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Why choose reusable nappies?

babies lying in a rowReusable nappies are great for the environment and can save you around £1,000 pounds compared to buying disposables. 

Choosing reusable nappies is one of the single biggest things you as a family can do to cut down the amount of non-recyclable waste you produce. A baby will use around 5,000 disposable nappies by the time they are potty-trained. In comparison, just 20 cloth nappies could see you through to potty training and be passed on to another baby as well! Around half the residual waste (non recyclable rubbish) a family with a baby produces is nappies. Over 86,000 a day are thrown away in Gloucestershire alone, costing us over £100,000 a year to dispose of.

Switching to reusable nappies is much kinder to the environment. In addition to removing a mountain of waste, they produce far fewer greenhouse gases in their production and use far less water – even with the washing! Around twice as much water is used to produce the required number of disposable nappies than will ever be used in the production and washing of reusables.

In addition to all of the environmental benefits, you can save hundreds of pounds. You can set up a stash of reusable nappies for around £100 (less if you buy second-hand and if you use our voucher scheme) whereas disposables will cost you roughly £500-£1500 for the first 2.5 years, depending on brand.

There are four main types:

  • All in ones: These are great for easy changing and very helpful if other people, such as grandparents, babysitters or a nursey, will be caring for your child.  The absorbent part of the nappy is attached to the waterproof part - much like a disposable nappy.
  • Two-part nappies: Here the absorbent part of the nappy is used with a separate waterproof cover or 'wrap.' 
  • Pocket nappies: These can be very economical.  The absorbent part is stuffed into a pocket within the nappy itself and is removed for washing.
  • Flat Nappies: These are still popular although they can sometimes be a bit fiddly. A flat, square piece of cloth (a 'terry square') is used with a separate waterproof cover.  Modern 'nappy-nippas' (made of stretchy plastic) are used in place of the traditional nappy pins.

There are four main types:

  • All in ones: These are great for easy changing and very helpful if other people, such as grandparents, babysitters or a nursey, will be caring for your child.  The absorbent part of the nappy is attached to the waterproof part - much like a disposable nappy.
  • Two-part nappies: Here the absorbent part of the nappy is used with a separate waterproof cover or 'wrap.' 
  • Pocket nappies: These can be very economical.  The absorbent part is stuffed into a pocket within the nappy itself and is removed for washing.
  • Flat Nappies: These are still popular although they can sometimes be a bit fiddly. A flat, square piece of cloth (a 'terry square') is used with a separate waterproof cover.  Modern 'nappy-nippas' (made of stretchy plastic) are used in place of the traditional nappy pins.

Nappies come with either Velcro/applix or poppers.  Others are designed for use with pins or nappy-nippas.

Nappies come with either Velcro/applix or poppers.  Others are designed for use with pins or nappy-nippas.

Nappy fabrics include cotton terry-towelling or flannel, hemp, bamboo or microfibre. Waterproof fabrics include PUL (polyurethane), wool and polyester fleece.

Nappy fabrics include cotton terry-towelling or flannel, hemp, bamboo or microfibre. Waterproof fabrics include PUL (polyurethane), wool and polyester fleece.

Most modern washable nappies are size-adjustable and will fit babies from around 9lbs up to toddler size.  These are known as 'birth to potty' nappies.  You would only need to buy one set of nappies to see your baby through to potty training and could use the same nappies on a toddler and a new baby sibling.

Some nappies tend to come in several sizes - S, M, L & XL or size 1,2 & 3 for example. A few companies also make newborn size nappies.  Whilst you may find a better choice of fit with a 'sized nappy' you will also need to remember that as your baby grows, you will have to buy larger nappies!

Most modern washable nappies are size-adjustable and will fit babies from around 9lbs up to toddler size.  These are known as 'birth to potty' nappies.  You would only need to buy one set of nappies to see your baby through to potty training and could use the same nappies on a toddler and a new baby sibling.

Some nappies tend to come in several sizes - S, M, L & XL or size 1,2 & 3 for example. A few companies also make newborn size nappies.  Whilst you may find a better choice of fit with a 'sized nappy' you will also need to remember that as your baby grows, you will have to buy larger nappies!

