Newborn Cloth Nappies
About
Newborn nappies can be used from as early as 2kg and can fit to around the 6kg mark. This can be anything from three to even five 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 three to four years old).
The Dawn Patrol fitted nappy mirrors a disposable nappy style, has a Velcro closure and is easy to use for everyone. The Mini waterproof nappy cover is always used over it.
Decide if you want to use cloth nappies full time or only part time. Once you have decided this, our shop is divided accordingly. We highly recommend starting form birth. Read why here.
How to assemble the nappy
The nappy comes with one insert. It needs one to two extra boosters in the cover from about three weeks old when nappies start to get wetter (boosters are usually not needed before this so wait before you start adding them). Prem babies born under 3kg can actually just use the nappy shell alone and the cover. Remove the insert until baby reaches 3kg then add it in again.
Adding boosters for extra absorbency is key to successful cloth diapering without any leaks. Babies go through various stages of output and the first four to six 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.
Changing Nappies
Newborns are changed every two to three hours both in the daytime and nighttime, the same as disposable nappies. 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 ten-to-twelve-week mark. The Siesta night nappy is the most absorbent option for all night from 6kg.
The entire nappy and inserts are taken off, poop rinsed off under the tap (poop is water soluble if breastfed 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 three weeks old) 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 cover over a window to airdry and rotate three a day.
How many nappies do I need?
Full time (little to no disposables). Wash every two days:
Single baby
30 - 36 nappies.
30 - 36 boosters
8 - 10 covers
Twins (wash every day is the easiest)
48 nappies, 16 covers See this 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
How to achieve the perfect fit
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.
Crucial fit tip: 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 an light indent.
The Nappy
The Cover
The nappy cover also sits low at the back. The crease at the buttons needs to ideally face upwards not downwards like this:
A summary of what you need
- Your set of cloth nappies, boosters and covers.
2. Add a pack of 10 - 20 small fleece liners. These keep the bum dry and are nice to have.
3. A wetbag for outings.
4. A laundry mesh bag to wash your covers in.
5. A plastic wash basket (see storing page).
6. Wipey cloth wipes to clean baby.
Support
We offer full support via email or Whatsapp to not only help you with what to get but also when your baby arrives, to make sure you get going. Your success is our priority!
Reach out if you get stuck!
