12Apr
Welcome to the Cloth Nappy FAQ, Sit comfortably & enjoy the read....
If you have a question that we don't have the answer for, please post it in the comments & we will endeavour to find the answer for you!
The Questions are broken down into the following sections:
New to Cloth Nappies or Considering going Cloth
How many Nappies do I need?
- Depends on how frequently you want to wash. If you currently use disposables then a fair equation would be current no. nappies + 2 extra then multiply by number of days you want between washes. Remember to take into account nappies to use whilst others are in the wash.
What type of Nappies should I buy?
- In terms of nappy types everyone has a personal preference. Ideally you should aim to try at least one nappy of various ones that 'take your fancy' before making a serious investment. If the nappy you choose doesn't work out for you then try another, don't be discouraged as each baby is a different size, shape etc so are the nappies. Buying preloved is a great way of trying out nappies as well as trial packs of individual nappies.
Do I need wraps for all my Nappies?
- Not all nappies require wraps, some nappies have a waterproof layer built into the nappy. Do make sure that you read the instructions on the nappies before using to make sure you have all the required parts as wraps are typically sold separately. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Getting Started
What ratio of Nappies to wraps do I need?
- Wraps don't require changing everytime you change the nappy unless it's dirty. They can normally we wiped out or aired between uses. I would normally change the wrap after three uses. So around three nappies to one wrap would be a fair ratio.
Are Cloth Nappies Daddy/Family friendly?
- Modern Cloth Nappies are designed to be easy to use and can be used by anyone with little instruction. Most of them are shape similar to disposable nappies.
Are Cloth Nappies easy to use?
- Yes, Modern Cloth nappies are easy to use, few nappies types require any additional folding or preping before putting on. Each individual will have a preference to which type they find the easiest but it is more down to trial and error to what suits you.
Do Cloth Nappies smell?
- No, Infact people often comment that they smell less than disposables as there are no chemicals in the nappy. If your nappies do acquire a smell they may require a little more attention when washing. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Nappy Care
Do bulky Cloth Nappies hinder baby's development?
- Babies are generally adaptable to their environment. If you are a regular user of both cloth and disposable nappies you might find that s/he sits up easier in disposables. However other users may find it the opposite and their baby sits easier in cloth. The nicely padded bottom helps provide a cushion when they're up and about and there has been no proof to suggest that cloth nappies delay walking either. Considering most of our parents were probably raised in cloth and they have developed fine. Remember all babies develop at their own pace, I very much doubt that whatever nappy they're wearing has any impact on their development.
Can I resell Nappies if I buy a brand that doesn't suit me?
- Yes, You can there are select places you can re-sell nappies. Unfortunately Ebay has a strict policy on reselling used nappies but nappy forums will normally have areas for sale or trade. The better the condition of the nappy the higher the resale value. It's a handy place to buy nappies to try out too.
Can I buy Pre-loved Nappies?
- Yes, You can buy preloved nappies, there is an extensive online community of cloth nappy users who sell or trade their nappies online, it's a great way of trying out different types of nappy without committing to buying new. The other useful thing is the nappy will have been pre-washed as well, saving you some prep time on the nappy.
Will my childcare provider use my Nappies?
- It is always worth checking with your childcare provider whether they are happy to accept cloth nappies. Some private nurseries still insist on using disposables but there are an increasing number of nurseries accepting them.
Where do I get Nappies from?
- You can buy nappies online at many baby retailers such as Babipur, select stores will stock them in high street stores but I have found in-store selections to be very limited. Shopping around will get you the best deals.
Do normal Clothes fit over the Nappies?
- Yes, normal clothes do fit over cloth nappies, however if your baby is particularly long you can buy vest extenders which will increase the amount of cloth at the gusset area - prolonging the usable life of the clothes. You can also buy clothes that are designed for cloth like the Frugi 'cut for cloth' range.
Part-time in Cloth Nappies
Can't afford enough Nappies straight away, Do I have to buy loads before I can start using them?
