The Royal Hampshire County Hospital have adopted a 'real nappy' policy and all new born babies will be placed in cotton washable nappies, free of charge.

The traditional 'terry square' nappy secured with a large safety pin has been replaced by a new shaped style which is fastened with Velcro or poppers, making the entire process quicker and safer.

The soiled nappies will be taken away from the hospital by Cotton Bottoms (a nappy laundering service) to be cleaned and returned.

Gill Tipple, maternity ward manager said: "We are delighted to be part of this initiative which offers new parents the opportunity to experience an environmentally friendly and easy to use alternative to the disposable nappy. The Trust will also benefit by significantly reducing incineration needs.

"We provide the cotton nappies, free of charge, to all new mothers during their postnatal stay in the unit. Our midwives discuss this new opportunity during the antenatal period and parent education sessions. Leaflets are available within clinical areas, and are offered to all women following the birth of their baby."

This is part of a joint initiative between the hospital, Project Integra (Hampshire's Integrated Waste Management Partnership) and Cotton Bottoms.

Councillor John K West, Hampshire County Council Executive Member said: "This project aims to make people aware of the alternatives to disposable nappies and ultimately encourage more parents to use them. Once re-usable nappies have been purchased, the cost of laundering is comparable to the purchase of disposable nappies, and if they are washed at home, it may even save money. There are also environmental savings as washable nappies can be used time and time again reducing the need for disposal."