“When I mention to people that I use cloth nappies on my baby, the response is almost always the same. I almost always hear "Gosh your brave/mad!" accompanied with a particular look of horror as they judge me to be either a domestic goddess or an absolute recluse who has no idea that disposables exist.

(I hope that) I am neither.

However, cloth nappies do seem to conjure up an image of soaking in buckets and boiling in pans with nightmarish folding, pinning and sweaty plastic pants. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Who has time or the inclination to be boiling and soaking? Our nappies go in a bucket (dry) and then into the machine for a 60` wash, about every three days.

Modern cloth nappies can be shaped, do up with Velcro or poppers, and the wrap (waterproof overpant) come in all sorts of designs and patterns. Small daughter is wearing funky candy-pink polka dots as I write.

Despite recent reports, cloth nappies are the best environmental option and give parents the option of choosing a chemical free nappy for their baby. The economic reasons for using cloth outweigh all others, they can be £500 cheaper and of course more so if they are used for subsequent babies.”

Clare Blake

Portsmouth NCT member and co-ordinator of Real Nappies in Portsmouth Project.

The Real Nappies in Portsmouth Project is a partnership between Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Fiends of the Earth and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

Nappy FAQs

I have decided real nappies are for me, but where do I buy them from?

Buying real nappies and getting proper advice has been a problem for lots of people. In response to this The Real Nappies in Portsmouth Project has published an information leaflet and directory of local businesses and laundry services and Internet based shops, which sell nappies and offer advice. It also lists local agents who are able to visit you in your home and demonstrate different nappy systems. If there is not a copy in side this newsletter please phone 023 92827948 or email nappies@portsmouthfoe.org

I want to use cloth nappies but there are so many different types, which one do I choose?

Prefolds, all-in-ones, shaped, shaped multifit, fuzzibuns, motherease, bum huggers, airflow, and tots bots, with applix, or without, or with a nappy nipper! Yes there is quite a selection and an awful lot of brands all offering something a little different. There are four basic nappy types (see below). Your first stop could be The Nappy Lady ( www.thenappylady.co.uk 0845 4562 441) who has an ingenious questionnaire which will ask you about lifestyle factors such as washing and drying facilities, childcare and budget and will advise a type or types to suit you.

I will be returning to work and my baby will be going into childcare, what will I do about the nappies?

Some nurseries will use them, others refuse. Mine will use them, so do others in the city, but they are bit thin on the ground. I bought some pocket style nappies especially for nursery, they are easy as a disposable to put on and I provide a waterproof bag with a drawstring to store the dirties. No complaints so far. If you use a nappy system with two parts (see types of nappy below) you could put them together ready for the carer to use.

The Real Nappies in Portsmouth project is planning to work with nurseries in the city to help dispel the real nappy myths. I expect as using real nappies gets more and more popular, it will be a selling point for nurseries and make them more attractive. If they won't however and as good childcare is hard to come by, you could use disposables at nursery and real ones at home.

We often go out for days, what am I going to do about dirty nappies?

The nappy police will not be out to get you if you use a mixture of disposable and cloth nappies, and this is where disposables really come into their own. Personally I don't have a problem with dirty nappies in a well-sealed waterproof bag, but take disposables on longer holidays.

I know they are cheaper in the long run but the start up costs are really big, is there any help available?

In some areas (West Sussex for example) the council offer a financial incentive or some free nappies. Portsmouth City council does not. However my advice would be that unless you are confident that the type of nappies are the right type for you, your baby and your lifestyle, do not buy too many at once. Birth to potty packs do allow big savings and the reassurance that you have everything you need in preparation for the baby but if they just don't suit, it can be an expensive mistake. There are opportunities to try before you buy (Lollipop agent, Tracy 01329 512311) There are more and more second hand nappies about (classified ads on www.thenappylady.co.uk , www.changingneeds.co.uk or phone WEN on 020 7481 9004 and ask for the second hand exchange. Also keep an eye out in the local papers and freeads. There was a good selection at the NCT Nearly new sale. When it is your turn to sell yours on the second hand value stays quite high.

Warning: It is very easy to become a little obsessive and even addicted to cloth nappies. The difficulty is that people love their cloth nappies and if you are one of those who must-have this season's prints and patterns, chances are you are not going to make any savings. I still tell myself that my baby's` quality of life is considerably greater than before she had her Harry Potter nappy and it will do her long term self esteem a great deal of good knowing that her bottom was admired by crowds of strangers at the age of nine months.

Won't my baby have nappy rash and bandy legs?

