Some remember old Terry Nappies as difficult to use and constantly needing washed! Time has since moved on, and today's Real Nappies are much easier to use. For more - read on!

Easy!

Real Nappies vary between manufacturer but most comprise three elements:

• A disposable liner
• A reusable cotton nappy, and
• A washable outer wrap made either of cotton or polyester with velcro or other fastenings to hold everything together

To use the Real Nappy place the liner on the re-usable nappy and then put the whole lot in the washable outer wrap. Lie the baby on the above with it's bottom on the liner and bring the ends of the wrap around the baby and attach much as you would do with a disposable.

To remove and clean a Real Nappy unclip the wrap, place the liner and 'poo' down the toilet and flush. Manufacturers of some Real Nappies suggest you then soak the reusable nappy in cleaning solution such as 'Nappy Bright' before washing the nappy and wrap in the washing machine. Other manufacturers nappies (such as TotsBots) are designed so that you simply rinse the used nappy in water before placing it in the washing machine. Sealed buckets are also available if you wish to 'store' nappies and wraps for a wash. Most buckets can hold up to two days of nappies and are surprisingly odour free although perfume is available should you wish to spray the used nappies.

Other things you will need include:

• Cotton wipes
• Liners
• Cleaning solution*
• Fastners*

(The cost of the above is negligible and you can kit yourself out with packs including most of the things you will need from birth until a baby is potty trained (on average 2.5 years) for as little as £300. If this sounds a lot remember the average cost of disposable nappies alone over the same period is around £800!

*Depending on the brand of Real Nappy you use.