Cloth Nappy Basics!
When we first got started with Cloth Nappies the whole thing felt massively overwhelming.. even the ‘intro to cloth’ blogs I read were in a completely foreign language most of the time. So if you’re interested in Cloth Nappies but have no idea how to get started.. let me start with the absolute basics.
What are cloth nappies and why bother?
There are many different types of cloth nappy, made from many different types of fabric, but essentially they are a nappy that your little one wears, you wash and they wear again! Using cloth nappies has been shown to be much better for the environment; anecdotally families report far fewer leaks/poonamis once they work out their set up; it saves money in the long term and toddlers tend to potty train earlier too!
What are the different ‘types’?
Once you start browsing cloth nappies, you’ll soon see that there are several different types available.. they can largely be split into 2- either the waterproof outer layer and the absorbent cloth are attached in some way.. or they are separate parts! Almost all these options can be fastened with either velcro or poppers (velcro simple but babies can learn to undo them- poppers ever so slightly more faff but very secure!)
1 part nappies
‘All in One’- An all in one nappy is a complete nappy, the absorbent layers and waterproof shell are joined together. An easy and simple intro to cloth, but sometimes less absorbent and take longer to dry.
Pocket Nappy- A waterproof cover with a ‘pocket’ in. You stuff the pocket with ‘boosters’ (absorbent pads that come as part of the nappy), but the parts can be dried separately (boosters can be tumble dried. Quicker to dry than all in ones, but straightforward to put on and can add layers to maximise absorbency.
2 part nappies
Wraps- These are used for all 2 part nappies and are a waterproof cover that fasten around the outside of whatever you use for the absorbent layer. You can reuse one wrap for several nappy changes if it’s not dirty.
Fitted Nappy- These look like a disposable nappy made out of a towel! They velcro or fasten with a pin or clip. Very easy to use, and generally high absorbency (depending on fabric) but can therefore be slow drying (Can be tumbled).
Flat Nappies- The most daunting to someone whose never used cloth before- can be made from muslin or ‘terry nappies’ (like the old days!). Come as a square of fabric that can be folded a number of ways and pinned/ clipped to fit as a nappy. Like anything, once you get the hang of it- it’s not hard! Benefit here is that they’re the quickest drying option.
Pop In- Very similar to a pocket nappy (above) but rather than sitting inside a pocket, they popper into the waterproof wrap.
Liners
You don’t have to, but some people choose to use a ‘liner’ in their nappy. This can be a disposable liner (good for catching and binning solid poo once weaning!) or a fleece liner- good as a ‘stay dry layer’ in the 2 part options.
What are the different materials?
Different brands use different materials for their nappies- these are some of the main materials you may find…
Cotton- Super absorbent and gentle next to skin. Can be slow to dry though and in hard water areas will go quite ‘crunchy’ if you’re not tumble drying.
Bamboo- Super absorbent, so great for longer us like overnight. Gentle next to skin. Can be slow to dry though.
Hemp- The most absorbent option- mostly used as ‘booster layers’ that you add yourself to your nappy set up. Great addition for overnight or for heavy wetters. Takes a long time to dry!
Microfibre- Speedy to absorb and quick to dry, but works like a sponge- so with pressure it can be quick to leak. Also made from plastic, which might mitigate any environmental reasons for choosing to cloth for some people.
How do you wash them?
Simply, every 2-3 days, one short wash to ‘rinse’ them. And another long, hot (60) wash to clean them. Laundry powder, no softener. Most nappies will come with clear washing instructions and it wont be long before you work out your best washing regime. Pre weaning, they can go straight in (milk poos are soluble!), post weaning- you want to pop the poo down the loo right away!
How to get started without getting stressed!
Pick one nappy and wear it for a few hours for one day!
Like that one? Wash with towels/ cloths etc.. and use it again every few days.
Ready for more? Have 3-5 nappies and wear just one a day whilst you get used to them! You can try different styles if you want to.
Got the hang of it? Get enough nappies for day time use.
Day times working well? Try a night nappy (you may need a different ‘set up’ at night than during the day.)
Nappy libraries can be a great start whilst you work out what you like (but they can also be a bit overwhelming.. so having ‘just one nappy’ is a great way to get going if you prefer!).
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a full time swap! Maybe you just do it on days you’re not at work. Maybe you just use them at home, not out and about. Maybe you start at 5/6/7 months. Maybe you just do one a day! Every little counts (and the prints are TOO CUTE not to try!)
BONUS TIP- Use them instead of disposable swim nappies! They work just as well and they are SO cute on holiday in the pool or pottering on the beach!