Friendly Baby News

Real nappies are up to 40% better for the environment than disposables; a new report from the government has stated today.

The key finding of the report shows that the environmental benefits are achieved by following simple washing guidelines like:

• avoiding tumble drying nappies


• using A-rated appliances


• washing in full loads at no more than 60 degrees

These are all measures recommended by nappy manufacturers and commonly used by parents.

The report highlights that unlike disposables, washable nappies put parents in control of the impact they have on the environment.

Parents using real nappies will also be financially better off. It has long been known that real nappies save parents hundreds of pounds and now this advice on washing methods, which are supported and promoted by the Real Nappy Campaign, will help reduce fuel bills too. The savings in costs and for the environment are even better when real nappies are used on a second child as many families do.

Laura Smith, mum to 8 month old Conner said:
“We already wash all the family laundry at lower temperatures and don’t use a tumble drier. With increasing energy bills I think more people are opting for energy efficient washing options and we’re delighted that this report backs up our decision to use washable nappies.”

An additional concern caused by disposable nappy use, is the pressure on UK landfill sites from the disposal of 690,000 tonnes of nappy waste each year; most of which are landfilled. This issue is not covered by the newly published report yet is still a major concern for consumers and only confirms the environmental benefits of using washable nappies.

Jon Rolls of the Real Nappy Campaign stated:
“The findings of this report will confirm what many real nappy users already felt to be true; they will also alleviate the confusion caused by the earlier Environment Agency report. The clear message to parents is that by using washable nappies sensibly they are opting for the most environmentally friendly nappy option, and saving themselves money. Washable nappies in all shapes, sizes and designs are readily available through independent, online and high street retailers”

Jon Rolls added:
The Real Nappy Campaign clearly has an important ongoing role in continuing the promotion of washable nappies, as well as providing information on how to ensure their environmental impact is minimised. We recognise that real nappy users occasionally find it convenient to use disposable nappies too and we are pleased to see that disposable manufacturers recognise the need to improve the environmental impact of their products. Given the outcome of this report we look forward to constructive dialogue with the disposable industry about how we can help to further reduce the impact of disposables.

Friendly Baby have teamed up with White Ladder Press for the Friendly Baby October Competition. This month we are offering you the chance to win 3 great parenting books.

Why have we teamed up with White Ladder Press?

Most new parents need someone, or something, to turn to for guidance. In this day and age many of us don’t have the luxury of family living nearby to help us muddle through and often find books by leading experts a necessity to help us bring up our children without too many tears being shed in the process. White Ladder Press are publishers of some of the UK’s leading parenting books.

Earlier this year, Antonia Chitty, one of White Ladder Press’ finest authors, released her long-awaited ‘Family Friendly Working’. This book is aimed at those of us who get torn between work and the kids – ie all of us! Antonia has put together a huge amount of guidance, tips and advice to help you find a job you enjoy that doesn’t compromise the kids. You can choose between a job that gives you the hours you need, a hobby you can make money from at home, starting your own business, the flexibility of direct selling or party planning, buying a franchise or even running a web based business from home.

This month, another of Antonia’s books, What To Do When Your Child Hates School, is published. It can be utterly agonising to send your child to school when you know they hate it. Many parents are in tears day after day as a result. And watching all those other parents dropping off happy smiling children makes it feel all the more lonely. Thousands of parents go through the same thing every day. Maybe your child is being bullied, or maybe they’re struggling to keep up. Perhaps they’re bored, or maybe they have social or learning difficulties. Whatever the reason, it makes everyone’s life hell. That’s why Antonia Chitty has put together this guide to coping. You’ll have tried what you can already, but here are lots more ideas too, whatever kind of solution you want. Antonia advises you how to talk to the school to get the problems resolved, how to change schools within the state system, about home education, flexischooling and home tutoring. There is an answer, and this book will help you find it. It may take a little while, but it’s only a matter of time before your child will be happy to get up in the mornings, and may even head off to school with a smile.

White Ladder Press publish many other parenting books which are invaluable to most parents, and we’ve selected three which we think will be useful to all parents as the Friendly Baby October competition prize.

You can get much more information about White Ladder Press.

So to be in with a chance to win 3 great parenting books pop over to our Competition page.