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The waste that we generate represents one of the major environmental challenges facing Britain today. By their very nature, the most significant environmental issue with using disposable nappies is their disposal. Disposable nappies are responsible for 4% of household waste in the UK, where around 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every year. In households with one baby, disposable nappies often make up 50% of the waste.

The vast majority of waste in this country is land filled. One of the top environmental concerns with landfill is the release of methane, a major green house gas, from the decomposition of paper, wood, food waste and green wastes. Other environmental impacts include water pollution and odour problems. Landfill sites also require land, which is in increasingly short supply.

Studies estimate that ordinary disposable nappies take at least 200 years to decompose. This means that every disposable nappy previously sent to landfill is still sitting there. The plastic parts of the nappy may sit there indefinitely. The most effective environmental solution to the waste problem is to reduce the generation of waste. New parents can do their bit to reduce waste by choosing real nappies in preference to disposable nappies.

Studies have shown that nappy laundry services use 32% less energy than home washing and 41% less water. Natural Nappies Laundry Service provides new parents with a supply of natural cotton nappies, a collection bin and biodegradable liners. Once used, the biodegradable liner and its contents are flushed down the toilet and the nappy placed in the bin, which is emptied every fortnight when nappies are taken away and laundered and replaced with a fresh batch.

Reasons to use Natural Nappies

Over a third of a million ordinary disposable nappies are buried in Essex landfill sites everyday!

No one knows how long it takes for the plastic parts of a disposable nappy to decompose.

Estimations of a few hundred years have been suggested, which means the first ever disposable nappy made is still lying around somewhere.

A baby's disposable nappy waste in one year is enough to fill 40 plastic bags.

Disposable nappies contain chemicals and gels that are not subject to government scrutiny or testing.

Disposables use 3.5 times more energy than non-regenerable raw materials and 90 times as much renewable material as washable nappies.

Parents can save £500 to £1250 by using a washable nappy system.

Nappy Laundering services are cheap and convenient for parents and give you time for yourself.

Real nappies are breathable due to the natural materials used to make them.

Real nappies can be used over several children increasing the valued added element to your environmental actions.


How many nappies will I need?
You will be supplied with 50 small nappies per week (less as your baby grows into larger nappies) but just call us if you need more.

Will I need any booster pads for night-time?
Most babies only require the standard pre-fold nappy but some babies may need a booster pad for extra absorbency and these can be supplied as part of the service.

Do we need nappy liners?
We ask you to use liners once baby is weaned and again can supply these to you. These are flushed away with the contents.

How many outer wraps will I need?
We recommend four wraps as they do not need changing at each nappy change unless they are soiled.

How do I care for the outer wraps?
Wraps can be washed at 40 degrees. Close Velcro fastenings and use non-biological detergent. Do NOT use softener.

I have not had my baby yet. Can I book the service in advance?
Yes. - just call us to discuss. When your baby is born, call us and we'll arrange your first collection and delivery.

What if I cannot use Real Nappies all of the time?
For most people using real nappies 100% of the time is unrealistic. We encourage parents to reach a compromise using a selection of cloth nappies and biodegradable disposables to suit their different routines. Remember using cloth nappies occasionally is better than not using them at all.

Is it true that cotton nappies lead to earlier potty training?
We think so. You can look at the nappy and see if the urine is being held and can thus easily spot that the baby is ready for potty training.

What other benefits are there?
It is much nicer to put soft cotton against your baby's bottom rather than gel filled disposables! And babies seem to smell less in cotton nappies.

Are they really better for the environment?
It must be as only about 20 cotton nappies per baby need to be produced as opposed to about 4000 disposable ones. The cotton nappies can also be recycled.

Are cotton nappies affordable?
Yes! If you use a laundry service you get the nappies as part of your weekly fee. Everything else you will need to buy, for example wraps. If you home wash, you will need to buy everything, including about 20 or so cotton nappies. Some Councils offer cash incentives to get mums using cotton nappies. For example, in Essex you will be offered a £10 voucher/cash. (Note: Southend Council offer 12 weeks free laundry service or a complete birth to potty pack - places are limited).

How do I store dirty nappies?
Bins are provided if you use a nappy service or just buy a bin with a lid if you home wash.Bins don't smell but do take up some space and we think they are best left in the garden or an outbuilding. You could always try using a drop of tea tree oil to wipe round the bin if you find it smelly at all. Also don't rinse out the nappies before you put them in the bin - this adds water that activates bacteria and can make them smell.

Are they hygienic/safe?
We think so. Laundry services launder in accordance with NHS standards. If you are home washing, 60 degrees will give them a good clean.

Do you need to use pins or clips?
No that's why you have the wraps to make a secure (snug not tight) fit around baby.

Do they leak?
No more than disposable nappies.

Can I use them at night?
Yes. Although some people also use a booster, an extra large nappy and an extra waterproof wrap, just to make sure baby stays dry.

Can I use them on newborn babies?
Yes. Some people have concerns about rubbing on the navel - but disposables have the same problem. The solution if you face this problem is to get wraps which are "lower cut".

How do I stop any leakage?
There can be some leakage with newborns or breastfed babies, but you'll get the same problem with disposables. The nappies can be folded in different ways to help keep the poo in place!

Do they cause nappy rash?
Nappy rash is usually caused by not changing frequently enough, teething, weaning or the baby being sick. The contact with urine the babies get from cotton nappies strengthens the skin -even some health visitors say this. Disposables tend to be left on for longer because they are so successful at keeping the skin dry, which can lead to nappy rash.

Does my baby bum look big in this?
Sometimes but there are more trousers available now to fit around cotton nappies. It just means finding a brand which fits your baby's shape with a cotton nappy on. Next, Ladybird and Mothercare are all pretty good.

Do nurseries and child minders use them?
Yes some do. Natural Nappies delivers cloth nappies to several nurseries - such as Blooming Babies and Rhymes - and the list is growing. It is always worth asking.

Do they take longer to change?
They can initially if you have been used to disposables. But once you get used to them it can be a nice extra bit of contact with your baby, taking time to change their nappy unhurriedly!

Is a laundry service cheap?
Using a laundry service is slightly more expensive than using some disposable brands but earlier potty training means savings in the longer run, plus these nappies are delivered to your door - no more lugging around big packs of nappies or worrying about running out.

I don't want to use someone else's nappies!
The nappies are very clean when laundered and they are laundered to the same standard as hospital/hotel towels and sheets.

How are the nappies washed?
All nappies are laundered by County Linen who work in close partnership with the Industrial Laundry division of Christeyns (UK). Hygiene claims are validated through accurate temperature measurement, certified by external audit. Thermal disinfection occurs via a 3 minute wash at 72°C (exceeding current UK guidelines). In laundering a three product system is used: soap (to suspend soiling), alkali (to swell fibres allowing for soil removal) and emulsifier (to remove oily stains). This gives a greater degree of control over dosing than conventional washing systems which use a blended version of the three products. Exact product dosing is ensured by using automated flowmeter control. To guard against nappy rash, the final rinse pH is carefully monitored.