Reusable Nappies

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Last revised: 2 July 2008

Real Nappies

Residents in Wiltshire send over 25 million disposable nappies to landfill every year, which help contribute to the production of dangerous landfill gases such as methane.


The average baby uses 4500 nappies in its first 3 years, that's nearly 1.5 tonnes per child. Using real nappies will reduce the volume of nappy waste currently entering landfill sites and will save you money.


Kennet District Council is working with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Wiltshire Waste Partnership to encourage new parents to say no to disposables and give real nappies a try. Not only do using real nappies prevent waste produced at source, parents can also save as much as £500 compared to the cost of disposables. And as cloth nappies can be used for more than one child, the savings can be even greater.


Why should I use them?

  • Kind to baby

    Modern washable nappies come in many shapes and styles. They are designed to be both comfortable and secure. Real nappies are mostly made of natural fabrics compared with disposables and organic cotton and hemp nappies are even available.

  • Kind to your wallet

    Home laundered nappies could save you up to £500 compared to using disposables. You could save even more if you reuse these nappies on your next child.

  • Kind to you
    There’s not a safety pin in sight with modern real nappies. Most fasten with Velcro or poppers and come in many modern colours and styles.

  • Kind to the environment

    Choosing real nappies could reduce your household rubbish by 50%. This means fewer disposable nappies will be sent to landfill where they will sit for hundreds of years slowly decomposing.

Top tips to help the Environment
  1. Wash nappies at 60°C and wraps at 40 – 60°C but do not boil wash
  2. Use ‘A’ rated appliances to reduce energy and water consumption
  3. Avoid tumble drying – line dry or use an airer
  4. Avoid fabric conditioner, it is unnecessary and reduces absorbency
  5. Use eco-friendly detergents
  6. Avoid soaking – store nappies dry in a lidded bucket
  7. Never iron nappies or wraps
  8. Try potty training at around 2 years of age
  9. Use real nappies for more than one child or give/sell them on to someone else
  10. Buy second hand nappies where possible

What are my options?

There are 3 main types of nappies;
  • Flat nappies       - which need to be folded and worn with a waterproof wrap.
  • Shaped nappies - designed to snugly fit your baby. Some sizes go from birth to potty and they do require an outer wrap.
  • All in ones          - which include a cotton liner and a waterproof cover.

The Wiltshire Real Nappy Network can offer trial kits to parents to borrow and try out the different types of nappies available. Please contact the Real Nappy Network Co-ordinator for further details.


What will it cost?

There is an initial outlay to equip you with a set of nappies but this is a one-off cost compared to paying for disposables. Flat nappies cost around £2 each with prices rising to £10-13 for the all in one styles. Wraps cost about £6 each. Washing at home costs around £1 per week, with a laundry service costing between £8 – 12 including home delivery.

Mums in Wiltshire can claim a refund of up to £30 against nappy and wrap purchases provided your child is aged between 0-24 months and lives in Wiltshire. Please download the Cashback Voucher for more information.



Where can I get more information?

Please contact the Real Nappy Network Co-ordinator on Tel: 01380 725670 ext 236 or email nappies@wiltshirewildlife.org

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (External link)

Real Nappy Campaign (External link)