Trial Kits and Laundry Services
Real nappy trial kits
Real nappies will save you money in the long run but it is money up front and how do you know you are making the right choice of nappy from the huge range now available? The best way to ensure making the right choice is by using a trial pack. Trial packs are a selection of nappies and wraps sent to you in order for you to try a few styles and brands of nappies. These packs give you first hand experience of using, washing and drying different types of real nappies.
Most companies let you chose a range of real nappies and wraps to borrow others have a set trial kit. All companies charge a refundable deposit this is to cover any loss or damage to the nappies. On top of this will be a charge for the hire of the nappies this can vary but prices start from £25 for a 2 week trial.
Most companies will offer you a discount if you buy nappies from them once the trial has finished. Remember you don’t have to buy all of the same type of nappy many parents like to mix and match their real nappies as some are more suited to night time use, when babies are in nursery or just for fun!
The nappies in these packs are not usually new, they are used but in good condition and washed thoroughly in between customers.
If you do not want to hire used nappies some companies sell new kits so you can try out a few kinds of nappies before buying a whole set.
Here are some of the companies who supply trial packs:
Mami Green - Cardiff
Pembs Real Nappies - Pembrokeshire
BabyKind - All Wales
Cotton Tails - North East Wales
Plush Pants - All Wales
Little Pants - All Wales
Simply Nappies - Shrewsbury & North Powys
Here are some companies who sell new trial kits:
BabyKind
Bebeco
Twinkle on the Web
Lizzies Real Nappies
Little Lambs
Babame
Real Nappy Hire
Another option is to hire your real nappies on a weekly basis rather than forking out for a whole set. You usually hire more than one type of real nappy which will give you an opportunity to try a few different styles. Your hire pack will initially contain a selection of different nappy types including pre folds, shapes and all in ones. It will also contain a selection of wraps and boosters. As you go on you can change the selection of nappies to suit your needs. The same system applies to wraps, if you prefer pink wraps to white ones you simply swap! All this is included in the weekly cost so there are no extra charges.
Costs vary depending on which type of nappy you decide to use but can start from about £4.50 a week. The hire company will also ask for a refundable deposit, this will also depend on which nappy type you choose.
South Wales Nappies in Monmouthshire run a nappy hire scheme. Call Catherine on 01291 430227, visit www.southwalesnappies.co.uk or e-mail hire@southwalesnappies.co.uk.
Laundry Services
Real nappy laundry services provide clean nappies straight to your door once a week. If you are keen on using real nappies and not so keen on the washing then using a nappy laundry service could be for you.
Real nappy laundries supply you with around 50 - 70 nappies, biodegradable liners and a nappy bin. When you change baby just flush the biodegradable liner down the toilet and put the soiled nappy into the nappy bin. On the day of collection the laundry service will collect your soiled nappies and leave you with a clean supply of nappies for the coming week.
Real nappy laundries wash their nappies at 95ºC so that they are completely thermally disinfected and thoroughly rinsed three times to remove any residue of detergent.
Laundry services can provide you with the waterproof wraps that you will need to use, you can either buy or rent the correct size for your baby. The washing of these wraps is the customers’ responsibility and these can be put in with your usual laundry or washed by hand.
Most laundry services will offer to visit you at home to explain how their service works and get the service up and running.
Real nappy laundry services vary in cost and can depend on how many nappies and wraps you are provided with. Prices can start from around £8.50 and go up to £12 a week. Some companies also charge a set up fee to cover the cost of admin and you laundry bin. All companies give discounts if you have more that one child using the service.
In Wales there are 2 real nappy laundry companies:
South Wales Nappies who cover: Monmouthshire, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Newport, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Brecon and Swansea.
Go to www.southwalesnappies.co.uk for more details.
Cotton Tails who cover: Wrexham, Flintshire and parts of East Denbighshire.
Go to www.cottontails.co.uk for more details.
