We get a lot of questions about our products. Everything from what makes them environmentally friendly, to where they can be purchased, to who came up with the idea. We’ve collected answers to some of the more common questions below.
Of course, we know these forms can never answer all of the questions you have. If you think of a question that isn’t covered here let us know by starting a conversation with us.
We’re more than happy to discuss nappies with you. Or anything else you might want to know about Naty and our Nature Babycare and Nature Womencare products.
Please click on the links below for answers to some of the more common questions we receive:
Environment:
Performance:
Production:
Health Issues:
Size:
Business:
Can you explain what biodegradability means?
Biodegradability is characteristic of natural substances and materials being assimilated by micro-organisms, and thus introduced into the natural cycles.
In effect, it is a concept that is familiar to everyone. When natural organic materials go into the ground, they tend to decompose progressively, to disappear. This phenomenon is very important for the environment, which has to get rid of waste to make room for new life. Trees, plants and algae, meaning photosynthetic organisms, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, with the power of the sun, use it to synthesize sugars, and a whole range of other substances present in nature. The flow of substances and energy passes along the food chain.
However, this mechanism would quickly become blocked if the opposite process did not exist, that is, if it was not possible to release carbon dioxide from organic material. So, in natural equilibrium, the process of biodegradation is as important as that of photosynthesis, of which it is both the outcome and the starting point.
An important role is played in biodegradation by micro-organisms, which are present in every environment, and which are fed by organic waste. Thus, organic material is transformed again into carbon dioxide, thereby completing the natural cycle.
The material we use in our range of Nature Babycare and Nature Womencare products reduces the production of greenhouse gases, thanks to the use of renewable raw materials of agricultural origin, to the biodegradation and the composting process of its various applications, and to the fact that it performs as well as traditional materials.
How does the composting process works?
Composting is the transformation of organic waste into compost.
A pile of organic waste is attractive to micro-organisms that are normally present in the environment. If the water content is sufficiently high, the micro-organisms start to consume the nutritional substance. This means they break down the organic molecules, produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat. At the end of the process, the initial waste is transformed into a substance called compost.
In commercial composting plants, this process is controlled and optimized in order to achieve a high conversion speed, control of the effluent, control of the quality of the final compost, etc.
However, we at Naty do not recommend composting Nature Babycare or Nature Womencare products.
Is it possible to compost Nature Babycare nappies in my home compost pile or bin?
In common with all other disposable nappies, Nature Babycare is unsuitable for home composting, and you should not attempt this. To properly dispose of the nappy, place the nappy in a Nature Babycare Disposal Bag and place in the waste bin. Do not compost.
Human waste contains bacteria that can contaminate water and harm the surrounding environment, including people. Harmful bacteria must be subject to high temperatures for a sustained period of time to kill them off. It can be difficult to attain the necessary temperature in all parts of a small compost bin or pile.
Our nappies are based on renewable raw materials but are not 100% biodegradable. Renewable raw materials come from plants and trees. When the raw materials are burned the carbon dioxide is released to be consumed by other plants or trees. In this way you don’t add more carbon dioxide to the air, which you do by burning petroleum-based products. Even during the production phase, we use less petroleum-based products than regular disposable nappies. By using Nature Babycare compared to these other disposable nappies you reduce the green house effect.
Nature Babycare nappies claim to be based on biodegradable material. What exactly does that mean?
At Nature Babycare we use renewable resources whenever possible, however our nappies are not 100% biodegradable.
The conventional plastic outer sheet has been replaced with a biodegradable material made from maize starch and cellulose fiber, both natural materials. This material, whilst being watertight, also allows the nappy to breath, resulting in an airier, dryer, cooler, and more comfortable nappy.
The outer breathable layer is based on GM-free maize starch, natural additives and biodegradable polyester which is 100% biodegradable in appropriate conditions.
The absorbing layer of a Nature Babycare nappy also consists of biodegradable chlorine free cellulose fluff pulp, blended with a small amount of super-absorbent granules which are necessary to enhance the absorbency of the nappy thereby reducing the number of nappy changes you will make.
What is the environmental difference between reusable nappies and Nature Babycare disposable nappies?
The two products are very different from a convenience & lifestyle choice aspect; however a comprehensive study by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) shows that there is no significant difference in the environmental impact between disposable and cotton nappies. The full study can be found on their website www.environment-agency.gov.uk (An updated lifecycle assessment study for disposable and reusable nappies).
We aim to use renewable resources as often as possible while also focusing on performance. Today, Nature Babycare nappies are one of the most environmentally friendly disposable nappy options available on the market.
How do I use Nature Babycare nappies?
