There is no need for boil washing, safety pins, plastic pants or soaking: modern reusable nappies are a world away from terry squares!
Nappies are usually
fastened with Velcro or poppers, making nappy changes quick and simple. Used nappies are
machine washed at 40-60 degrees. Most types dry quickly on a washing line or above a radiator, but many can be tumble dried.
Reusable nappies come in a variety of natural and man-made fabrics, which are
soft and fluffy against baby's skin. Many nappies have a
stay-dry layer built in and elasticated leg and waist openings mean
excellent containment.
If you use washable nappies from birth to potty training, it will
save money compared to buying single-use nappies. If you choose the cheapest options, buy pre-loved nappies and use them on more than one child, you can save quite a lot!
Reusable nappies cut down on waste going to landfill.
You will need 20 washable nappies if you use them full time and wash every other day.
Compare this to around
5,000 single-use nappies
needed to see one child through until potty training!
Washable nappies are available in lots of beautiful, quirky and original designs; the hard part is deciding which ones to buy as the options can seem overwhelming. This is where a nappy library can help.
A nappy library is a simply a service offering parents the chance to see, learn more about and try a range of reusable nappies to decide which ones best suit their family's circumstances.
Like most other nappy libraries in the U.K., Cambridge Nappy Library is operated by volunteers (mostly parents who themselves use washable nappies on their babies).
Nappy libraries exist to help parents make the best choice for them, regardless of which nappy brands are the current best sellers. There is no such thing as THE best nappy - only what works best for YOU.
Cambridge Cloth Nappy Library meets on Fridays at 1pm-2pm in Cottenham Baptist Church hall. Pop in to learn more about washable nappies, hire a nappy trial kit, or to buy pre-loved washable nappies. (Please check with the NCT that the session is running before traveling, if in doubt.)
For more information, visit the NCT events page and enter postcode CB24 8RX to see upcoming sessions in Cottenham or find Cambridge Cloth Nappy Library on Facebook.