What are modern cloth nappies?

Modern cloth nappies are reusable nappies that are a modern take on the old style terry flat nappies and pilchers.  There is no folding or pinning required they are truly as easy to use as a disposable and so much better for the environment!  They also come in a range of colours and some funky patterns too.

 

What are the different kinds and how do they work?

There are quite a few different kinds of modern cloth nappies I will explain a few here and my personal findings:

• Fitteds
  Fitteds are nappies that are made entirely from absorbent material like bamboo, hemp or cotton.  As the entire nappy is made from absorbable material these nappies need a cover.  A stay dry liner can be used next to bub’s skin to keep their bottom dry.
  
• Prefolds
  These are like an old-fashioned terry flat square however they are multi layer and have more absorbency in the middle than the outside panels.  They can be folded and put in a well fitting cover for a cheaper modern cloth nappy option or they can be folded and put into a pocket as an insert.  As the entire prefold is absorbable they require a cover.
  
• Covers
  Covers go over the top of fitted nappies or prefolds they can be made from a range of materials including PUL, fleece and wool.  The idea of the cover is to allow bub’s skin to breath but to stop their nappy from leaking.
  
• Pockets
  These are a cover and stay dry liner in one.  All you need to do is put in an absorbable insert and away you go.  Inserts can be made of bamboo, microfibre, hemp or cotton and because you add your own insert it is customisable for heavy or light wetters.  Outers can be made of PUL, fleece or wool.  Pockets are a personal favourite of mine and that is why I have chosen pockets as the first modern cloth nappies for my store.  They are so easy to use!
  
• AIO/AI2
  Even easier than a pocket the absorbent part is sewn or snapped in to the outer.  I find these are less customisable in absorbency but are great for the nappy bag when you need an easy change.
  
• Longies/Shorties/Soakers
  Made from wool these are long pants, shorts or pull on covers for over the top of your fitteds.  Once lanolised woollies are an excellent breathable cover, perfect for day or night.

 

What is best on a newborn?

I think this is one of the most common questions I get asked and my personal belief is that prefolds and covers or fitteds and covers are the best option for newborns.  They contain newborn pooplosions very well.  Infact in my personal experience prefolds and covers where the only thing to contain Imogens explosive breast fed poos in those early days.

Once bub fits a small size then anything goes and it is a matter of what works right for you. Imogen went straight into small pockets and I have used the prefolds as inserts for both Imogen and Xaviers nappies.

 

How do I wash them?

The very best method of laundering your nappies I believe is to ‘dry pail’. Here is the procedure:

1. Once nappy is removed scrape or rinse off any solids into the loo.  A flushable liner or little squirt can help.
2. Put nappy into bucket or bin with well fitting lid.
3. When you have a full load put into the washing machine, I wouldn’t leave any longer than 2 days.
4. Optional put your nappies thru a prewash rinse cycle, that way you are not washing in dirty water.
5. Wash your nappies on a normal cycle using 1/3 of the amount of laundry powder/detergent you normally would.  Make sure it is phosphate free and doesn’t contain any enzymes as these can reduce the life span of your nappies.
6. Optional put your nappies through an extra rinse cycle.
7. Hang in the sun to dry or tumble dry on hot (please note not all nappies are able to go in the tumble dryer, please read care instructions carefully)
8. The UV from the sun will remove any stains and sanitise your nappies.

How many will I need?

That really depends on how often you want to wash.  For a newborn I would recommend a minimum of 18 nappies if you intend to wash every day.  That allows for 9 nappies a day.  As bub gets older that number goes down.  By 8 months you probably need a minimum of 12 nappies again washing every day.   I would definitely recommend that you have more than the minimum to be on the safe side.