Getting started with cloth nappies can be daunting and you may have lots of questions. Unsure how many reusable nappies you need? Wondering whether to buy newborn specific nappies? Not sure how to store your modern cloth nappies? How about the logistics of changing the nappy? And washing? Don't worry - we will take you through all of these questions so that you are confident on starting your cloth nappy journey.

What is a reusable cloth nappy?

A reusable nappy is made up of a couple of parts - the absorbent part, and the waterproof part. These can come in several forms such as a pocket nappy, and all in one nappy, and all in two nappy, a fitted nappy etc. Essentially they all do the same thing, they are just configured differently - different nappy types suit different baby's/parents etc.

How many reusable nappies do I need to get started?

Simple answer to this is ONE! You dont need a full stash before getting started with cloth nappies. If you're unsure to begin with, it is completely okay to start with just one nappy and build up from there. If you want to use 2-3 reusable nappies a day, and wash every other day, we would suggest aiming for around 8-10 nappies. For full time use, washing every 2-3 days, we would suggest around 20 cloth nappies.

Do I need specific reusable nappies for my newborn?

Not always. Many nappies come as 'one size' and are marketed as fitting from birth to potty. However, realistically they fit more from around the 10lb mark. Our own pocket nappy is uniquely designed so that they do fit truely from birth (around 7lb). There are also specific newborn sized cloth nappies out there. These often fit from 5/6lb up to about 12lb. It's up to you whether you choose to opt for newborn specific sized nappies. The things to consider are that newborns would need around 30 cloth nappies to use them full time as newborn babies require changing so often. Alternatives to buying a separate set of nappies would be to opt for truely birth to potty fitting nappies, hire a newborn nappy kit from one of your local nappy libraries (a cloth nappy library usually has a few kits available where you can try different types of nappy before deciding what works for you), or supplementing this time with disposable nappies.

How do I store both clean and dirty cloth nappies?

There's lots of options for storing your clean nappies, below is a list of examples:

In a shelving unit in your baby's nursery or your living area
On shelves above your baby's changing table
In a chest of drawers
On a trolley
A days worth of nappies within a nappy caddy, and the remaining where ever you chose
In over the door hanging storage

Dirty nappies are often stored in large hanging wet bags, or a plastic nappy bucket. Either is fine. It's handy to have a large wet bag as this can be hung on the back of your bathroom door, and therefore doesn't take up too much space. It also means you can just put the whole thing in your washing machine.

How often do I change a cloth nappy?

This depends on baby's age, but is generally between every 2-4 hours during the day, and always after a poo. During the night, with sufficient absorbency within your reusable nappy they can be on for 12 hours.

There is no evidence that nappy rash is better or worse when using cloth nappies. And also, the likelihood of your baby getting nappy rash isn't generally down to the wet feeling either. The cause of nappy rash is when stale urine comes into contact with poo, rather than the type of nappy used.

How do I change a reusable nappy?

It is the same as you would change a disposable. Except rather than bagging and binning the disposable nappy, you put your reusable nappy in your wet bag or bucket! Pre weaning you don't need to remove any soiling from the nappy - it will all get washed away. Once baby has started on solid food, you need to remove as much of the soiling as you can before putting in your wet bag or bucket.

How do I wash my reusable cloth nappies?

Washing cloth nappies is easy - essentially there are 5 simple steps to follow;

Remove poo if baby is on solid food
Store in your wet bag or bucket
First wash (short cycle), small amount of detergent, cold, 40 or 60D, no fabric softener
Main wash (long cycle), full dose of detergent, 40 or 60D, no fabric softener
Dry - preferably outside on the line

Can I use reusable nappies at night?

Absolutely! When baby is younger, you can just use the same nappies you use during the day for night time as well. When baby gets a little older you may find that you need something with a bit more absorbency in to last them the night. You can either boost your current nappy set up further, or opt for a different style of nappy that is more absorbent. We advise generally just to see how you go with your 'day time' nappy overnight first before thinking about needing a specific night nappies.

So here is a quick list of you need to be getting started with cloth nappies...

Cloth nappies - however many you feel is right for you to get started. Whether that is 1 or 20!
A large wet bag or plastic bucket for storing dirty nappies
A few boosters - these are needed if you find your nappy doesn't last your baby long enough between the 2-4 hour changing window, and for use overnight
Liners - disposable or reusable liners. Disposable liners are great for helping clean up poo as the poo can be discarded and then the liner binned. Reusable fleece liners help to remove poo as well as providing a stay dry feeling against baby. Liners are totally optional.
Cloth wipes - these are super simple to use alongside reusable nappies. You can either store your reusable wipes damp or wet as you go, and then once used, chuck in your first storage alongside the nappies.

Ready to get started? Shop our reusable pocket nappies...

Source: https://www.dinkydodo.shop

Getting Started With Cloth Nappies