Here are some tips on how to use our nappies on your baby!
1. Unfasten the nappy tabs and fasten them back on themselves so they don't stick to your baby, but don't remove the dirty nappy yet.
2. Wipe away any solids with the nappy, taking care to cover the penis with a clean cloth or nappy if your baby is a boy (for sanitary reasons and to avoid an unexpected warm shower).
3. Lift the baby's bottom off the table using an ungainly, yet effective, ankle hold.
4. Fold the dirty nappy in half under the baby.
5. Using a Nature Babycare wipe or wet cotton wool, clean your baby's front thoroughly. For a girl, always wipe from front to back
6. Lift both of your baby's legs and clean his bottom.
7. Swap a clean nappy for the dirty one. The clean nappy's top half (the half with the tabs) should go under your baby's rear, and the front half should come up between the legs (which should be spread as widely as is comfortable for your baby).
Try not to bunch the nappy between your baby's legs as it can cause chafing and discomfort. For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord. For boys, tuck the penis down so moisture will be less likely to escape.
8. Fasten the nappy at both sides with the tapes, making sure it's snug, but not so tight that it pinches the skin.
9. Wrap the soiled nappy around the contents, put it in a Nature Babycare Disposal Bag, and pop it in the bin. Dress your baby, and wash your hands thoroughly. That's it - you're done!
I have had quality/performance problems with Nature Babycare nappies. What should I do?
If you experience a problem with our nappies please file a complaint with us at Customer Inquiries and we will try to find out if there are any abnormalities in the specific production batch you received. Please be sure to include the batch code number so that we can process your complaint. We try to answer all questions within seven to ten days.
I have noticed a gel-like substance on my baby's skin after changing Nature Babycare nappies. What is it?
The gel-like substance is actually an important part of the absorption process and is known as a super-absorbent. Super-absorbent granules are widely employed within the disposable diaper industry to improve absorption and provide enhanced leakage protection. They have now enjoyed a long, safe history of use spanning some twenty years in nappies as well as in some feminine care products and adult incontinence diapers.
We are aware that super-absorbent gel can unfortunately occasionally migrate out of the central core of a nappy in small quantities. This generally occurs because of the pressure created by the child’s body movement after the granules have been wetted. Super-absorbent gel can cause no harm to a human, either by ingestion, internal migration or through skin absorption in the quantities used in a disposable nappy.
What are Nature Babycare nappies made of?
Rather than basing so much of the nappy on oil as other brands do, Nature Babycare nappies use cornstarch and other natural ingredients wherever possible. While the nappies are not 100% biodegradable yet, we are proud of the steps we have taken to provide you with an environmentally friendly nappy.
Nature Babycare nappies consist of chlorine free pulp to help with absorption, a backsheet and distribution center based on corn, as well as chlorine free cellulose in the nappy. To further improve the absorption of our nappies we use a small amount of SAP. For more on SAP, click here.
Do Nature Babycare nappies contain latex?
We can assure you that our nappies do not contain any latex. There is therefore no risk from latex protein allergies resulting from their use.
What is the Nature Babycare packaging made of?
We are currently testing a new alternative sustainable & biodegradable packaging material, and hope to release it onto the market soon.
Do you use super-absorbents in your products?
We do use a small amount of super absorbents in Nature Babycare nappies. Super-absorbent granules are widely employed within the disposable nappy industry to enhance absorption performance and leakage protection. They have enjoyed a long, safe history of use spanning some twenty years in nappies, as well as other products such as feminine care and adult incontinence diapers. SAP technology has developed considerably over the years but has evolved around the same basic chemistry, of Sodium Polyacrylate salts together with surface cross linking agents.
The super-absorbent in common use is absolutely safe and has been thoroughly tested in all aspects for allergic reaction and toxicity.
Without super-absorbent the performance of the nappy would be much less effective due to the absorbent capacity being much lower. This would have a negative impact on the dryness of the nappy with increased risk of nappy rash, as well as requiring more frequent nappy changes. However, at Nature Babycare we do use less super absorbents than many leading brands.
Why does the Nature Babycare range include both scented and unscented wipes?
While nearly all of our products are completely unscented, including our toiletries and nappies, we do offer a lightly scented version of our wipes. Obviously, the scent is not necessary in order for the wipe to work properly. However, we have a large demand for the lightly scented version of our Nature Babycare wipes from parents around the world.
The product is still based on natural viscose and biodegradable just like our other wipes. In fact, our lightly scented wipes have won awards such as the Mother & Baby Award as well as the TIPS Highly Commended Award, both from the UK.
For those interested in an unscented version of Nature Babycare, we offer fragrance free wipes in nearly all markets.
