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OK, so you’ve read all the arguments for and against, and you’ve decided to make the change – you’re going to go cloth. But what do you do now? How do you make the decision as to which nappies you should use? There’s a bewildering range of nappies available, not to mention different wraps, liners, different fastenings…. If you're still confused after reading this article and any information gathered from the forum section, use our Personal Shopper section where you need to complete some simple questions and we will advise you on a nappy trial kit best suited to you.
The Answers
Below I have listed some common concerns of mothers when choosing which nappies to use. I have a limited budget for cloth nappies
If financial cost is most important to you, you may consider using a birth-to-potty or one-size nappy. You can also adjust a size 2 non-Aplix nappy to fit a smaller baby with the use of a Nappi Nippa. Both types may be a little bulky on a smaller newborn baby but will avoid the need to have different sized nappies. The ultimate budget nappy system would be to use terry squares, if you are prepared to master some basic folding. I want to minimise the environmental cost of my nappies
You will probably want to use an organic nappy or new fabrics such as hemp and bamboo that is sustainable and grown without the use of pesticides yet very absorbent. You may also like to try using a wool wrap that is totally natural and relies on it’s natural properties to remain waterproof. I want to avoid leaks (especially if your baby is breastfed)
A shaped nappy, with elastic around the legs, will offer better containment. Avoid an all-in-one system, as there is only one place where the leaks will be stopped. A two part system (nappy and wrap) will offer more protection against leaks. Prefolds will contain wetness well, but may allow some leakage of poo and will require the purchase of more wraps compared to using a two part nappy system. Cotton covered wraps may wick, causing wet patches particularly around legs. I want a nappy that is as easy to use as a disposable
For ultimate ease of use, you would probably look to buy an all-in-one nappy that is only one piece plus flushable liner. However, they are more expensive than the two part systems, and can not usually be tumble dried. A quick drying alternative is a pocket nappy system that is one piece once put together and separates easily for washing and drying. These are always a popular choice for use at daycare establishments or for others not used to cloth nappies. I want a nappy that is quick to dry
The quickest nappy system is probably terry squares, followed by pre-folds. Pocket nappies are also very quick to dry. You will want to avoid all-in-ones as they can not be dried on radiators. Shaped nappies take longer to dry, especially around the elasticated areas, although there is a no-fold shaped nappy that opens out for quicker drying. If you have a tumble drier but want to limit the amount of time you use it, you can tumble the nappies for the first 10 or 20 minutes, and then line dry. This will keep them softer than line drying alone. I need a quick change nappy for my wriggly baby
Aplix nappies are quickest to fasten, however you may find that they are also easier for your baby to undo as he gets older. Some popper fastening nappies can be partly done up, and then pulled on before fastening the final poppers. You could also try pull on wraps. Again, a pocket nappy or all-in-one nappy may suit your needs, as you only have one layer to put on. I want a cute nappy
You may like to have a look at some of the WAHM (Work At Home Mothers) sites who often make bespoke nappies and wraps with personalised embroidery. Have a look at the Directory to find a list of UK sellers and WAHMs. Someone else will be changing my baby from time to time
If your baby will be looked after by a babysitter occasionally or will spend a few hours a week at a creche, then you may wish to buy a couple of all-in-ones or pocket nappies. Alternatively, you could opt for an easy fastening shaped nappy and wrap and soon the childminder or nursery staff will be as expert as you. I will have two children in nappies
Consider using a one-size nappy or size 2 non-aplix and folded down as described earlier in this article. You may find that one-size nappies are a little too low in the rise for some taller toddlers although, you can buy nappy extenders to overcome this problem. They can also be a little bulky and long in the body for newborns but generally give a good coverage across the main part of the growth spectrum. I want a reliable cloth nappy to use overnight
As long as you choose an absorbent nappy cloth is unlikely to leak during the night and should easily last 12 hours. There are plenty of nappies on the market designed as night-time nappies alternatively, any nappy type can be boosted by adding layers of absorbency with a booster pad, small prefold or terry square. Fleece-topped boosters or fleece lined nappies with give a nice dry feel. Wool or fleece wraps work well at night because they are breathable. As they allow moisture to evaporate, you may find the nappy is less soaked the following morning than it would usually be. Fleece liners, or paper? Which is better?
As long as you don’t mind sluicing the odd nappy, then you could well prefer to use fleece liners. Most poo will just fall off the liner into the toilet, and you can hold onto one corner of the nappy/liner as you hold it in the flush. A fleece liner allows urine to pass through it, and keeps your baby skin very dry. However, if your baby has particularly soft poo you may prefer the ease of a flushable paper liner. Silk liners are made of raw silk, which has healing properties and will be useful to have on hand to deal with any skin complaints such as eczema or sensitive skin.
Article courtesy of TreeHugger Mums - www.treehuggermums.co.uk |
