Nappy Trials

So, you're interested in using cloth nappies, but don't know where to start? There’s a whole load of information out there on the web, and it can all get a bit confusing after a while, so I’m going to try and de-mystify the whole thing for you.

How many nappies will I need?
There is no easy answer to this question – a newborn will need changing anywhere between 8 and 12 times a day, depending in part up on whether they are breastfed or bottlefed. An older baby will need fewer changes, perhaps only 4-6 per day, and this will decrease again as you move through potty training.

It also depends upon how often you intend to wash – if you are willing to wash every day then you won’t need as many nappies as if you plan to wash every other day. You may also be using cloth only part time, and this again will alter the number of nappies you need.

You will not need one wrap per nappy, probably 4-5 wraps will be sufficient (allowing for washing every other day)

Tip: Try using 2 wraps per day and alternating between each one at every nappy change, leaving to air (not wash) whilst other is being used.

How do I choose?
Trial packs should give you a good introductory feel for using cloth nappies however, if after looking at the packs available you are still unsure there is a “personal shopper” service available where someone will advise you on the best nappy system to try.  The trial packs are put into price categories so you can find a trial pack to suit your budget or cashback incentive scheme offered by your local council.  See here for details of your council and any current incentive scheme running.

The other main channel for advice is to consult other cloth nappy users. If you don’t know any cloth users personally, then there are many clothies on internet forums such as our own right here at The Nappy Trial Service.  Cloth nappy users are often incredibly passionate about the subject and are generally willing to offer their opinions on different types.

Some things you may want to consider are:

Cost - Terry’s or prefolds are the cheapest option, All-in-ones are the most expensive option.  However, using any cloth nappy type at all will still save you money.
Ease of Use - All-in-ones are easiest to use, as there are fewer components. Terry nappies are harder to get the hang of, until you are used to the folds and fastenings. Aplix fastening nappies are quicker to do up than poppers but also easier for older babies and toddlers to undo.
Absorbency v Bulk - There is generally a trade-off between absorbency and bulk. A slimmer fitting nappy will not usually be as absorbent as a thicker one (with some exceptions such as hemp or bamboo).  So if you have a heavy wetter absorbency may be a key issue for you. Any nappy can, of course, have it’s absorbency increased by using a booster.
Drying Time - Depending on what drying facilities you have, this may be an important consideration. Terry squares are the quickest to dry, shaped nappies take longer, all-in-ones take the longest to dry.  However, a compromise to the all-in-one is a pocket nappy that separates for quick drying.

Is there lots of work involved?
Not really.  When you take a nappy off you just put it in a nappy bucket or large plastic box with a secure lid.  If your baby has pooed, just flush the liner and contents down the loo. If you are using a fleece liner, then the poo will normally fall quite easily off the liner, or if it is sticking then you can hold the liner (and nappy if necessary) in the toilet and flush.

Then every day or two, you will need to run a wash of nappies. Use non-bio detergent, you will generally find that you need only a third to a half of the amount the manufacturer specifies – any more and you will be leaving a residue of powder on the nappy which may cause soreness. You can even use eco-friendly detergent free wash balls.  Do not use fabric conditioner as this will reduce the absorbency of your nappies, instead you can use a tablespoon or two of distilled (clear) malt vinegar in the final rinse – this will keep your nappies soft, and ensure that any residues of urine are neutralised.  Failing that, you can fluff them in the tumble dryer for a few minutes.

Tip: Try washing nappies early evening and hanging in a warm airing cupboard to dry overnight.  Hang out in the morning or tumble dry to finish off.

Do I need to soak the nappies?
No.  Soaking the nappies will extend their life expectancy, an important consideration if you intend to use for further babies or want to resell at best price.  However, if you do decide to soak the use of a nappy mesh makes lifting the nappies out of the bucket easier and can simply be placed direct into the washing machine, remembering to loosening the toggle fastening so that the nappies are free to circulate. 

Nappies can be soaked in one of the following:
3-5 drops of lavender or tea tree oil (both have natural antibacterial & antifungal agents)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons of clear distilled vinegar

Alternatively, you can dry-store/pail which means that when you remove the wet nappy at your baby’s nappy change you simply place into a bucket or box with a secure lid without soaking in water. 

Tip: To assist with extending the life of the nappy run the nappy under a running tap of cold water to rinse slightly before placing in the nappy bucket/box.

Tip: Another idea is to use your baby’s bath water to sluice the nappies at the end of each day before washing.

Article courtesy of TreeHugger Mums - www.treehuggermums.co.uk