- For every cloth nappy you use, is one less in landfill and one less purchased. You can increase your 'stash' inline with your budget. You don't have to go 'all out' and buy in bulk.
Can I just use Cloth Nappies some or the time or will my baby get confused if I swap and change?
- You can use cloth on a part time basis, your baby won't get confused at all, though you may find they have 'preferences' to the nappies they're wearing as cloth is a very different feel for them so the earlier you convert the easier it will be.
I can't afford to buy loads of Nappies at once how can I do this
- You can buy nappies in line with your budget, even adding one or two nappies a month will gradually all you to get cloth full time - even if you only start with enough nappies to last a day and wash daily. However to get the best value both cost and environmentally you should aim to get a couple of days worth of nappies.
How do the council Incentives work?
- Most councils encourage the use of cloth nappies as it reduces the number sent to landfill. Schemes can include cash back incentives or trials packs. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Council Incentives
Changing Nappies
How often should I change the Nappies?
- You should aim to change nappies as you normally would with disposable nappies, though many nappies have an incredible amount of absorbency and may go longer, others may require changing more frequently especially if your baby is a heavy wetter.
Can I change just the nappy inners or do I need to change the whole thing?
- How much of the nappy you change depends on the type of nappy you are using. Traditional & hybrid nappies just require the inners changing allowing the wrap to be used a number of times. Pocket or all-in-one nappies will require the whole nappy to be changed. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Getting Started
New Nappies
My new nappies are leaking, what am I doing wrong?
- New nappies are recommended to be pre-washed before using. This removes manufacturing chemicals and also begins the process if building up the nappies absorbency. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Nappy Care
My Nappies are soaking my babies clothes straight away, what am I doing wrong?
- If the whole nappy is wet, inside and out. Then the type of nappy you are using probably requires a wrap. If your unsure of the type of nappy you are using see: Cloth Nappies - Getting Started
Night Nappies
How many night Nappies do I need?
- If you decide to invest in 'Night' nappies; you will need fewer of them but enough to see you through for nights between washes also allowing for dying time as they do tend to be bulkier and may take longer to dry.
What Nappies should I use?
- Specific made for purpose 'Night' nappies aren't always necessary. In most cases you can 'boost' a normal day nappy to enable it to be used a bit longer (see below for info on 'Boosting'). If your baby is a heavy wetter and more so at night then do try extra boosting before investing in specific types. They do tend to be bulkier than nappies intended for day use.
Boosting
What is 'Boosting'?
- Boosting is adding extra absorbency to a normal/standard nappy by using additional padding in the form of inserts. However many 'inserts' may also be given other names like boosters, doublers and soakers.
What is the difference between an insert and a booster?
- None really, A pocket nappy for instance is sold with an insert as the initial absorbency, it can't really be called a booster as there's nothing for it to boost. So the booster is anything extra to that. It may be identical to it's insert but the two together boost the absorbency of the nappy.
What is a doubler?
- It's the same as an insert or booster, though they are sometimes smaller and made of different material to the inserts. Essentially 'doubling' the nappies absorbency. It does tend to be an american term but as we do sell a lot of american nappies over here it just adds to the jargon really.
What is a soaker?
- as above but soakers tend to refer to part of the standard nappy rather than the boosting part of it.
Storing Dirty Nappies
What do I do with dirty Nappies?
- Dirty nappies do need to be stored out of the reach of your baby/toddler so a secure nappy bucket or any bin which has an airtight lid to contain odours is recommended.
What should I do with the poop?
- How you deal with poos depends on the age of your baby. For liquidy poos it's fine to just put it through the wash. Though I tend to do a rinse cycle before doing a proper wash to get any poo off. Older babies, especially those being weaned where poo has more consistency or firmer; the poo should be removed/rinsed into the toilet before washing.
How can I make the nappy pail/bucket smell nicer?
