Nappy advice
My nappy advice page is based on personal use and experience with the numerous types of cloth nappy available today.
Although this is a lengthy page, it is well worth a good read, as I hope it will answer all your questions about cloth nappies, and help you decide which cloth nappy is suitable for you and your baby, how many nappies you will need, how to care for your nappies, and much more...
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me by email or phone, for more personal advice.
Also known as washable nappies, recyclable nappies, reusable nappies, real nappies, cotton nappies, natural nappies and non-disposable nappies! Fore ease of reading I will refer to them as cloth nappies on this site.
1. Why cloth nappies
There are numerous reasons why you may choose to use cloth nappies on your baby, many of which I will try to outline below:
What is in a nappy
disposable nappy
70% core containing fluff pulp and absorbent chemicals (sodium polyacrylate)
10% polypropylene lining
13% polyethylene cover
7% other (tapes, elastics, adhesives)
typical cloth nappy
82% soft natural fibre nappy
18% PUL, fleece or wool wrap
which would you prefer to put on your baby's bottom?
Health
Cloth nappies are made mainly of natural fibres that aviod exposure to the gels and chemicals used in disposable nappies. For example sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent gel within disposable nappies, has been banned from use within tampons due to causing cases of toxic shock syndrome.
Disposable nappies have been implicated as a factor in male infertility, due to raised temperature within the nappy, whereas cloth nappies have not been associated with such concerns.
Cloth nappies keep babies hips apart at the optimum angle for hip joint development, and provide more padding and protection when they start to toddle and fall over! They are breathable and provide a soft and comfy layer next to your baby's skin. Also it is possible that babies in cloth nappies may potty train early.
Environment
Whichever type of nappy you use there will be an environmental impact.
This impact is greater for disposable nappies. It is a fact that it takes 4.5 trees to make the disposable nappies a baby will use from birth to 2.5 years old, and that one cupful of crude oil is used to make each disposable nappy. Disposables from one baby make up 50% of the volume of that household's waste, 8 million disposable nappies being thrown away every day in the UK. Most just go to our fast filling landfill sites where they take hundreds of years to decompose, producing methane gas which contributes to global warming.
On the other hand, for cloth nappies the main impact to the environment is washing and drying. However, the great thing is that you have some control over this, by laundering as recommended in my washing nappies section.
A report commissioned in October 2008 by the UK Government's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated that parents who use cloth nappies, wash on a full load, line dry and reuse nappies on their second child can lower the global warming impact by 40% over the two and a half years, compared to disposable nappies.
Other tips to help the environment include:
- buy second hand cloth nappies
- choose environmentally friendly fabrics (unbleached / organic cotton, hemp or bamboo)
- use washable liners and wipes
- use cloth nappies for more than one child
- try potty training as early as possible
- don't use bleach to soak or wash nappies
- don't iron nappies
Cost
In terms of overall costs, cloth nappies are much cheaper than disposables. You will save at least £500 with your first child, and even more if used again for subsequent children. This saving, of course, includes the cost of all nappies, electricity, detergent and depreciation of machine. The catch is that you have to pay up front for cloth nappies, but just think of the savings in the long run. A great way of avoiding this upfront cost is to borrow the money from your local credit union. They supply low cost loans which are a great way of buying all the cloth nappies you need without breaking the bank. Loans can be repaid weekly or monthly, whatever suits you best. Also many Local Authorities encourage use of cloth nappies by offering cash incentives, see ‘incentive schemes' and 'credit union schemes' (Wales) pages for more details.
It is also worth bearing in mind that there is a good second hand market for cloth nappies. Once your children are potty trained you can sell them to recoup some of the initial outlay. Being green usually comes at a premium, but this is one environmentally friendly purchase that will save you money as well!
Easy to use and wash
Gone are the days of folding nappies, safety pins and boil washing!
Modern cloth nappies are shaped to fit like disposables with Velcro or popper fastenings. There is no need to soak used nappies; they can be stored in a bucket or a bag and then washed at a maximum of 60°C every 2 -3 days.
Fun and funky!
Modern cloth nappies are slim fitting and the wraps come in a fantastic range of colours and designs to co-ordinate with your baby's outfit, allowing your baby to be stylish as well as making an environmental statement!
