Argyll & Bute Real Nappy Network (ABRNN)
Project Aim
The overall aim of the Argyll & Bute Real Nappy Network is to develop a sustainable, long-term approach to promoting reusable cloth nappies as an alternative to disposable nappies, thus reducing the amount of waste going to landfill sites in Argyll and Bute.


Please click on the links below to find out more about various aspects of the work of the Argyll and Bute Real Nappy Network (ABRNN).

* Objectives
* What is a real Nappy?
* Types of Nappies
* Why Use Real Nappies?
* How Can We Help?
* Nappies For Sale & Wanted
* Further Information & Local Contact Details
* Links to other useful sites

 
Objectives
  • To establish a network of volunteer real nappy users throughout the area.
  • Provide low cost starter packs and hire kits so that parents and carers can try a variety of nappies to see what suits them best before they buy.
  • To form a structured network between parents, healthcare professionals, local authorities and local businesses promoting the use of real nappies.
  • Promote wider use of real nappies by sending out letters with contact details to all relevant organizations and facilities in the area.
  • Provide information, support and advise about real (washable) nappies
  • Encourage local retailers to stock reusable nappies.
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What is a Real Nappy?
The world has moved on from the days of old terry towelling nappies with pins and soaking required. Today easy-care, shaped nappies in natural or fleece fabrics, breathable wraps, poppers and Velcro are now the norm.

Real nappies consist of three parts:

The Liner – goes between nappy and baby,  can be biodegradable disposable paper liners or fleece ones that can be washed and reused.

The Nappy – absorbs the wetness and now comes in many shapes and sizes!

The Cover - keeps the whole nappy together and is generally leak-proof and breathable.
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Types of Nappies
Flat nappies
Flat nappies are made of squares of towelling or cotton and can be folded to make a pad (pre-fold), which is held in place by a cover (wrap). A one way liner should be used with flat nappies.
Shaped nappies
This style needs no folding. They are shaped like a disposable Picture here? of little lamb and used with a liner and cover. They have elasticated legs  and waist, and fasten with Velcro or poppers.
All-in-one
All-in-one nappies are shaped nappies with the nappy leak-proof cover (wrap) all in one piece. Just requires a liner between nappy and baby.
One size fits all
These are shaped nappies which can be adjusted to fit babies from birth to potty using poppers. They still require a liner and cover.
Birth to Potty
These are available in Pre-fold, Shaped and All-in-One types, and allow you to adjust the size of the nappies, using poppers,  to fit your growing baby. You will only need to have one set, which should last from birth (or approximately 10lbs) until your baby has potty trained. 		 
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Why use Real Nappies?

 
  • Disposable nappies cause a major waste problem. Using real nappies, even for just some of the time, reduces the number of disposables going to landfill. Nappies are estimated to take over 200 years to breakdown, so as disposable nappies were invented in the 1950’s that means that every disposable nappy ever used is still in existence somewhere!
  • Can save you money! Real nappies can save you anything from £500-£1000 compared to the cost of disposables (WEN, 2006), especially if you use the same nappies for a second child.
  • Real nappies are easy to use, they need no soaking or boiling, a biodegradable liner means you can just flush them (with solids) down the toilet and wash nappies on 60°C. And they come in funky styles and colours
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How Can we Help?
Argyll & Bute Real Nappy Network can now supply Starter Packs (pictured on left) at subsidised cost.

The pack contains four different nappy types with two wraps and a pack of liners. Everything you need to get you started – so come on give them a try! Costing between £40-50 yours for £10.

Starter Packs are available for 10-20lb (4-10kg) babies and 20-35lb (10-18kg) babies.

We can also offer to parents & carers in the Argyll & Bute area the chance to borrow one of our Lending Kits (pictured right) to help you work out which type of nappy will suit you best.

They come in 2 sizes:
* Small 0 to 6 months
* Large 6 to 24 months

This kit contains 12 nappies, 4 wraps and liners. These are hired for 3 weeks to allow you to try more varieties and see what might suit you best. There may be some variations in the pack, but there will be a good selection of nappies for you see and try before you buy.

They can be hired for 3 weeks for £10 with a returnable deposit of £40. The nappies must be returned having been washed on a minimum temperature of 60oc using a non-biological washing powder (please do not use fabric softener when washing, as this can affect the absorbency).
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Nappies for Sale and Wanted
Please use our bulletin board to advertise your real nappies for sale, or place a "wanted" ad.  The bulletin board will open in a new window.
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Further Information & Local Contact  Details
For more information, advice, to reserve a Starter Pack, or to arrange a demonstration please contact Caroline Askew (full details on our contact page)
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Our Sponsors - The Grab Trust is funded by the following organisations
 

The Group for Recycling in Argyll & Bute Trust Limited

c/o Argyll & Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll. PA31 8RT, Tel: 01546 600165

Company No.197229 Scottish Charity No. SC 0290154