main content Real nappies hit hospital wards

As part of the national Real Nappy Week campaign, Bromley Council, working in partnership with The Princess Royal University Hospital and local nappy laundry service Bumbletots Ltd, offered the parents of every newborn the chance to use real nappies during their stay. Using real nappies as opposed to disposables has both environmental, financial and health benefits.

Kay Spurrier, Environment Promotions Officer said, “Over 35,000 disposable nappies are thrown away each day in Bromley, this equates to roughly 4% of all Bromley’s household waste. Modern day cloth nappies are easy to use and can be washed on a 60º cycle. However, if you are not keen on washing the nappies yourself you can use a local laundry service.”

The nappies were provided in the delivery suite and on the maternity ward. Maternity staff commented that “It has been really encouraging to see so many parents so keen to use real nappies. The staff have been enthusiastic about making the change too!”

On average parents spend about £750 per child on disposable nappies over 2.5 years. Using real nappies can save families up to half this cost and even more if the nappies are used for other siblings. Real nappies are mostly made from natural fabrics and are therefore breathable and comfortable. Unlike disposables they do not contain super-absorbent chemicals.

Parents and parents-to-be were also given the opportunity to find out more about choosing and using real nappies at a clothie coffee morning in Bromley during real nappy week. Visitors were able to purchase reduced price nappies and chat to experts who have personal experience in using real nappies for their children.

The Council offers a £30 reward for parents using real nappies. Call 020 8313 4913 for more information about the reward scheme or real nappies in general.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The national Real Nappy Week, is organised by the Women’s Environmental Network and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. 
• Real nappies were made available to new parents from Monday 24th April - Sunday 30th April 2006 at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough. 
• The Clothie coffee morning was held at Community House, South Street, Bromley on Friday 28th April between 10am - 12 noon. 
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or Kay Spurrier, Environment Promotions Officer on 020 8313 4913 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk