| Many environmentally conscious parents now choose | | | | nappies. However, whilst cloth swim nappies may be a |
| to use real nappies over disposable nappies for their | | | | more costly initial investment they may well prove to |
| babies and toddlers, both saving money and reducing | | | | be cheaper in the longer term for families that swim |
| the impact on the environment of their baby's nappy | | | | regularly. It is important to note however that cloth |
| usage. However, what many parents fail to realise is | | | | swim nappies need to be a snug fit in order to contain |
| that there is also a real nappy alternative to disposable | | | | waste properly so they do need to be replaced at |
| swim nappies. | | | | fairly regular intervals. However they can be retained |
| Most swimming pools, beaches and public paddling | | | | and used for subsequent children if cared for properly. |
| pools require small children and babies that are not yet | | | | As parents become more environmentally aware |
| potty trained to wear a swim nappy at all times. This is | | | | many have also started to question the impact that |
| to prevent costly accidents which require the clearing | | | | chemicals can have on their baby. Real nappies are |
| and disinfecting of the water. Although swim nappies | | | | superior in this respect as they do not contain the |
| are worn a much smaller proportion of the time than | | | | plastics and other chemicals of some disposables and |
| regular nappies, for some families swimming is a | | | | many parents prefer to have real cotton or similar |
| regular or even daily activity meaning that an | | | | fabrics next to their baby's skin. Many swim nappies |
| alternative to disposable nappies for swimming is | | | | are also made of organic fabric which means that no |
| preferable. | | | | chemicals whatsoever have been used in their |
| Every year in the UK over three billion nappies are | | | | production. |
| thrown away and more than 90% of them end up in | | | | Fabric swim nappies come in a large variety of colours |
| landfill sites where they do not readily degrade. Using | | | | and styles. Smaller children may prefer the characters |
| real nappies on an everyday basis as a substitute for | | | | and theming of disposable swim nappies; however |
| regular nappies helps to reduce this environmental | | | | some older toddlers who are starting to feel |
| impact, however there is no reason why specialised | | | | embarrassed about still wearing nappies are more |
| cloth nappies cannot also be used instead of | | | | comfortable in fabric swim nappies as they look far |
| disposable swim nappies to further reduce the waste | | | | more like a normal swimsuit. |
| produced by a family. | | | | One advantage that disposable nappies have over |
| Disposable swim nappies are widely available and are | | | | fabric swim nappies is the ability to rip open the sides |
| convenient to use at short notice. A real swim nappy | | | | after wear. This is particularly the case when the swim |
| requires a little more planning, but can actually be more | | | | nappy contains solid waste. Many types of fabric |
| convenient in the long run. Not only are disposable | | | | swim nappy are pulled up or down like traditional trunks |
| swim nappies far more bulky than cloth ones they also | | | | and this can be an extremely messy business when |
| need to be transported. For families going on a two | | | | the nappy is heavily soiled. |
| week vacation this could mean a substantial part of | | | | There is no one correct answer as to the disposable |
| their luggage being taken up with their baby's | | | | or real nappy debate, however parents should ensure |
| swimming nappies. | | | | that they have considered all aspects of the various |
| One of the major concerns for young families is the | | | | arguments before coming to a final decision that is |
| cost involved in switching from disposable to real | | | | right for them and for their child. |