REAL NAPPIES
The Edinburgh and Lothians Real Nappy Project
The Edinburgh and Lothians Real Nappy Project encourages Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian parents to use reusable nappies as an alternative to disposable nappies.
There are many benefits to using reusable nappies and terry toweling squares are no longer your only choice. Modern reusable nappies are remarkably easy to use and usually fasten with Velcro or poppers. No pins or complicated folding is necessary.
The Real Nappy Project provides expert information and several options to help you convert to using real nappies on your baby.
To find out more about real nappies and to take advantage of any of our incentives, please contact us.
Why Reusable Nappies?
Types of Nappies
Incentives:
Trial Packs
Nappy Lending Kits
Voucher for Low Income Parents
Second-Hand Nappies
Nappuccinos
Demonstrations/Events
Real Nappy Project Volunteers
Real Nappy E-Bulletin
Suppliers
Contacts
National Organisations Promoting Real Nappies
Why Reusable Nappies?
Six good reasons:
1. By using reusable nappies you could save over £500 – even more if you use them on your second or third baby! (This saving will vary depending on the type of disposable and cloth nappy products being compared).
2. All nappies have some environmental impact. However, by using reusable nappies no waste will go into landfill. By not using a tumble drier, for example, you will also be helping to minimise further the impact on the environment.
3. Cloth nappies are more natural against the skin. Modern disposable nappies contain super absorbent granules that turn into a gel when they come into contact with urine.
4. Reusable nappies are very hygienic as they are used with a liner to catch faeces. (It is sometimes quite difficult to remove faeces from a disposable nappy and so it is usually wrapped up with the nappy and sent to landfill.) Liners can be flushed down the loo - the only system designed to deal specifically with human waste.
5. As they tend to fit snugly around waist and legs, cloth nappies are generally very reliable - especially those with a separate cover.
6. Cloth nappies also provide good padding for the base of the spine - particularly beneficial when your child is learning to walk.
Types of Nappies
Real nappies usually consist of a liner, a nappy and a waterproof cover that work together to provide maximum comfort, reliability and efficiency. A wide range of cloth nappy systems are available, from simple terry cotton squares to shaped all in ones with Velcro or poppers.
There are three basic types of real nappy:
Flat nappies with separate waterproof covers
These are cheap, versatile and quick to dry. Traditional terry squares and pre-folds fall into this group. They need some
folding to fit your baby and may need to be fastened.
Shaped nappies with separate waterproof covers 
These are fitted with elasticated legs and waist and generally have a neater fit than flat nappies. With Velcro or popper fastenings, they are very easy to put on and because they come in two parts, wash and dry very easily.
All-in-one nappies
These nappies have a waterproof outer layer and are especially easy to use. They are the nearest thing to a disposable except you don't throw them away. They generally take longer to dry than other nappy types, however, they are particularly good for occasional carers or when out and about.
Comparison chart
(compiled by the Edinburgh Real Nappy Network)
What are the different real nappy types?
No one nappy is ideal for all babies — but the table below can help you decide which is best
for your circumstances.
Click here for Comparison Chart
Glossary
Booster
Adds extra absorbency to the nappy when required. For use at night or with heavier wetting children. Ready-made boosters can be purchased, or small pre-folds or other cloths can be used for the purpose.Nappi Nippa
Plastic gripper that stretches to hold terry nappies in place instead of pins.One-way liner
Placed inside the nappy next to the baby's skin, these catch solid waste for easy disposal as well as keeping the nappy clean. Either flushable, biodegradable paper, or washable fleece, polyester or silk. Fleece liners also function as a stay-dry layer.Wrap
Waterproof, breathable cover used over a nappy, fastened with Velcro or poppers. Unless soiled, a wrap can be reused many times during the day.
Incentives
Trial Packs
Parents living in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian (with a baby or expecting a baby) can apply for a trial pack of real nappies. The aim of the trial nappy pack is to provide parents with a sample of good quality, reliable nappies, wraps and accessories to help parents make an informed decision when choosing reusable nappies for the first time. There are three types of nappies in each pack: Bambinex Teddy, Bamboo Terry Square and Tots Bots Easyfit (the Easyfit is replaced by a Motherease Sandy in the small sized pack). The packs also comtain a Motherease wrap. The packs cost £12, and for this you will get around £40 worth of nappies/accessories.The packs are available in three sizes. Small, recommended from birth up to 10 - 12 weeks, Medium to fit babies from 10 - 20lbs, recommended for babies from approx eight weeks up to one year and Large to fit babies from 20 - 35lbs, recommended for babies from approximately nine months to toilet training.
