Cloth nappies for newborns

You might be surprised that you can start using cloth nappies as soon as your baby is born. Many of our members start within the first few days. Others wait until their baby’s legs have filled out a little, and they recover from the birth. Others wait until toddlerhood. Remember, there is no perfect time to start, and it is ok to take breaks.

Yon’t have to use cloth 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

Newborns have liquid diets (breastmilk, formula or a mix of both) and this means their urine isn’t concentrated, and their poo does not smell like solids poo. Some members describe the smell as like proofing bread dough, or yoghurt.

Soiled (poo) newborn nappies do not need to be rinsed, and can be added directly to your nappy first wash. Although meconium poo is dark, thick and sticky, it doesn’t smell and washes out easily.

If you are in hospital for several days following birth it is a good idea to have a family member or friend collect the nappies and wash them.

Fitting nappies on small babies

A well-fitted newborn cloth nappy has a good leg seal. The leg seal holds liquids in. It also needs a gap at the waist, this leaves space for the belly when they are held up and also to catch poo. 

In these examples, the leg elastics all sit in the newborn’s underwear line. 

Buying newborn cloth nappies

There are two main options when using cloth nappies for newborns; prefolds/flats with a cover and sized newborn nappies.

Many experienced cloth users believe that flats and prefolds are often the best options for newborns when venturing into the world of cloth, then as the user becomes more experienced moving onto modern cloth nappies.

Not all types of nappies will fit, so buying a large number of one type may not be the best investment. Each child is different so trying different brands and styles is a wiser option. Over time a child’s body shape changes, what didn’t fit well at one stage, may fit better at a later stage.

• Double gusset covers will prevent leaks
• OSFM nappies with 4 rows of rise snaps will fit from a smaller size than 3 rows
• Consider drying times for cooler months, or if a dryer is not an option, AIOs take longer to dry than prefolds, AI2s and flats
• Face washers and small inserts are an easy, effective way to boost absorbency

Second-hand newborn nappies

Due to the short use length, buying second-hand is often a good option as they are usually in good condition (see our guidance on buying second-hand nappies).

Nappy hire

Another option is hiring from a nappy hire service.  Ask how the hire sanitises and whether they adhere to Australian Laundering Standards (or the equivalent standard for your country) ie. Sanitise using heat or chemical methods.

Prefolds, Terry Toweling, Flats, Muslin with a cover (PUL, Wool, Fleece)

Benefits

• Inexpensive
• Dry quickly
• Virtually indestructible
• Generally hold poo explosions better than modern cloth nappies (MCN)
• Fit for an extended time (birth to toddlerhood)
• Can be used as inserts in covers later
• Depending on level of experience can be easier or harder to use

Disadvantages

• Look bulky (subjective)
• can be easier or harder to use

See Caring for Wool for more information on wool.

Prefolds, PUL cover, flats and a Snappi

Sized Newborn Nappies

Benefits

• Generally not as bulky
• Depending on level of experience can be easier or harder to use
• Absorbency can be boosted with face washers or small inserts

Disadvantages

• More expensive than flats/prefolds/terry towelling
• Length of use is limited ie. Will be outgrown quickly
• Depending on the type, may need boosting (for example, fitted all bamboo/hemp types will not require boosting, but will require a cover)