The Nappy Biz FAQ

Why cloth?
Are cloth nappies easy to use?
Surely washing is hard work?
I don't have a tumble dryer?
Do I need to sterilise or boil wash nappies?
Do I have to soak my nappies?
How often will I need to change my baby?
How many nappies will I need?
What else will I need?
Wouldn't it be easier to use an all-in-one nappy?
Do I need to buy everything from the same manufacturer?
Why do I have to wash the nappies before I use them?
I'm concerned about leaks, what should I do?
What do I do with the nappy once it is soiled?
What do I wash my nappies with, and how do I keep them soft?
What about nappy rash?
My baby has sensitive skin, what should I use?
How do I make my nappies and wraps last through more than one child?
Why Fleece?
What is hemp?

Why Bamboo?
Do you offer trial packs?

Why cloth?

There are many good reasons why you would consider using cloth nappies instead of disposables. For me the concerns were environmental since we have a risk of an incinerator being built locally. Many users are simply drawn by the kindness cloth offers a baby’s skin, others by the cost saving.
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Are cloth nappies easy to use?

Very easy. Nappies are now shaped to fit replacing the need to fold, and fastening is now done with Velcro and poppers, making the cloth nappies as easy and simple to fit as a disposable. For those who choose to fold, nappy pins have been replaced with the fantastic ( and far safer and easier to use) Nappi Nippas. Most nappies, wraps and liners can be machine washed at just 60°C and tumble dried.
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Surely washing is hard work?

Once you have established a routine, washing should only take you a few minutes. Your machine will do the rest of the work. If you wash every second or third day it will only take you a few extra moments each week to load the machine, and just a few more to hang nappies out or put them in the tumble drier. You'll save time in the supermarket, and you won't have lots of bin bags to put out for the dustman. And the best bit of all is that it is washing that won’t need ironing!
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I don't have a tumble dryer?

Nappies, liners and wraps can be line dried. For those wet days a clothes horse, airing cupboard or radiator will do. A number of nappy manufacturers now produce quick drying nappies, especailly for people who have not got a tumble dryer or who choose not to use a tumble dryer.
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Do I need to sterilise or boil wash nappies?

Washing at 60 degrees will also adequately cleanse the nappies and covers. Boil washing will remove stains and ensure complete hygiene. However, a 60ºC wash is sufficient on a daily basis and will keep them white. It is not necessary and indeed not suitable for some nappies and waterproof covers, to use a nappy sanitiser e.g. Napisan: this can make Velcro fastenings stiff.
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Do I have to soak my nappies?

Not if you don't want to, many people don't, although soaking may extend the life of your nappies (if you're looking for them to last several babies) by diluting the urine and reducing damage to the fabric by the urine compared to dry storing them. It is often a good idea to do a rinse or pre-wash cycle without detergent prior to your main wash at 60ºC, as this removes the urine and any remaining 'bits' from your washing before the wash cycle. If you do soak, I recommend a few drops of tea tree oil which has excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in a large bucket of water with a tightly fitting lid or locking lid.
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How often will I need to change my baby?

Regardless of whether you are using washables or disposables young babies need to be changed frequently. Newborn babies' skin is very immature and is sensitive to prolonged contact with faeces, urine, creams and powders. A good quality cotton nappy should only need changing every four hours during the day and 10 - 12 hours at night if your baby sleeps through. Paediatricians recommend new babies be changed 10-12 times a day and older babies 6 times.
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How many nappies will I need?

How many nappies you need in total will depend on how often you do the laundry. We recommend you purchase enough nappies plus liners for a minimum 2 days' use. How many you use per day will depend upon both you and your baby, and will vary between 6 and 12. For a newborn you'll probably need 10-12 nappies per day (24hrs). A toddler will typically use 4-6. It's a good idea to start with only a few nappies to check the size, fit and style suits you and your baby, as once used they cannot be returned. Do ask for advice if you're not sure.
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What else will I need?

Most nappies require a separate waterproof nappy pant or “wrap”. These are elasticated, often laminated and are designed to ensure no leaks. Wraps don't have to be washed at every nappy change, only when soiled. You should allow for 4 or 5 nappy pants for each growth stage. Also most parents choose additional one-way liners that are inserted in the nappy allowing wetness to pass through away from baby's skin. Liners also collect solids for separate disposal, making washing nappies easier. Liners are available as biodegradable flushaways or as a fleece insert, which is washed with the rest of your nappies. You can either use washable or disposable wipes. Some nappies will need to be secured with a Nappi Nippas or traditional nappy pin, but we can advise where this is appicable.

You will also need a nappy bucket or bin with a tightly fitting lid, for storing dirty nappies in prior to washing, a nappy mesh will also ensure those wipes or liners are not lost in the washing machine. And when you are out and about you may like a nappy bag to put your dirty nappies in.

Wouldn't it be easier to use an all-in-one nappy?

Some washable nappies have the wrap material sewn on to the nappy such as Motherease or Kooshies. Like disposables these are easy to use, not requiring “assembly” as with other systems. Their only drawback is that they can be slow to dry. Pocket nappies, are a half way house, between the traditional 2 part system (Nappy and wrap) and an all-in-one. They consist of the outer layer with a fleece lining, with a hole at the back where the absorbment pads are inserted, so when they are assembled, they do up with poppers or velcro, making them very easy to put on, ideal for grandparents, days out, and childcare, but separate for washing and are expremely quick drying.
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Do I need to buy everything from the same manufacturer?

No, most nappies and pants can be mixed and matched. In fact when you first try washables we recommend you try different brands. Every baby is unique and it's important that you find the system that's the best fit for your baby and easiest for you to use.
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Why do I have to wash the nappies before I use them?