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2. Parts of a cloth nappy
A cloth nappy is made up of 4 parts, although not all parts are necessary - some are optional extras:
Nappy
This is simply a pad of several layers of fabric (cotton, bamboo, hemp, microterry or minky) which provides the absorbency. They may be shaped to fit like disposables with aplix, popper or gripper fastenings. Alternatively they may be flat and require folding like terry squares and prefolds.
Booster
This is a pad of fabric layers which may be used with the nappy to increase its absorbency. The same fabric as the main nappy is usually used. A booster is often essential once your baby sleeps through the night.
Liner
This is a thin layer which lines the inside of the nappy. It catches the poo, but allows the wee through into the absorbent nappy. Liners aren't essential, but are more convenient. You can choose from biodegradable paper which is flushable / compostable or alternatively, fleece which can be washed with your nappies and reused (once the poo is flipped off and flushed down the toilet!). With paper liners it is important to cut the paper to fit the nappy rather than fold it over. Some nappies and boosters have a built in top layer of fleece and so no separate liner is required.
Wrap
This is the waterproof outer layer which keeps your baby's clothes dry. As your final line of defence, the wrap needs to be a good fit. You need to make sure the entire nappy is tucked inside the wrap to avoid leaks. Some nappies require a separate wrap whilst others have an inbuilt waterproof outer layer. Some wraps have leg gussets which are roomier and so are great to use over birth to potty nappies. Wraps do not need to be changed as often as nappies. Generally, most are made of PUL, but fleece or wool is an option. You can mix pretty much and match nappy and wrap brands. They are available in plain colours and printed designs.
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3. How many will I need
This all depends on your nappy usage, how often you want to wash them and how you plan to dry them. Obviously the more nappies you have the less frequently you will have to wash them. Washing every 2 or 3 days is probably ideal as this will give a full washing load.
If you use separate nappies and wraps then you will need less wraps than nappies as they don't require washing after every nappy change.
So for a newborn I would suggest having around 24 nappies and 5 or 6 wraps. You may need more wraps if using flat nappies as containment isn't as good as with shaped nappies. Once your baby is in size 2 nappies you probably only need 18 - 20 nappies and 4 - 5 of each size of wrap (as you will be changing less often). You can get away with fewer than this if you wash daily or want to tumble dry.
If you have more than one baby using the same size nappies, you will only need about 11/2 times the above quantities of nappies, as you will fill the washing machine up quicker. However you will still need double the quantity of wraps.
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4. Types of cloth nappies
Cloth nappies can be one of four basic styles:
Flat nappy
This is a terry / muslin square or prefold nappy which is folded for use. Terry squares and muslin squares can be folded in the traditional way or folded into a rectangle and held in place with just a tight fitting aplix wrap. If the nappy is folded traditionally it can be secured with a gripper fastening inside any wrap.
They are very versatile, quick drying and the cheapest option but you need a bit of time to fold the square and it can prove fiddly if you have a wriggly baby. Muslins are a great option for newborns who need frequent changes, and as they do dry quickly, it means that you'll always have one handy. Folded terry squares can look bulky, although it depends on the fabric.
Prefold nappies are padded fabric rectangles with a thicker section running through the middle. They are folded into an oblong shape to fit inside a good fitting gusseted wrap. They are reasonably priced and relatively quick to fold, use and dry but are not as effective in containing poo as a folded square or shaped nappy.
Shaped nappy
These nappies are shaped to fit, just like disposables. Many have a loose inner pad that makes drying faster than if the nappy had a thick central panel. They fasten with poppers, aplix or gripper fastening. A shaped nappy will need a wrap. The price varies as does the slimness of the nappy and drying speed, depending on your fabric choice. As with flat nappies, it takes more time to change a baby using this style compared to others because you have to put on the nappy and then the wrap. However it is a very reliable system as it gives a good all round fit and you do have two lines of defence to avoid clothes from getting wet or soiled.
Pocket nappy
A pocket nappy (sometimes called a stuffable nappy) has exactly the same principles as the shaped nappy above. It consists of an outer layer of fabric into which a fleece liner is usually sewn, creating a pocket in the front or back which you can stuff with an insert to the absorbency required. Most pocket nappies have a waterproof outer covering (a good option if you don't fancy handling a wet nappy), whereas some are not waterproof and so need a separate wrap. I suppose this nappy is half way between a shaped nappy and an all in one nappy! The advantage of a pocket nappy is that you can decided on the absorbency depending on the circumstances, for example one slim insert for the day and thicker more absorbent inserts for night time. They are also very quick to dry as the inserts dry separately to the nappy. You need to remember to stuff the nappies before using them.
