WHEN Mount Isa mother of two Belinda Richard discovered her first born son was experiencing an allergic reaction to disposable nappies, she was determined to find a solution.
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Mrs Richard found a supplier for well-fitting, hand-made modern cloth nappies and decided to make the switch.
"I have always thought about using cloth nappies but people are hesitant because of the environmental factors like water consumption during laundering, but looking at the landfill issue of disposable nappies, it is a better alternative," she said.
Mrs Richard said the initial cost outlay for cloth nappies can be high with nappies costing from $28 each, but said that the nappy will last as long as the baby needs them and she estimates she saves $50 per week by not buying disposables.
When the supplier she was buying them from closed, Mrs Richard contacted them about acquiring their patterns and started making her own.
She now designs her own range of cloth nappies and sells through Facebook and online under her label name Outback Nappies.
Her nappies have been sent throughout Australia as well as many overseas countries including New Zealand and the United States.
Most recently Mrs Richard decided to use her creative designs to fund raise for the Miracle Baby organisation, a charity that is dear to her heart.
Last November when she was 29 weeks pregnant with her second child, she went into labour and had to be flown to Townsville Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Mrs Richard was not involved with Miracle Babies at the time, but was supported by a close friend who had received support from the organisation.
"When I was in Townsville I was surprised to meet many women from Mount Isa who had experienced premature labour and were receiving fantastic support from Miracle Babies," she said.
"My friend was supported by Miracle Babies when she had her child at 29 weeks and I think it provides a vital line of support, especially for people who live in remote areas like Mount Isa, who may not have their friends and family around."
Mrs Richard said her friend has set up a Facebook page called Rose Marathon and will be running the London Marathon this year to raise money for Miracle Babies and she decided to auction a special "British themed" nappy to contribute to their efforts.
The nappy will be auctioned on through the Facebook site WAHM delights - a site for work-from-home mothers.
