Top tips for trying cloth 

Cloth nappies, the OG of baby bum solutions! There are two main reasons why parents choose to give cloth a go - environmental and financial. Not only are cloth nappies much more environmentally friendly than disposables, they also work out to be a lot cheaper in the long run. If you’re thinking about switching to cloth, here are our top tips to help you get started.

 

1. The best time to start using cloth nappies

There is no right or wrong time to start! Some parents start using them from day one, while others choose to wait until their baby is older. Starting with just a few cloth nappies is a great way to get used to the process, and then switching to part-time or full-time cloth nappy use when you’re ready.

2. How many nappies will I need?

The amount of cloth nappies you need will depend on how often you plan to wash them, the age of your child and whether you plan to use cloth part-time or full-time. Approximately 24-30 cloth nappies are recommended for full-time use, both day and night. A stash of cloth nappies is enough to see a child through from newborn age until fully toilet trained, and can even be passed on to siblings or other family members. Using a premium, high-quality cloth nappy brand like NappyLuxe will ensure your cloth stands the test of time (and a multitude of poosplosions!).

3. Put your machine to work

Unlike disposable nappies which get binned after use, cloth nappies are made to be washed in the machine and reused time and time again. By washing your cloth nappies regularly, you not only keep them clean and free of stains and smells, but you ensure their longevity.

 

4. Prepare and pre-wash

Before your little one does their business, make sure you've washed your cloth nappies a couple of times to enhance their absorbency. The more you wash them, the fluffier and more effective they become.

5. Insert an insert here

Inserts are the magical pads that go inside the nappies to handle the heavy lifting. From hemp to bamboo to microfiber, you've got options! Bamboo dries quickly, so it’s great for daytime use, while hemp takes a long time to dry but is super absorbent, so it’s often used overnight. Experiment and find the perfect combo for you and your lil’ human.

6. Learn how to get the right cloth nappy fit

The fit of cloth nappies varies a little from the fit of disposable nappies. While disposable nappies need to sit high around baby’s torso and must be fastened securely around the waist, cloth nappies need to sit low and be fastened looser at the waist, with the leg elastics need to be tucked neatly into the groin area. Cloth nappies that are one-size-fits-most need to be adjusted using the front rise-snaps, to suit the age and size of the baby.

Like any new habit, learning how to get the right cloth nappy fit can take a bit of getting used to, but is easy once you know how. WriggleBum nappy change harness will help make it a lot easier to perfect your fit!

 

7. Storing dirty cloth nappies

In the old days, terry flat cloth nappies were soaked in a bucket with a lid. As this presents a drowning risk and degrades the fabric, it is now recommended to store dirty cloth nappies in an airy dry-pail basket. This can be a wire basket or any plastic container with holes and ventilation. Wet bags are also a great option. They’re portable, leak resistant and available in a range of different sizes. Regardless of what you decide to use, just make sure you shake off the solid waste and give those nappies a quick rinse first.

Looking for more info?
Check out NappyLuxe’s Free Guide to Using Cloth Nappies in 2023