Cloth nappy keeps mum happy

Vicky Mair and daughter Ruby are keeping it real.

The Herne Bay mother is among a growing number of parents turning away from disposable nappies in favour of modern cloth nappies.

Vicky says she began using cloth nappies when Ruby was five months old and she’s never looked back.

"They were better than I thought they were going to be," she says.

"At first I wasn’t going to use them because I thought they were really bulky.

"But then a friend from my coffee group showed me the ones she had and they were really beautiful and streamlined."

Vicky says unlike old cloth nappies which needed folding, big safety pins and constant soaking, modern cloth nappies are simple to use and easy to clean.

"They’re really easy and once you’ve started using them you realise they’re not a hassle at all.

"You feel like you’re doing something for the environment and you save money too," she says.

The Nappy Network, which next week is helping to celebrate International Real Nappy Week, says parents like Vicky are a growing trend.

Member Shyrel Burt says the use of cloth nappies has grown in the last two to three years because of increased awareness of environmental issues and recycling.

"More than half of parents are using them at least parttime now," she says.

The Nappy Network will kick off Real Nappy Week with a nappy expo, to be held this Saturday at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall from 10am to 3pm.

Shyrel says the expo is a chance for parents to see the huge range of cloth nappies available and watch demonstrations.

A sewing tutorial will also be held for people who want to try their hand at making their own
nappies.

Vicky says people thinking about using real nappies should look at all of the options available and choose a system that’s right for them.

"You can get them in so many different colours and styles. It’s just a case of trying them and seeing what’s best for you and your baby."

For more information on The Nappy Network and events planned for Real Nappy Week, visit www.thenappynetwork.org.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News