It can take a few week for babies to grow into 'birth to potty' nappies, and there are some options for that in-between stage:

Newborn size nappies are available and are a good investment if your baby is very tiny and is likely to take a while to reach 9lbs.  These are available to hire from nappy libraries or online, if you do not want to buy them.

Muslin squares (yes, like the ones you use for mopping up!) are excellent nappies for newborns and must be used with a waterproof cover. The covers are available online at a range of prices and can be inexpensive.

It can take a few week for babies to grow into 'birth to potty' nappies, and there are some options for that in-between stage:

Newborn size nappies are available and are a good investment if your baby is very tiny and is likely to take a while to reach 9lbs.  These are available to hire from nappy libraries or online, if you do not want to buy them.

Muslin squares (yes, like the ones you use for mopping up!) are excellent nappies for newborns and must be used with a waterproof cover. The covers are available online at a range of prices and can be inexpensive.

First you need to decide how often you intend to wash.

If you put other items in the machine with the nappies, washing every day works well.  If you intend air drying, then you will need extra nappies whilst they are drying.  If you have limited space for drying, you might want to consider nappies made of synthetic fabric, that dry in a few hours. 

We estimate that 15-20 nappies should allow you to wash every other day and still be able to maintain a routine that does not see you running out of clean nappies.

In the early days you may find that a wash load at the end of each day is needed but if you can put the nappies in the machine to rinse and spin, then add other laundry for a full wash, you are more than likely to find that you have enough nappies.

If you are using bamboo or hemp, you may need a few additional boosters/inserts to allow for the extra time these nappies take to dry.

First you need to decide how often you intend to wash.

If you put other items in the machine with the nappies, washing every day works well.  If you intend air drying, then you will need extra nappies whilst they are drying.  If you have limited space for drying, you might want to consider nappies made of synthetic fabric, that dry in a few hours. 

We estimate that 15-20 nappies should allow you to wash every other day and still be able to maintain a routine that does not see you running out of clean nappies.

In the early days you may find that a wash load at the end of each day is needed but if you can put the nappies in the machine to rinse and spin, then add other laundry for a full wash, you are more than likely to find that you have enough nappies.

If you are using bamboo or hemp, you may need a few additional boosters/inserts to allow for the extra time these nappies take to dry.

Wraps

Most wraps are made of polyester or nylon (some are cotton) and they are laminated on the inside with PUL (polyurethane), which makes them waterproof. Known as PUL wraps, these make good general purpose wraps - lightweight, breathable, easy to wipe clean and dry quickly.

Polyester fleece and wool are ideal for use at night time as an alternative to PUL wraps.  Fleece dries very quickly, but you need to wash after every wear.  Wool is thicker so takes slightly longer to dry, but there is no need to wash after every wear due to its natural antibacterial properties.

Nappy liners

Disposable nappy liners are usually made of soft paper or some sort of vegetable material and are good for picking up solids to flush away and can be washed a few times and re-used if just wet.

Fleece liners keep your baby's skin very dry. Moisture is drawn through the liner onto the nappy behind, leaving baby's bottom dry. They are washable and last for years.

Washable wipes

You are washing your nappies, so why not wash your wipes too? Most disposable wipes found on the high street are handy (we have to be honest, here!) but they are packed with chemicals, they fill up landfill sites and drains and they are expensive!

Washable wipes are a great alternative.  They are available commercially or you can make your own.  Essentially, they are rectangles of cloth, used for clean-up at nappy changes (and for a myriad of other purposes!) and they go in the wash, along with the nappies.

Some parents prefer to carry their washable wipes ready soaked, in which case a small plastic container with a lid is perfect.  Others wet the wipes as they go, from a tap or a water bottle.

Washable wipes are also a great alternative to cotton wool, and can be used with plain water or with a cleaning solution, either home-made or purchased.

Wraps

Most wraps are made of polyester or nylon (some are cotton) and they are laminated on the inside with PUL (polyurethane), which makes them waterproof. Known as PUL wraps, these make good general purpose wraps - lightweight, breathable, easy to wipe clean and dry quickly.

Polyester fleece and wool are ideal for use at night time as an alternative to PUL wraps.  Fleece dries very quickly, but you need to wash after every wear.  Wool is thicker so takes slightly longer to dry, but there is no need to wash after every wear due to its natural antibacterial properties.

