Frequently Asked Questions Answered
WHY CLOTH NAPPIES?
Reusable nappies: how does it all work?
Reusable nappies - aren't those towels with infinitely long ribbons and super thick woolen pants or stiff, sweaty rubber pants? Fear not, the 1980's have are long gone!
Just like their disposable cousins, which have gone from “a piece of film with a lot of cellulose” to the modern disposable nappies as you know them today, reusable cloth nappies have also undergone enormous development in the last few decades.
What are reusable nappies?
Simply put, cloth nappies are reusable nappies. They can be put on just as quickly and just as easily as disposable nappies - with the difference that they don't end up in the bin but in the washing machine and can be worn over and over again.
Will reusable nappies keep my baby's clothes dry?
Cloth nappies have a waterproof outer skin made of soft, stretchy polyester that has been laminated with a thin layer of polyurethane. This material combination is skin-friendly, waterproof and breathable. Together with highly absorbent inserts, the waterproof outer skin keeps your child's clothes completely dry. You will however have to change the nappies more often that you're used to with a disposable, once they're full, they're full!
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How long can cloth nappies keep the child's clothes dry?
With the right inserts, a cloth nappy will keep your child's clothes dry for two to four hours during the day and up to twelve hours at night.
Can reusable nappies be put on as quickly as disposable nappies?
Cloth nappies can be closed with Velcro TM or poppered snaps and can therefore be put on in one step, just like disposable nappies.
Do reusable nappies rustle?
The materials used are rustle-free and soft.
Are cloth nappies comfortable?
Cloth nappies don't just look great. They are made of stretchy, soft materials. They have a good fit that hugs your baby. They can also keep your baby cooler in hotter temperatures, as unlike disposables, they are breathable and contain much less plastic.
Why is there the prejudice that cloth nappies make a big bottom?
Did you wear cloth nappies as a baby yourself? Are there any pictures of it? You probably had a big butt, right?
If you grew up in the 80's (like me), you probably wore a nappy with a thick insert and plastic overpants on top. Of course, this package made a big bubble-butt.
Nowadays there is a lot more choice when it comes to buying cloth nappies than there used to be. They are much slimmer - Green Cheeks Nappies use Hemp as standard, not only is it the most absorbent nappy fabric going - it's also super slim - so no big butts here!
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How well does a cloth nappy keep the big brown business inside?
In contrast to most disposable nappies, cloth nappies have soft and snuggly cuffs on the legs and the most important thing: on the back. These barriers on the left, right and above also keep liquid or particularly soft stool inside very well, so that your baby's clothes stay clean. There's little to no poonami's in cloth!
How do I remove the big brown deal from a cloth nappy?
Let me introduce you to three practical ways in which you can remove a poo from a cloth nappy:
- Nappy fleece: This fleece is usually made of viscose and is placed inside the nappy. With a little practice when putting on, most of the poop ends up on the fleece, which can then be shaken into the toilet. These can be washed and re-used. Although there are also disposable versions.
- Shower head: A shower head with a high water pressure that reaches to the toilet is a brilliant way to quickly remove a lot of poop from a cloth nappy. There are also attachments for the toilet available so that you can shower the nappy directly over the toilet.
Can I use cloth nappies on the go or in nursery?
Since cloth nappies are put on in one step and keep your child's clothes dry for many hours, they can be used very well on the go and at nursery. After use, the cloth nappies are placed in a wet bag: this is a bag that is waterproof and odor-proof and can be washed if necessary. So you can safely store the dirty nappies without anyone noticing that a used cloth nappy is nearby.
How do you wash reusable nappies?
Washing reusable nappies is just as easy as washing towels:
Remove the poo as above
2. Wait for wash day
The wet and slightly dirty cloth nappies are best stored in a large wet bag or in a bucket with a net inside. There are many options for nappy storage, even a normal laundry bin will do - look out for breathable versions.
3. Load up the washer with reusable nappies
After two to four days, empty your dirty bucket or bag into the machine. Perform a quick cold rinse first, or a short cold cycle. This is to wash out the urine. You don't need detergent at this stage.
4. Bulk out the wash and add detergent
Check the recommendations for the amount of detergent for your water type and heavy soiling, you may be surprised at how much you're supposed to be using, especially if you're in a hard water area. If your machine isn't full enough, you can bulk out the was by adding other small items, underwear, flannels, baby clothes, cleaning cloths! Under loading your machine or under dosing the detergent can result in a failed wash.
5. Sit back and watch the dance of the clean clothes
Have a cup of tea, you've earned it
6. Dry
Now you hang out your cloth nappies or you turn on the dryer with all absorbent pads. If tumble drying, keep the setting on low. Avoid putting anything plastic or natural fibre directly on hot surfaces,
7. Re-stuff and prepare for wearing
That was it. Cloth nappy washing isn't complicated. You don't need any saucepans, bleach, boiling water or witchcraft!
Is it more work using cloth nappies?
Yes, it is more work to wash cloth nappies. But, with a baby, you'll be washing a lot anyway - what's one more load?
With cloth nappies, you produce around one additional load of laundry per week for each child. But it's recommended you wash every two to three days.
Are reusable nappies any good?
Yes!
Modern cloth nappies with their thin, waterproof outer skin and quick fasteners are a convenient alternative to disposable nappies!
They look good, they smell good, they are comfortable - and you've made no waste.
And that is everything you could ever need to know about using cloth nappies, click here to start choosing your favourite patterns and styles. Cloth really is cuter. If this is your first order, use code ELLOCHEEKY for 10% off orders over £10.00. Click to shop!
