Nappies are a huge expense. They are a necessity for parents, so we often take the cost for granted, and because we get used to buying them on a weekly basis, the overall cost is probably never considered. But when you consider that one baby will need upwards of 6,000 nappies over a two-year period, it certainly adds up.
Cloth nappies, as well as now being back in fashion, are a much cheaper option. They could save you up to €1,000 for the first baby, and even more if you keep them and use them for subsequent children, and the added bonus is that you’d be doing your bit for the environment.
Figures suggest that over eight million nappies are thrown into landfill every day in the UK and Ireland, with the average disposable taking from 200 to 500 years to decompose.
Here in Ireland, we are lagging behind our UK neighbours in adopting the cloth nappy culture. There are still memories of terry towels and safety pins, and people often see it as being backward instead of forward. In the UK, 35 per cent of parents use or have used reusable nappies for their baby. In Ireland, estimates range from one to five per cent of parents trying reusables for their child.
Cloth nappies are not what they used to be. Gone are the large safety pins and terry towels. They are now stylish, fashionable, and easy to use. They are also the most bum-friendly option with soft breathable materials and no plastics, chemicals, or gels. Because the cotton is naturally breathable, it allows the baby to regulate his body temperature more effectively, lessening the likelihood of nappy rash and other irritations.
Bambino Mio is the leading brand of reusable nappies in the UK, known for being easy to use and offering great value for money. Now available at Evergreen Healthfoods, Bambino Mio’s two-piece nappy system is better for you and better for your baby. Made of 100 per cent cotton, the mionappy is beautifully soft on your baby’s skin and helps the skin to breathe naturally, helping to reduce the incidence of nappy rash and other skin ailments.
The 100 per cent cotton nappy is simply placed in the waterproof cover and fastened around baby’s tummy using Velcro® style fasteners. Nappy covers come in a range of designs including brilliant white, funky spots, and cool stars. They are a fashionable, fun, and funky modern alternative.
Products in the Bambino Mio range include the mionappy, miosoft nappy covers, and biodegradable mioliners. Nappy sets are an ideal, cost effective way of buying reusable nappies. The sets are ideal as a starter pack and are available from €60.75. Specialist packs are also available to order from Evergreen; the Birth to Potty pack retails at €299 and is the easiest way to buy all the basics your child will need from birth to potty.
Evergreen Healthfoods will host a cloth nappy demonstration this Friday at its Westside branch. The event is part of a natural baby morning event taking place at Evergreen in the Westside Shopping Centre from 11am to 1pm. The event is an ideal way to find out more about the full range of natural baby products available from Evergreen Healthfoods.
For more information on cloth nappies or any other natural baby products go to www.evergreen.ie
