While exhibiting at Stoneleigh Festival recently, we had some wonderful conversations with grandmothers who came over to express their delight at the modern reusable nappies available, and to encourage us in our quest to move the real nappy market back into the mainstream.
They proceeded to re-tell their stories of terry squares, rubber pants and pins, and to our delight, every one spoke of their memories with such fondness. The image of the white squares hanging peacefully on the line was a popular one- and not one spoke of any ‘hassle’ associated with their nappying days.
It got us wondering- why then do real nappies have such a bad reputation, when the women who used them speak of them so fondly? Somewhere along the way we have been programmed to associate washable nappies with filth, hard work and problems. But if these impressions didn’t come from those who actually use them, where did they come from?
Next time you speak to your mother or grandmother, aunts or family friends, ask them of their experience with real nappies, as they most likely used them! Please return and re-tell their stories, it’s good to share 