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Real Nappies

Nine million nappies are thrown away daily in the UK. Almost all are buried in landfill sites. Using modern washable nappies will help reduce this waste.

New, modern nappies are easier now compared to old-fashioned nappies used by past generations.

Cost

A modern washable nappy system could save you up to £900 for a first child and significantly more for subsequent children.

Examples for a leading brand disposable nappy cost £1200. A local laundry services costs £900-£1200, fitted two piece system (snap-to-fit) £250 (additional £150 for home washing), prefold system costs £160 (additional £150 for home washing) and terries with modern wraps £120 (additional £150 for home washing).

Health

Using cotton nappies are said to have increased health benefits. Prof Jean Golding, a Child Health expert from Bristol University said; "Cotton nappies do not cause nappy rash, neither do disposables prevent it."

Latest research shows lowered sperm count may be due to scrotal temperature in disposables. Tributyl tin found in some disposables could disrupt human sex hormones (WEN).

Sodium polyacrylate is used in most disposables. It was removed from tampons in 1985 having been linked to Toxic Shock syndrome.

Cotton nappies provide better postural support and are breathable. The potential for irritants is greater with disposables, because of bleach, dyes, super-absorbant chemicals and plastics used.

Environment

Disposable nappies use three-and-a-half times the energy, eight-times as many non-renewable resources and 90 times as many renewable resources as cotton nappies.

Seven million trees are felled every year in Canada and Scotland to supply cellulose pulp for disposables sold in the UK.

It takes one cup of crude oil to produce the plastic for one disposable nappy.

Schemes

There a local shemes in operation to borrow cotton nappies. The Brighton and Hove and East Sussex Real Nappy Network is one such example.

Alternatively, contact Newhaven Health Visiting team, Quayside Medical Centre, Newhaven on 01273 615000 ex 400.

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