Written by Jenny Catton
With new babies getting through 10 nappy changes or more each day, it’s easy to see why disposable nappies are so popular. But with an estimated 2.5 billion nappies thrown away in the UK each year and 90% ending up in landfill sites, they’re bad news for the environment. And of course, disposable nappies are a big expense for parents. So what alternatives are there to disposable nappies and can they compete in the convenience stakes?
Washable Nappies
Obviously there’s nothing new about washable nappies. This is what pretty much everyone used before disposables came along. But the simple square terry nappy that fastened with pins has changed a lot in recent years. Now you can choose washable nappies that fasten with Velcro or poppers for ease of use and some have washable covers for added convenience.
Nappy Services
If you don’t fancy washing and drying piles of nappies on a regular basis, check for nappy services in your local area. Used nappies are collected and freshly laundered ones delivered. Make sure companies comply with the approved laundry processes of the National Association of Nappy Services (NANS).
Eco-disposables
If you really can’t bear the thought of giving up disposables, consider switching to environmentally-friendly brands. These contain fewer chemicals making them better for both your baby and the environment. They are more likely to be made from sustainable resources and some brands may be more bio-degradable than traditional disposables.
If you’d like to find out more about green-parenting, visit www.greenmums.co.uk
