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The debate between real nappies and their disposable counterparts is something that an increasing number of parents are becoming aware of. With over eight million disposable nappies going to landfill each day in the UK alone it is easy to see why so many people are looking at other options.

In 2006 the Environment Agency carried out an independent survey which looked at the benefits of cloth nappies over disposables. They concluded that whether parents use disposable or cloth nappies makes little difference to the environment.

This was because, despite the staggeringly high levels of waste created by disposable nappies, re-usable nappies affected the environment in other ways, such as the extra water required to clean them.

The Suffolk Real Nappy Network

From humble beginnings

The Suffolk Real Nappy Network is a not for profit organisation that is working to increase the use of cloth nappies to help reduce waste.

The organisation was formed in 2002 by a group of local nuns who were concerned about the lack of information for parents about cloth nappies.

They started running nappuccino events (coffee and nappy talk) in village halls and later the organisation was able to open a small shop in Museum Street, Ipswich.

The funding for the retail facility comes mainly from purchases made within the shop, but also from external funding as their Retail Coordinator Louise Cockerall explained.

A selection of the nappies on offer

"We did get some funding and support from the local authorities to help get the shop fitted out, but a lot of the finance came from the money the network had already made. We have managed to secure funding recently via educational outreach services at Suffolk County Council."

One of the organisation's main aims is to increase the use of cloth nappies across the public sector within Suffolk, and the organisation offers outreach services at hospices, colleges and children's centres where the range of nappies can be demonstrated.

The shop itself provides a comfortable environment for parents to feed their babies and learn more about the products available. Far from the traditional image of cloth nappies, Louise showed me a huge and slightly confusing array of colours, shapes and sizes, with no pins in sight.

Getting started

"Usually if someone comes into the shop they don't have much idea about the nappies or if they have done some research they are usually quite overwhelmed by it," said Louise.

"We'd usually sit them down with an information pack and show them some samples so that they can get an idea of what's available. We'll also talk about how you wash the nappies, how you store the nappies and the cost implications as well."

Indeed, one reason that many parents choose disposable nappies, aside from their supposed convenience, is the initial cost implications that cloth nappies bring. To get started with cloth nappies can cost between 拢100-拢300, but Louise explained that this doesn't need to limit the possibilities for their use.

Real nappies

"Certainly to buy re-usable nappies is expensive initially, but if you compare that monetary cost to well in excess of 拢1000 that you could be spending on disposable nappies the cost saving there is quite enormous," said Louise.

Traditional misconceptions

"There is a misconception that you've made work for yourself with cloth nappies. When you've got a newborn baby you've got a lot more washing to do anyway and it's just another load every other day."

Another benefit for parents using cloth nappies rather than disposables is that one set can be used for two, and in some cases three, different children.

Louise said cloth nappies also have other uses: "Certainly if you're using the traditional square nappies people will still be washing their cars with them 10 years later. They just double up as so many other things.

Louise Cockerall, Retail Coordinator

"You don't buy a T-shirt and wear it only once and the same principle applies to nappies."

There are a number of other facilities available at the Real Nappy Network to not only assist with financial issues but to also boost the possibilities for being environmentally friendly.

In conjunction with the Ipswich Credit Union they offer a low cost loan specifically for parents on low incomes, which allows people to get themselves started. They also have a very well used second hand nappy exchange, which Louise explained can really help new parents.

"Certainly it makes things more environmentally friendly because we are recycling the nappies. But basically when people are finished with their nappies they just sell them on for a discount price and people can pick up some nappies at half or two thirds what they would normally be."

With the component parts of disposable nappies taking up to 500 years to decompose (according to Suffolk County Council) it seems hard to imagine that real nappies don't offer at least a small environmental benefit.

Ultimately it will be up to parents to decide what suits them, their lifestyle and, of course, their child.