Nappy Advice

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the use of cloth nappies. If you have a question that is not answered here please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

We are able to offer free, no obligation cloth nappy advice via email to anyone. We will not recommend a product purely because we sell it. We will always recommend what we feel is right for you and your circumstances. If you wish to take advantage of our nappy advice please Contact Us and we will email a short questionnaire for you to complete in order to determine the best options for you.

If you live in the Leeds area we are also able to provide free, no obligation demonstrations. These can be provided at your home or ours. Simply Contact Us and we will discuss a date/time that is convenient. Additionally if you run or attend a baby group or class that you feel may be interested in a demonstration, please ask the group leader to Contact Us to arrange a date and time. (Note that if you live near the Leeds area and would like a demonstration please still get in touch as we may be able to help.)

FAQ:

Click on the links below to jump to the question.

1. Why should I use cloth?
   Firstly cloth nappies work out a lot cheaper than disposables. An average baby will use 4000-6000 disposables before they are potty trained. This works out at a cost of £488-£732. Cloth nappies on the other hand can cost as little as £185 including washing. (Source: WRAP) . In addition you can use your cloth nappies for more than one child, saving you even more money and can sell them on when you are finished, thus recouping some of the money spent. Check with your local council whether they offer any incentives for cloth nappy users.
   
   By using cloth you are saving 4000-6000 disposable nappies from ending up in landfill.
   
   Disposable nappies contain chemicals. Using cloth keeps these chemicals away from your baby's bum. Cloth is also more breathable than disposables.
   
   Many cloth users find their nappies leak less than disposables. Often a disposable will leak poo out of the back of the nappy. With cloth you can get a snug fit around the back and prevent leaks.
   
   There is evidence to suggest that cloth nappies hold a baby's hips in a better position than disposables do. They can also provide better protection when your child starts toddling and falling on their bum.
   
   Cloth looks nicer, there is so much choice of styles, colours and fabrics.
   
   Though you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused by the choice of cloth nappies, they are in fact very easy to use.
   

2. How many will I need to buy?
   This depends on the age of your baby and the style of nappy you choose (some nappies can be used from birth until the baby is potty trained, others you will need to buy different sizes as your baby grows). For full-time use, washing every 2-3 days we recommend roughly 20 nappies and 5 wraps.
   

3. I'm confused by all the options available. Can you explain them?
   When you first start looking at cloth nappies there are a lot of different types and some confusing terminology. Below is a list of nappy types and commonly used terms. I hope this makes things clearer.
   
   Nappy Types:
   Flat: This is the term used to describe flat squares which you fold in order to form a nappy. There are many different folds you can use. The best thing to do is try a few folds out until you find which suits your baby best. They also require a separate waterproof wrap. Flat nappies are sometimes called prefolds.
   Fitted: This is the name given to a shaped nappy which requires a waterproof wrap to cover it. Basically a fitted nappy is the absorbent part and the wrap stops it from leaking through to your baby's clothes. They are often called two-part nappies.
   All-in-one: Basically this is a fitted nappy with a waterproof layer build in so that a separate wrap is not required. Sometimes nappies can be snap-in all-in-ones which means the nappy has a waterproof outer layer and an absorbent section which attaches to it with poppers. These are handy as you are often able to buy the absorbent layers separately and therefore can just change that bit rather than the whole nappy. This is often abbreviated to AIO.
   Pocket: This is essentially a waterproof outside layer and an absorbent inside layer stitched together with an opening that allows you to stuff more absorbent layers inside. The extra absorbent layers you stuff them with are called inserts.
   
   Sized: This is the term for a nappy that comes in a variety of sizes (usually small, medium, large) and you will need to buy the next size up as your baby grows.
   
   Birth-to-Potty: These nappies will fit your child from birth until they are potty trained. You adjust the size to fit your baby, usually using poppers. They can appear complicated at first but it doesn't take long to get the hang of them.
   
   Fastenings:
   Nippa: This means the nappy itself doesn't have any fasteners attached. It requires a nappy nippa or nappy pins.
   Aplix: This works like velcro. You may find that as your baby gets older he/she works out how to undo the aplix.
   Popper: These are a bit like using a press-stud, you simply choose the ones that give the best fit. They are harder for a baby to undo than applix.
   
   Wraps:
   Plastic Pants: These are a very cheap option and are basically a layer of plastic, usually with elasticated waist and leg holes. To wash simply use warm soapy water.
   PUL: This is a waterproof fabric and often comes in pretty colours and patterns. It is very reliable.
   Fleece: Fleece wraps work by repelling the moisture and thus acting as a barrier between the nappy and your baby's clothes.
   Wool: Wool wraps need to be lanolised to make them waterproof. They work by allowing the moisture to evaporate through the wool. After use, simply hang them up to air dry. They do not require washing very often. We recommend lanolising approximately once a month. Wool wraps are very good overnight.
   Waterproofed Cotton: We stock Sckoon waterproofed cotton wraps. These work in the same way as PUL but are much softer to the touch.
   

