In those early pregnancy days when I sat down and wrote the list of things I needed for baby, I opted for a basic nappy pail in an effort to save a little cash. But, of course, pre-baby you don’t realise quite how many nappies baby is going to blitz through every day.
The nappy pail situation has been ok. It’s been a place to stash dirty nappies, but it’s never been a place I’d put poop ones (I always ran those out to the big bin) and I kept it in the bathroom since there was a lingering smell of pee around the bin that I didn’t want in my baby’s room while she slept.
This past week I’ve been given the opportunity to try out the Tommee Tippee Sangenic nappy disposal system, and I’m converted. I took it out of the box and was immediately drawn to how streamline and smart it looked, compared to my bulky old nappy pail with the bin liner sticking out. The wrap cartridge was ready to go, so I snapped on the lid and gave the Sangenic its first whirl. In went the nappy, I twisted the top and the nappy disappeared before my eyes! The lid has a push down function, which means when you replace the lid it’s also pushing the nappy into the bin, so once the nappy’s been placed in the system, you don’t have to touch it again.
The citrus scented, antibacterial wrap covers the nappy completely, and spinning the top twists a seal into the nappy to create a string of sealed, contained nappies, meaning there’s no need for nappy bags (so in terms of plastic, you’re not using more than you would usually). As testament to how much odour the Sangenic traps away, I’ve moved the unit into my baby’s room right next to the change table, where it’s most convenient. Less trips to the bathroom for me!
Over the past week I’ve emptied the bin twice; this includes all my 7 month old’s wet and soiled crawler-sized nappies and my toddler’s wet walker-sized nappies. Emptying and setting back up was painless. You unhook the anchoring knot from the lid, then there’s a small and discreet cutting device inside the lid (it’s impossible for you – or anyone smaller – to hurt themselves on it, as it’s well covered) to chop the string of nappies away from the wrap cartridge. Tie a knot in the top, then toss it out in the garbage. To set back up, create another knot in the wrap, anchor it, snap the lid back on and you’re away.
Useful features
The twist and wrap function is a standout for the Tommee Tippee Sangenic. No other nappy storage device does this. The odour is completely blocked and you are given extra assurance by the antibacterial film.
It’s also quick. The amount of runs I’ve made to the bathroom or outside bin over the years adds up. Having the disposal unit right there and emptying it every few days is a real time saver; especially when it’s cold, wet and dark outside come winter. Sangenic says it hold up to 28 nappies, which sounds about right.
Improvements
The unit is so light and small that when the bin is freshly emptied, you need both hands to twist the nappy away, otherwise the unit rocks around. This means putting baby in the crib or on her mat as I can’t keep a hand on her on the change table.
Recommendations
As a new mum, I would give the Tommee Tippee Sangenic Nappy Bin a 4 out 5 rating.
By Collette Betts 
