WEN encourages the use of real nappies. Modern washing services and modern convenient nappy designs make cloth a very practicable option for most people. But we acknowledge that they may sometimes be less practical than disposables – for instance, when travelling. At these times consider using the ‘alternative’ disposables, which may be gel-free, use unbleached paper pulp etc. Even if you only use real nappies part of the time, you are still helping the environment.

Are you happy with your real nappies and want to tell others? Word of mouth is very effective. Nappy ‘activists’ raise awareness in their locality among parents, councils and health professionals. Contact us for more information.

Real Nappy Helpline – 0845 8500606 - Second Hand Exchange - Suppliers - Instructions for Home Washing - Drying - Useful Tips - Choices Available - Folding Instructions - Partnerships

Real Nappy Helpline – 0845 8500606
Real Nappy Helpline gives callers details of their local cloth nappy contacts whether they want to buy them, use a local laundry service or just get advice. With an extensive ‘nappy network’ of local groups, over 1,200 retail outlets in the UK and 75 local nappy sellers along with numerous laundry services and mail order companies, it has never been easier to find and use cloth nappies.

Second Hand Exchange
The Real Nappy Exchange is a national service run by WEN, providing parents with an opportunity to source, sell, donate and buy used washable nappies and accessories. This is a free service, although a donation to WEN to help cover costs, is appreciated!

The Real Nappy Exchange runs on Tuesdays 1pm-4pm and Wednesdays 10am-1pm.

Enquirers can email Tamara on nappyexchange@wen.org.uk, Real Nappies for London on www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk/exchange or call WEN's central office 020 7481 9004 at the times above to give their details (nappies for sale or wanted etc).

Suppliers
For information about suppliers of real nappies, visit the Real Nappy Campaign's nappy finder.

Instructions for Home Washing
Caring for nappies is easy. There are various washing routines so a great amount of control can be exercised over just how much it costs and the environmental impact. Almost 90% of households have a washing machine, so most parents will be in a position to cope easily with cloth nappies. Biodegradable one-way liners make dealing with dirty nappies even easier.

	Storing Nappies Wet nappies and rinsed soiled ones can be placed in a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed. Alternatively use one of the soaking solutions below: White distilled vinegar (2-3 tbs), 2,5 or 10 litre bottles are available from local corner shops; Sodium bicarbonate (1tbs), available in large packets from independent chemists; Domestic borax (1 tbs), available in large packets from independent chemists; Tea tree oil (5 drops), available from health food shops, independent chemists, etc; Sanitizing powder (1 tbs), available from chemists, or health food shops for an environmental, nappy and baby friendly alternative. Mix to dissolve, then add nappies throughout the day. Change the solution regularly. Please note that domestic borax and ordinary sanitizing powders should not be used on Velcro or waterproof fabrics. Some of these soaking and washing methods may not be suitable for some nappies – if in doubt consult the distributor.
	Washing A hot wash cycle at 60C will adequately cleanse nappies. 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. Domestic borax and sanitizing powders are germicides and may not require the nappies to be washed with detergent after soaking, just rinse them thoroughly.

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

Useful Tips
A small plastic bin (about 20 litres) with secure lid may be more convenient than a conventional nappy bucket, just double the soaking solution if not dry storing the nappies.
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.
It is important to thoroughly rinse the nappies before drying – regardless of having been washed or just soaked.

Choices Available
A wide variety of cloth nappies is now available from simple, flat terry-cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted, organic, unbleached, Velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies. The three basic types are flat, shaped and all-in-ones.

There is no one perfect cloth nappy. Many parents mix and match with easy-dry flat nappies, convenient shaped and fitted nappies and all-in-ones for days out. Local nappy sales agents offer a personal service, demonstrating a range of different nappies and helping parents to choose the right nappies to suit their baby, lifestyle and budget.

Folding Instructions

Click here (Drawings by Julie Beer, used with permission by BORN)

Partnerships
Real nappy partnerships have had much success in bringing waste savings and fair choice to many parts of the UK. Many partnerships include local real nappy networks and individuals with the practical expertise to advise, speak to the media and give demonstrations to health professionals and other parents. Contact your local partnership and let them know you are available to help.