After you have applied for a trial pack, it will be available for collection from Changeworks, at a Nappuccino, at a real nappy demonstration or it can be posted out to you recorded delivery at a cost of £4.75.
Please note that trial packs are limited to one application per household and are for parents who are not already using real nappies on their baby.
To apply for a trial pack contact us or download an Application Form
and email it to realnappies@changeworks.org.uk.
Nappy Lending Kits
Nappy lending kits are available on loan for two to three weeks. There are seven kinds of nappies in the kits: Tots Bots Cotton, Tots Bots Bamboozle, Tots Bots Easyfit, Motherease One Size, Stuffable Lite, Terry Square and Bamboo Square. There are enough nappies to use on a full time basis for the loan period. We also supply nappy buckets, meshes, reusable wipes, liners and wraps - basically everything you need to use real nappies.The lending kits should be returned after two to three weeks and will be laundered by a professional nappy laundering company before being passed on to the next user. Lending kits cost £12 and a deposit of £50 is required. Deposits would ideally be in the form of a cheque that will not be cashed unless kits are returned damaged or incomplete.
The lending kits are available in three sizes. Small, recommended from birth up to 10 - 12 weeks, medium to fit babies from 10 - 20lbs, recommended for babies from approx eight weeks up to one year and large to fit babies from 20 - 35lbs, recommended for babies from approximately nine months to toilet training.
After you have applied for a lending kit, it will be available for collection from Changeworks, at a Nappuccino or a real nappy demonstration.
To apply for a lending kit contact us or download an Application Formand email it to realnappies@changeworks.org.uk.
Voucher for Low Income Parents
Low-income parents can apply for a £30 voucher, which is put towards the cost of a trial pack or lending kit (£12), and the remaining £18 can be used to buy real nappies at certain local retailers (see Suppliers).To be eligible for the voucher parents must provide proof of one of the following benefits - Housing Benefit; Job Seekers Allowance; Income Support; Child Tax Credit with an income of less than £16,040 or Working Tax Credit with an income of less than £16,040.
To apply for a voucher contact us or download an Application Formand email it to realnappies@changeworks.org.uk.
Second-Hand Nappies
See Suppliers for contacts for a local shop and websites selling second-hand nappies.
Demos/Events
The Real Nappy Project regularly attends events and holds demonstrations to give information about the benefits of real nappies, and how to use the nappies in the trial packs and nappy lending kits. We also have a nappy library containing many different real nappy options.
See events for details about the next demonstration and upcoming events.
If you are a health professional, play group leader or community group leader and would like to book a demonstration then please contact us. We will attend ante-natal classes or any kind of parent and baby group and can tailor the session to meet your needs.Keep up-to-date with real nappy news, top tips and events:
Latest News - March 2010
Previous editions:
E-Bulletin - October 2009 (Real Experience - Using Real Nappies on Twins, by Zoe Emerson, Ral Nappy Volunteer and mum of four)
E-Bulletin - May 2009 (Top tips - Learning to be Dry at Night – Experiences of a Real Nappy mum Zoe, and Cam, 3)
E-Bulletin - January 2009
If you would like to receive subsequent editions of this bulletin please email:
realnappies@changeworks.org.uk with ‘Subscribe to E-Bulletin’ in the subject
box.
Real Nappy Project Volunteers
The Real Nappy Project is recruiting volunteers who live in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, who have experience of using real nappies on their babies and would like to help spread the word about the many benefits of using real nappies.
Volunteers would be requested to help in a variety of ways, depending on the time you have available and your preferences. Tasks include putting up posters in local shops and community centres etc. to advertise Nappuccinos and demonstrations, helping out at these events and giving out real nappy information at events.
Please contact us for more information if you are interested.
Suppliers
Edinburgh and the Lothians have a number of local shops selling a variety of reusable nappies, as well as local nappy specialists. Most nappies are also easily available via mail order or via the Internet.
