How many nappies do I need?

The amount of nappies you will require will depend on 2 things, Firstly which nappy system you choose and secondly how often you decide to do your wash.

If you wash every other day and are using a two part system id suggest 18-20 nappies and 5 – 10 wraps (for two parts only). This allows for natural drying time of bamboo or cotton. Wraps can be reused during the day unless they are soiled.

If you are using a pocket nappy system you will find the actual nappy is extremely quick drying as the stuffing is taken out of the nappy. You may require more inners than nappies so you have some spare and dry. This will allow you to use the outer of the nappy quicker once it’s dry. 

You could probably manage with 12-16 of this type of nappy. Again this is dependent on your own washing routine.

We stock a number of multipacks and are happy to price up tailor made combo packs from our stock to meet your needs, feel free to contact us for prices.

How do I wash and dry my nappies?

If your nappy has a pocket – remove the insert, if it had a flushable liner then remove that too. Any solids can be flushed down the toilet. 
If it has laundry tabs for aplix then make sure to attach them before washing so it doesn’t pick up fluff in the washing process and clog your aplix.

When a full load is ready to wash the laundry bag can be put straight in to the washing machine.

Most nappies can be washed between 40 and 60 degrees depending on manufactures guidelines. I'd advise a cold rinse first to loosen any stains, followed by a 40/ 60 degree wash. Best results are achieved by using less than half the manufacturers recommended amount of a non-bio detergent. If the Detergent is a concentrated liquid then a quarter of recommended dose will be more thaqn enough.

As for drying, again refer to manufacturers instructions.

Line drying in sunshine is the best environmental option and is free! Also the sun naturally bleaches the fabric removing any remaining stains. (A few hours in a windowsill also has the same effect if you don’t have access to a line)

Nappies can be air dried on an airier or heat dried by but not touching a radiator.

Some nappies can also be dried on a low heat in a tumble dryer. Excessive high heat in a tumble dryer will affect the life of the elastic and Velcro but is alright occasionally in emergencies.

Ok, now I've got my nappies, what else do I need?

Ok once the biggest decision is made of which nappies to use and try you will turn your thoughts to what else will i need to use my nappies, Below you will find a quick list of every thing you will need.

• Nappy Bucket or large wet bag - Any thing with a closeable lid will do the job to keep the smells inside. Some people prefer to use a large wet bag and keep it up out the way of little hands!
• Laundry Mesh bag- This is great to line your nappy bucket with. It makes transfering nappies to the washing machine very easy as it goes in with them! Some people choose to have two of these as one will be in the wash with your nappies, you'll need another to be going on with.
• Wet bag - usefull for out and about to store dirty nappies and wipes in.
• Reusable Fleece or flushable paper liners - To keep little ones bum dry and catch solids. Also for use if you need to use nappy cream to protect the nappy from the cream.
• Non Bio washing detergent - Powder or liquid with out added softener. Dont use tablets on your nappie,s there is too much detergent in a tablet and your nappies may get bogged down with excess detergent, causing nappy stink and alters absorbency.

Depending on your nappies you may need extra boosters and nappy nippa's. Thats all you'll need to get started.

Do I need to soak or wet pail my nappies?

No most nappies can just be dry pailed until you are ready to wash them in a bucket with a sealed lid to keep away any whiffs! There is no need to soak modern nappies.

You can scent your nappy bucket with a few drops of tea tree oils on a face cloth or piece of material if you are worried about the smell.

Will my baby get nappy rash?

Most babies will get nappy rash at some point however a few factors to bear in mind
major causes of nappy rash are the body's naturally occurring fungus thriving in warm damp conditions inside the nappy or the reaction between wee and poo.  Ammonia is created if wee and poo are in contact for some time and attacks the baby's delicate skin.

Therefore I recommend that your baby is changed frequently, bum washed and dried every time the nappy is changed. If possible change the nappy as soon as it is soiled so baby’s skin does not have prolonged contact with poo.

Do I need to wash my nappies before I use them?

This also depends on the type of nappy….. A shaped nappy made of bamboo or cotton for example need to be washed to reach full absorbency. Around 6 washes will do the job. 

They do not normally need to be dried in between and there is no need for detergent each time at this stage.

A pocket nappy on the other hand will not need a load of washes although the inserts may depending on the material they are made of. Microfiber inserts won’t require these washes but hemp and bamboo will.

I do recommend washing all nappies at least once before you put them on your baby though to ensure all chemicals used in the manufacturing process have been removed before use.

How do I choose?

If you’re having trouble making the decision about which is the best nappy system for you then feel free to contact us for some free impartial advice.

It’s worth remembering what works for some won't necessarily be right for you, your lifestyle and your baby.

If I am honest I would try a few different types before I brought a whole pack of nappies that I then didn’t like.

Too be honest I think the age of the baby plays a vital part to play in the type of nappy that will suit its needs.

For newborns I tend to suggest a shaped nappy and wrap system as they are great for containment and dealing with everything a newborn throws at them!

From around 4-6 months is a good time to experiment with different types of nappy. Its at this age upwards that pockets and all in ones come in to their own. As baby becomes active as they are very disposable like and easy to fit.

 

 

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.