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.

Is washing a lot more work?

Our modern cloth nappies are very easy to clean and wash. A machine rinse and a main wash is all they need these days. It really is not a big deal. A couple of loads a week makes a lot of sense. Once you get going you will see how seamless things actually become. Washing does not cost an arm and a leg and cannot compare to buying and throwing away disposables daily. On average, if you wash every 2 - 3 days, you will spend around R40 - R60 max a month on electricity. 

How often do I change a cloth nappy ?

Newborn babies - 3/4 months old

The nappy and inserts are changed. Covers can be reused more than once.
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. 
Tip: Keep a bucket next to the change area/bed, throw in the dirty nappy.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 (see below) to the Dawn patrol fitted and the 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, soaked through. Boosters are designed to soak up the pee. 

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. For rashes, troubleshoot here.

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 / uncomfortable in a cloth nappy?