I will be green
Eco-friendly information
Buttons or plastic popper
If you have been using the reusable diapers for a long time it could happen to loose one of the resin snaps or plastic poppers. Sometimes at a haberdasher’s shop they have some models of snaps and the machine to attatch them, you just have to indicate the position (remember that sometimes one snap if not found properly the same, means to change the full stripe of snaps on which you adjust the diaper’s size). Unfortunately the shop where I use to go do not sell the snaps I was looking for, they were so big for jackets!, so the alternative I found were some plastic buttons to be stitched. I only missed one snap and my baby use teh nappies in the last size so could be a quick solution for me. You have to be very carefull unstitching the borders, the impermeable and the interior to be able to introduce your hand and sticth the buttons by hand.
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Riparando i bottoni dei pannolini lavabili
Se usate i pannolini lavabili da un bel po’ può capitare di perdere uno dei bottoni automatici di plastica. In alcuni negozi di merceria si possono trovare dei bottoncini a pressione e hanno anche la macchina per attaccarli, quindi basta indicare la posizione per fare la sostituzione in modo veloce (ricordate che qualche volta un bottoncino, se non si trova dello stesso modello, significa cambiare la striscia completa dei bottoni che regolano la taglia del pannolino). Purtroppo il negozio dove vado spesso non ha dei modelli che cercavo, erano enormi e per giacche!, Per cui l’alternativa che ho trovato sono stati alcuni bottoni di plastica da cucire. Ho solo perso un bottoncino e mia bimba utilizza già i pannolini nell’ultima misura così è stata una soluzione veloce per me. Dovete stare molto attenti nel scucire i bordi, la parte impermeabile e l’interno del pannolino per poter introdurre la mano e cucire i bottoni.
Washable diaper day
Being a mom 100% supporter of washable diapers, I decided to talk about their benefits and promote their use not only on the web but also personally. So after having exchanged some ideas with the owners of Nildi & Co (store specialized in selling items for children located north of Milan, which also sells washable nappies) we have decided to dedicate some days to washable diapers, mothers supporters of washable nappies from their own initiative would have given their contribution to those of interest explaining their use, advantages and be available to answer doubts / questions that people raise about them. The feedback has been positive and we organized the “washable diaper day” in the following way to catch passersby’ eyes:
a. Make the days of “washable nappies” coincide with any other event planned nearby. (In our case there was an artisan market)
b. Recreate visibly the diaper changing of a baby. Then the changing area, doll, washable diapers of different types of washable nappies were available to do the demonstration. In addition we had available the flushable biodegradable veil , waterproof bags for the diapers and lots of leaflets by each washable diaper manufacturer as well as information needed in specific prices of diapers, the starter kit or the price of each piece separately in case it is desired to buy additional accessories (inserts, biodegradable veils, boosters, etc.). We hung some diapers with some hooks simulating they were drying.
Frequently asked questions:
a.How many diapers do I need?
b. Do I have to wash them every day?
c. What is the part of the diaper that I have to wash?
d. How do I deal with dirty diapers?
e. Do we really save money? Aren’t we polluting more and spending more money doing many cycles of laundry?
The answers I’ve already posted here.
Parents and prospective parents who have approached our table felt satisfied getting the answers from a person that is used to washable nappies and that told them frankly about her experience about approaching them. I would just add that parents who expect a second child or the baby has a few months can be conscious of their vantage about economic savings and how can rubish being reduced, while the new parents or future parents it is necessary to point them out how much a single package of disposable diapers cost, Which is the promedia of diapers changes that a baby needs and for how long, the quantity of protective cream you need to apply in order to prevent redness with disposable nappies and the benefits of washable diapers about this (better calendula oil or very little quantities of protective cream to prevent to ruin the absorbency of wasahble diaper) . Also if you are not convinced about the change you can always try using alternating disposable diapers to washable ones, once you have got experience managing with them you will realize the many advantages for your baby and for your pocket.