All-in-one (AIO) nappy
This nappy is a shaped nappy stitched to the wrap. An AIO nappy is the most expensive cloth nappy on the market, but it is extremely convenient. Depending on the design, AIO nappies may take longer to dry than other styles. A good fit is always essential to avoid leaks.
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5. Nappy sizes
Flat nappies are available in two sizes to accommodate your baby's growth.
Most shaped, pocket and AIO nappies also come in two sizes, and this definitely offers the best fit of all. If you do plan to have more than one baby, sized nappies will get less wear and so will last through more babies.
Birth to potty (BTP) nappies are one size nappies which fit from the newborn stage until potty trained. BTP nappies are available in flat, shaped, pocket and AIO styles. They are adjusted for a newborn and have extra poppers to accommodate for this. They are economical as you do not need to buy more nappies as your baby grows and also a great choice if you have more than one child in nappies at the same time, as the same nappies will fit both. The disadvantage is that they are bulky on newborns and may be outgrown by a toddler who is late at potty training. Some size 2 nappies are also suitable to use as a BTP nappy by folding the fabric down in the front and securing with a gripper fastening or good fitting wrap, until it fits as it should.
Wraps usually come in 3 main sizes, and it is essential they are a good fit to prevent leaks.
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6. Fabrics
Fabrics used in cloth nappies and wraps include:
Conventional cotton
Naturally absorbent, however conventional cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world. These chemicals cannot be completely washed out. Unbleached cotton avoids the chemicals in the bleaching process, but for a purer alternative choose unbleached organic cotton. The slimness of cotton nappies vary with different brands.
Organic cotton
Pure, simple and naturally absorbent. Organic cotton feels extremely soft because the fibres are not broken down by the chemicals and machines used in conventional cotton farming and processing. Due to the absence of chemicals, organic cotton is also less likely to trigger allergies. It doesn't contain anti-shrink resins and smells cleaner because it isn't finished with formaldehyde. As with conventional cotton, slimness varies between brands.
Bamboo
Although not organic, bamboo is an ‘eco-friendly' fabric which has a short growth cycle and is grown without the use of pesticides. It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal and more importantly, offers superior absorbency when compared to cotton. Bamboo nappies are very slim fitting and soft and silky to touch. It retains its softness after repeated washes, but does take longer to dry than cotton (because it is much more absorbent). Most bamboo nappies will be dry after a day of line drying on a sunny day. They contain a small amount of polyester to strengthen the fabric.
Hemp
Another environmentally sound fabric. Hemp, like bamboo requires no chemicals to grow and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is 10 times stronger than cotton, therefore is economical as it will outlast any other natural fibre. Like bamboo, hemp nappies are very absorbent and slim fitting, but are slow to dry. The fabric goes stiff in hard water areas, however, after extended use the problem lessens as the hemp fibres soften.
Microterry
Made of 100% polyester, microterry is lightweight, highly absorbent and has antibacterial properties. It is one of the fastest drying nappy fabrics and will stay soft wash after wash. Not a good option if you want a natural fibre next to your baby's skin and as it is synthetic it isn't as breathable. It can also attract fluff and lint in the washing machine which is a bit of a nuisance. It is a relatively slim nappy fabric.
Minky
Made of 100% polyester, minky is a plush short pile fabric. As it is synthestic it isn't as breathable as a natural fibre, but it is very quick to dry and remains soft and silky wash after wash. This is a relatively slim nappy fabric.
Fleece
Fleece is a synthetic fabric that may be used as liners or wraps. Its' useful property is that it is non-absorbent and so will not hold wetness. Fleece is very quick to dry.
As liners, fleece has a stay dry effect and wicks moisture away from your baby's bottom into the nappy. So as long as the nappy has enough absorbency then your baby's bottom will stay dry.
Fleece wraps are only really suitable for night time use as they aren't completely waterproof, but they are breathable and allow evaporation of some of the nappy's wetness during the night. The nappy will therefore be slightly less wet in the morning with a fleece wrap than with a PUL wrap.
PUL
Polyurethane laminate (PUL) is a polyester interlock knit fabric that has been laminated to a thin film of polyurethane. It is a soft, stretchy and waterproof material and so ideal for every day wraps. PUL wraps are very quick to dry.
