Our favourite advice for new cloth nappy users

We know it can be daunting when you learn something new, especially as a new parent. Reading the tips and advice from more experienced parents often helps to reassure us.

This is why we recently asked our Facebook members what advice they would give a new cloth user. Here are some of our favourite answers.

Real advice from current cloth users

Our members emphasised that there’s no single way to do cloth. You don’t have to have a perfect routine to use cloth nappies successfully. Showing compassion to yourself, however, is important.

You (and your wash routine) don’t have to be perfect. Take a break once in a while if you need to.

Sam, Australia

Be kind to yourself. It takes time to work out your cloth routine including the best time of day to wash. A solid routine is forgiving for a few hiccups here and there.

Cloth user, Australia

Don’t have to do it perfectly or all the time to make it worthwhile! You’ll be washing lots regardless due to spit ups, blowouts and solids so doesn’t add too much extra to your plate there. 

Jessica, Australia

The best advice I received is that you can change up your routine if it’s not working! And laundry detergents run out … you can always buy new detergent if it’s not working for you. 😀

Ebony, Australia

Don’t be scared to experiment with your routine. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing with cloth nappies, but it is easier the more cloth products (nappies, wipes, sanitary product, household cleaning, flannels etc.) you use and get into a good routine.

Tricia, the United Kingdom

Be kind to yourself, a good wash routine can be forgiving.

Katie, Australia

Getting started is the hardest part

Taking that first step is often the hardest part. So many of us have been through exactly this. The recurring theme that our members shared is that starting slow is just as good.

Just start and you’ll figure out on the way.

M, Australia

Read up on the basics to get you started, then tweak as you go. Otherwise everything seems too overwhelming and you’ll be scared to start using cloth!

Alice, New Zealand

Just start with one nappy at a time. We were full-time in a week because it ended up being so easy. And you will be washing more anyway so don’t worry about leaks, just be prepared to have some clean clothes ready if you try a new nappy, new size or other fit.

Yara, the Netherlands

It’s ok to start slow and use disposables at night. It’s easier to use cloth wipes than disposable when using cloth nappies.

It’s less daunting the second time around. 

Persist! You’re doing great.

Cloth user, Australia

Just try, it’s easier than it seems!

Amelia, New Zealand

Starting is the hardest part. And it didn’t have to be all or nothing!

Ange, Australia

Just try! There’s no harm in trying, it’s the first step that’s the hardest. Make it work for you.

Katy, Australia

It may seem hard at first but once you get into a routine it becomes easier. It’s really only 1 extra load of washing every 3 days as the first wash requires very little effort. 

Shevaun, Australia

Every cloth diaper used is still a disposable diaper saved from the landfill!

Aurelia, the United States

Tips on managing stains

Stains will quickly become part of parenthood, but removing them is doable.

Bar of soap and a nail brush for stains. If any shells have any staining after both washes, I give it a scrub and then chuck it back in the basket for the next wash cycle.

Roseanne, New Zealand

Don’t be scared of bleach. Dilute it down and it will be your friend.

Don’t be afraid of hot washes, they don’t actually use that much more electricity but your clothes will be WAY BETTER.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Jes, New Zealand

Beware of stains from oral supplements like iron or Pentavite!

Cloth user, Australia

Things to consider before buying cloth nappies

It can feel like there are endless cloth nappy options, at all kinds of price points and so many accessories! See what these cloth users say before you splash any cash.

Get them second-hand where possible, to save on costs and landfill, especially if trying out different brands to see what works best.

Cloth user, Australia

Use cloth wipes – they work so much better than disposables and help bulk out the wash.

Wendy, Australia

Second-hand nappies are often cheap and can be a good cost effective way to top up your stash, easy to sanitise and make safe for use. 

Nay, Australia

Get a trial kit from a nappy library. Don’t invest a fortune on 1-2 types of nappies from one brand before trying different things.

Paula, the United Kingdom

More practical advice

Understand how washing machines work to clean. Read your machine manual. You don’t need a fancy set up. Don’t give up on a bad day.

Amy, Australia

Join Clean Cloth Nappies. I have found the Facebook group and website helpful and easy to follow. Try various cloth nappies to find the ones that work for your child.

Anna, Australia

Leave the poo to sit for a bit, it’s so much easier to remove if it’s a little drier.

Nay, Australia

Wee leaks are usually due to not enough absorption, rather than a fit issue.

Alison, Australia

If you are having issues with leaks, fits, marks, smells etc, ask for help and troubleshoot.

Tricia, the United Kingdom

My advice is to use bleach! It’s scary until you realise how safe on clothes it is and how effective and cost-effective it is! 

The best advice I received: daily first wash takes 5 minutes. If life is getting on top of you, just run the first wash. Throw everything in, and adjust all the cleaning factors to maximise the machine’s ability to compensate for your lack of time! If they need a scrub or rinse but you can’t – run a longer first wash, up the temperature and use bleach in the first wash!

Steph, Australia