| Most
washable nappy systems comprise two parts. Firstly, the absorbent
bit: the nappy. This can be either a flat nappy - usually
a square or rectangular nappy that you need to fold around
the baby (eg terry squares, prefolds) or may have a bit of
shaping cut into it and you just wrap it around the baby (eg
Imse Diaper, Disana tie-on).
Alternatively it will be a shaped nappy and
have elastic at the legs and waist, and will come either in
different sizes—a multisized shaped and fitted nappy,
or be deemed ‘one-sized’ or ‘birth to potty’
and have a means of adjustment (usually folding over the top
or front) , examples include other-ease One Size, Popolini
UltraFit or Nature Babies Dizzy Diaper.
Furthermore, the larger size of many sized
nappies may be used as a one size nappy by adjusting the fit
by folding down—examples include Tots Bots, Nappy Nation
or Easy Peasy Bumbles. Secondly the waterproof bit—the
Wrap or Nappy Cover A wrap is used over the top if the nappy
to keep the moisture in and everything else dry.
Wraps are usually made of breathable polyurethane
laminated polyester or sometimes PVC, and will open out flat,
fastening up with either poppers or hook and loop fastening.
Traditional pull-up style covers are available too. For a
more breathable cover, use one made from polyester fleece
or wool.
When fitting your wrap it is important to
ensure it is snug so you can just insert a couple of fingers
under the edges, but not so loose it allows your wet nappy
to protrude. There are also Pouched Wraps, with an inner layer
of fleece to keep baby dry, and the absorbent nappy or a pre-stitched
insert is put inside the pouch between fleece and wrap—examples
being Fuzzi Bunz, Minkis.
Happy Heinys or Stuffables.
One Piece Nappy: A final alternative is the All in One, which
is shaped and fitted with elastic, and has a waterproof wrap
style outer sewn on to an absorbent nappy inner to form a
one-piece nappy.
Before using your new nappies be sure to
wash them first at least three times to gain greatest absorption.
There are some brands of milder soaking agents
eg Nappy Fresh which do not affect hook and loop fastenings
hook and loop fastenings, always check with the manufacturer
if it is applicable to use on your nappies.
If you soak do be careful to keep your nappy
bucket out of reach of small children, storing in the bath
or shower tray contains the contents if spilt. You’ll
need to drain your nappy bucket before putting the nappies
in the machine, using a nappy mesh to line the bucket will
make this easier.
Not soaking—’Dry Pailing’
It’s usually easier not to soak to save
the effort of tipping the soaking water away. If you do not
wish to soak, in order to maximise the longevity of your nappies
it is recommended that you rinse the nappies to dilute the
urine present. This should ideally be done at least daily
if not washing each day.
To minimise smells in your bucket, add a couple
of drops of lavender or tea tree oil to your bucket or to
a cloth to lay on top of your nappies in the bucket. If not
soaking or rinsing you may choose to put your nappies through
a rinse or prewash cycle before washing.
Using a nappy mesh bag to line your bucket will minimise the
handling of nappies required.
Washing
Try to get into a routine of regularly washing
to minimise risk of running out. A machine load is usually
15-18 nappies, so this will probably mean every second or
third night. Most manufacturers suggest to wash at 60°
or 40°.
Flat nappies without fastenings or elastic
may be washed at higher temperatures if desired, but its not
really necessary as 60° will be fine. Shaped and fitted
nappies with elastic will deteriorate with regular washing
at higher temperatures.
Nappy wraps can usually be washed with the
nappies at 60, check manufacturer’s instructions but
as they dry very quickly you may find it advantageous to hand
rinse them on
a daily basis.
Detergent
Always use a non-biological powder to minimise
risk of irritation to your baby. Use sparingly as not much
is required, often 1/3 to 1/2 normal dose is fine. If you
check your final rinse cycle for suds and you see suds at
this stage cut down a little more on your powder. Do not use
fabric conditioner as this will coat the fibres of the nappy
making it less absorbent.
Drying
Line drying is best as it is free and more
environmentally beneficial, the is useful to drape over the
penis and will contain fountains from little boys, and also
squirty poo explosions when you least expect them!
For cleaning your baby warm water and a washable
wipe is best (cotton wool tends to stick and shed bit of fluff).
Its usually easiest to lay the fresh nappy
out on the changing mat completely assembled ready for baby.
Then, if you lay baby on top, remove as much of the lower
clothing as you can, and fold any one piece outfits or babygros
up under the baby and well away from the nappy area just in
case - as you take the dirty nappy off, the dirty nappy will
generally catch any further fountains of wee or explosions
of poo without soiling your fresh nappy or clothing.
Real
Nappy Article | Nappy
Changing—What to Expect! | Washing
& Care Instructions |
Terminology—what
is what in the nappy world? | How
do I assemble a cloth nappy? |
Nappy
creams, barrier creams and nappy rash | Why
Choose Cloth Nappies 1 |
Why Choose
Cloth Nappies 2 | Why
Choose Cloth Nappies 3 | How
do I choose which nappies to use? |
How many
nappies will I need? | Washing
- Frequently Asked Questions | What
are Real Nappies |
Real
Nappy Project |