Research has shown that the occurrence of nappy rash depends on many factors, diet, number of times changes, and indeed luck but the type of nappies used has been shown to be insignificant. As for bandy legs? Chances are you, yourself and your peers would have been put in cloth nappies, have you got bandy legs? If the answer is yes, it is more likely to be a family thing and not a nappy thing.

Aren't they big and bulky?

Modern cloth nappies are much slimmer fitting than the older style terry nappies, but are bulkier than a disposable. Most people find the big-bottomed-fairy-baby-look Cute. Some people have found that because baby clothing is cut for disposable nappies, it is a bit of a squeeze over a cloth nappy. I for one, having, shall we say, a well-built child, have had to opt for dungarees and stretchy leggings. Saying that I know some people who have no problem and another who believes it's the cloth nappy that help keep her very slim baby's trousers up.

Are they really better for the environment?

Quite a controversial one! Earlier this year, the Environment Agency (EA) published findings of a lifecycle Analysis Survey that is to find which has the greater environmental impact, real or disposable nappies. The conclusion was that they were the same. However the data they collected for the survey was incomplete so they use assumptions about cloth nappy care, such as soaking, boiling, using fabric softener and evening ironing!!! (See caring for your nappies below) Real Nappies In Portsmouth do not recommend any of these as, they will shorten the life of your nappies, use unnecessary energy (including yours). Using your nappies for a second or even third baby will significantly reduce the environmental impact of your nappies.

Can I take my cloth nappies into hospital/ birthing centre when I go in to have my baby?

Absolutely. Portsmouth hospitals are actively promoting cloth nappies and will offer you support whichever type of nappy you choose. They cannot however launder the nappies for you while you are in hospital.

We are currently seeking funding so the Trust will be able to provide cloth nappies for every baby born across the district during their stay in hospital.

Types of Nappy

Flat: Traditional terries, prefolds, muslins, and continental tie-on nappies. All cheap and versatile, they need some folding to fit the baby and a waterproof cover, but they are economical and quick drying. Even terries have changed – no pins required if you use a nifty little plastic gripper or special wraps. From around £2 per nappy.

Shaped nappies: Requiring a waterproof cover. Shaped and fitted, with elasticated legs and waist, they generally have a neater, less bulky fit than flat nappies and are even easier to put on. Most have Velcro fixings, some use poppers. They wash and dry easily. Available in three sizes or an adjustable birth to potty size. From around £4 each.

All-in-one: Supremely easy to use, as the shaped, fitted nappy with Velcro or popper fastenings has a built-in waterproof cover. Not as durable as two part systems, and taking longer to dry.These are nonetheless the easiest cloth nappies to use, notably when out and about. From around £8.00 each.

Pocket Nappies: The same to use as the All-in one, but the nappy is ‘stuffed' with an absorbent pad ( or anything, old tea towels would do) to make the nappy ready to use. It can then be taken apart for easy washing and drying. From about £8 each.

Covers/ Wraps: Forget nasty plastic pants that crack, chafe and leak. Most new-style covers are soft, durable, breathable and machine washable. Fabrics vary from waterproofed nylon, polyester or cotton to wool, and styles range through popper and Velcro fastening to pull-on, all of them allowing for quick and easy nappy changes.

Caring for your nappies

Home washing
The thought of washing dirty nappies is one of the main reasons quoted for using disposables. Over 90% of households have access to a washing machine, so most parents will be in a position to cope easily with cloth nappies. With enough nappies, two loads a week may be sufficient. Biodegradable one-way liners make dealing with dirty nappies even easier.

Storing Nappies
Wet nappies and emptied soiled ones can be placed in a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed or a soaking solution can be made from white distilled vinegar, tea tree oil or traditional sanitizers available from chemists. If you choose to dry pail, you may find it advantageous to put your nappies in a prewash, or rinse cycle first and then wash at 60C

Washing
A hot wash cycle at 60C will adequately cleanse nappies. Wet only nappies can be washed at 40C. Boil washing was the traditional way of washing and sterilizing terry nappies before the introduction of the washing machine. Using this method may reduce the life of the nappy so it is not generally recommended by manufacturers.

Drying
Sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach nappies or line dry indoors. Most nappies can also be tumble dried.

Useful Tips
Biological detergents as well as perfumes, optical whiteners and other ingredients in ordinary washing detergents may cause skin irritation.
Adding half a small cup of vinegar in the last rinse cycle will keep nappies soft.
A few drops of lavender in the conditioner compartment of the washing machine will also keep the nappies soft as well as smelling fresh. BEWARE: commercial fabric conditioner will reduce the absorbency of nappies.

Nappy Contact

Clare Blake
Portsmouth Friends of the Earth
023 9282 7948
nappies@portsmouthfoe.org