Some babies, and carers, are sensitive to disposable nappies. The simplest and cheapest alternative is to use cotton Terry towelling washable nappies, sold by Boots the Chemist and Mothercare among others. Do not use sterilising agents for soaking. For disinfecting and killing smells, you can use one tablespoonful of Domestic Borax (available from Boots the Chemist) per nappy bucket. Do not use one-way liners, or other nappy liners.
For waterproof nappy protection, plastic nappy pants give off fumes at first, but do not do so once washed a couple of times. Wash and air before use. Tie-on plastic pants, sold by Boots the Chemist, give off less fumes than pull-on pants.
Other options, especially if you are sensitive to plastic pants, are reusable one-piece nappies which can be disinfected with Borax as above and washed. These have a 100 per cent cotton lining and some form of waterproof layer or cover – usually a synthetic fabric or fibre, but kept away from baby’s skin. Boots the Chemist sell one brand called Bumkins.
If you have to avoid all types of plastic or synthetic fibre, The Green Catalogue sell Dappers which are very thick 100 per cent cotton nappies which have no waterproofing layers – damp but pure! If you or your baby are allergic to cotton, they also sell 100 per cent wool reusable nappies.
If you or your baby are sensitive to sterilising agents or laundry agents, do not use laundered nappy services, or else take care. Check what agents your local nappy hire service uses on their nappies.
Do not use baby “wipes on baby’s bottom. Use damp cloths at home, or take a damp cloth or natural sponge with you in a toilet bag as part of the change-kit.
For nappy rash, the best treatment is to leave a naked bottom out in the air, and to change nappies very frequently. Nappy rash often clears spontaneously if food or chemical sensitivity is sorted out. If you really need a soothing cream on chapped, sore parts, Calendula homeopathic cream works well: use sparingly and infrequently as it is alcohol-based. Do not use it on broken skin or eczema.
Nappy change mats are usually made of plastic-covered synthetic foam. Avoid using these if you can, as they can give off strong fumes, especially when new. If you do use one, wash it well before use and auto remove fumes. See below for advice on using second-hand equipment. As an alternative to change mats, use a towel on a waterproof floor or surface. You could also use a towel over a waterproof plastic cot sheet, which gives off less fumes and is less troublesome than a change mat. Wash these a few times and air before using. These are useful to carry with you for changes outside the home.
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