They’ve come a long way from the Terry nappies our mums knew and loved – but for many, cloth nappies are still shrouded in mystique.
That’s where a local nappy library is worth its weight in gold; giving demos, advice, explaining all the benefits – from being great for the environment to good for babies’ skin – and how to deal with washing something that would normally be tossed in the bin.
Mum of two Angela Jones recently took over the Halifax and Huddersfield Nappy Library, taking the reigns from former owner Jenny.
“Jenny helped me navigate my way through the different types of nappies when I first started looking,” explains Angela. “Following a loan of lots of nappies from the library, I worked out what best suited my daughter and our lifestyle. Jenny’s support has been invaluable to me over the last four years.
“I’ve had many conversations with people who are passionate about using real nappies but I’ve only heard negative conversations about disposables. I want to share my positive experience and help others learn about the benefits of using real nappies.”
The library has a number of nappies to be loaned out, so that families can try the cloth nappy experience, and be confident they are buying the right product for their families.
Angela is also on hand to help if there are problems, even if she doesn’t know the answer herself.
“Issues can occur, even for experienced real nappy users and I help people to find an appropriate solution, even if I have to investigate to find the solution,” she says. “I am in a national network of libraries where I can get answers.”
Angela offers demonstrations every second Thursday of the month at Lindley Methodist Church, Huddersfield, at 10am, but can also make other arrangements for people who can’t make it.
In her first month of running the library, six families have attended demos, and 11 more are planning to attend. One family has borrowed nappies and plan to buy their own, four families have booked a loan, and there have been four donations.
“Real nappies are becoming more popular, particularly following the heightened awareness of how plastic is damaging our environment.,” adds Angela. “In this first month, one little girl’s overnight leaks have been resolved and two families have asked for help to get their children into real nappies at night. It has been a real positive start, and Jenny’s support has been greatly appreciated to make it the success it is.”
