M&W Green Guide

Eco-friendly Disposable Nappies

When it comes to choosing nappies - there used to be two main choices washable re-usable nappies or disposables. However these days you have another choice too as a new breed of nappies have emerged the 'eco-friendly disposable nappy' which offers the best of both worlds - green credentials with the ease of use of a disposable.

Now available in some supermarkets and high-street stores as well as online these nappies do offer an (almost) guilt-free way of being able to avoid some of the perceived environmental concerns of having your washing machine/tumble drier on every day or adding to landfill (plus the other side-effects often attributed to conventional disposables such as the risk of lowered fertility due to chemicals so close to babies genitals etc). If you also use biodegradable wipes and nappy sacks then you boost your eco credentials further. With more products emerging into this market regularly it can be hard to make decisions, so we've had a look at some of the leading products to try and help!

Nature Babycare

Great for the environment because: 70% of a Nature babycare nappy is biodegradable and of biological origin. The outer bioplastic is based on GM-free maize starch and a decomposable and compostable 100% biodegradable polyester - which is 100% biodegradable in the natural environment.The absorbing layer of the nappies consists of fluffy biodegradable natural chlorine tree pulp that has been approved by the Scandinavian Environmental Society and non-biodegradable super absorbent which can absorb 25 to 50 times its own weight.

Great for your baby because: the surface of each nappy is covered with a film made from natural maize, 100% GM free, which lets baby's skin stay dry and breathe naturally. Nature Babycare nappies are easy to put on and thinner than most nappies without loosing their ability to absorb. They are so thin that they allow the freedom of movement your baby needs. The patented crease-line design and superior fit keeps the baby dry and comfortable.

Available in a variety of sizes ranging from Newborn (4-11lb/2-5kg) to Junior (24-55lb/11-25kg).

Nature Babycare start at £3.75 for a pack of 28 Newborn. Available from Boots, Sainsburys, Co-op & Waitrose stores. You can find out more about Nature Babycare Nappies here - www.naty.com

Moltex Oko

Great for the environment because: 50% of the nappy materials is from renewable resources, over 50% of the nappy material is biodegradable. 100% chlorine-free absorbent core & 20% of the absorbency gels will bio-degrade. 100% bio-degradable /compostable packaging.

Great for your baby because: Moltext nappies are dermatologically tested. Free from perfumes & lotions. Free from bleaching agents and toxic residues. Variable & re-closable fastening. Breathable outer layer. Minimal absorbency gels to prevent gel leaks. Unbleached paper for extra softness

Available in a variety of sizes ranging from MINI (6.5-11 lb/3-6kg) to XLARGE (35-66lb/16-30kg).

Moltext Oko start at £9.50 for a pack of 48 Mini. Available from a variety of high street shops/chemists and online from www.earthlets.co.uk

Wiona bio-nappy

Great for the environment because: 100% of the outer covering is micro biodegradable. Instead of being manufactured by using crude oil, the wiona nappy uses a GM free maize/corn starch based material. The core of the nappy is made primarily cellulose based, made exclusively using wood from sustainable forests and bleached without the use of chlorine or other harmful chemicals. Absorbancy is boosted using 20% bio-degradable Super Absorbent Polymer and tea extract. Wiona is ideal if you have a compost heap with over two thirds of the nappy being bio-degradable and the rest environmentally neutral. All packaging is made from renewable and recycled materials.

Great for your baby because: the waterproof cover is unique in the fact that it is full of tiny pores which allows air to circulate freely around the nappy without compromising containment. This system helps to reduce the chance of skin irritation. All components of the Wiona have been certified as dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.

Available in four sizes ranging from Mini (3-6kg) to Junior (12-25kg).

Wiona start at £9.86 for a pack of 48 Mini. Available online from www.earthlets.co.uk

Tushies

Great for the environment because: Tushies nappies only use cotton and wood pulp for absorbency, they are 100% gel free. Also perfume-free, dye-free and latex-free.

Great for your baby because: Tushies are the only disposable nappy that does not contain artificial chemical absorbents such as acid polymer salts to increase absorbency. Such chemical products are banned from sanitary products because of their links with toxic shock syndrome. These chemical granules are used to increase absorbency and form a gel that can end up on your baby as well as in the soil. Tushies are one of the only nappy brands on the market able to offer a 100% gel free promise.

Available in four sizes ranging from Small (2.7-6.3kg) to Toddler (12.2+kg).

Tushies start at £8.50 for a pack of 40 Small. Available online from www.greenbaby.co.uk

Bambo Nature

Great for the environment because: Bambo Nature nappies are accredited with the prestigious Nordic Swan Eco certification for their environmentally friendly production process and lifecycle. The Danish manufaturer uses environmentally compatible fluff pulp from a controlled Scandinavian Forestry where more trees are planted than felled. The pulp used is oxygen- rather than chlorine-bleached, therefore having a considerable lower environmental impact. The absorbent core in Bambo Nature nappies has a high percentage of starch - a natural absorber which is 100% biodegradable.

Great for your baby because: no optical brighteners or perfumes ,lotions/moisturisers are used, meaning less risk of allergic reactions and rashes. Raw materials used in production are certified free of harmful chemicals.

Available in five sizes ranging from Mini (3-6kg) to Junior (15-25+kg).

Bambo Nature start at £4.99 for a pack of 30 Mini. Available online from www.naturebotts.co.uk