It is recommended to wash new nappies three times before use to improve absorbency. When the fabric is made, the cotton thread is coated with sizing to allow it to run freely through the machinery. Wash as hot as you can at least three times to remove this, it isn't necessary to dry between washes. Your nappies will reach peak absorbency after perhaps a dozen or more washes, often more for hemp fabrics. You don't have to wash the wraps before use though many prefer to. With any deep coloured nappies (e.g. Rainbow Bots), fleece liners or wraps, especially red it is advisable to wash the wraps separately before use to remove any excess colour. Remember to only wash a few to try first since as once used they cannot be returned (see terms & conditions).
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I'm concerned about leaks, what should I do?

Most importantly find a nappy pant that's a good fit, then for night-time or if your baby is a heavy wetter add booster pads for extra absorbency. Elastic is the key to containment. Most of the wraps are elasticated at the leg and waist preventing poo from travelling! Simply ensure everything is tucked inside the wrap once it is done up. Some cotton covered wraps draw moisture from the nappy onto the clothes, changing more frequently and adding booster pads can reduce this. Breastfed poo is best contained with elastic around the legs. If you choose to use flat nappies you may wish to have more wraps for this time to allow for soiling.
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What do I do with the nappy once it is soiled?

Simply drop the biodegradable/flushable liner and its contents into the toilet. Poo can then be hygienically flushed down the toilet into the sewage system. If any poo remains on the nappy, this can be rinsed in the loo by holding tightly on to a corner and flushing. The nappy can then be placed in your nappy bucket. You can also wash any wet only liners and re-use, generally they will last through about 4 or 5 washes. You may choose to use fleece liners, these are non absorbent, and dry quickly, so they allow wee to pass straight through to the nappy, and leave a dry barrier between baby and wet nappy. They can be used in conjunction with a flushable liner, however you will find the flushable liner once wet stays wet. Fleece liners can be 'emptied' into the loo, usually by stretching or by holding a corner and flushing, then washed with the nappies.
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What do I wash my nappies with, and how do I keep them soft?

It is advisable to use a non-biological powder, as these are less likely to cause a skin reaction. However using non-bio powders will fade colours (it seems that extra bleaching agents are used to compensate for the lack of enzyme cleaning action). Personally I recommend Ecover Non-Biological detergents which are both kind the environment and to your colours. You'll also discover that you don't actually need the amount of washing powder the manufacturers recommend. If you watch your rinse cycle you'll probably see plenty of suds as the excess powder is washed out. By using less powder you'll find you have slightly softer nappies too. Experiment - you'll probably find using between 1/3 and 1/2 of your normal amount of powder will suffice. Unless you live in a soft water area, or have a water softener you'll find your nappies will tend to go hard, however you should not use a fabric conditioner as these will coat the fibres of your nappy and significantly reduce its absorbency giving leaks. Tumble-drying will leave your nappies soft and fluffy, even just a 10-minute burst will do (and it will also accelerate line drying). However if you don't have a tumble drier, a dose (about a tablespoonful) of white vinegar in the conditioner compartment will help remove the limescale and detergent residues giving softer nappies, as will giving them a good shake and rub together when almost dry. *. Please note that tumble-drying can reduce the lifespan of your nappies and wraps.
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What about nappy rash?

Nappy rash is caused by a reaction between faeces and urine. If you change the nappy at regular intervals throughout the day, and immediately when soiled, and keep the nappy area clean, then there shouldn't be any concerns about nappy rash. Rashes can occur for many reasons, including your baby's diet (e.g. orange juice) and teething, and it shouldn't automatically be assumed that the nappy is at fault.
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My baby has sensitive skin, what should I use?

Natural cotton and wool lets baby's skin breathe preventing irritation. So if your baby is sensitive pick a system that uses predominantly natural materials.
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How do I make my nappies and wraps last through more than one child?

The majority of nappies will last more than one child, though wraps in particular the larger sizes, which may be worn for a considerable time, may need to be replaced. Avoid tumble drying to extend the life of nappies, and in particular of wraps. If wraps that can withstand a 60ºC wash are washed at 40ºC or hand washed where possible, this again will prolong their life. Direct contact of wraps and All-In-Ones with radiators should also be avoided, particularly PVC ones (Kooshies). If you want to keep the nappies white, wash on a higher, but avoid bleach as this can damage the fibres, although a dab of Vanish may help shift a persistent stain particularly of breastfed poo. Using a fleece liner will help to keep nappies stain free. Line drying is free, and the sun's action will naturally bleach your nappies. Rinsing and soaking of soiled and wet nappies and wraps will neutralise the urine and thereby reduce damage to the fibres of the fabric and prolong life. To restore a leaky polyurethane laminate wrap a quick blast in the tumble drier can often help re-align the molecules and re-seal.
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Why Fleece?

Polyester fleece is a man-made material that is very soft, just like good quality fleece jumpers or jackets for adults. As a nappy liner, it stops the wet nappy material from sitting against your baby's skin. It repels solids as long as they're not too sticky! Because it is stretchy you can hold it upside down over the loo and pull.
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What is hemp?

Hemp is a wonder plant that has been banned for decades in many countries because of its association with cannabis. One of its many uses is for clothing, and when made with cotton, it provides strength, absorbency and softness.
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What is Bamboo?

Do you offer trial packs?

Trail packs are not necessary since there is no minimum spend limit. When I started using cloth nappies, I bought a couple of nappies in different styles and four different wraps and tried them out for a week. This enabled me to weigh up fit, ease of use and drying times. I settled for Imse Vimse flannelette for daytime and Tots Bots for night-time. I use Bumpy Night wraps with the Imse nappies and Popolini Vento with the Tots Bots. You can call for advise or if you live in the Guildford area we can visit you and take you through products.
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