Do You Get Confused When Choosing Cloth Nappies?
Understanding Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies (or cloth diapers for our overseas friends) are a great alternative to disposable nappies, offering a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective and poonami containing solution.
Reusable nappies can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Hemp nappies are especially popular for night time. Fast drying microfibre is also an option for daytime nappies ideal for those with limited drying facilities.
Modern reusable nappies are designed to be easy to use and maintain, with many featuring adjustable sizing so you only have one nappy that lasts birth to potty.
Choosing the Right Cloth Nappy for Your Baby
When choosing cloth nappies, there are a few factors you will want to consider. Consider your baby’s age or size when choosing a cloth nappy. If you are pregnant look at newborn nappies or our newborn hire kits as well as one size nappies.
Think about your lifestyle and preferences, such as childcare you will use (terry squares would not be suitable for a nursery whereas all in one nappies would be ideal. Consider your washing / drying facilities - do you need quick drying or do you have lots of drying room. What is your budget are you looking at top of the range all bells and whistles nappies or budget friendly basics.
Research different types of cloth nappies, including all-in-one, pocket nappies and night time nappies.
Don't forget to look into washable wipes. Reusable wipes give you quicker and more effective clean ups and are washed with your nappies so no extra work involved. Many families often start with wipes and then add in reusable nappies as they find wipes so simple to use.
Grab a coffee and some biscuits and read through The Nappy Lady's advice articles to getting started with cloth nappies.
The Nappy Lady will recommend the best cloth nappies for you for free!
Get your free personally nappy recommendation via The Nappy Lady questionnaire. Our recommendation will help you shortlist the right cloth nappies for you. Then you can read up on your recommended nappies. All of our products have reviews from from other parents to help you find the best cloth nappy for your baby.
After you've received your nappy recommendation book an online demo with team NappyLady to see the nappies working in person.
Don’t be afraid to have a mix of different types of cloth nappies. Many people have one type of the daytime for speed of changing and then higher absorbency for night time. The NappyLady also stocks trial packs if you'd like to test a mix of different nappy types.
Types of Cloth Nappies
The wonderful thing about using cloth nappies is that there are so many different nappies available. While this can seem confusing it actually means you can find a nappy that matches your specific requirements.
All-in-one nappies are a single unit with both absorbent and waterproof layers. They are the closest you can get to disposable nappies.
Pocket nappies feature a waterproof outer layer and removable absorbent inserts.
Birth-to-potty nappies are designed to fit from birth to potty training, with adjustable sizing.
Terry squares also called terry nappies are a traditional type of reusable nappy that require folding and fastening. No need for an old fashioned safety pin, modern Nappi Nippas secure your terry nappies. These are the most cost effective of all nappies howver they do require folding.
Fitted nappies (sometimes called shaped nappies) which are used with separate waterproof cover are the best washable nappies for containment and absorbency. Two part nappies (nappy and waterproof outer wrap) are best for nighttime as there is plenty of room to add boosters if your baby needs extra absorbency.
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Benefits and Drawbacks of Reusable Nappies
Benefits of reusable nappies include reduced waste, cost savings, better containment, earlier potty training and healthier skin for babies.
Drawbacks include the initial investment and washing.
However, modern reusable nappies are designed to minimise leaks and be uber easy to use.
A disposable liner makes changing pooey nappies ultra simple.
With the right care and maintenance, reusable nappies can be a convenient and eco-friendly option.
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Reusable Nappy Changing and Maintenance
Changing cloth nappies is similar to changing a disposable nappy. The difference is that you will wash the nappies rather than throwing them away as waste for landfill or polluting incineration.
Use a nappy bucket or wet bag to store dirty nappies until they are washed. No need to soak nappies in Nappisan like our grannies did, just pop them straight into your bucket or wet bag.
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Wash cloth nappies water up to 60deg with a mild detergent, no fabric softener and for drying nappies ideally air dry them but many can be tumble dried on a low heat.
Buying Nappies
Consider having a nappy demo with The Nappy Lady team to practise using cloth nappies and get any questions you have answered in person.
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Consider buying cloth nappies in Nappy Lady bundles and kits as buying in bulk saves money. If you wanted to try a few before buying in full consider using the Nappy Lady's nappy library.
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Washing Cloth Nappies
Use a nappy wash to keep cloth nappies clean and hygienic. Read our guide to washing to learn the right washing methods and to see how simple washing nappies really is.