Wool
This natural, breathable material is usually used for night wraps and is perfect for babies with sensitive skin. Similar to fleece, wool is not waterproof but lets air circulate, allowing wetness to evaporate. It is an environmentally friendly material as it is renewable and biodegradable. All you normally need to do between uses is let the wrap air. Wool is naturally anti bacterial and so wraps can last up to two weeks without being washed (unless soiled). Wool needs lanolising periodically. Wool wraps can take a while to dry.
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7. Fasteners
These are the parts that hold the whole nappy together. There are three types of fasteners:
Poppers
Poppers are more durable than aplix. If you want a birth to potty nappy, or to use the nappies for more than one child, consider poppers because the nappy will have intensive usage. Poppers do up around the waist and legs on the wraps, allowing separate adjustability, therefore these are a good option if your baby has a small waist but chubby legs or vice versa. Some nappies and wraps with side fastening poppers can also be used as ‘pull ups' in toddler years. Wraps with poppers can give a slightly ‘puffy' appearance compared to aplix wraps.
Aplix / YKK / Velcro
Aplix / YKK / Velcro are all similar hook and loop fastenings. They are quicker and easier to fasten than poppers, and so great for wriggly babies. They are also quicker and easier for toddlers to take off! This isn't usually an issue as most babies can't undo their nappies once clothed. They offer good all round adjustment and are normally the chosen wrap fastener if you use a flat nappy. They do require more care and you must remember to do up the tabs before you wash them to avoid snagging and bits of fluff catching in the hooks. They can rub around the waist, so if your baby has very sensitive skin, then possibly poppers are a better option.
Nappi Nippas
Nappi Nippas are the modern alternative to pins! Each is a stretchy grip with 3 arms bearing claws that grip the nappy. The claws are a bit sharp so it's a good idea to keep them out of reach of children when not in use. They can be a bit fiddly to start with, but do provide a neat fit. Nappi Nippas aren't as quick and convenient to use as poppers and aplix. However they are useful with flat nappies and to make size 2 shaped nappies fit as a birth to potty nappy.
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8. Nappy Storage
I recommend ‘dry pailing', in other words storing your used nappies dry, without soaking. You simply place the used nappy in a lidded bucket or a large drawstring bag after you have flushed any poo down the toilet. The nappy doesn't need to be perfectly clean. During warm periods, the nappy bucket or bag does smell (no worse than a bin of dirty disposables) when you open the bag or take the lid off the bucket. This can be easily rectified by placing a damp cloth on the top of the nappies with a couple of drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil.
If you prefer to soak, just place nappies in a bucket of water after flushing away any poo. The water needs replacing daily. You can add a nappy sanitising solution, like nappy fresh, to the water or add a few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil. Coloured nappies may fade if soaked, and wraps may deteriorate. However soaking unbleached or white nappies can help prevent stains.
Most people end up ‘dry pailing' as it is easier. No smelly water to change, no heavy buckets to carry, no mess transferring nappies to the washing machine and safer if you have a toddler around because there is no water to spill!
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9. Washing
New nappies need to be washed before use at least two or three times to become absorbent. Like a well worn towel a nappy becomes more effective with use.
If dry pailing, just transfer the nappies to the machine and a 60°C maximum wash will hygienically clean the nappies. If you soak nappies, pour the water down the toilet and transfer the nappies to the washing machine. If you've used a nappy sanitising solution then you only need to wash the nappies at 40°C. However, Tots Bots Potion is a natural, environmentally friendly washing powder, which has an antibacterial action that kills bacteria at 30°C, allowing you to safely wash nappies at low temperatures even without soaking.
If your machine allows you to do a cold rinse cycle before the main wash, this will get rid of excess soiling and urine. Also I would advise doing an extra final rinse every so often, to remove detergent build up on the nappies.
You should wash coloured nappies separately from unbleached or white ones for the first few times to ensure colour fastness.
Most PUL or fleece wraps can be washed at 60°C but will last better if washed at 40°C. Wool wraps should be washed in cool water with wool shampoo as required. They will also require lanolising (soaking overnight in a dilute lanolin solution) every month by hand. Wool wraps sold by mamigreen are machine washable.
As mentioned elsewhere, you can reduce the environmental impact of washing by trying to do some or all of the following:
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10. Drying
Line drying is by far the best option and won't cost you a penny. The nappies will smell lovely and fresh, and if there is any air movement, dry nice and soft too. The sun (when it shines!) will also bleach out any stains.
