If real nappies are no better for the environment than disposables, why bother? JO HAYWOOD reports.

BABIES are unpredictable creatures. One minute they are happy as Larry, the next they are crying like a... well, like a baby.

One thing about babies is predictable, however: they poop, a lot. They need to be changed about six times a day which, of course, translates into six smelly nappies. But should you wash them or bin them?

The debate surrounding disposable versus 'real' reusable nappies has been reignited by an Environment Agency study which suggested there is little difference between the two in terms of environmental impact.

The report found that the electricity and fuel needed to wash and dry reusable nappies was equal to the detrimental effect of dumping nappies at waste tips - so old-fashioned nappies were far from being a green option.

The report has been welcomed by the Nappy Information Service, which said "parents can be thrilled by the news and no longer feel guilty about choosing disposables".

The Women's Environment Network begs to differ. It pointed out that around 90 per cent of the 2.5 billion nappies sold each year in the UK end up on landfill sites, taking up to 100 years to decompose.

WEN spokesman Liz Sutton said: "As well as being better for the environment, cloth nappies use natural fibres next to babies' skin, whereas disposables use synthetic materials with different chemicals. It is often difficult to find out from manufacturers what is in them."

The Environment Agency believes improvements could be made across the board - disposable, home use reusable and commercially laundered reusable.

But what are parents supposed to do in the meantime?

When it comes to nappies, Tracey Johnson of York is something of an expert. She has five children, aged 18 months to 18 years, and used disposables for her first three children and reusables for her fourth and fifth.

She now caters for other converts by selling reusables through her company Natural Nappies.

"When I had my eldest the only alternative to disposables was Terry nappies," she said, "but I couldn't stand all that fiddling around with nappy pins and plastic pants.

"Modern reusables are completely different; they have moved with the times. We used to have twin tubs and mangles, but we don't any more. It's the same with nappies."

Reusable nappies are soft and fluffy on the inside and come in a range of pretty designs on the outside. They have poppers or Velcro so you don't have to worry about pins, and they have removable paper liners that mean you can quickly and discreetly get rid of unpleasant lumps.

"Choosing reusable nappies is not always about the environment," said Tracey. "They are cheaper, they look great and they are more comfortable for the baby.

"Disposables are sweaty and full of chemicals. There is also some evidence from Sweden that boys' bits get too hot in disposables, which can cause long-term problems."

Her customers tend to be older mums rather than young first-timers. And they tend to come in clusters: if one woman opts for reusables, her sisters and friends soon follow.

Most mums start off with disposables, partly because York Hospital doesn't deal with reusables on its maternity wards and partly because they are too tired to even comb their own hair, never mind consider nappy-related alternatives.

Tracey has been running her business for three years. She has enjoyed increasing success over that time, but thinks the Environment Agency report could deter people from choosing reusables in the future.

"I'm sure it will make some people think twice," she said, "but I'm not convinced the report tells the whole story.

"Have they taken account of the manufacturing process? Growing cotton for reusables is one thing, but churning out oil, plastics and chemicals is something else entirely."

:: Real nappy know-how...

Washable nappies don't contain gels or chemicals

They are soft, naturally breathable, absorbent and kind to baby's skin

Reusable nappies can save you up to £500 for your first child, and more for subsequent children

Disposing of nappies costs tax payers in York and North Yorkshire more than £300,000 a year

If you want to give real nappies a whirl, you can find out more at: Natural Nappies, 01904 611736; Lollipop Children's Products, 01904 788303; Paul Stride, 01904 674800; Real Nappy Association, www.realnappy.com

Updated: 09:06 Tuesday, May 24, 2005