Run by The Washable Nappy Company, Nappuccino’s are an education in the various types of natural nappies on the market and a great idea! I went along to one of their demonstrations this week in Hackney. The Company is the collective brain of a married couple with twins. They promote a wide variety of nappy designs and in so doing give the pros and cons to each style option. There doesn’t seem to be one right answer to suit your baby’s bowel activity. Instead it’s a matter of parental choice over issues such as the environment, convenience, absorbency, speed of change, speed at which the nappy dries after washing and cost. There’s nappies for all sizes and stages of development. Today we were introduced amongst others to an award winning design created by a mum who’s baby was allergic to urine!
It’s a well thought out business and with an increasing number of people taking an interest in the environment, it’s also very fashionable supported by some funky designs. Our hosts seem to have tried and tested all the nappies on their twins; one boy and one girl so they were well equipped to give loads of advise and answer any questions… They took us through how to fit the nappies, how to store them, wash them and tips on drying. There’s some lovely cuddly fabrics to experience and the great thing is you can be touchy feely with all the nappies. I went along with my Real Nappies for London voucher and invested in a starter pack which includes up to 15 nappies of your choice and the necessary extras. The hosts were great at dealing with my indecision and helped me to think about the best options for mine and Freddie’s needs. Being a first time mum with Freddie there with me just three weeks old in the buggy, I also appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and felt totally at ease with breast feeding and changing his nappy in a discreet spot. If you’re keen to try natural/washable nappies, these events will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started.
January 22, 2008 – 1:33 am
One of the fun things about childbirth is playing with the toys you can get for pain relief. Mines a TENS machine; that’s Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, as recommended by midwives… (see my story ‘Charged’ on the home page). You can hire the machine online direct from Tens-Hire.co.uk which works out a little cheaper than ordering through a retailer such as Mothercare. I’ve heard mixed reports from different women about how useful this is for helping deal with contractions, but if there’s even a slight chance of some relief, it’s got to be worth a go. Anyone tried this?
January 16, 2008 – 9:39 pm
Hackney and participating boroughs are in on the scheme to provide washable nappies for London babies. So much so that they’re prepared to give each baby a free nappy voucher (worth approx 50.00) to test run their favourite poop catchers. There’s several types of natural nappy available, all sorts of shapes, sizes, colours, styles and fastenings. If you’re worried about the washing, there are laundry services available and if you can’t afford the initial outlay on natural nappies, you can source recyled nappies via various nappy exchanges - Not only do they save the environment and the pocket to considerable effect but they seem easy to use, and look amazingly cute too! Visit the Real Nappies for London Campaign or call the helpline t:020 7324 4709.
I’m all in to the idea. I’ve sent off for my voucher and can’t wait to start experimenting… How to make poo friendly and fun - It’s brilliant!
The campaign also links with The Washable Nappy Company who deliver ‘Nappuccino’s’ in participating boroughs - That’s demonstrations on the different bottom options for your baby with err… coffee and chat I guess. Got to be worth a go.
January 10, 2008 – 6:48 pm
The Tyssen Children’s Centre on Oldhill Street, N16 provide some fantastic services. I attended the first of a new pilot in pregnancy yoga yesterday. The class runs weekly and they need to spread the word in order to maximise attendance and sustain funding. We have an hour and a half of yoga followed by an opportunity to chat with Lucy a local midwife over tea and coffee.
Yoga instructor Carmen: Wednesday’s 10am - 12pm
For further info call Carmen mb: 07814 739 976 www.therapiesgarden.com
The Tyssen Children’s Centre was newly opened in February ‘07. It provides support services to local families across a diverse range of faith and cultural groups living in the North of Hackney. Services include antenatal pop-in, post natal clinic, breast feeding support group, baby massage and mothers and toddlers group. It’s an integral part of the Tyssen school. For more info call t:020 8815 4253.
January 8, 2008 – 12:20 am
We’ve been lucky enough to have friends and family who have helped us by recycling baby goodies. Huge thanks to Linda, Lindsay and Mafjay for bags of baby clothes! Jo & Julian for the cot and Josep & Noemi for the offer of a Bugaboo pram and Premaxx babybag.
My mum and gran have been melting knitting needles making cardigans, hoodies, booties and a beautiful lacy blanket. They’re all gorgeous!
And thanks to Hackney Freecycle we’ve found a Wilkinet baby sling and we’ve been given a beautiful organic moses basket from Barry and Kim THANK YOU everyone!!
We’d like to develop this section of the site to create a forum for chat and discussion where we can share information, pass on baby items and promote links…
More to come