Every year in Wiltshire we send 25 million nappies to the rubbish dumps.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust runs a Real Nappy Network that aims to help new mothers make the switch to environmentally friendly nappies. The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has the following advice for mothers who would like to try real nappies on their babies.

How can babies produce so much waste? Now many areas have an alternate week waste collection, families are finding it harder to manage their waste. One baby wearing five or six nappies a day will produce 70-80 nappies a fortnight, using about a third of the space in the waste bin. And with 7,500 babies born every year to Wiltshire families, this means 25 million nappies are used every year in our county alone.

Reducing the impact of our modern lifestyles on the environment is an important element in the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's efforts to protect wildlife. Using cloth nappies helps reduce waste as well as reducing the raw materials and energy used to produce nappies.

Once dumped, a used nappy takes years to break down. We are running out of places to bury our rubbish and it is essential we find ways to reduce waste.

The Trust's Real Nappy Network is one of several projects that aim to help reduce waste in Wiltshire, in this case by promoting the use of washable nappies that can be used again and again.

Re-usable nappies today offer parents real choice by being easy to use and clean, safe and cheap - they also come in a range of colours and patterns. The Trust has teamed up with the Wiltshire County Council and CRED (Community Recycling and Development Fund) to set up a cash back scheme to help encourage people to switch to, and keep using, real nappies. Wiltshire resident parents are entitled to up to £30 cash back for each baby under the age of two when they purchase washable nappies.

The project is co-ordinated by Jacky Thomas. She can:

  • Put you in touch with a local agent or volunteer who can tell you about the realities of using cloth nappies
  • Demonstrate and loan you a range of nappies to try at home
  • Tell you about local stockists and about laundries available in your area
  • Explain the cash back scheme for those wishing to buy washable nappies
  • Put you in touch with the local credit union if you would like help in spreading the cost of purchase.

How practical are washable nappies?

  • A cloth nappy system consists of a soft absorbent nappy and waterproof breathable cover (also called a wrap).
  • New, colourful designs fit snugly and nappy pins have been replaced with Velcro, poppers or plastic grips for easy fastening.
  • Made of lightweight fluffy materials, including cotton, hemp, polyester, bamboo and microfleece, cloth nappies are easy to wash.
  • Using cloth nappies doesn't have to be an all or nothing option. You can fit them into your lifestyle, using them when convenient.
  • Laundry services are available in some areas.

What are my washable nappy options?

1. Flat nappies: The traditional terry square is folded to make a pad then secured with a plastic fastening and covered with a wrap. Pre-folds, used by most laundry services, are flat cotton pads that fold to fit a wrap.

2. Shaped nappies are designed to fit your baby snugly and some styles go from birth to potty. They require an outer wrap.

3. All-in-ones have the waterproof attached.

4. Pocketed nappies are covers with a pocket that can be stuffed with an absorbent pad.

What do I need to get started?

  • You need enough nappies to allow you to wash only when there is a full load of around 18-24 nappies and if you choose a two-part nappy, you'll need three to six wraps.
  • You may also want to buy some biodegradable or washable liners to draw the moisture away from the baby's skin, add extra absorbency or make messy changing easier.
  • You'll need two or three sizes as baby grows unless you choose the one size type.
  • To avoid leakages, it's important to select the right style and size for your baby's shape.
  • You can also use booster pads to increase absorbency if needed.

What about washing and drying cloth nappies?

  • Soiled nappies can simply be stored in a lidded container and washed at 60.
  • You can deodorise the bin with a few drops of tea tree oil or white vinegar.
  • Biodegradable nappy liners can be flushed down the loo with any solid waste. Washable liners can go in the wash with your nappies.
  • Wraps need to be washed at 40.
  • Avoid fabric softeners: they reduce the absorbency of nappies and damage covers.
  • Most cloth nappies can be tumble dried or dried on an airer in a warm room.

What is the cost?

  • Despite a larger initial outlay, cloth nappies can save you at least £300.
  • Spread the cost by buying a few nappies at a time or taking a low interest loan from a local credit union.
  • Flat nappies cost around £2 each and prices rise to £10-£13 for all in one styles or one size nappies. Wraps cost from around £6 each.
  • Home washing costs around £1 per week.
  • Laundry services cost from £8 a week.

  • For more information, visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org or call Jacky Thomas on (01380) 725670.