Thanks to Nildi & Co. to dedicate some days to the washable nappies and to provide what is necessary to promote their usage.
Washable nappy day
Washable diaper leaflets
How to put on a washable diaper
What is a real nappy?
•A real nappy is a washable nappy that can be reused, reducing your financial costs and reducing the amount of rubbish you produce.
•Real nappies are also called as cloth nappies, washable nappies or reusable nappies.
•Most real nappies are composed by a soft absorbent nappy, a flushable or washable liner and a breathable waterproof cover (wrap).
•The nappy liner is put inside the nappy to catch the solid waste and helps to keep moisture away from the baby’s skin. Biodegradable flushable paper liners can be put down the toilet if with solid waste, if are only humid you can put them on your waste bin.
•The waterproof outer cover (wrap) are made from different materials such wool, fleece and breathable PVC. This is the funniest part of nappy are there are many colours and designs available.
Are real nappies practical?
•Modern designs fits perfect and are quick to use. You can select the easy fastenings as Velcro, nappy grips or poppers.
•Made in natural materials real nappies are easy to wash and some of them have very quick drying.
Which types are available?
There is a huge range available to suit every size and shape of baby. There are four main types of real nappy:
-Flat nappies – need to be folded first and put inside a breathable waterproof wrap. Flat nappies is the cheapest option. You can select pre-folds to the traditional terry square.
-Shapped nappies. Need a separate waterproof wrap. The shaped is washed every time is used, while the wrap could remain clean between changes.
-All in One. Have cloth inside stitched to a waterproof cover. Are easy to wash in the washing machine, but can take longer to dry.
- Pocket/ Stuffable nappy- A waterproof wrap with a built in pocket which is filled with absorbent material. The stuffing could be a flat nappy or boosters. They are quick to dry as the stuffing is removed before washing.
What do I need for getting started?
•You will need 12- 30 nappies (25-30 for newborn, fewer for older babies)
•At least 3-4 wraps that can be washed at home at 40º
•Biodegradable or washable liners. Washable liners are racommended also to protect the nappy when you have to apply a medicine to your baby (to keep the absorbency)
•A container with a lid to store used nappies
•A nappy bag if you want to always use them when you are out.
What is the cost?
•You could save around Eur 1.500 by using real nappies rather than disposables. An initial outlay to buy your real nappies is necessary. Anyway this is a one off payment and means you are not constantly paying out for disposables on a weekly basis.
•Basic real nappies can cost less than Eur 2 each. All in One and pocket models cost around from Eur 15 to Eur 26,00. Including the refill.
•Home washing cost around Eur1 per week (including electricity cost, detergent and depreciation on your washing machine).
•You can achieve further savings by using the same real nappies on your second baby.
•Second hand nappies can be found on different websites.
Washing and drying real nappies?
•Real nappies do not need to be soaked, boiled, scrubbed or machined at 95º. Washing machines and detergents are efficient to be washed at 40º-60º.
•Biodegradable nappy liners can be flushed down the toilet with any solid waste. Washable liners can go in the wash with your nappies.
•Soiled nappies can be put through on a rinse cycle prior to the rest of the household wash being added.
•Real nappies can be line dried or simply placed on an airer in a warm room to dry
•You can do more using ecological detergents. Actually in the market there are many options at reasonable prices. Think that this detergent can be used making laundry to all family avoiding allergic reactions.
•If you are only making a full load of nappies can easily use baking soda and white vinegar ( pun in separate basket otherwise one eliminate the effect of the other). You will see they will be clean and odourless.
What about nappy rash?
•How often you change your baby can also determine whether they get nappy rash, not the type of nappy they are in.
•Your baby is no more likely to get nappy rash from wearing real nappies than from disposables.
Do they real nappy leak?
•Select carefully the right size according your baby shape to avoid leakages. There is a wide choice of products available so choosing the right one will not be difficult.
•You can use booster pads to make the nappy more absorbent if needed. They are especially useful at night.
If you have any doubt to select the model contact a local agent or navigate through websites and read forums beforehand.