Cloth Nappies: Everything You Need To Know…

Buying cloth nappies for your baby is becoming the new norm today, with many parents weighing in on the many benefits of cloth nappies to disposables.

Washable nappies also come in many different parts.

It is, therefore, upon you to choose which nappy design and style you wish to use.

Ultimately, you must note that it’s your baby’s happiness and comfort that comes first.

Washable, reusable nappies are also becoming more sophisticated as more competition for their production stiffens.

Still, using cloth nappies has its share of perks that make them a better option to disposables.

Here are reasons why you may want to start with, or change to cloth:

1. Cloth Nappies Save Money

Cloth nappies are the more cost-friendly option when compared to disposables, which can fetch very high prices.

Buying in bulk for a month or two may not ultimately dent your budget.

But when you think of it, babies start to potty train when they’re around three years.

That’s a lot of nappies to change.

If you do the maths, you will end up spending hundreds, if not, thousands in standard disposables.

In contrast, however, the amount you will spend on your cloth nappy collection during that period only amounts to around £250.

That’s a lot of money saved over the years, especially if you look after them and re-use them for later children.

2. They Are Reusable

Cloth nappies are reusable.

They only need a good wash after your baby uses them.

Moreover, when they wear out, you can always use them as washcloths, changing pads, or even burp towels.

Just put them in the washer with a couple of safe detergents, and you have new nappies ready for use.

3. They’re Sustainable

Cloth nappies are a much more sustainable option for babies.

For one, you can reuse them for years, provided you take good care of them.

You can also use the nappies on your second and probably third child if you care for them well.

Think of the financial savings that you will make plus the environmental impact it will have.

4. Cloth Nappies Are Healthier For Baby’s Delicate Skin

Cloth nappies are also considered to be healthier for babies compared to disposables.

The natural fibres allow for more airflow, as well.

This is a critical factor as it helps to regulate heat, especially for boys that can affect their scrotal temperatures.

Washable nappies also keep yeast from growing in girls, which cannot be said for plastic-woven disposables.

5. Cloth Nappies Are Eco-Friendly

Each year, billions of disposables are produced and used.

The production process consumes several valuable resources and, in turn, also creates tons of waste that are dumped into landfills.

Using washable cloth nappies eliminates and manages this waste.

How Many Cloth Nappies And Accessories Do You Need?

Newborn babies feed several times a day.

All that milk must come out!

So, prepare for wees and poops every other hour.

On average, you will need to make around 12 nappy changes a day.

So, having about 15 to 20 nappies makes sense.

Remember, you do not want to buy too many cloth nappies at a time as babies can quickly outgrow them (unless you buy birth to potty nappies of course).

You should also consider getting a nappy bucket, and some nappy laundry cleanser.

Benefits Of Using Cloth Nappy Liners And Boosters

Nappy liners are nappy accessories that sit on your baby’s skin and work as poo catchers.

They work by catching poo that you can then lift from the nappy and dispose of in the toilet.

Below are some of the primary reasons for using nappy liners and boosters.

• You can easily make nappy changes
• Using can pass through the liner
• Catches most of the poo
• It makes nappies easier to clean up

You can start using nappy liners the moment your baby begins eating solid foods.

It makes cleaning poo from the actual nappy a lot easier.

There are 4 types of nappy liners that you can consider:

• Reusable nappy liners
• Disposable nappy liners
• Biodegradable nappy liners
• Flushable nappy liners

Styles Of Cloth Nappies To Consider Buying

Generally, there are three types of cloth nappies that you can buy.

They are the all-in-one nappies, fitted nappies, and flat nappies.

Other nappies include the hybrid nappies and pocket nappies.

a) All-In-One Cloth Nappies

These nappies are simple and easy to change, just like disposables.

Only that you can wash and reuse them – obvs.

They have an absorbent fabric inner and integral waterproof lining.

Most of these nappies have fold-out flaps that help them dry faster.

They also have removable boosters that improve absorbency for older babies.

b) Flat Nappies

They consist of terries, prefolds, and muslins.

They require some simple folding and fixed into a nappy wrap to help hold them in place.

c) Fitted Nappies

These nappies come in two-part systems that fit around your baby without folding.

This feature makes them a lot easier to use compared to flat nappies.

They are an excellent option to consider, especially as you can also fasten them using poopers or nappy nippers.

d) Pocket Nappies

These nappies come with a waterproof outer layer with a fleece liner attached that helps keep the baby dry.

They also have a slot in the fabric where an absorbent is placed that improves the dryness of the baby as well. 

e) Hybrids

These nappies are very similar to all-in-ones.

They also have a waterproof shell with removable inner cloth.

When it’s time to change the baby, you only need to remove this dry lining and insert a fresh one in the same shell.

The added advantage with these nappies is that you only need a few shells for use.

Different Cloth Nappy Brands to Consider Buying

i. Bambino Mio Miosolo Reusable Cloth Nappy Set (I use these)

These nappies are incredibly soft and have easy-to-adjust tab closures around the waist.

This makes them a great option for babies that have chunky thighs.

As your baby grows, making these one-size nappies bigger is a cinch.

All you need to do is remove some fabric from the nappies, and you are good to go.

Bambino Mio Miosolo cloth nappies are technically all-in-one types, as everything is attached.

It is a great option to consider using on your baby.

ii. Grovia Hybrid Cloth Nappy

This is another excellent nappy.

It works perfectly with a snap-in cloth liner or biodegradable, disposable inserts.

This makes it the perfect option for day-care days and mommies on the go with their babies.

iii. Bumgenius Cloth Nappy

They are super-easy to clean and dry very quickly.

Plus, you also don’t have to mess around with inserts.

The bonus is that it allows you to resize it as your little one grows.

iv. Charlie Banana Cloth Nappies

This hybrid nappy puts other competitors to shame with its many features.

It puts whatever liner you use, whether cloth or disposable, on lockdown.

This cloth nappy has a front-loading pocket where you insert cloth liners to avoid having to pull the liner out every time there is a poopy mess.

It also has soft fleece in the back that makes for a comfy fit.

v. Kanga Care Rumparooz Cloth Nappy

This nappy is known for its ability to change its absorbency level, placing it precisely where your baby needs it most.

It also has two inserts that you can use together or separately.

Its leg openings have an inner and outer elastic barrier that makes leakage near impossible.

The Bottom Line On Cloth Nappies

Purchasing clothing nappies and washable wipes is an up-front investment.

Therefore, before going all-in with one brand or design, experiment with other kinds and see which one works best for you.

Either way, you now have an ocean of reasons to choose and use cloth nappies.

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Last Updated on August 19, 2020 by Lucy Clarke