FAQ`s
What is part time vs full time cloth?
Part time means you would start smaller with ten to fifteen nappies. We don`t recommend getting less as it can then get tricky to use and wash them. The more nappies you have the easier it is.
Full time means you will use little to zero single use plastics. You need thirty changes for newborn and from about four/ five months, twenty six changes.
How often do I change a cloth nappy ?
Newborn babies - 3/4 months old
Day time: change the cloth nappy every two and a half hours. Poop nappies always change immediately.
Night time: change before the feed. Generally anything from between two to four hours (max) baby depending. Add a booster if the nappy is on longer than three hours. Both the fitted or the flat need have two boosters from three weeks old.
Tip: Keep a bucket next to the change area/bed, throw in the dirty nappy. Rinse it off in the morning and transfer to the main storage bin when you have a minute.
3/4 months on
Day time: every three hours. Poop nappies always change immediately.
Night time: one night nappy can be worn all night. Either the Siesta night fitted or two flats. Day time solutions do not work for night time.
When must I add a booster?
Newborns : from about three weeks old babies start to wee a lot more as feeding increases. Add a booster to the fitted and flat. Two boosters may be needed. If the nappy is very wet, this is the sign to boost. After 2 - 3 hours of wear aim for a smallish dry patch at the back. 80% should be visibly wet.
Night nappies from 6kg: add a booster or two if the nappy is very wet in the morning and/ or if there is a wetness red rash. See rash troubleshooting here.
Can covers be reused?
Covers are rotated through the day. Airdy on a chair/cot then use a fresh one.
Newborn and OSFM covers rotate three a day.
Snappit Pro covers can usually be used twice. Rotate them.
Night nappy covers only once.
Are fleece liners needed at the newborn stage?
We suggest having a pack of ten on hand. The liner comes in handy in the first days when meconium is present. Liners at this the newborn stage do not really catch poop but rather act as a stay dry layer between a damp nappy and the skin. This is useful for babies that sleep longer or/and who are sensitive to a wet nappy. Fleece does not get wet as it is synthetic and it works very well.
Why opt for reusable cloth wipes to clean baby?
Store bought wet wipes contain chemicals, often cause a rash between the cheeks and do not clean very effectively. You need at least three or four or more to clean a poop. They are a single use, landfill item.The Wipey reusables are super easy and very effective. They will continue to be used even when baby is potty trained. Get a pack of thirty. Dare we say it, but you will never use a store bought one ever again!
How wet do cloth nappies get?
After a few wees the nappy/boosters will be visibly wet but not so wet that it needs to be changed. A cloth nappy can hold enough wees for a two to three hour period before being changed. Most of the nappy will be saturated. The layers will be soaked through. As long as there is no leaking (wet clothes) the nappy is doing it`s job. Cloth nappies are designed to absorb and hold liquid. Disposable nappies contain a chemical gel that prevents the wetness. 90% of the nappy shell is wet and both inserts are usually 90% visibly wet. No dry patches indicate a nappy that needs another booster or it’s been on too long. Around 3/4 weeks old babies start to wee more. Boosting is needed.
Can I use cloth before the cord falls off?
Yes! Simply move the cord out of the way. Cloth nappies accommodate it perfectly. Make the nappy slightly looser while the cord is still attached.
Why does the first morning nappy feel wetter?
Morning output tends to be quite substantial under six months of age (newborns especially). Boost the first morning nappy (add a booster). Change it thirty minutes before you would any other nappy, if very saturated.
Does my baby get cold in a cloth nappy in Winter?
Is bum cream needed?
No bum cream is needed with cloth nappies. Use cloth safe bum cream or coconut oil if desired. Avoid zinc based products and Vaseline as they clog the nappy pores. Use a fleece liner if these creams are needed (sometimes during teething).
Troubleshoot a rash here.
My babies legs are lifted into the air with the bigger bum is this ok?
Newborns who lie at a slight angle due to the bigger bum is 100% normal and totally fine. Cloth diapers actually hold a baby's legs in the optimum position that aids healthy hip development, both by the bulk between the legs and also adding a lift of their spine, which encourages them to lie in a froggie type of position. When babies are in the womb they are all curled up. The hip ball and socket is not 100% formed and only fixes around two to three years old. Sitting a small baby in a cloth diaper actually encourages them to hold their legs in a position where the hip ball sits in the socket, lessening the chance of hip dysplasia. So in summary the bulkier nappy is in fact very good for them.
Read our blog post here.
What nappies are good for school use?
Have a look here.