Using Cloth Nappies

Are reusable nappies hard work?

Cloth nappies really are not as much work as you may think!!  Disposables are an easy option, but if you ask parents who use modern cloth nappies they will say they are really not much more work at all.   Instead of bagging the reusable nappy and traipsing to the bin as you would with a disposable - you:

1) Place the cloth nappy in a lidded bin (after dealing with poo if necessary - more about that later!)
2) After 1-3 days place the reusable nappies in the washing machine
3) Add detergent and switch on
4) At the end of the cycle remove the nappies - place in tumble dryer or on the line/airier
5) When dry - place on baby!

So other than storing, putting on a wash and drying - real nappies are really not that much work. No constant trips to the supermarket either. With a sufficient number of washable nappies (around 24 for a newborn baby and 15 for a toddler - plus nappy wraps if you need them) you can be in reusable  nappies full time and will only need to at the most launder every other day - an extra 3-4 loads of washing per week.

So what about the poo?

One question I am regularly asked (especially by dads) is 'what about the poo!'?  You will unfortunately have to deal with this whichever nappies you use, but instead of bagging it up with the nappy and sending to landfill, you separate it from the cloth nappy and send into the sewerage system. Liners are commonly used with reusable nappies to catch the contents although are not strictly necessary (especially if nappied are already lined with microfleece). If you choose a liner, the type depends on whether you wish to just flush away the waste done the loo or are happy with dealing with it directly.

Disposable/flushable liners are made of paper or cellulose fibres and are placed inside the cloth nappy. Any poo is captured by the nappy liner then depending on the type of liner (and your plumbing) you either flush the liner plus the contents down the loo or bagit up and dispose of it in your bin. Examples: Spunlace liners or slightly thicker ultra liners.

Reusable nappy liners are a eco friendly option which can be used again and again and can be washed with your cloth nappies.  Microfleece liners are the most common, and in addition to capturing poo and protecting your nappies from staining, act as a stay dry liner wicking away wetness from the baby’s skin. Silver liners and silk liners have been shown to have healing properties and are can be used where nappy rash occurs. [Silver liners can be washed with the nappies in the machine - however it is recommended to hand wash silk liners].  Examples: Fleece liners, silver liners or silk liners

When using reusable liners any poo is removed and the liner rinsed in the toilet or with a shower head before placing in the nappy bucket with your washable nappies. Weaned babies have solid poo which most of the time rolls off easily into the loo. For newborn babies the poo is runnier (sorry if TMI!) and can soak into the nappy liner – a prewash is effective in removing breastfed poo prior to your main wash.  Fleece lined nappies. Some reusable nappies(most pocket nappies and some two piece nappies) are already lined with microfleece or microsuede. There is in this case no necessity to add an extra liner however many parents choose to place a disposable liner inside the nappy for convenience. Removing poo from the nappy would be as for reusable nappy liners described above.

Prevention of leaks from reusable nappies

With the right reusable nappy system for your baby’s age and build you will only need to change cloth nappies at the same frequency as disposables i.e. every 3 to 4 hours. You will however need to change the nappy straight away if they are soiled irrespective of the type of nappy used.   For two piece washable cloth nappies (flat or shaped reusable nappies plus an outer nappy wrap) ensure that the absorbent nappy is fully tucked into the waterproof wrap running a finger around the elastic of the legs and waist after fitting. Ensure that the outer nappy wrap is not too small or too large and move to a larger or smaller size if necessary.  If over saturated, wetness will wick via the leg tapes. If this occurs, change the reusable nappy more frequently or add extra absorbency to the cloth nappy by using booster layers. It may be necessary to experiment with the number or type of nappy booster (terry, hemp, bamboo or micro fibre) - particularly overnight. It is unusual for newborn babies' nappies to require boosting as they are changed on a regular basis.

Pocket/stuffable nappies, all in one and all in two cloth nappies should have a snug fit around the waist and legs. Add nappy booster/inserts to improve the fit or for extra absorbency buy avoid overstuffing as this may affect the fit. If leaks occur, consider using thinner more absorbent stuffing e.g. hemp, bamboo or microfibre boosters. Due to the fact that overstuffing has a tendency to cause leaks, some parents find pocket nappies ideal for daytime use but prefer two piece cloth nappies for night-time use as they can be boosted to a higher degree.