Starting out using cloth nappies

Welcome to the wonderful world of cloth nappies! If you’re considering making the switch or have just started, you’re in the right place. Choosing reusable nappies is a fantastic decision for your baby, your wallet, and the planet.

Building your stash: How many nappies will you need?

The number of cloth nappies you need depends on several factors, primarily:

1. Your baby’s age:
   • Newborns (0-3 months): These little ones go through a lot of nappies! They can need 10-12 changes per day. For full-time cloth use, you’ll generally need a larger stash of 20-30+ newborn-sized nappies or enough inserts/boosters if using a system that allows for frequent insert changes. If you’re washing every 2-3 days, aim for the higher end of that range.
   • Older Babies (3-6 months+): As babies get older, their bladder capacity increases and the frequency of changes tends to decrease to around 6-8 per day. For full-time use, a stash of 18-24 nappies is often sufficient.
   • Toddlers (6 months+ to toilet training): You might only need 5-7 nappies per day. A stash of 15-20 nappies can work well, allowing for less frequent washing.
2. How often you plan to run your main wash:
   • Every 1-2 days: You can get away with a smaller stash.
   • Every 2-3 days: This is a common washing routine, and the numbers above (24-30 for newborns, 18-24 for older babies) are generally based on this frequency, allowing for nappies in use, in the wash, and drying.
   • Less frequently (e.g., every 4 days): You will need a significantly larger stash to ensure you don’t run out.
3. Your drying conditions:
   • If you have good outdoor drying weather or a tumble dryer, your nappies will dry faster, potentially allowing you to manage with a slightly smaller stash.
   • If you live in a humid or cold climate where drying takes longer, you might want extra nappies to ensure you always have dry ones on hand.
4. Full-time vs. Part-time use:
   • Full-time: The numbers mentioned above are for full-time use (day and night, if applicable).
   • Part-time: If you plan to use cloth nappies only part of the time (e.g., during the day, or only at home), you can significantly reduce your stash size. A part-time stash might be 8-15 nappies. Even using just one cloth nappy a day saves hundreds of disposables from landfill!
5. Type of cloth nappy system:
   • All-in-Ones (AIOs): These are convenient but generally take longer to dry, so you might need a few more if you don’t have quick drying options.
   • Two-part systems (inserts + covers, fitted nappies + covers, or prefolds/flats + covers): You’ll need more absorbent parts (inserts, fitted nappies, prefolds, or flats) than covers. Covers are easier to wash and dry faster than other parts of the nappy.

General Guidelines (for full-time use, washing every 2-3 days):

• Newborns (0-3 months): 24-30+ nappies
• Babies (3-6 months+): 18-24 nappies

Our tips for new cloth users

Consider second-hand nappies to save money, especially for the newborn stage as they are outgrown quickly.

Start with a smaller trial pack (e.g., 6 nappies) to see what works for you and your baby before investing in a full stash.

Build your stash gradually. You don’t need to buy everything at once.

Changing cloth nappies

Changing cloth nappies frequently is key to keeping your baby comfortable and preventing nappy rash. Newborns often need changing more often, 10-12 times a day, while older babies and toddlers may need changing 6-8 times.

We recommend checking and changing your baby’s cloth nappy every two hours, or even sooner if you notice they’ve done a poo. Unlike disposable nappies, cloth nappies don’t have a wetness indicator, so it’s important to get into a regular checking routine.

Unexpected naps can happen! While frequent changes are important, there’s no need to disturb a peacefully sleeping baby. Let them rest, and simply change their nappy as soon as they wake up from their nap.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing your baby’s nappy.

Using cloth nappies overnight

Most cloth nappies are designed for day use. Once your baby consistently stops pooing overnight and starts sleeping for longer, uninterrupted stretches, it’s a good time to consider a dedicated cloth night nappy.

Cloth night nappies are designed with extra absorbency to handle a full night’s wetting, keeping your little one dry and comfortable until morning.

Fitting cloth nappies

A good fit is crucial for preventing leaks and keeping babies comfortable in cloth nappies. Cloth nappies sit snugly and low, much like underwear, with the leg seal being the primary defense against leaks, not the waist.

The most common reasons for leaks are insufficient absorbency, an incorrect fit, or simply not changing the nappy frequently enough. If a nappy leaks within two hours, it typically means there isn’t enough absorbency, rather than the baby being a ‘heavy wetter.’

We recommend increasing absorbency by adding more inserts or boosters, especially those made from natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, and hemp.

Washing cloth nappies

Nappies are some of the dirtiest items you will ever wash. Modern cloth nappy inserts often consist of multilayered fibres. They are absorbent and require thorough washing to remove soiling and urine.

We firmly believe our wash advice represents the gold standard for keeping cloth nappies impeccably clean. Our recommendations aren’t just guesswork; they’re meticulously developed and tested by a team of qualified chemists and health professionals.

We focus on four crucial cleaning factors: time, temperature, chemistry (detergent and additives), and mechanical action (how your machine is loaded). This comprehensive, science-backed approach ensures that every nappy comes out odour-free, preventing common issues like ammonia build-up and stains.

Our core method involves a two-step wash process: a ‘first wash’ to tackle initial soiling, followed by a longer ‘main wash’ with a concentrated dose of detergent. This systematic routine not only delivers superior cleanliness but also extends the life of your nappies.

Additional resources

For additional support and troubleshooting, we encourage everyone to explore our downloadable guides and join our Facebook community.