How many nappies do I need?
The number of nappies you need depends on the whether you are using the nappies full-time or part time, the age of your baby and how often you want to wash your nappies. Generally a baby wearing cloth nappies needs their nappy changed about 6-8 times a day. If you are using cloth nappies full time then you would need about 24 nappies. If you are only using cloth nappies part time then about 12 nappies should get you though. This would then mean that you would be washing your nappies every 2-3 days. Most people find it easier and more cost effective to start with a few nappies and build them up over time.
How often do I need to change cloth nappies?
Generally the younger the baby the more changes you have as newborn babies usually have more soiled nappies than older babies which require more frequent changes. A newborn baby usually has between 10-12 nappy changes a day and it usually decreases to about 8 a day and then 6 a day as they get older. Modern Cloth nappies usually need to be changed every 3 hours or so throughout the day and any extra times if the nappy is soiled. There is no need to change your baby throughout the night as long as you are using a good absorbent nappy and booster if needed. This should get you right though the night however the nappy will be very wet in the morning.
How do I wash cloth nappies?
When a nappy has been soiled you need to scrape out any waste from the nappy into the toilet or rinse it off the nappy and simply put it in a bucket with a lid with or without water. The manufacturers recommend no water which is called dry pailing. Nappies should then be washed in a washing machine as normal on warm/hot temperature with a quarter to half the amount of washing detergent. This reduces residue on the nappy which can lead to rashes and the nappy leaking. Once the nappies are washed hang them on the clothes line in the sun. The sun is a natural bleacher and deodoriser for your nappies. Most nappies can be placed in the dryer on a low temperature.
What detergent do I use?
Do not use fabric softner. Fabric Softner coats you nappies as it will coat the nappy and reduce absorption. Do not use Nappisan or other bleach based detergents or powders on your nappies. It is recommended that you use the following detergents: Eco Store, Planet Arc Aware or Seventh Generation which can be purchased from your local supermarket. Eco Store is the brand that we suggest and it can be purchased from our website.
What are the costs of cloth nappies?
Cost for 24 one size cloth pocket nappies at $28- each = $672- Average amount spend on disposable nappies $2,803.20 * Savings by using cloth nappies $2,131.20 * Based on 8 nappy changes a day for 3 years at 32c per nappy. Check out www.choice.com.au to accurately calculate the cost of cloth nappies v disposable nappies.
What are the environmental benefits of using cloth nappies?
18 billion disposable nappies enter landfills each year It takes 500 years for 1 disposable nappy to decompose 82,000 tons of plastic needed each year to make disposable nappies 1.3million tons of wood pulp needed each year to make disposable nappies 250,000 trees needed each year to make disposable nappies The production of disposable nappies uses around 3.5 times the amount of energy used for a cloth nappy. The production of disposable nappies uses over twice the amount of water used for washing cloth nappies. Disposable nappies use over 8 times the amount of non renewable raw materials and a whopping 90 times the amount of renewable materials (measured in weight). For one child with an average 6 nappies a day over 2.5 years, approximately 734 kg of solid waste goes into landfill. Disposable nappies are not bio-degradable and can sit in our landfill for hundreds of years. It takes thousands of gallons of water, paper from our trees and bleach and chemical absorbers to make disposables look white, clean and fresh when you pull them out of a packet.
What are the differences between all the types of nappies?
Pocket Nappies - A fitted nappy with a waterproof cover on the outside and a lining on the inside. The lining forms a pocket and is required to be stuffed with a booster, insert or other absorbent material. This nappy has no absorbency unless stuffed. One Size Nappy A fitted nappy with a waterproof cover on the outside. This nappy is adjustable on the front with snaps to make it smaller for newborns and then gradually get bigger as the baby grows. This nappy is an all round nappy from birth to toilet training.
All in One (AIO) - A nappy that is fitted and has the waterproof cover attached to the nappy. These nappies don’t need a cover.
Fitted Nappy - A nappy that is fitted and is made of an absorbent material. It generally has elastic around the legs and waist and is fastened with snaps or Velcro. These nappies require a cover. Covers A waterproof material that fits over a fitted nappy, terry squares or prefolds. Prefold Similar to the terry flat nappy however it has an extra absorbency panel sewn into it. These nappies require a cover.
Prefolds - A cotton material that can be folded in different ways and attached with pins or a snappi. These nappies require a cover.
Liners - Liners are a piece of material that is either disposable or washable that sits in the nappy next to the baby’s skin. It provides a layer to reduce moisture touching the skin and catches any waste.
What are the benefits of cloth nappies to my baby?
Using cotton allows your baby's skin to breathe reducing nappy rash. Soft & non-restrictive keeping your baby's bottom nice and dry. Reduced temperature of child's genital area thus reducing the risk of fertility issues. No chemicals being exposed to the baby's body. Tibutyl tin (a very toxic chemical) have been found in disposable nappies. Better performance - no blow outs when the nappy is soiled and ability to add extra absorbency when required.
How can I stop my nappies smelling?
Smelly nappies can be as a result of poor rinsing or detergent build up on your nappies. It is recommended that you wash your nappies in cold water without detergent until the rinse water runs clear or there is no more suds present. You can also rise your nappies prior to storing them in a dry pail. Hanging your nappies on the line in the sun is also a good natural bleach for your nappies. We also sell the BumGenius odor remover which can be used to assist with reducing the smell of dirty nappies.
Why are my nappies leaking?
Leaking nappies is usally caused by poor rinsing and detergent build up on your nappies. It is recommended that you wash your nappies in cold water without detergent until the rinse water runs clear or there is no more suds present. Also ensure that when you take the nappies from the wash that they dont have a crispy feel as this is an indication that there is excess detergent build up on the nappies. Ensure that the detergent you are using does not have any fabric softners and is enzyme free. Nappies can also leak when they are not fitted correctly. Ensure that the nappies are on the correct setting for your child and that there is no gaping around the legs and waist. Nappies need to have a snug fit without being so tight that they causing red marks.
My baby's got nappy rash is it caused by the cloth nappies?
Cloth nappies do not cause nappy rash!!!! Nappy rash is commonly caused from poor rinising of nappies and detergent build up on the nappies. It is recommended that you wash your nappies in cold water without detergent until the rinse water runs clear or there are no more studs present. Also nappy rash can be caused from not changing your baby's nappy frequently enough. Cloth nappies should be changed every 3-4 hours, if the nappy is full or if the nappy is soiled. Regular nappies changes is important to ensure that the baby's bottom is not staying wet.
How do I wash my swim nappies?
Once you remove your swim nappy from you child and it is soiled, scrape the solids into the toilet then rinse your swim nappy. Swim nappies can just be washed with your normal wash load and you can use your normal detergent. Swim nappies can be either line dried or tumble dried.
How do I use my swim nappies?
Your swim nappy does not require anything to be worn underneath it. You simply place your swim nappy directly on your baby and your swim nappy should contain any solid mess that your child does within the nappy. Swim nappies do not hold liquid so you are best putting your swim nappy on just prior to getting into the water. The reason that swim nappies do not hold liquid is because they are designed not to weigh your baby down in the water. Disposable swim nappies are heavily padded so when the fill up with water the become heavy which can weigh your baby down whilst swimming.
Do I need a liner for my swim nappies?
Your swim nappies do not require a liner. If you want to put the swim nappy on your child prior to leaving home then you can place a small absorbent insert inside the swim nappy to make them absorbent. You can then remove the insert from the swim nappy prior to getting into the water. We recommend the Happy Heiny’s small stuffins inserts.