If drying inside, shake the nappies first, and hang them to dry somewhere warm with good air circulation. Drying directly on a boiler or radiator will make the nappies stiff.
Most manufacturers recommend tumble drying on cool. Tumble drying will leave nappies soft, however it may shorten their lifespan too.
Most wraps can be tumble dried if need be. As fleece and PUL wraps dry naturally within a few hours there is little need for this, and they will also maintain their condition better without tumble drying. Wool wraps on the whole do not tolerate tumble drying.
Although tumble drying is not environmentally friendly, it is convenient. If you choose to tumble dry, then try to do the following to reduce environmental impact:
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11. Nappy extras
Lidded Bucket
A lidded bucket is used for dry pailing or soaking used nappies. Most available tend to be small, so you may find that you need two. Ideally a bucket of 16 Litre size will hold about 2-3 days worth of nappies. One with a secure or clip fastening lid, such as the Tots Bots Nappy Bucket, is useful to keep inquisitive toddlers out!
Nappy mesh
A large mesh bag which lines the nappy bucket making washdays much easier. Just transfer the bag filled with nappies to the washing machine making sure that the drawstring neck is open. The nappies will work themselves out during the washing cycle.
Large drawstring bag
A great alternative to a bucket for dry pailing used nappies. Air circulation within the bag surprisingly reduces odours compared to a bucket with a lid. It is very versatile as it can be hung on the back of a door or used to line a nappy bucket.On wash day transport the bag to the machine, open the drawstring top, place just inside the door, push the contents out and then throw the bag in too. No need to touch the nappies! If you are short of space in the nursery / bathroom or have inquisitive toddlers about, this will be great for you. Also useful for trips away as it folds flat.
Wet nappy bag
For nappy changes when out and about, a wet nappy bag will keep wet nappies separate from your change bag. The bag can be washed with your nappies.
Washable wipes
Washable wipes are not only free from chemicals on your baby's delicate skin but they will also save you a lot of money too, with the added benefit of being better for the environment. Disposable wipes are an unnecessary consumption of natural resources, often contain chemical preservatives and are expensive. Using disposable wipes you would spend an average of £12 each month, depending on brand. This would total around £360 for 21/2 years use until potty trained. 20 washable wipes cost from £11.98, will last about 2-3 days and can be reused time and time again, from birth to potty. The wash solutions will add very little expense to this, so washable wipes will save you a fortune in the long run. If you use cloth nappies, washable wipes will be no extra work, just store and wash them with your nappies - and you don't even need to bother drying them! You can use plain water or a home made wipe solution (see 'natural babycare' for recipes). You should change the solution every few days as it doesn't contain preservatives.
Washable wipes are also great for cleaning messy hands and faces - although I would advise having separate ones for this purpose and washing these with your everyday clothes.
Oils
Both tea tree oil and lavender oil are natural essential oils possessing antiseptic qualities. They are useful to make washable wipe solutions, to keep nappy bag / bucket smelling fresh or to sanitise nappies. As with all essential oils; use with caution initially, never apply directly to the skin and keep out of reach of the little ones!
Nappy cream
Most babies will suffer from nappy rash at some time or another. There is no evidence that the type of nappy used, whether cloth or disposable, has any influence on the incidence of nappy rash. I must point out that with cloth nappies greasy nappy creams can coat fleece inners or liners which will then repel liquid causing leaks. If you have a favourite greasy cream that you want to use during a bout of nappy rash, then remember to use disposable liners for this period. Otherwise why not browse the 'babycare products' for a selection of organic, chemical free, non greasy, soothing nappy creams.
Eco Balls
Original Eco Balls care for your washing, washing machine, and the environment. They are a natural, environmentally friendly, and cost effective alternative to conventional washing powders. They avoid the damage to your washing and washing machine, and the water pollution associated with detergents. Being hypoallergenic and containing no chemicals they are especially suitable for babies' sensitive skin. Eco balls soften fabric even in hard water and are antibacterial, killing E. Coli and S. Aureus bacteria. All this make Eco Balls a fantastic choice for washing your nappies, plus you avoid the build up of detergents that can cause smelly nappies. Just place the balls in your washing machine instead of detergent and use your usual wash cycle. They are reusable costing from only 3p per wash.
Dryer Balls
These original reusable dryer balls are made of rubber and are placed together in the tumble dryer to bounce around with your washing. They reduce drying time by up to 25%, soften and fluff up fabrics, and reduce creasing and lint in your dryer.
