FAQ`s

What is part time vs full time cloth?

Part time means you would start smaller and use cloth nappies togther with disposables. We don`t recommend getting less than 10 nappies and 6 covers 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 30 - 36 changes for newborn and from about 4/ 5 months, 26 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 contrary to what you have you been told. 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 - R90 max a month on electricity. Water wise it also makes a lot of sense. Buying the disposables is still wasting water- in fact it`s wasting A LOT more. See below.

Is the whole nappy changed?

Newborn stage: the entire fitted nappy or the flat and boosters are taken off, rinsed and stored. A new nappy and booster is put on. Only the nappy cover can be reused a few times. We do not recommend using any nappy system that only needs insert changing at the newborn stage. 

6kg+: Inners (flats, boosters, inserts) are changed while covers can generally be reused again. 

How often do I change a cloth nappy ?

The same as you would disposables.

Newborn babies - 3/4 months old.
Day time: change the cloth nappy every 2.5 / 3 hours max. Poop nappies always change immediately. Nappies get saturated more quickly at this stage.
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. The Snappit Pro needs 2 - 3 boosters and is not a solution for heavier wetters.

When must I add a booster?

Newborns : from about 3 weeks old, babies start to wee a lot more as feeding increases. Add a booster (see below) to the Dawn patrol fitted or a 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. They are required to use our system correctly.

Night nappies from 6kg: add a booster or 2 if the nappy is very wet in the morning. For rashes, troubleshoot here.

Why opt for reusable cloth wipes to clean baby?

Store bought wet wipes contain chemicals, often cause a bright red rash between the cheeks that mirrors the wipe and they do not clean very effectively. You need at least 3 or 4 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?

Disposable nappies contain a chemical gel that prevents the wetness. Disposable nappy companies have conditioned us to assume a damp nappy is not comfortable. This is not the case. All babies pre-disposables were comfortable. 

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. All 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. 80 - 90% of the nappy shell is wet and both inserts are usually 80- 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. This when you start to add boosters day and night.

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?