required. |
| think that an average 8 million nappies are thrown | | | | The development of cotton nappies has allowed for a |
| away every day in the UK alone! That works out at | | | | range of different nappies to come onto the market. |
| nearly 3 billion nappies each year. Around 7.5 million of | | | | Here are the four main types: |
| the daily 8 million nappies will go to landfill but the rest, | | | | Flat or prefold nappy - A rectangular shape made |
| unfortunately, could end up littering the streets or | | | | from cotton which needs a quick fold and is then |
| thrown into the sea which are all too common scenes. | | | | placed inside a separate waterproof wrap - the wrap |
| A disposable nappy has over twice the environmental | | | | does not need to be changed at every nappy change |
| impact of a reusable nappy and with the use of an A | | | | time. Attributes are: slim fitting, quick drying and good |
| rated washing machine and environmentally friendly | | | | value. |
| washing detergents; this can be improved even | | | | Shaped nappy – These do not require any folding. |
| greater. | | | | Simply close and place it inside the waterproof wrap. |
| There are many other reasons why reusable nappies | | | | The wrap does not need to be changed every time |
| are a good idea. Firstly, and what is so often on the | | | | you change the nappy, unless it is soiled. These are |
| minds of parents is cost. Reusable, cotton nappies can | | | | very easy to use with lots of fabrics to choose from. |
| save in the region of £600 over using disposable | | | | Some shaped nappies can be used from birth to potty |
| nappies. Money can be saved further should another | | | | training, making them very economical. |
| child come along as the same cloth nappies can be | | | | Pocket nappy - The waterproof outercover has a |
| used. | | | | fleece layer on the inside with a gap left at the top |
| Cotton nappies are far better for a baby’s | | | | between the fleece and the waterproof. Into this gap |
| sensitive and delicate skin. Disposable nappies are | | | | you place the absorbent pad, also known as an insert. |
| made of superabsorbent chemicals, plastics, paper pulp | | | | As the pad is inside the wrap you need to change the |
| and adhesives whilst real nappies are made mainly | | | | waterproof at every nappy change time. A very |
| from natural fabrics/fibres. This aids in keeping nappy | | | | simple to use nappy and the fleece layer helps keep |
| rash to a minimum. Cotton nappies are soft, breathable | | | | your baby's skin drier. |
| and lightweight. | | | | One size nappy - Many nappies are available in one |
| Cotton nappies have advanced greatly in recent years | | | | size which will fit from birth to potty training (8-35lbs). A |
| to meet the needs of modern day parents. Reusable | | | | good option if you have more than one child in nappies. |
| nappies of today have no complicated folds and come | | | | Both children can use the same nappy. One size |
| complete with Velcro or popper fastening. The cotton | | | | nappies are very economical and simple. |