I have heard that the use of disposable nappies can cause infertility later in life. Is that true?
There is no robust scientific evidence to support any increase in infertility resulting from the use of disposable nappies. There was a paper issued some time ago which alleged that raised temperatures found within non-breathable plastic outer nappy covers, including plastic pants, could affect fertility. This study was never substantiated by peer review.
Nature Babycare nappies have a breathable outer cover which allows air to circulate freely within the nappy, this effectively keeps your baby dry, cool and comfortable. We can assure you that your child will be safe and comfortable in Nature Babycare nappies.
Can I be sure that there are no harmful chemicals in Nature Babycare nappies?
We can assure you that there are no harmful or toxic chemicals in Nature Babycare nappies. The materials we use are absolutely safe and are thoroughly tested in all aspects for potential allergic reaction. We aim to use renewable resources as often as possible all the while providing you with a high performance nappy.
My baby has been suffering from rash problems since using Nature Babycare nappies. What could be the cause of this?
Nappy rash can have many causes, diet, teething and even the length of time between nappy changes can have an effect.
Prior to launching any of our products we carry out extensive tests to ensure its suitability and safety for any intended purpose. We are satisfied that the materials used in our nappies meet all the critical needs both for the baby and parents. Baby comfort, performance, and safety were the most important factors which our consumers and retailers considered before agreeing to stock and market our range of products.
It is possible that your baby does have particularly sensitive skin, and we sadly must recommend that you stop using Nature Babycare nappies, should the problem persist. Should the rash not improve thereafter we recommend that you seek medical advice.
Are super-absorbents harmful?
Super-absorbents have been used in the disposable nappy industry for over 20 years and have a very safe track record. Super-absorbents are used to improve absorption and provide enhanced leakage protection.
The super-absorbent used in Nature Babycare, and most disposable nappies, are completely safe and have been thoroughly tested for allergic reactions as well as toxicity.
For more information on super-absorbents in Nature Babycare, please see “Do you use super-absorbents in your products?”
How do I know which size Nature Babycare nappy I should use for my child?
It is not uncommon for some children to experience a less than ideal nappy fit although they may fall within the recommended weight range of a particular nappy size. Babies come in all shapes and sizes, and although their weight may be within a certain range, their body shape can vary significantly. The only practical solution is to try a larger or smaller size of nappy to achieve an optimum fit.
I am a reseller and would like to carry the Nature Babycare brand in my country, how do I proceed?
Thank you for the interest in our brands. Before we begin selling in new markets and with new retailers we need to get to know you a little bit better. Please contact us by clicking here: Retailer Inquiries and provide us with the following information:
- Company turnover last financial year.
- Brands/products your Company deals in
- Current Companies you work with
- Current structure of your business
- Your view of the size of the nappy business in your territory
- Potential sales of Nature Babycare and/or Nature Womencare products for years 1-3
- Key customers for Nature Babycare and/or Nature Womencare products in the territory
- Current market pricing
When we have this information we will be able to take a more informed view of a potential partnership.
I am interested in Nature Babycare nappies. Can you send me a free sample?
We receive hundreds of e-mails from people requesting free samples of our products and we are thrilled you are considering Nature Babycare ECO-friendly, high performance disposable nappies for your child. We have the greenest nappies on the market which are especially kind to your child and gentle on the environment.
Unfortunately, we are unable to meet all of these requests. Please feel free to sign up as a Nature Babycare Ambassador to be notified of news, upcoming product announcements, special offers, and programs. We hope you agree that our Nature Babycare products are worthy of further consideration.
What can I do to help?
We know that you are an informed consumer and we know just how important that is. We pride ourselves on our Nature Babycare products and our ability to allow parents everywhere to go green without giving up performance.
But we couldn’t do that without your help. So thank you for being an informed consumer. For caring about the environment. For caring about the health and well-being of your baby. For caring about Nature Babycare. It’s people like you that help Nature Babycare continue to grow.
We don’t spend millions of dollars on marketing campaigns. We prefer to focus our spending on research and development to continually improve our environmentally friendly line of products. Because of this, we rely heavily on word of mouth.
If you’d like to help there are a few easy things you can do:
- Become a Nature Babycare Ambassador
- Blog about us
- Follow us on
Twitter
- Become a fan on
Facebook
- Link to us from you website
- Tell your friends
- Tell your family
- Ask your local retailer to carry Nature Babycare products
We know that environmentally friendly baby care products are just a small step towards a greener future. But we believe that every little bit helps. There’s so much you can do. There’s so much we can do together. So let’s make a difference. No matter how big or small.