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Cloth nappy advice
This is the bit where we try and explain everything in an easy to understand way. We're assuming no knowledge, so bear with us if you know the basics already!
Personalised advice is the best and we are always happy to help, either over the phone, by e-mail or face to face with a nappy adviser.
Real nappies are not rocket science: They're made to absorb and contain. That's it! The only hard part is choosing which style to go for. But don't forget you don't have to stick with one style, you can mix and match.
There are different styles of nappies and here we explain the main differences:
Which type of nappy?
Flat or prefold nappy - A rectangluar shape made from cotton which needs a quick fold and is then placed inside a separate waterproof wrap - the wrap does not need to be changed at every nappy change time. Slim fitting, quick drying and good value.
Shaped nappy - Doesn't require any folding. Simply close and place it inside the waterproof wrap. The wrap does not need to be changed every time you change the nappy, unless it is soiled. Very easy to use & lots of fabrics to choose from. Some shaped nappies can be used from birth to potty training, making them very economical too.
Pocket nappy - The waterproof outercover has a fleece layer on the inside with a gap left at the top between the fleece and the waterproof. Into this gap you place the absorbent pad, also known as an insert. As the pad is inside the wrap you need to change the waterproof at every nappy change time. A very simple to use nappy and the fleece layer helps keep your baby's skin drier.
One size nappy - Many nappies are available in one size which will fit from birth to potty training (8-35lbs). A good option if you have more than one child in nappies, as both children can use the same nappy. Very economical.
How many will I need to buy?
Although every baby is different, on average, the following guidelines apply:
If you want to use the nappies full time from birth you'll need between 15-20 nappies per 24 Hrs.
If you've started using the nappies when your baby is a little older, usually 10 nappies is sufficient, per 24 Hrs.
The above guidelines allow for washing every other day.
How do I get rid of soiling?
If you use a sheet of bioldegradable liner (available in rolls of 100), simply lift the liner off the nappy and flush it away with the soiling at nappy change time - miles better than keeping it around in the dustbin for a week or two until the bin men take it away.
Reusable fleeece liners are a great alternative to biodegradable liners as they allow urine to pass through the fleece to the nappy, but stop it from passing back again, meaning your baby's skin will feel a lot drier. Place a sheet of fleece onto the nappy, and at nappy change time shake off any soiling into the toilet and then place in the nappy bucket and wash with the reusable nappies.
If you don't use a liner, hold the nappy over the loo and shake off any solids. Holding the nappy in the toilet and flushing allows stubborn soiling to be flushed away (don't forget to hold onto the nappy!)
How do I wash them?
You will need a bucket, with a lid and ideally a handle too, to store your used nappies and wraps in.
Most people don't soak nappies, they simply store them in the bucket with a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil.
Wash the nappies at 60° - unless you are using a nappy cleanser such as MioFresh, in which case you can wash at 40°. It's not necessary, or economical, to wash the nappies on their own - wash them with your household laundry. A big no-no is fabric softener as this creates a film on the nappies which affects absorbency.
Dry your reusable nappies and wraps as you would the rest of your laundry - airing cupbord, line, clothes horse... Most nappies can be tumble dried, however please check the manufacturers label. Wraps should not be tumple-dried as it 'll not do the waterproofing much good!
Increasing absorbency/Night-time
Booster pads help to increase absorbency in the nappy by creating extra layers. If your baby is a particuarly heavy wetter overnight, you may want to consider getting a couple of super-absorbent nappies such as Ellas House Bum Hugger or Slinki Minki for nighttime use.
Keeping your baby dry
Fleece liners are very popular as they allow liquid to pass through to the nappy where it is absorbed, whilst the fleece stays almost completely dry, keeping your baby drier.
Out and about
You can use your reusable nappies when out and about, simply take a spare nappy, wrap & liner with you, plus a bag to hold your wet nappy. At nappy change time remove soiling as you would normally and put the nappy in your nappy sack to take home.
Sems like a lot of information but it's all common sense really. We've simply listed everything for those of you who have yet to actually change a nappy! Iif we've left anything out, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.
