How practical are washable nappies?

1. A cloth nappy system consists of a soft absorbent nappy and waterproof cover (also called a wrap)
2. New designs fit snugly and nappy pins have been replaced with Velcro, poppers or plastic grips for easy fastening.
3. Made of lightweight fluffy materials, including cotton, hemp, polyester, bamboo and microfleece, cloth nappies are easy to wash.
4. Using cloth nappies doesn’t have to be an all or nothing option. You can fit them into your lifestyle, using them when convenient.

What are my washable nappy options?
There are four types of cloth nappy:

1. Flat nappies: The traditional terry square is folded to make a pad then secured with a plastic fastening and covered with a wrap. Pre-folds, used by most laundry services, are flat cotton pads that fold to fit a wrap.
2. Shaped nappies are designed to fit your baby snugly and some styles go from birth to potty. They require an outer wrap.
3. All-in-ones have the waterproof attached.
4. Pocketed nappies are covers with a pocket that can be stuffed with an absorbent pad

What do I need to get started?

1. You need enough nappies to allow you to wash only when there is a full load for the machine, around 18 - 24 nappies and if you choose a two-part nappy, 3-6 wraps.
2. You may also want to buy some biodegradable liners to  make messy changing easier.
3. You will need two or three sizes as the baby grows unless you choose the one size type.
4. To avoid leakages, it’s important to select the right style and size for your baby’s shape.
5. You can also use booster pads to increase absorbency if needed.
6. You can use washable wipes instead of disposable ones, these can then be washed with your nappies.

What about washing and drying cloth nappies?

1. Soiled nappies can simply be stored in a dry, lidded container and washed at 40° and sanitiser added to your usual detergent .
2. You can deodorise the bin with a few drops of tea tree or lavendar oil.
3. Biodegradable nappy liners can be flushed down the loo with any solid waste. Washable liners can go in the wash with your nappies.
4. Wraps need to be washed at 40°.
5. Avoid fabric softeners: they can reduce the absorbency of nappies and damage covers.
6. Most cloth nappies can be line or tumble dried or dried on an airer in a warm room.

Won’t my baby get nappy rash?
Your baby is no more likely to get nappy rash from real nappies than from disposables. Frequency of changing is the important factor in avoiding nappy rash: about six times day is the average.