Reusable Nappy Week Press Release

For a Better Bottom Line

Reusable Nappy Week 19 - 25 March

For immediate release: March 7, 2007

The amount of money that can be saved with reusable nappies is the focus of events being held across Australia during Reusable Nappy Week (March 19 -25).

Lucy Westerman, Director of the Australian Nappy Network and National Co-ordinator of Reusable Nappy Week, said there are significant savings to be made: "Parents are having to tighten their belts with grocery and petrol prices going through the roof. Single use nappies just add $20 a week onto the budget, but by using reusable nappies you can offset these extra costs.

"A fitted premium cloth nappy system, which will last a child from birth through to using the toilet can cost as little as $700. To keep a child in single use nappies for the same amount of time will cost nearly $3000 and for two children it will cost up to $6000.

"Depending on the type of reusable nappies you use, it is possible to save $2000, with that amount increasing when the same nappies are used on a second or third child."

Parents have also chosen the reusable option for environmental reasons and their child's comfort.

Michael, a Melbourne father using a nappy service on his son, said he chose reusable nappies because they're easy and single use nappies took so long to break down.

He said: "The nappy service has been very convenient and nappies are surprisingly easy to put on. If you think cloth nappies equals safety pins, then you can't possibly imagine how easy it is these days."

Ms Westerman also dismissed any old-fashioned associations.

She said: "Parents have much more choice these days, gone are the days of pins, and complicated origami folding. Reusable nappies have come a long way and their look is very modern and they are made of breathable and environmentally sustainable fabrics like hemp and bamboo." Reusable nappies are more comfortable for your child because they make clever use of modern moisture-wicking fabrics that can help eliminate wetness against babies' skin.

It's also recommended not to soak reusable nappies or wash them in bleach, minimising any exposure to skin irritating chemicals.

Modern, energy efficient washing machines do all the laundering work required and harnessing the sanitising and drying power of the sun makes reusable nappies the ideal choice in the Australian climate.

Details of all events being held during Reusable Nappy Week can be seen at www.modernclothnappies.org

Interview opportunities are available with the national / local co-ordinator of Reusable Nappy Week Lucy Westerman on 0417 100 423 (or insert your local contact here). Lucy has a 2-year-old son in nappies and is expecting her second child in April.

Media contact: email publicity@modernclothnappies.org.

Notes to Editors:

Calculation of how much can be saved with reusable nappies

Disposable Nappies

Single Use Nappy - 35cents each
6 changes a day for 2.5 years = $1916.25
Baby wipes - $6.70 (tub of 80) per fortnight = $3.35/week ($435)
Nappy change disposal bags 75 pack $3 = $1.50/week ($195)
One year night nappies toddler $1.02 each = $372.30
Total cost full-time disposables one child
Over 2.5 year average + 1 year in night nappies = $2918.55
Total cost for two children = $5837.10

(Does not include cost of a nappy wrapper or refills - this would add $69.95 for the wrapper and a further $18.95-$21.95 for refill cartridges)

Figures based on www.colesonline.com.au (March 2007) and nappy wrapper and cartridges from www.babiesgalore.com.au (March 2007)

Reusable Nappies

Cheapest option
Premium terry squares 10 pack $34.95 x3 = $105
24 reusable nappy liners (pack of 6 $2.50) = $10
25 reusable nappy wipes (pack 5 $4) = $20
6 snappi closures or packet of nappy pins = $24
10 nappy covers all sizes $20 each = $200
Laundry costs = $50/year

Total cost full time cloth nappies = $484

Figures based on terry squares from www.babiesgalore.com.au Reusable wipes, liners and snappi closures available from online retailers of reusable nappy products.

Laundry information http://www.ozclothnappies.org/info.html#laundrycost

Premium/Fitted Nappy Option
Full-time nappy package
25 quality hemp or bamboo fitted nappies
8 covers
Overnight boosters and wipes = $615.00
24 reusable nappy liners (pack of 6 $2.50) = $10
Laundry costs = $50/year

Total cost full time fitted nappies = $750

Figures based on Reusable nappies, wipes, liners and snappi closures available from online retailers of reusable nappy products. Laundry information http://www.ozclothnappies.org/info.html#laundrycost

Please see www.modernclothnappies.org for facts and figures on single use nappies in Australia and see the glossary for detailed information on the reusable nappy systems available.

The newly formed Australian Nappy Network(tm) is an independent non-profit advocacy organisation. The group was announced February 2007. The organisation's mission is to objectively support and educate the community on the health, environmental and financial advantages of reusable nappies, using up to date research findings and practical experiences of many parents.

The Royal Women's Hospital website also contains useful environmental, financial and health information about disposable vs. cloth nappies.