With reusable nappies all the rage, here are some top tips from a 1980s mum – Susan Morrison

Well done, young people of Scotland. Five of my friends are now expected to boost the population figures in the coming months.
Changing reusable nappies in times gone by could be a struggle (Picture: Bob Haswell/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Changing reusable nappies in times gone by could be a struggle (Picture: Bob Haswell/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Changing reusable nappies in times gone by could be a struggle (Picture: Bob Haswell/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Personally, I was becoming anxious. There were few signs of babies on the horizon and you don’t need me to tell you that Scotland is becoming a nation whose hair is 50 shades of grey.

This mini-population boom means baby gear shopping. Things have changed. The disposable nappy is out, and the reusable is in.

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As a baby mum of the 80s, I was pretty disposable all the way, complete with nifty little scented bags for the odorous output of my beautiful baby. I merrily binned that sweet-smelling package, oblivious as to its final resting place.

Landfill, as it happens, where poo-packed nappies will fester and reek for at least 500 years.

Yes, I feel bad about that, but in defence of 80s mums, the only alternative then was the sturdy terry towelling.

This had to be folded in a triangle, then wrestled under and around the wriggling baby. One hand held the child in place whilst you readied ferociously sized safety pins between your teeth. Special care had to be taken not to pierce said child. Your own hands were fair game, like a sort of violent amateur acupunture.

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Slap plastic pants over this arrangement. Then sit back and watch as the nappy fails to stop the pee-pee and the delighted baby instantly fills it up again with that gunk only they can produce, which you will now have to dispose of, carefully, before you can wash the nappy.

The best way to scrape the nappy clean was to use a toothbrush. Use someone else's. Oh, and use the handle, not the head.

Now do this with only two hours’ sleep and you can see why so many women thought, sorry, Mother Nature, but I’m bagging this baby up.

They tell me the new reusable ones are easier to use. You still have to get rid of the contents though. I suggest that if staying overnight in the home of a new baby, you keep your toothbrush close.

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