Nappy liners

Disposable nappy liners are usually made of soft paper or some sort of vegetable material and are good for picking up solids to flush away and can be washed a few times and re-used if just wet.

Fleece liners keep your baby's skin very dry. Moisture is drawn through the liner onto the nappy behind, leaving baby's bottom dry. They are washable and last for years.

Washable wipes

You are washing your nappies, so why not wash your wipes too? Most disposable wipes found on the high street are handy (we have to be honest, here!) but they are packed with chemicals, they fill up landfill sites and drains and they are expensive!

Washable wipes are a great alternative.  They are available commercially or you can make your own.  Essentially, they are rectangles of cloth, used for clean-up at nappy changes (and for a myriad of other purposes!) and they go in the wash, along with the nappies.

Some parents prefer to carry their washable wipes ready soaked, in which case a small plastic container with a lid is perfect.  Others wet the wipes as they go, from a tap or a water bottle.

Washable wipes are also a great alternative to cotton wool, and can be used with plain water or with a cleaning solution, either home-made or purchased.

The idea of extra laundry can be daunting for parents new to washable nappies.  However, you can easily make your nappies part of your regular routine.  If you are using washables full time you are likely to have one extra wash load every other day.

  • Modern cloth nappies should not be soaked, as this can damage the elastic and waterproof elements of the nappy. Instead, they can be kept in an empty bucket with a lid, or a bag, until ready to wash.
  • Most modern nappies can be washed between 40-60 degrees, in your washing machine, with ordinary supermarket washing powder. Manufacturers prefer you to use non-bio powder. There is no need to add anything extra to your wash.
  • Fabric softeners should not be used with cloth nappies, as they compromise the absorbency of the nappy.
  • If you have some nappies ready to wash, and you are also going to be doing other laundry, you can double up. Pop your nappies in the machine for a rinse and spin, then add extra laundry to make a full load, and wash. This means you should never run out of nappies, as long as there is laundry to be done!
  • Nappies can be saved and washed all together, in which case be sure not to overfill your machine, so that proper agitation can be achieved during the wash cycle.
  • Many nappies are happy being tumble dried on a cool setting – check manufacturers’ instructions. Nappies do love to hang outside in the sunshine though, and it’s great for removing any stains or marks.

A word about poo…

Parents are often concerned about poo in their washing machine. Fear not! Before introducing solids, baby poo is water soluble and will wash out perfectly well on an ordinary cycle. After weaning, solid poo is flushed away or thrown away with disposable liners before the nappies are laundered, so poo should not find its way into your machine.

Please note that liquids, eco balls, and soapnuts are less effective at washing nappies.

The idea of extra laundry can be daunting for parents new to washable nappies.  However, you can easily make your nappies part of your regular routine.  If you are using washables full time you are likely to have one extra wash load every other day.

  • Modern cloth nappies should not be soaked, as this can damage the elastic and waterproof elements of the nappy. Instead, they can be kept in an empty bucket with a lid, or a bag, until ready to wash.
  • Most modern nappies can be washed between 40-60 degrees, in your washing machine, with ordinary supermarket washing powder. Manufacturers prefer you to use non-bio powder. There is no need to add anything extra to your wash.
  • Fabric softeners should not be used with cloth nappies, as they compromise the absorbency of the nappy.
  • If you have some nappies ready to wash, and you are also going to be doing other laundry, you can double up. Pop your nappies in the machine for a rinse and spin, then add extra laundry to make a full load, and wash. This means you should never run out of nappies, as long as there is laundry to be done!
  • Nappies can be saved and washed all together, in which case be sure not to overfill your machine, so that proper agitation can be achieved during the wash cycle.
  • Many nappies are happy being tumble dried on a cool setting – check manufacturers’ instructions. Nappies do love to hang outside in the sunshine though, and it’s great for removing any stains or marks.

A word about poo…

Parents are often concerned about poo in their washing machine. Fear not! Before introducing solids, baby poo is water soluble and will wash out perfectly well on an ordinary cycle. After weaning, solid poo is flushed away or thrown away with disposable liners before the nappies are laundered, so poo should not find its way into your machine.

Please note that liquids, eco balls, and soapnuts are less effective at washing nappies.