We get lots of people talking to us about washable, cloth, reusable nappies (call them what you like!). Now, while we obviously think they are the best thing since sliced bread, we can see that they can be confusing for someone coming to them for the first time. Therefore we have come up with our top tips for getting started.

1. Do some research. A bit of online website hopping will do. Some people go the whole hog, buy a birth to potty kit (ie all the
nappies you will need from birth to potty) and then find that they don't like the nappy system they have chosen. It really does make sense to find out what the options are. You could start on our 'Washable Nappies - In Detail' page.

2. See if you can find a washable nappy ally. This could be just a fellow parent who already uses washables or a nappy advisor who can show you some nappies 'in-the-flesh' (look out for 'nappuccinos'). Do be a bit wary of those who are employed to promote a certain make though. It is good to get an independent overview (if possible). The important thing is to look at them in the flesh and have someone to share tips and knowledge with.

3. See if you can buy a trial mixed pack. This is not essential - after the research you have done, you may be able to decide. However, if you are still a bit uncertain, see if you can get a few different types to try. You will end up with e.g. 4 nappies, 2 of which won't be your favourite. However, they will still be good back-up alongside the full set you decide to buy. And example of one of these can be found here (NapNap Voucher accepted!).

4. Don't expect to be supermum/dad. Just start by using a few until you find your own rhythm. Having a baby is a big deal and you don't need extra stress! But introduce them over time (don't worry about using them from birth..... 6 months is a perfectly respectable time to start) and you will soon wonder what all the fuss was about.

5. Did we mention the NapNap Voucher? It gets you money for nappies from friends. You will have over 15 shops to choose from and you won't just save money when you're buying; you may never have to buy disposables again! Now that's a practical present and a half! Also look into any incentive schemes your local council might be running. You might be eligible for cashback or trial packs through them.

How does that sound? If you have any thoughts on this we would love to hear from you. And good luck in your washable nappy adventures.

NapNap is run by two of us. It is a partnership and it works brilliantly. We would never have expected to be here but having children really changes how you can work and how you can pursue a career etc. My big beef is the COMPLETE INEQUALITY of maternity vs paternity leave (but I'll breath deeply and save that for another day). Suffice it to say, I myself am quite suprised to find I am the main childcarer, having been brought up as an 80s and 90s 'women can have it all' kind of girl. (Hah!)

But how do I manage this with running  a business and and other freelance work besides? Let me tell you a little secret. Find yourself a nice friend who wants to do as much as you do and take it in turns.

It is not quite as mechanical as that but it has been a complete godsend meeting another mum who is basically tied to being at home but who also wants to be busy and create something. I still worked as a Head of Department for two years after having my first. And she still taught French with two of her own. We shared the childcare and it worked a dream. In fact, through juggling all this together we decided we were such a good team that we decided to set up shop. Hence NapNap and the Really Eco Baby Shop!

So tomorrow (Children in Need) I am going to be able to go to one of our children's nurseries to paint spots on their faces to raise a bit of money, while Steph, quite literally holds the babies. This is how we do it. Our children practically have extra siblings, it gives us a bit of flexibility, and some much needed room to actually use our brains.

Children in Need at the Really Eco Baby Shop - for Children in Need we are giving 50% of our profits to charity. A great day to do some Christmas Shopping!

It didn't get published. So I though I would share my response to this article with you here. 

Dear Editor,
 
I am wary about complaining about last week's 'Nappy Endings' article - I know I run the risk of adding to the image of the washable nappy mafia. I am, of course, delighted that washable nappies reared their heads (bottoms?) and am a big fan of Lucy Siegle's column. However, I was surprised that gNappies and such hybrid nappy systems were given the thumbs-up.
The inserts in hybrid systems may well be biodegradeable but how many of these are really going to end up being composted responsibly? We briefly considered biodegradeables and we contacted our own council and Naty (a biodegradeable disposable nappy producer) about the best way to dispose of their nappies. We were told that the only way was landfill. So biodegradeable nappies, whether inserts or complete, are no doubt going to be wending their way to degrade anaerobically, releasing methane and adding to the already highly contaminated landfill areas.
And 'the drudgery' of eco nappies? I think it was this that I baulked at the most. I have a washing machine; it washes. I am not up to my elbows in soap suds and wringing nappies through a mangle every two days... if that is what a mangle is for? I wouldn't know. I am a 21st century girl. I work. My washable nappies are fuss free. The only time I think of drudgery is when I change my daughter in changing rooms when I am out and about and have to hold my nose because of the stink coming from poo-ridden nappy bins. Which is where, believe you me, these 'eco-inserts' are going to end up. 
Yours faithfully,
 
Rebecca Leek

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NapNap - Bottoms in Bloom
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