A
page for health professionals
and people caring for infants in nappies
This page is specifically for health professionals and those involved in caring for babies and infants in nappies. Thank you for visiting this page. We understand that your time is precious and we appreciate any help you can offer.
Government at all levels has now got the message that disposable nappies are a waste of resources and a nightmare for landfill/incineration. However we need your help to get the message across to parents. YOU are the people who influence; YOU are the people that first-time parents trust.
Parents have the right to choose, but at the moment very few are informed of alternatives to disposable nappies. What we would like you to do is invite us to give short demonstrations of modern cotton nappies – this can take as little as five minutes. Alternatively we can supply leaflets and/or postcards. We also attend stalls at fairs and information events.
Nappy Ever After is contracted by several London boroughs to show people what modern cotton nappies look like and to let them know that home washing can save them money and is not difficult if you have a washing machine and drying facilities. Alternatively, a laundry service is available which can be especially useful during the first few months.
Real Nappies for London Vouchers
North London Waste Authority and most London boroughs are funding a discount for parents who buy washable nappies or sign up with an approved nappy laundry service.
These are the messages about cotton nappies, which health and childcare professionals can put across:
- There should be unbiased information available to parents on the alternatives to disposable nappies.
- Cotton nappies are highly absorbent and do not need to be changed more frequently than any nappy should be.
- Cotton nappies also have the benefit of indicating whether the baby is drinking enough or is getting dehydrated – during fever, for example.
- Bare bottom time is a happy and healthy time for the baby – just put a few cotton nappies under baby's bottom.
- Parents can save money on home washing.
- It is important to promote the nappy washing service as a norm rather than a luxury. In particular we do not want to encourage people to take on home-washing nappies if it will be difficult and cause additional stress.
- The fact that cotton nappies get wet helps the parent judge when the toddler is gaining bladder control and when s/he is ready for potty/night. This can make potty training far more effective, easier and less stressful for parent/carer and child.
For more information on the use of cotton nappies contact the Women's Environmental Network
at www.wen.org.uk.
For local nappy suppliers and laundry services call their
Nappy Line on
01983 401 959.