Wednesday 27 January 2016

Just by using real nappies you are influencing others ...

Parents who use washable nappies are forever telling us how much they enjoy them, how it's no more difficult than using disposables and also ask "Why don't more parents use real nappies?"

The answer is; we don't know!  But the main issue is that disposables appear to be normal.  They're on sale in supermarkets, you were probably given free samples with your first Bounty pack, your midwife probably told you to bring some into hospital with you and of course disposing of them is free.  Why wouldn't you use disposables, right?

In other words, most new and expectant parents need a lot of exposure to positive messages about the alternatives to disposables.  So don't forget, just by using real nappies you are influencing others.  You may not know it, but someone who saw you change a real nappy, who may not even have talked to you about it, or just saw your baby wearing one, may well go on to find out more and try them. 

So keeping using real nappies and THANK YOU!




Monday 11 January 2016

35% of children starting school in nappies

I was shocked to hear a primary teacher on Channel 4 News last month (Dec 2015) say that 35% of children started reception wearing nappies.  Now I know it's not a race and children are ready at different times but any experienced health visitor will tell you about 'windows of opportunity.'  The first is usually around 18 months.

If you don't see the signs and do nothing your child's interest dies off and you need to wait for the next 'window.'  Trust me, I know from experience.
For some reason this knowledge about 'windows of opportunity' went out of fashion and we were all told our children would potty train themselves around 3 years old.  It may happen, but the chances are very low, hence the rise in children starting school in nappies.  Very poor information spread (wishful thinking, if you like) and we're reaping the costs now.

Our potty training advice has been vetted by June Rogers MBE, the UK's leading children's continence expert. You can see it here

You should also be warned that children can get used to pooing in a nappy standing up and then find doing it sitting down over a hole (potty or toilet) can become frightening for a child after two years of age.  So, get them interested and experienced at doing it on a pot from about a year.  It will makes life easier for you and your child in the long run.

Whatever you do, don't put it off.  Once your child is taking him/herself to the toilet it makes life so much easier.  It's really worth putting in a bit of effort in the early days.