Newborn Cloth Nappies

The Dawn Patrol Fitted Nappy

Newborn nappies can be used from as early as 2kg and can fit to around the 6kg mark. This can be anything from 3 to even 5 months of wear. Babies come in different shapes and sizes so it depends on the birth weight and how quickly baby gains weight. A newborn cannot wear the bigger size until they are over 6kg. From this weight, they move to the bigger OSFM (one size fits most) size. This set of nappies then fits to potty training (usually 3 - 4 years old).

The Dawn Patrol fitted nappy is worn day and night, mirrors a disposable nappy style and is easy to use for everyone. The Mini waterproof cover is always used over it.

They do not use different cloth nappies for nighttime yet. Only when they stop pooping at night, can they start to wear one night nappy all night. This is usually around the 10 to 12 week mark.

The nappy comes with 1 insert/booster. It needs 1 to 2 extra boosters in the cover from about 3 weeks old when nappies start to get wetter. Adding boosters for extra absorbency is key to successful cloth diapering without any leaks. Babies go through various stages of output and the first 4 to 6 months is when output is the highest. Babies wee more in winter, so we often need to boost more during this time for example.

If baby's skin is sensitive to a wet nappy, a fleece liner can be added closest to the skin to keep baby dry. Sensitivity is usually picked up by patches of light pink skin on the front tummy part. Nappies are supposed to be 80% damp.

Read more about what to expect on the FAQ page here.

Newborns are changed every 2 to 3 hours both in the daytime and nighttime, the same as disposable nappies.

The entire nappy and inserts are taken off, poop rinsed off under the tap (poop is water soluble so is 100% ok to go down a sink or straight into a machine) and then stored in an open basket for wash day. Washing is every two days if you cloth full time, or daily if you choose part time.

A fresh nappy and insert (and booster from 3 weeks) is used at every change. Nappy covers can be reused and rotated through the day but the actual absorbent nappy and inserts are changed. Hang the nappy cover over a window or bathroom rail to dry during rotation.

Nappies must never leak. Leaking means a gap or there is not enough absorbency. Add a booster or ask us for help.

Full time (little to no disposables). Wash every 2 days
Single baby
30 - 36 nappies
30 - 36 boosters
8 - 10 covers

Twins (wash every day is easiest).
48 nappies, 16 covers . Read the Blog Post

Part time (use disposables with your cloth nappies). Wash daily
Single baby
10 - 15 nappies
10 - 15 boosters
6 covers

Twins
24 nappies
10 covers

The difference between disposables and cloth is the way in which the nappies sit.

Cloth sits low at the back and the overall fit is snug. If the nappy moves around it will leak and feel bulkier than it needs to be. Remember in the beginning babies are very small. They grow fast so expect the nappy to look big. In a few weeks they will be fitting perfectly into it so keep this in mind and don`t worry about it.

Crucial tip for a comfortable fit:

After fastening the velcro, run your fingers from back to front along the inside of each elastic casing of the nappy and the cover. This physically brings the whole nappy forward and makes it comfy around the legs. If this is not done, it can pull backwards making it tight around the legs and too low at the front.

The front flap of the nappy will sit right up against the belly button at birth. Move the cord out of the way and make the setting slightly looser until the cord falls off.

Light indent marks around the legs are very normal provided they are not deep and very red (this indicates a nappy that is too wet and needs a booster added). When a baby is born, legs are very small with minimal fat. Fat builds as baby gets bigger. Initially you can expect to see the folds of the fabric, leaving light marks on baby`s skin. This is not painful or uncomfortable and it does not restrict blood flow in any way. The marks are not because the nappy is too tight. It’s caused by the way the fabric is lying because it`s not yet stretched out. Any type of clothing with elastic will leave some sort of a light indent. It`s 100% comfortable and nothing to worry about.

The nappy cover is low at the back. The Velcro tabs are overlapped at 3kg. The buttons are done up and usually only opened at about 4.5kg to allow more room for growth.

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