Local nappy specialists:
BabyKind
Anna Cox (Edinburgh)
Tel: 0131 553 3991
Email: anna@planetanna.co.ukBabyKind
Louise Cruikshank (Edinburgh and West Lothian)
T: 01383 850 549
E: baznlou@cruiky.freeserve.co.uk
W: www.babykind.co.uk
BabyKind
Sandra Vick (Midlothian)
T:07789 007 274
E: nappies@sandravick.co.uk
W: www.babykind.co.ukBabykind are committed to offering the most convenient cloth nappies at the lowest price possible. Free advice and no obligation demonstrations to find a nappy that suits you and your baby. The local suppliers above redeem the Real Nappy Project voucher, but not the Babykind website if you oder directly.
Lollipop
Jackie Kellock (West Lothian)
T: 01506 420 354
E: jackiekellock@yahoo.co.ukW: www.teamlollipop.co.uk
Offers free mother-to-mother advice on all types of real nappies. Stocks many different types of nappies and accessories. Redeems the Real Nappy Project voucher.
Lollipop
Fay Purves (Edinburgh and Midlothian)
T: 0131 478 1831 or 07971 406 809
E: faypurves@hotmail.comW: www.teamlollipop.co.uk
Offers free mother-to-mother advice on all types of real nappies. Stocks many different types of nappies and accessories. Redeems the Real Nappy Project voucher.Babeco
Lisa Douglas–Hirter (West Lothian and South Queensferry)
T: 07904 946 298
E: lisadouglashirter@yahoo.co.ukFree advice and no obligation demos. Wide range of nappies available.
Local shops:
Earth Matters
94 High Street, North Berwick, EH39
Tel: 01620 895 401
W: www.earthmatters.co.ukStockists of Imse Vimse, Tots Bots and paper liners, plus fair trade baby clothes and organic baby products. Redeems the Real Nappy Project voucher.
John Lewis
St James CentreEdinburgh, EH1
T: 0131 556 9121
Stockists of Bambino Mio, Tots Bots and paper liners.
Mothercare World
Hermiston Gait Retail Park, Edinburgh; Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh and The Centre, Livingston.
Stockists of own brand Smart nappies, Tota Bots paper liners and nappy buckets.
Prams & Co.
16 Buckstone Terrace
Edinburgh, EH10 6PZ
Tel: 0131 445 3334
Stockists of the Onelife nappy and accessories.SeeSaw
109 Broughton Street
Edinburgh EH1 3RZ
T: 0131 556 9672
E: info@seesawnappies.co.uk
W: www.seesawnappies.co.uk
Seesaw is a family run business selling reusable nappies and giving tailored advice for over five years. Stockists of Motherease, Tots Bots, Ella's House and many more. No appointment needed. Can collect web orders for free from the shops. Redeems the Real Nappy Project voucher.
Websites:
The Real Nappy Campaign
T: 0845 850 0606Tel: 0117 935 1609
T: 0845 094 2275
Green Mums
T: 01752 661835Hello Baby
T: 020 81333722
Lollipop Children's Products
T: 01736 799 512Little Green Earthlets (Motherease)
T: 01825 873301
Suppliers of Stuffable Lite nappy included in the trial pack and lending kit.
T: 0845 370 8440
The Nappy Lady
T: 0845 456 2441Tots Bots
T: 0141 550 1514Twinkle Twinkle
T: 0118 934 2120T: 01494 716 389
Second hand web sites:
Contacts
For more information about real nappies, please contact us on: 0131 555 4010 or realnappies@changeworks.org.uk
Or you can write to us at:
The Edinburgh and Lothians Real Nappy Project
Changeworks
36 Newhaven Road
Edinburgh
EH6 5PY
Or get in touch with:
The Real Nappy Campaign
T: 0845 850 0606
Women's Environmental Network
T: 020 7481 9004
E: nappies@wen.org.uk
Funders
The Edinburgh and Lothians Real Nappy Project is funded by the Scottish Government via the INCREASE Programme, SEPA, the City of Edinburgh Council, Midlothian Council, East Lothian Council and West Lothian Council.
National Organisations Promoting Real Nappies
CRNS (Community Recylcing Network Scotland) is a not-for-profit company that works in partnership with Waste Aware Scotland to share best practice and support community, public and private sectors to promote awareness of real nappies to parents.
For more information on real nappies and The Real Nappy Campaign, please visit www.wasteawarescotland.com.
Use The Nappy Finder on the 'Sort It' tool to find details of retailers, agents, networks, laundries or incentive schemes throughout Scotland ('Sort It' aims to provide useful information and practical advice on how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle household waste in Scotland).
