As a mother I used real nappies on my son several years ago. I was concerned about the length of time it takes for disposables to decompose, not to mention the raw sewage that would be going into landfill if I used them.

I was working full time and knew realistically that washing real nappies myself, may cause more hassle than I could cope with. So I chose to use a nappy laundry service. I found this both easy and convenient, and it really helped me feel that I was doing my bit to protect my son’s future environment.

A nappy laundry service allows you to reap all the financial and environmental benefits of using washables nappies, without the hassle of washing and drying them yourself.

Since then, through a chance conversation with a new Mum wanting to use real nappies, I realised there wasn’t a nappy laundry service in this area.

Hence Top Bottoms was launched. We are a family run, local company based in the New Forest. We are passionate about helping protect the environment and we are running our delivery vehicle on biodiesel. Very soon we are hoping to run our vehicles on locally sourced, recycled cooking oils, therefore reducing carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels.

	Our service
	Initial meeting
	You will have the opportunity of a face to face meeting with us to give a practical demonstration as to how our system works. We can then answer any questions you may have to ensure you are making the right decision for you and your baby.
	The system
	Things have moved on a lot since terry nappies. Not a pin in sight!! We use a 2 piece, prefold system. This is a multilayered square of cotton that is folded depending on the sex of your baby. This is placed inside a shaped, breathable, waterproof outer wrap that is fastened using Velcro tabs on either side. (Much like the dreaded disposables). Wraps are available in many different patterns from plain white, to cool and funky, to compliment your baby’s outfit. Wraps can be used for more than one nappy change and are simple to launder at home following manufacturer’s instructions. We have many different styles available to purchase. A liner is used inside the nappy, against your baby’s skin. This helps to keep your baby’s bottom dry. Any solid matter can simply be lifted off with the liner and dropped in the toilet. There are many different types of liners available including biodegradable and flushable ones (included in the weekly charge), or washable ones that you simply put in with your normal laundry after putting solid matter in the toilet. Washable ones are available to purchase from Top Bottoms. The nappies are kept in the lidded bin that we provide for the duration of you using our service. We recommend that the nappies are not soaked, but a sprinkle of tea tree or lavender oil is used. Tea tree particularly has an antiseptic and antifungal effect, as well as smelling pleasant.
	Weekly service
	We supply clean nappies delivered weekly to your door when the dirty ones are taken away for laundering. Nappies are then laundered professionally to NHS standards. You must use a liner in the nappy to use our service. Other associated supplies are available to order and if delivered at the same time as the nappies will not incur a delivery fee. See stuff to buy
	Coverage
	We currently cover West Hampshire, East Dorset, and South Wiltshire. More areas are coming online – please call 0800 781 3616 to see if we are in your area.
	Cost
	The first week’s use of the service is free of charge (the free trial). This trial is intended to help you to confirm for yourself the advantages of this service, so that you can be sure it is right for you and your baby. We charge £50.50 per month in advance for our service, which is equivalent to £11.75 per week. There is a one-off setup fee of £35.00. The monthly fee is paid initially by cheque which is due on the 8th day after service commences, and subsequently by standing order on the monthly anniversary of this date. This charge covers setting up your service, training and guidance on how to use the nappies; supply of biodegradable liners, loan of the nappies, loan of a storage bin, weekly delivery and collection, and laundering of the soiled nappies. Wipes, washable liners and wraps are available for purchase at additional cost. You must use a liner in the nappy to use our service. After the first week you must commit to a minimum of 2 months use of the service, and you must give us 1 months notice to cancel. You may of course cancel the service at the end of the first week without further obligation.
	Holidays
	I took many 2 week trips away whilst my son was in nappies and continued to use washables. Should you be going away on holiday you have 3 choices - 1. We will supply you with enough nappies to cover your trip at no extra cost. 2. You can suspend the service for the duration of your trip, but you will need to pay a retainer fee of £3 per week. 3. We can supply you with the most environmentally friendly disposables available at minimal extra cost. These nappies still have many of the environmental disadvantages of regular disposables. This option is provided as a last resort.

Any questions about our service and accessories available call us on 0800 781 3616.

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