Getting started with real nappies

Now you know the basics you need to know how to get started using real nappies. There’s more information about the types of nappy you can choose on the following pages, here we’ll help you decide what is the best way to introduce real nappies in your home.

Some families dive straight in, and get a full set of nappies before their baby is even born. If you are going to do this, make sure you are not fooled by ‘Birth to Potty Pack’ offers, which might seem like great value, but do you really want to spend money on a nappy and wrap that is maybe not going to fit for a couple of months or in some cases longer, before you know if that system works for you?

Many families successfully use real nappies part of the time to begin with, and build up to using more & more as their babies grow and they get more confident with their nappy system. Using real nappies doesn’t have to be an ‘all or nothing’ choice, you can mix and match different nappies as suits you and your baby. The most important thing is how many nappies your baby wears up to potty training, not how many you buy to start with!

To wash or not to wash?

If you want to start washing at home straight away, then think about getting a trial pack which contain samples of flat, fitted and all-in-one nappies and a few waterproof wraps. It is a great way of finding out which nappy system might be best for you and baby. Call the WWT for more details about our free trial packs.

Waterproof wraps don’t need to be changed with every nappy, which is why you don’t need as many wraps as nappies. You can build up your nappy kit as you go along, and a good idea is to try the more economical styles of nappy first, so you don’t spend to much if the style doesn’t suit you and your baby, but will save you a lot if it does!!

If washing at home isn’t for you, then a gentle introduction to real nappies can be found with a nappy laundry service. Many laundry services offer everything you need. No need to wash anything, you hire everything you need, and once a week you leave your used nappies out which will be swapped for a fresh, clean supply of nappies sterilized to exceed NHS standards.

Some parents use a nappy laundry service for a couple of months to get used to using real nappies, while someone else is doing the laundry. The laundry service costs are around the same as disposable nappies and have the added advantage of someone calling to your home every week if you have any questions.

The next step

You can find out more about the different types of nappy but it can actually help to see the nappies for yourself. You can ask your midwife or health visitor if they hold a sample pack, contact your local council as some hold displays or samples or call the WWT Real Nappy Network Co-ordinator, Gary Lamont, to find out more and even arrange a visit with him or your nearest nappy advisor.