4. What else will I need?
   You will need a nappy bucket to store used nappies in until you wash them. Do not feel you have to buy a 'nappy bucket' since any lidded bucket will do and these are often available cheaply. Nappy sanitiser is optional.
   
   You will also need a wet nappy bag to store used nappies in while you are out and about. I often recommend you have two so that you can use one while the other is in the wash.
   
   Liners can be used to make disposing of poo easier. You can simply lift the liner out and drop the poo into the toilet. Liners are available in reusable and disposable types. Some disposable types are flushable meaning you can drop the liner and the poo into the toilet. If you want to use reusable liners then you can simply drop the poo off the liner or dunk the liner into the toilet to get the poo off. We recommend using fleece liners as they help to keep your baby's bum fairly dry. (When your baby urinates the urine goes straight through the fleece as it comes out so fast, the fleece then acts as a barrier in the way fleece wraps do and thus the urine doesn't come back through the fleece liner). You can make your own liners by chopping up a cheap fleece blanket.
   
   If you use pocket nappies you will need inserts, microfibre cloths (cheaply available from supermarkets) work well. If your baby is a heavy wetter you may also need some boosters. These are essentially absorbent pads that sit on top of your nappy (under the liner) to increase absorbency.
   
   You may also want to use cloth wipes. If so we recommend about 30 wipes for full time use. Once used simply place in your nappy bucket and wash with your nappies. You can either dampen your wipes before use or use a spray bottle to spray baby's bum before you wipe. For a handy bum wash simply make a tub of chamomile tea and allow to cool before dampening wipes of filling a spray bottle with it.
   

5. How do I care for my nappies?
   We recommend you wash your nappies a couple of times before you first use them, this helps to increase their absorbency.
   
   Machine wash at 40 degrees, using half the recommended amount of detergent (this helps to prevent a build up of detergent in your nappies). Do NOT use fabric softener as this will reduce the absorbency of your nappies. You can tumble dry on a low heat setting.
   
   While storing your nappies before washing you have a number of options.
   Wet pail: Place nappies in a nappy bucket with water in, either with or without nappy sanitiser. Note that some sanitisers can have a detrimental effect on any elastic in your nappies.
   Dry Pail: Basically place your nappies in an empty nappy bucket until they require washing. When you wash them give them a rinse cycle before your normal wash cycle. You can place the nappies inside a mesh bag to aid lifting them into the washing machine. To prevent smells from your nappy bucket you can put a few drops of essential oil on a tissue and stick to the inside of the lid.
   

6. What do I do when I'm out and about?
   The way I do it is to pack a changing bag with the number of nappies I will need. I put liners in the nappies so that they are ready to use. I put in enough cloth wipes and a spray bottle of bum wash. I also pack a wet nappy bag to put the used nappies in.
   

7. Aren't they a lot more work than disposables though?
   Some people may think so. However I don't think they are any more work. Many people find disposables tend to leak up the back, requiring a complete change of clothes and thus creating washing. If you have this problem with disposables it also means you have to carry a change of baby clothes with you when you go out. It's simply a case of flushing a bit of poo and putting the washer on every 2-3 days.
   

8. ...but disposables keep a baby's bum drier.
   Um, well, yes. I think they do. Have you stopped to consider whether that is actually what you want though? There's lots of adverts for disposable nappies singing the praises of how they keep a baby's bum dry. We seem to take it for granted that this is best for baby. A study by The University of Bristol showed that disposable nappies give little protection against nappy rash. In addition to this, if your baby is in a cloth nappy then he/she can feel when their nappy is damp; a big benefit when it comes to potty training. Also, you will be able to tell how wet the nappy is and so you can be confident your baby is producing plenty of wet nappies and is not dehydrated. Conversely if there is a problem, you will be able to tell your baby is not producing enough wet nappies with ease.
   

9. I'm convinced. Which are the best nappies?
   The best nappies will vary from baby to baby and will also depend on the parents circumstances. For example if you do not have a tumble drier, then drying time will be a big factor in your choice. Contact Us and we will be happy to advise you based on your circumstances.
   

10. I've seen a big set of nappies for sale. It seems to have everything I need and looks a bargain. What do you think?
    Big sets of nappies do work out cheaper than buying the nappies individually, just like most bulk buying. However I would advise you try one of the nappies first to see if they suit your baby and your needs. It won't be a bargain if you don't like them. Some places offer nappy trials and this is a good way to find out if a nappy is right for you before buying them in bulk.