Bracknell

Babies and their parents from across Bracknell Forest are invited to a special tea party where they can learn about the benefits of using real nappies.

The Bracknell tea party - part of Real Nappy Week - will give parents the chance to see a variety of real nappies, talk to parents who already use them, and talk to suppliers.

There will also be the opportunity for parents to collect an application form to obtain £30 cashback to contribute towards the cost of real nappies, and a free prize draw to win three Wonderoo pocket nappies, which have been kindly donated by Babykind nappies.

The tea party is taking place at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Wednesday, April 26, from 1-3pm.

Real Nappy Week is now in its 10th year, and promotes the use of cloth nappies to give parents a greater choice than just using the disposable variety.

• Why real nappies?

A wide range is now available from the simple traditional terry cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted styles. Organic, unbleached, velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies give a wider variety of choice without the need for pins. As they are made from natural fibres they may feel more comfortable next to a baby's skin.

• Better for your pocket

Home laundered nappies could save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies and could be used for a second child. The average spend on disposable nappies is £791.70 over two-and-a-half years.

• Better for our environment

About 8 million nappies end up in polluting landfill sites everyday, and resulting methane emissions can contribute towards global warming.

Every tonne of rubbish we send to landfill incurs an additional tax - which is added to the collection, transport and disposal costs. Landfill tax continues to increase each year and space at these sites is becoming very scarce. If strict quotas are exceeded Bracknell Council will be fined for landfilling too much waste which will increase the council tax.

Parents who choose washable nappies can minimise their environmental impact by washing them at 60 degrees in an A rated washing machine, line drying, and not using fabric softener.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Public and Environmental Services, said: "The tea party is a great way to find out more about using real nappies. As well as being better value, they are good for the environment and help to reduce landfill."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council