The annual week highlights the benefits of reusable nappies for babies, parent’s pockets, and the environment.

On average each child will go through 4,000 nappies in their lifetime. The total worldwide consumption is estimated to be 1.37 billion every day and around 3 billion disposable nappies are used in the UK each year – representing 2-3% of all household waste.

The Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project functions as a library for the rental of real nappies in Lanarkshire. They received a grant from the council’s Climate Emergency Fund to buy nappy kits that can be hired to families to help them decide what type of nappy is right for them.

Project coordinator Ellen Walker said: “The main aim of Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project is to encourage people to be more sustainable in their everyday lives. 

“Disposable nappies account for around 400,000 tonnes of waste per year, comprising mainly of single use plastics which can take over 300 years to decompose.

“Reusable nappies are also beneficial in other ways too. They are made of natural fibres and don’t contain the harsh chemicals which can be found in disposables making them as gentle on your baby’s skin as underwear. The size and shape of reusable nappies also help keep baby’s hips in a good position which is especially beneficial to children with hip dysplasia.”

The Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project operate demo and drop-in sessions through Swaddle in Hamilton, which they also use for collection and drop off of hire kits. 

They can be found on Facebook and Instagram and can also be emailed directly. 

The View previously told about a special one-off grant available to help South Lanarkshire residents make the change from disposable to real nappies.

The council’s Climate Emergency Fund is open for applications, find out more here: Climate Emergency and Food Fund grants - South Lanarkshire Council.