So you are thinking of using cloth nappies....
This is where parents start getting confused. They do a bit of research and read about liners and boosters wraps and then add pockets, all in ones, fitteds and more....
Ok so I am going to say STOP! Lets make it really easy for you.....
Every nappy system has 2 or 3 basic parts:
The Liner = Convenience (optional)
The Nappy = Absorbency
The Waterproof Outer - The outer waterproof layer
Q: How do I decide which nappies are best for me?
The graph below is a simple guide to see which nappy does what best.
Q: Paper or fleece liners?
This depends on whether convenience is most important. You can flush away your paper liners, which is the ultimate convenience with cloth nappies. However fleece liners act as a one-way barrier helping keep your baby's bottom dry. It's not a bad idea to have both in your set.
Q: Tots or Fleece wrap?
- We recommend the Tots wrap as your main nappy cover for all of the time.
- The fleece wrap is great at nighttime or if your baby has sensitive skin due to their excellent breathability.
Q: What about nappy rash?
Cloth reusable nappies are no more likely to cause nappy rash than disposables. A recent survey conducted by Bristol University into nappy rash concluded that "disposable nappies give little protection" and that "the type of nappy worn did not emerge as a significant factor".
Q: How many nappies will I need?
- Fitted Nappies: If you plan to wash daily you will need 15 size 1 nappies and 4 size one wraps and the same again in size 2 once your baby is ready to move into the second size. (If you want to wash every second day we recommend you buy another 5 nappies and 2 wraps)
- All In One Nappies: If you plan to wash daily you will need 15 nappies (If you want to wash every second day you will need another 5 nappies)
Q: A note about sizes
The specified weight ranges below are intended as a guide only and are based on average weights and builds of babies. If you are unsure which size to go for, ask your stockist for advice or buy a trial pack:
- Size 1 - Will fit up to 9 kgs, this can be anything from 5 months to 12 months.
- Size 2 - Usually fit from 6 months to potty training.
- Size 3 - Can fit from about 15 months upwards on chunky monkeys, however most of our tots babies will happily toddle off to potty training having only used the stage one and two tots (to give you an idea, only 8 in every 100 nappies we make are size three's).
- Birth to potty (the size 2 nappies and easy fit nappies in each style can also double as a One Size Nappy)- fits well from about 6 kilos - it is possible to use them from birth but babies with small thighs will get the odd leak.
Q: Can you explain the difference between the fastenings?
- Aplix: Fastens just like a disposable with patches of hook and loop. Most preferred by our panel of dads and daycares!
- Nippa: stretchy fastener that is safe and easy to use. It has small plastic teeth that grip the terry loops giving it a snug, versatile fit.
- Popper: Rows of little plastic poppers to give a secure fit. Totally toddler proof!
Do's and Dont's Care Instructions
Nappies undergo quite a bit of laundering in their lifetime. They spend a lot of in time wet acidic or alkaline solutions. Combined with high wash temperatures and excessive tumble drying these will all take their toll and can shorten the lifespan of your nappies. To get the most out of your nappies follow our Do's and Don't's.
Do's
- Follow the wash care instructions on the label.
- Soak your nappies for 24 hours in cold water only to kick start your nappies absorbency and then wash…your nappies are now good to go!!
- Fold back the hook and loop laundry tabs as they will damage your nappies in the wash otherwise. Unfolded laundry tabs are a major cause of fabric balding so please, please use them.
- Use a one way liner. This will protect your babies bottom by keeping it dry and it will protect your nappy from staining especially from the dreaded bright yellow breastfed poo! It also makes getting rid of poo easier, not to be underestimated.
- If you are not using a liner get as much poo off the nappies as you can before putting them into the nappy bucket by sluicing i.e. holding in the flush of the toilet.
- Use a laundry mesh. It makes getting all those dirty nappies into the washing machine super easy AND it saves you from having to touch them. Always a bonus with those extra poopy nappies!
- Use non-biological powders as they are better for both baby and the environment. There is also an enzyme present in some bio detergents which is corrosive to bamboo fibre and cotton. It works by digesting the stains out of your nappies but unfortunately takes the fabric with it! For total piece of mind you could try our specially formulated nappy wash powder. Potion
- Line dry whenever you can. Not only will sunlight bleach stains out of your nappies but the UV radiation will kill bacteria too. You can tumble dry the nappies on a cool setting if needed but buy some pegs and save your pennies!
Dont's
- Don't leave them for more than 2 days before washing if you want to reduce the chance of nappies staying stained.
- Don't use fabric softeners as this leaves a residue which coats the fabric fibres and decreases the absorbency of the towelling.
- Don't soak your nappies in harsh stain removers. If you do have a pile of very stinky nappies and want to soak, use either water or a mild solution of our own powder, Potion as it has been specially formulated for use with nappies.
- Don't use bleach or other harsh stain removers. They will shorten the lifespan of your nappies and will void your guarantee.
- Don't use pastes of wash powder and apply direct to stains, this is too concentrated.
- Don't wash your nappies in dishwashers tabs!! ( Yes we do see it being recomended, would you wear knickers that had been washed in dishwasher powder?)
- Don't boil wash. If you are worried about bacteria, leave your nappies in bright sunlight, even in winter-time.
- Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar can dissolve cotton and bamboo fibres. Whilst a lot of nappy websites recommend using them to sanitise and soften nappies they will drastically shorten their lifespan and render your guarantee void.
- Barrier creams such as Sudocrem can coat the fibres in your nappy reducing their absorbency. When using a barrier cream you must always use a liner.
A final note:
We have had some very bedraggled little nappies come home to us and it just makes us sad to hear what some people do to them to keep them white or stain free. Repeat after us "Whiter than white simply ain't right"! The nappies are there to catch waste and over time they may become stained, this is to be accepted and is not a fault. For our full range of laundry accessories click here.
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Cloth Nappies
Daytime Nappies