- Essential oils are fab for making the nappy bucket smell nicer lavender or tea tree oil are my favourite. You can put them in the bucket on a rag/muslin/cloth or stick a pantyliner to the lid of the bucket and apply the oil there instead.
For further info: Cloth Nappies - Nappy Care
Washing Cloth Nappies
What temperature should I wash my Nappies at?
- Always read the instructions on the label so you know the max. wash temperature for each nappy. Most nappies are fine at 40oC, some brands may recommend higher but there's no harm in washing at a lower temp, however avoid washing at temperatures which exceed the recommended maximum as this may damage any waterproof lining in the nappy.
What should I wash the Nappies with?
- You can use any detergent to wash the nappies in, most parents do tend to go for non-bio or eco alternatives which are kinder to your babies skin. You should use 1/4 of your normal amount in the wash as too much will encourage a build up of chemicals in the nappy. Softeners should also be avoided as this will affect the absorbency of the nappy.
How do I get Stains out?
- Sunshine is the best natural stain remover there is. Seriously, I'm not crazy. Drying your nappies outside on a sunny day should do the trick. Conventional stain removers can also be used but do make sure the nappies are well rinsed.
NOTE: Some brands do not recommend the use of stain removers and it can void your guarantee, if your unsure then most manufacturers are happy to be contacted with queries.
For further info: Cloth Nappies - Nappy Care
Nappy Rash
Are clothed bums more likely to get nappy rash?
- Every baby is different, typically there is a reduced chance of rashes but you should also consider the teething can cause a rash and some babies cannot tolerate man-made fibres like fleece against their skin. An excessive build-up of detergent can also cause irritation. So if your baby does suffer a rash please consider the possible cause first.
Can I use creams with Cloth Nappies?
- Yes, you can. But cream can affect the nappies absorbency; so it is recommended that you should use a liner between the baby's skin and the nappy. Silver nappy liners can be used as a more natural way of treating a rash.
Cloth Out & About
How do I store dirty Nappies when I'm out for the day?
- Dirty nappies can be stored in a waterproof tote or 'wet' bag. These can be zipped or pull cord to be sealed. The wetbags can be washed with your nappies or clothes (check for recommended temperature). Alternatively, you can use the normal little plastic nappy sacks - just remember not to throw them in the bin.
Do I need to use disposables when I'm out for the day or on holiday?
- Your own preference really. If you have access to wash facilities when your on holiday then reusables are fine. Obviously if your only out for the day then you have to be prepared to carry the dirty ones around with you.
Nappy Jargon
What is a wrap?
- A wrap is a separate waterproof cover for traditional or hybrid nappies.
What does obv mean?
- In short obv means 'Organic Bamboo Velour' a really soft, absorbent fabric.
What is aplix?
- Aplix is another name for a hook & loop fastening also known as velcro. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Getting Started
What are snaps?
- Snaps are another name for poppers or press studs, which are the types of fastening for the nappy. For further info: Cloth Nappies - Getting Started
What are fleece liners for?
- Fleece liners are a washable alternative to flushable liners. The added benefit to using fleece is that it acts like a stay dry barrier between the baby and nappy as fleece doesn't absorb, but allows moisture to pass through. They also keep your nappies in good condition.
What are flushable liners for?
- Are put inside the nappy to assist the collection of poop. Not all liners are flushable as some are designed to be biodegradable and are thrown in the bin instead so do check beforehand.
Tags: cloth, Cloth nappies, cloth nappy, facts, how many, nappy help, part time, type, washing
April 18th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Thanks Jo for telling me about this article and thanks Nicola for writing it! My second child will be with us soon and this time around, we’re going to use cloth nappies. You’ve answered all my questions
April 28th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Brilliant article; the information is presented here so clearly and it answers all my questions.
I love that sunshine bleaches the stains out of nappies (and clothes!)- my friends don’t believe it but it’s true!
May 5th, 2011 at 9:12 am
very good Article answers all the questionsI had , Im going to give cloth a try
thanks x