What are washable nappies?
Washable nappies are sometimes called real nappies, cotton or reusable nappies. They are made from cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfibre, fleece or wool and can be washed at home or by a laundry service.
Why choose washable nappies?
Mums and dads are changing to washables for many reasons, including:
1. Cost
- Parents can save up to £500 by using washable nappies - and more on a second baby.
2. Waste and environmental concerns
- Disposable nappies end up in landfill sites, taking up very limited space. We do not know how long it takes for the plastics in disposables to decompose but it could be hundreds of years.
- 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every single day in the UK - 3 billion are thrown away every year.
- Disposable nappies make up about 4% of all household waste in the UK.
- Nappy disposal costs local authorities thousands of pounds a year.
3. Your baby's health
- Disposable nappies are made of superabsorbent chemicals, paper pulp, plastics and adhesives. Washable nappies are mostly made of natural fabrics.
4. Ease of use
- Modern washable nappies are easy to use and wash. A biodegradable or washable liner catches the poo, which can be flushed down the toilet.
5. Faster potty training
- Many parents choose washables because babies potty train much quicker when they wear washables.
What are the choices?
A wide variety of washable nappies is available. Help is at hand so you can choose the nappies that best suit your lifestyle and your baby.
Washable nappies can be either:
- A two-part system:
Part one: 'the nappy' - made from absorbent cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfibre, fleece or wool. The nappy can be a shaped fitted nappy or a simple flat nappy such as a terry square, prefold or muslin.
Part two: 'the wrap' - a waterproof cover made from breathable fabric to keep your baby's clothes dry.
- An all-in-one system:
With these the nappy and wrap are combined to make one nappy.
Either nappy type uses a liner so poo can be hygienically flushed down the toilet.
Real nappies really are easy to use and can be washed on a normal 40° or 60° cycle.
