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Real Nappies for Lancashire

Real nappies offer a real choice

The Real Nappies for Lancashire voucher scheme has now closed to new applications.

If you have already applied for a voucher it will be issued to you by the end of the January 2011, please note that all vouchers have an expiry date and you need to redeem your voucher with a registered supplier before this date.

Although the voucher scheme has now closed, if you are keen to use real nappies there is lots of information below to help your decision and you can still contact the registered suppliers who will provide advice, support and information on your choice of different nappy options and benefits.

Real Nappy Supplier List

Real nappies are easy to use, easy on your pocket, easy on our environment and look great on your baby!

Easy on your pocket

You can save up to £500 by using real nappies on your baby, even more when you reuse the nappies on your next baby
An extra £4 a week in your pocket might not sound like much but that’s enough to buy an extra 12 pints of milk or some organic fruit and vegetables
Think about it, 24 Real Nappies or 4,000 disposables?

Easy to Use

No pins needed – real nappies fasten with Velcro, poppers or clips
No complicated folds – modern real nappies are shaped to fit your baby
No hassle – modern fabrics dry quick and there’s no need to soak
No boiling – washing at 60^oC is the highest temperature you’ll need to wash your nappies
There are many different colours, designs and types to choose from, there will be one to match baby’s special outfit

Easy on the Environment

8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK
Using real nappies can reduce your environmental impact by up to 40% by following some simple guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nappies will I need?

18 – 24 nappies at any one time, this will give you enough to wash in full loads without running out.

How much do real nappies cost?

You can buy enough real nappies to last you from birth right through to potty training for as little as £70. Shaped nappies will cost nearer to £250 to £300 for All-in-One Nappies.

How much extra washing will I need to do?

In the early months your baby will get through up to 10 nappies a day, but as your baby grows this reduces to about 4 a day, so the washing gets much less.

If you can’t really face the extra wash you might want to try a laundry service. Nappy laundries offer to do all the washing for you, taking your dirty nappies away and delivering a freshly laundered supply in their place.

Are they real better for the environment?

You can reduce your impact on the environment by up to 40% by using real nappies instead of disposables by following some simple guidelines (below).

Where can I buy real nappies?

Real nappies are available on the high street, online and from local agents/advisors. Visit www.goreal.org.uk to find real nappies retailers near you or call 0845 850 0606. Local agents and advisors will be able to offer advice and guidance about the best real nappies to suit you and your baby.

What are the different types of real nappies?

Flat nappies are still a great option because they dry quickly, are cheaper then most other nappy types. Flat nappies require a waterproof cover over the top, but as they come in so many colours and patterns, parents won’t need to compromise on style.

Terry squares these are still popular and are available in two sizes. Flat nappy folds are easier to master and can be adapted to fit the size of your baby.
Prefolds are rectangular nappies that need to be folded before slotting into a waterproof cover. Prefolds are available in a range of sizes.

Shaped nappies are available in a range of sizes or an adjustable birth to potty style that grows with your baby. These nappies generally fasten with Velcro or poppers, they are easy to use and need a waterproof wrap on the outside. Shaped nappies are very convenient but sometimes have a longer drying time due to the thickness of the material.

All-in-One nappies are great for convenience and ease of use nappies. A waterproof cover is already attached to an absorbent layer and most come with a choice of either poppers or Velcro fastenings. The whole nappy is put into your machine, making them convenient to wash but they take a little longer to dry.

Pocket nappies combine the absorbency and quick drying qualities of a flat nappy and the convenience of an All-in-One nappy. Pocket nappies allow you to separate the absorbent part of the nappy when washing and drying

Real nappies are made from many different fabulous fabrics

All styles of real nappy are available in a range of different fabrics including: cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfiber, fleece or wool. Each fabric has its benefits allowing you to choose which works best for you and baby, or even a variety to mix and match.

Cotton: is very absorbent, soft and relatively quick to dry. Choose organic cotton if you can for added environmental benefits.
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is up to 40% more absorbent than cotton and is incredibly soft. However, it does take longer to dry.
Hemp: another environmentally friendly crop, hemp produces a very soft and absorbent fabric making it ideal for booster pads or night time nappies. It also takes longer to dry than cotton.
Microfibre: a synthetic manmade fabric often used for booster pads as it is very absorbent and dries incredibly quickly. Ideal if drying space is an issue.
Fleece: often used to make pocket nappies and liners. A fleece layer next to baby’s skin is very soft and also keeps baby’s skin drier as it acts as a great stay-dry barrier.
Wool: knitted into wraps which are often naturally waterproof and breathable, wool is ideal for babies with extra sensitive skin.

No more nappy rash

Research has shown that real nappies are no more or less likely to cause nappy rash than disposable nappies. Frequency of changing is the most important factor in avoiding nappy rash.

Help the Environment

Using real nappies can reduce your impact on the environment by up to 40% when compared to using disposables. You can ensure that you are reducing your environmental impact by following these guidelines:

1. There is no need to boil wash; 60oC is more than hot enough for nappies and most wraps can be washed at 40oC

2. Use A-rated appliances to reduce energy and water consumption

3. Minimise tumble drying; line dry or use an airer. Sunlight acts as a natural whitener

4. Don't use fabric conditioner; it is unnecessary and greatly reduces absorbency

5. Try eco-friendly washing powders

6. Try nappies made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, organic or unbleached cottons

7. Using real nappies can encourage babies to potty train earlier; reducing the time your baby is in nappies will reduce the associated environmental impacts

8. Use real nappies for more than one child or buy second hand where possible

9. Using washable wipes saves even more money and further reduces rubbish

10. Consider where your nappies are manufactured. Finding nappies manufactured in the UK will reduce air miles

11. Don’t iron nappies

NAPPY LINKS

Go Real

Womans Environment Network (WEN)

Our Sites in Lancashire

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