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Nappies

For further information, please contact

Environmental Services

Tel: 01276 707330 or
Tel: 01276 707329
environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk

Surrey Heath House
Knoll Road
Camberley
Surrey GU15 3HD

Useful Links
Real Nappy Campaign Opens in a new window

Download Nappy Grant Form
Nappy Form Opens in a new window

Babies need nappies - but which type should you choose?

It is estimated that in the UK 84% of nappy changes involve disposables. However it is worth considering that using re-usable nappies saves money as well as reducing the amount of material that goes to landfill!

The choice is not just between disposables and terries. There are many other options available, such as a nappy washing service.


Comfort & Health

• Many mothers feel that cloth is more comfortable for their babies.
• There is no evidence to show the Nappy Rash is more common amongst babies using re-usable nappies.
• A baby may excrete live polio vaccine for several weeks. The virus can survive in landfill sites and could contaminate groundwater.

The Environment

• Disposable nappies make up 4% of household waste and up to 50% of the waste of a family with a baby.
• The share of waste costs in the UK arising from the disposal of nappies is approximately £40 million.
• Nappies are found as litter at road sites, in car parks, public toilets and residential areas and are the second most common clinical waste litter problem after syringes.
• In the United Kingdom, no system for the recycling of disposable nappies is currently in use. It is unlikely that the recovery of the components or the superabsorbent chemicals would be financially viable.

What You Can Do!
Make a judgement as to the merits of different types of nappies.

If you decide on reusable:

• Set a washing routine that fits around your life
• Experiment with alternative washing routines
• Let your baby go bare as much as possible
• Consider a nappy washing service

Nappy Grants
Surrey Heath Borough Council supports the use of re-usable nappies and offers a small grant to those mothers who choose to use either re-usable nappies or the local nappy washing service. Please contact Gill White on 01276 707329 or gill.white@surreyheath.gov.uk. for more information.

Surrey Real Nappy Network
The Surrey Real Nappy Network provides parents, health professionals, childminders or in fact anyone who cares for babies or toddlers in nappies with a source of information. Real Nappy Campaign Opens in a new window

Visit "http://www.surreywaste.info/graphic/docs/tackling/nappy_network.htm">www.surreywaste.info/graphic/docs/tackling/nappy_network.htm Opens in a new window or contact Dawn McCarron, Surrey Real Nappy Network Coordinator on telephone 07768 916276 or email surreyrnn@btinternet.com for further information.