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Reusable nappies

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Reusable nappies

The Issues

An estimated 3.6 billion disposable nappies are thrown away each year in the UK. If every child in the UK used reusable alternatives the carbon saving would be equivalent to 700 million car miles. The average baby goes through between 5000 and 6000 disposable nappies. As they are expected to take around 500 years to decompose, they will have a large impact on the environment. If Henry VIII wore disposables they’d still be in the ground, somewhere in London, now.

A Nappy Life Cycle Analysis published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) revealed that across their lifecycle, reusable nappies have a 25% lower carbon footprint than single-use nappies. This figure can be improved even further depending on how parents decide to wash and dry the products.

Disposable nappies are of course convenient, but there is no simple way to dispose of them which is why they now form one of the world’s greatest waste problems. Reusable nappies offer you a more sustainable solution. They are washable, offer a cost saving, can be used on subsequent babies and can be sold or donated for reuse once a baby is potty trained.

Even just using washable nappies occasionally will have a significant effect on the volume of waste you throw away each week – reducing the size of your bin.

Discount codes

Discount codes vary from 15% to 20% depending on the supplier, please sign up with the attached link to receive the discount codes.

Sign up for discount code

Why choose reusable nappies

  • Soft and comfortable fabrics: Reusable nappies fit better than disposables and are made of soft materials for the baby’s skin.
  • Reliability: Reusable nappies have less “spillages” and better containment due to elasticated waists and legs. They can be more absorbent meaning less changes and less risk of nappy rash due to the soft material.
  • Early potty training: It is said that babies know when they are wet earlier, allowing parents to potty train earlier.
  • Save money: You could save an average of £600 to £800 by using cloth nappies, even more if you reuse them with your next baby or buy second hand reusable nappies.
  • Less impact on the environment: Nappies equate to 500,000 – 600,000 tonnes of waste each year, removing this out the waste streams will have a huge positive impact on the environment.
  • Cut down on waste: On average your child could use 5000 and 6000 disposable nappies in comparison to 20 or 30 reusable nappies significantly cutting down on the volume of waste you throw away.

Types of reusable nappies

Pocket nappy – They have a waterproof outer layer with a pocket to insert absorbent inserts. This allows for customisation of absorbency.

Two-part nappies: These consist of a fitted diaper and a separate waterproof cover. This system offers flexibility and can be customised with various inserts.

Fitted nappies: These are cloth diapers that fit snugly around your baby’s bottom. They require a separate waterproof cover.

Absorbent inserts: These are placed inside pocket nappies, two-part nappies, or fitted nappies to provide absorbency. Common types include microfiber, bamboo, and hemp.

Hybrid nappies: This category includes nappies that combine elements of different styles, such as pocket nappies with fitted inserts.

Waterproof covers: These are used with fitted nappies and some hybrid nappies to provide a waterproof barrier. They can be made from PUL (polyurethane laminate) or other waterproof materials.

Please see the supplier information drop down to find out further information on the type of reusable nappies that will suit you and your family.

Supplier information

As a council we have teamed up with various reusable nappy suppliers to offer residents of North Lincolnshire exclusive discounts to purchase reusable nappies.

Pepi Collection

Pepi Collection designed pēpi modern cloth nappies to be just what they needed as first-time parents – safe for babies, comfy for their bums, and user-friendly for us grown-ups. Not to mention being tough and adaptable enough to handle everything baby throws at them. So, they can last beyond number one and two.

The Nappy Gurus

The Nappy Gurus, number one aim is to connect, inform and inspire the next generation of cloth nappy parents. After all, reusable nappies are pretty cool, and they can’t wait to show you that!

Merrygoround

Merrygoround offer reusable nappies and much, much more. Check out their blog for further information.

BellsBumz

Bells Bumz vision is to create comfortable, reliable, affordable cloth nappies and reusable products to protect the planet, and its people now and for the future, so no one is unable to afford reusable products for their children.

Discount codes

Discount codes vary from 15% to 20% depending on the supplier, please sign up with the attached link to receive the discount codes.

Caring for your reusable nappies

  1. Run a cold rinse cycle without detergent on a machine no more than 3/4 full. This flushes away the urine and removes any remaining solids.
  2. Use your longest cycle, usually a cotton wash at 40/60°C. Use a detergent recommended by your nappy brand (usually a powder). Do not use fabric softener as it reduces absorbency.
  3. Air dry nappies if possible. Increased ventilation will help reduce drying times.

Top Tip!

  • Prewashing your nappies before first use increases the absorbency.

Testimonies

“Using cloth nappies has been a game-changer for us. It’s better for the planet, our wallet, and my baby’s delicate skin. I’m so glad we made the switch” – Haydn, North Lincolnshire Resident

“We knew we wanted to try reusable nappies after the arrival of our second child after the sheer scale of disposable nappies we had seen previously. They were a revelation, delivering what a nappy needs to and also far kinder on our daughter’s skin and our finances. Would recommend everyone to give them a go and see if they work for you”.  – Joss, North Lincolnshire Resident

Contact

Customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk

Customer service 01724 297000