Darlings Downunder Blog

Do you wish cloth nappies were more widely known and accepted in Australia? According to CHOICE Magazine’s latest nappy trial, it looks like things are slowly changing. One in five of their disposable nappy trialists told them they are using cloth nappies or a mix. And a recent CHOICE Online poll showed 40% of over 1000 respondents preferred cloth nappies.

In other countries, local councils have led the way in encouraging the use of cloth nappies. Councils in the United Kingdom have made some real innovations in trying to reduce the 3 billion disposable nappies they throw away every year. Many councils offer a cloth nappy cash back scheme. Others encourage residents to apply for a voucher from the county council to spend at local retailers. Even councils who don’t offer vouchers or rebates provide information about cloth nappies and have a nappy library, so residents can borrow a range of nappies to try before buying their own set. Others provide a month’s free use of a nappy laundry service.

Did you know that in New Zealand it is estimated that the use of cloth nappies has tripled in the last five years, with reports that up to 15% of parents are now using cloth? Surely part of this has to be attributed to the grass roots promotion by local councils through their waste reduction programs as well as their maternal and child health facilities. Some councils provide subsidies, some sponsor cloth nappy education classes, others provide nappy kits to antenatal classes, many promote the use of cloth nappies as a way parents can save money (and reduce their waste).

So what are local councils in Australia doing? There are some who have become involved in the Reusable Nappy Week organised by the Australian Nappy Network. The City of Casey (Vic) hosts a Nappy Expo during Reusable Nappy Week and has a rebate scheme. Some councils involve cloth nappy businesses in their sustainable expos, others provide information on modern cloth nappies through their Maternal Child Health Centres. But, on the whole, considering the environmental credentials of many local councils, it is surprising that more isn’t being done. Maybe we need to let our local councils know that Modern Cloth Nappies exist…

If your local council is a supporter of cloth nappies, please send them an email to let them know you appreciate what they are doing.

If you’re interested in doing something yourself to help increase awareness of cloth nappies, the Australian Nappy Network is planning events for Reusable Nappy Week 11-17 October 2010 and is looking for ideas and volunteers. If you or someone you know, or even your local cloth nappy shop is planning something for Reusable Nappy Week, ask if they need any help and see you can get your local council involved, or at least advertise it on their website.

What's your local council's attitude to Modern Cloth Nappies?

Do you want to win a Red Happy Heiny’s One Size Pocket Nappy with two microfibre inserts? Read on for the details.

A Bit About Happy Heiny’s

Happy Heiny's is known all over the world as a dependable cloth nappy manufacturer with all the company's products made in the United States by working mums. Happy Heiny's nappies come with Aplix® brand hook & loop closures-- making nappy changes fast and easy. The One Size Pocket Nappies are made of custom-milled fleece and 100 percent laminated polyester outers which keep you and your baby dry. The wide pocket design means those with bigger hands have no trouble stuffing the nappy and the sizing fits from 3.6kg to 17kg. The One Size Pocket Nappy comes with two microfibre inserts – one large and one small.

Happy Heiny's did not start as a business venture. Linda and Mike Byerline created their own cloth nappies in January 2002 in response to the birth of their third child, Sarah Grace, who was born prematurely and developed chronic lung disease. Due to the chemicals in disposables, doctors recommended they consider switching to cloth nappies in hopes of decreasing their daughter's need for further medications and potential hospitalisations.

After switching Sarah Grace to cloth nappies, doctors documented a 50 percent decrease in her need for assistance. However, the cloth nappies that Linda and Mike were using at the time did not fit Sarah Grace correctly due to her petite size. As a result, Linda created her own cloth nappies that fit Sarah Grace comfortably and didn't cause rashes. 

While Linda was sewing her own cloth nappies for her daughter, she made extra that she sold on eBay. These nappies proved to be popular and Linda quickly realized that other mums were interested in providing their children with safe and easy-to-use cloth nappies. Within six months of creating Happy Heiny's, Linda began selling her nappies to wholesalers and within a year Happy Heiny's nappies were being sold to retailers all over the world. Now she provides cloth nappies to parents around the world and employs working mums in a growing business that is run with a family friendly focus.

How to Enter

Here are four different ways to enter to win a Red Happy Heiny’s One Size Pocket Nappy:

1. Become a Follower of our Blog (there's a subscribe button on the right hand side of this page under the calendar), or
2. Become a Liker on our Facebook page, or 
3. Subscribe to our monthly email Newsletter (the signup should be down on the bottom left of the screen), or
   
4. Buy something from Darlings Downunder between 20th & 26th June (inclusive)
   

In order for your entry to count, you MUST post back at this blog leaving a comment letting us know how you entered. Each one of the above counts as one entry, so you can do more than one of them to increase your chances of winning.

Are you already a follower, liker or newsletter subscriber? Make a comment on this blog letting us know and you will be automatically entered.

Entries close at midnight on Saturday 26 June and the winner will be announced on Monday 28 June.

The Winner of our Giveaway is Rebecca Jones! You'll be receiving your prize in the mail soon... Thanks to all our entrants, we really appreciate all our loyal customers here at Darlings! Keep an eye out for future giveaways! (Winner was randomly selected by Random.org)