The Cloth Nappy: "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated "

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  • Some people think real cloth nappies are a thing of the past ... we think they are the best thing for the future (of our babies and the planet). 
  • Today’s nappies are bottom-shaped and use Velcro, poppers or Nappi Nippa clips instead of pins. They are easy to use, easy to wash and fun to show off!  Today’s washing machines mean no boiling or hand washing – most stains will come out first time at 40.  You don’t even have to soak them (wetpailing) if you don’t want.

We are ... 

a voluntary group of parents, all passionate about real nappies, dedicated to helping Southampton (and area) parents and parents-to-be make informed choices about what nappies they use.  Southampton Real Nappy network are here to guide you through the maze, as well as raising awareness.   
We can be reached at:
​southamptonrealnappies [at] gmail.com
Not all-or-nothing
 You don’t have to go 100% cloth straight away – as long as you have a bucket you can use one a day or perhaps just at night to start with. You could just buy the lot then it’s done, or choose to buy one or two of a nappy style/brand at a time, allowing you to see what suits you best and helping spread the cost. Trial kits are also available from our RN Library

Happy Babies

  • Most babies do quite explosive poo at times; in disposables it often gets right up to the back of the neck, and many parents simply accept this as what happens with nappies.   With the right cloth nappy, poo stays where it should be and everyone stays clean and calm when that smell appears!    Much washing is caused by leaky disposables.
  • A dry cloth nappy can indicate that your newborn baby may not be breastfeeding successfully or that a child may be unwell or becoming so.  With modern disposables you have no idea of what is normal in your child’s wee production.
  • Cloth nappies do not adversely affect the speed or style of your child's mobility development.   Most British people born before 1980 wore cloth nappies and are not all bandy-legged!  In fact in Europe, the use of additional padding is accepted practice in paediatric hospitals as a method for managing hip displacement in newborns. 

Great for the Environment...

... and for your pockets!
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  •  Clothie babies’ poo goes into the sewers – the correct place - instead of your bin. 
  • 7 million disposable nappies are used per day in Britain. In Southampton domestic waste is taken to the Marchwood Energy from Waste Plant where it is burned and turned into electricity, however there are significant CO2 emissions associated with incineration.
  • You also need to bear in mind energy and other resources used in manufacturing, transporting and disposing of nappies.
  •  4.5 trees are destroyed to keep one baby in disposable nappies for 30 months.
  •  The carbon footprint of using cloth nappies is up to 40% less than disposable nappies (if nappies are washed on fuller loads, max 60c, not tumble-dried and used on a second child).
  • Using non-bio powder or a laundry ball minimises environmental impact.
The Women’s Environmental Network estimate the cost of using cloth nappies per annum per baby is £53 including detergent, water, electricity and wear & tear on washing machine.
If you buy second hand nappies or use them on your next child it’s even cheaper. Disposables cost about £400 per baby. New shaped nappies for birth-to-potty cost about £280. A much cheaper option is terry nappies or to get second-hand nappies online.
 

Useful Links to further your RN knowledge

What people say about RN

Washable nappies aren't as inconvenient as you would imagine and you felt good every time you washed a bucketful!
Justin, dad of 4 year old (Shirley)
After a quick pre-wash, we washed them at 40 with the rest of the washing and never had any problems. We never tumble-dry.  Ben, dad of 3 year old, (Freemantle). 
The nappies I bought cost £95 in total. I showed my friends how easy washables are - I often purposely did it in front of others. If you aren't sure about it, trial the nappy laundry, then once converted, buy, wash and hang out those nappies until your heart's content. I do not soak or prewash ever - even the pooiest nappies I just chuck into a bucket and wash it 3 days later.
Helen, mum of 4 year old (Sholing)
Cloth nappies have been satisfying to use; they contain poo well and have resulted in rare nappy rash for us. We used prefolds which double up well for use as cloths/bibs/sunhats'
Luke, dad of 5 and 2 year old (Shirley)
Real nappies made out journey to potty so easy. We would offer the potty after a nap or every 2 hours, simply unfastening the nappy and re-adjusting it afterwards. Our little one was out of nappies by 22 months.
Roberta, mum of 3 year old (Bitterne Park)
I used disposables with my first child as I hadn't a clue what to do with terry nappies and couldn't see how a nappy laundering service would fit in with my daughter full-time at nursery. When a friend showed me the shaped washable nappies I bought some and used them with the next two babies. The nursery were happy to use them and I took the dirties home in a carrier bag for soaking overnight.
Jane, mum of 8, 6 and 4 year olds (Shirley)