Looking for nappy services near you? If you want to find a shop, online retailer, council incentive laundry or nappy advisors in your local area this is the place to start!
We've put together a list of questions most frequently asked by new and existing Real Nappy users, if you've searched the rest of our site and still need some guidance you're bound to find some help here!
How many Real Nappies do you need for a single child in nappies?
I have more than one baby in nappies, are Real Nappies for me?
Is it best to buy them before or after I have my baby?
There are so many to choose from, what is the best type?
Where can I buy Real Nappies?
Can I get help purchasing Real Nappies?
Are Real Nappies easy to use?
Are Real Nappies really messy?
How much extra washing will I need to do?
Are they really better for the environment?
Can using Real Nappies save me money?
How much will it cost me?
Will the extra washing add to the cost?
But don't I need to boil wash them to get them clean?
What about drying?
Still Confused?
How many Real Nappies do you need for a single child in nappies?15 – 24 nappies and 3 – 6 waterproof wraps of each size, this will mean that you will need to wash the nappies approx every 3 days. Buying more decreases wash periods and having less, increases wash periods. For twins you will need half as many nappies again. It can also depend on how old the baby is, newborns use most nappies (up to 10 a day!) whereas babies over a year old will use much less (usually about 4 per day). Back to Top
I have more than one baby in nappies, are Real Nappies for me?Many families have discovered how easy it is to use Real Nappies with twins or more than one child in nappies. You will need to purchase more nappies to begin with but you will make a substantial saving on each child compared to disposables. If your children are different ages, then there will be even greater savings as your youngest will grow to fit into your older child's hand-me-down nappies. Alternatively, one size or birth-to-potty nappies are extra convenient for babies of different sizes as one size fits all, meaning you can buy less. Back to Top
Is it best to buy them before or after I have my baby?It is a personal choice, however some people like to buy just a few to check they like them before investing in a complete stock. If you can it's a great Idea to try and get hold of a Trial Kit, this will allow you to try out different styles for a small hire fee. It is a good idea to save for the nappies during pregnancy though. Back to Top
There are so many to choose from, what is the best type?There is no right answer to this one, as with most things, different styles suit different people. We recommend talking to someone who has experience of using different types of Real Nappy to help you choose the right system for you and your family. Take a look at our Events page to see if there is something happening near you, you'll be able to meet with other parents and carers and local nappy experts! Try to find a Trial Kit to test out the different styles available before your buy. Details of a trial kit near you can be found on the Nappy Finder. Back to Top
Where can I buy Real Nappies?Real Nappies are available on the high street, online and from local agents/advisors. Use the Nappy Finder to locate retailers close to you. Back to Top
Can I get help purchasing Real Nappies?Sometimes! Cash back schemes are implemented and run by Local Authorities so it depends if your particular Local Authority has decided to run one. Check through the Nappy Finder. It may also be worth calling your Local Authority Waste and Recycling team to double check whether they do have a scheme or are planning one. Finally, check out our Help With Buying page for advice on how to meet the initial cost of buying Real Nappies. Back to Top
Are Real Nappies easy to use?The designs of Real Nappies have been improved significantly since simple terry squares dominated the market. Today, you can buy a range of shaped nappies in a variety of colours and absorbent fabrics while Velcro and press-stud fasteners have replaced the need for safety pins. Real Nappies are considered to be just as easy to put on as disposables and some parents argue that their child is more comfortable. Back to Top
Are Real Nappies really messy?All nappies need to be changed regularly regardless of type and no matter which type you choose, it will never be your favourite part of being a parent! With Real Nappies liners catch the solid waste which is then flushed down the toilet, much more hygienic than the bin. We recommend storing used nappies in a lidded bucket until ready for the wash. A laundry net bag can be used inside the bucket to make transferring nappies from bucket to machine even easier! Back to Top
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. Always wash in full loads or try adding nappies to your other washing, but remember not to add fabric softener. Back to Top
Are they really better for the environment?
Yes! The Environment Agency’s Life Cycle Analysis Report from 2008 showed that you can reduce your impact on the environment by up to 40% by using Real Nappies instead of disposables.
By using Real Nappies you won’t be producing any extra waste to go into landfill sites. Plus, they use fewer natural resources than single use disposable nappies. Back to TopCan using Real Nappies save me money?
Yes! Buying uying disposable nappies may cost you between £5-£10 per week. The average baby will need to wear disposable nappies for two and a half years so you could end up spending around £650 to £1300 over your child’s lifetime! On the other hand, a total investment of £200 or less could buy you a complete set of Real Nappies, taking your child from birth right up to potty training. These savings really start to escalate when the nappies are reused on subsequent children. Back to TopHow much will it cost me?
It depends on your chosen system, the cheapest option is using flat nappies, also known as terry squares, which would cost as little as £70 to see you through from birth to potty. Average cost is about £250 but much cheaper than disposables in the long run.
As a rough guide:
- Terry Square / Prefold: £1.50 - £2.50 per square
- Shaped Nappies, sized: £6 - £9 per nappy
- One Size or Birth to Potty: £7 - £10 per nappy
- All-in-One or Pocket Nappy: £12
- Wraps: £5
- Washing: £1 per week (includes electricity, water, detergent and wear & tear) Back to Top
Our research shows that washing Real Nappies at 60 degrees costs £1 per week – this includes wear and tear to your washing machine, detergent and electricity costs. Back to TopBut don't I need to boil wash them to get them clean?
A maximum 60 degree wash with non-bio detergent will be quite sufficient to get your nappies clean. Some wraps should be washed at 40 degrees so always check the label and try experimenting with lower temperatures for nappies which are just wet or not overly soiled. Overall, you can treat them as any other item of clothing. Back to TopWhat about drying?
Although most Real Nappies can be tumble dried, we recommend drying on a line or airer for environmental reasons. If you have limited space for drying you could try nappies made from quick drying fabrics such as fleece or microfibre or single layer nappies such as terry squares which dry much more quickly. Back to Top
Still confused? If you've searched high and low for answers and you still haven't found them then you can always Contact Us and we'll do our very best to help you out! Back to Top
Reviewed 24/11/10
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