Why choose washable nappies?

One use disposable nappies are frequently used for convenience, but there are a number of downsides to using disposables and with wide range of washable nappies now easily available, they have become the nappy of choice for ethically and environmentally responsible parents.

Cost Effective – Washable nappies can be up to £20 cheaper per week, even more if the same nappies are used on subsequent children.

Less waste - Using washable nappies will greatly reduce the rubbish put into landfill sites. Disposable nappies currently account for more than 4% of household waste. They also take many years to degrade.

Less use of resources – One use disposable nappies use 3.5 times more energy, 8 times more non-renewable resources and 90 times more renewable resources than washable nappies making washable nappies a much more sustainable product.

Comfy for baby – there are a huge variety of washable nappies suitable for every shape and size baby. In studies by Bristol University, washable nappies have been found to be comparable with disposable nappies in protecting babies from nappy rash.

Good for hip development- paediatricians often recommend washable nappies as the ease of movement is better for babies hip development.

Whilst parent using washable nappies instead of disposables can cut carbon emissions by up to 40%, this figure is dependant on them being washed in full loads, using an energy efficient machine, and then dried on a clothes line. A report by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) found that the electrical consumption of tumble drying nappies in half loads at high temperatures could cancel out the benefits of washable nappies.

picture from http://www.tandridge.gov.uk/refuseandrecycling/recycling/howtoreducewaste/nappies.htm