Thinking about starting cloth nappies but unsure of what is involved? This post shares all the basics of starting cloth nappies.
What are cloth nappies (Diapers)
Cloth Nappies are a form of reusable nappy/diaper that is made out of a PUL or wool cover and some sort of insert that acts to absorb and the soiling and can be washed and used again and again.
Most reusable nappies are made out of a PUL cover which is waterproof fabric layer or a wool cover with a fabric insert. Fabric inserts are made from Bamboo, hemp, cotton, terry cloth or microfiber materials. Traditionally nappies are made out a terry cloth and folded then sealed with a pin. You can still get this version however the modern cloth nappy is much easier to use and maintain.
Why choose Cloth Nappies
I began my cloth journey only thinking to commit to swim nappies as I’d heard these are very expensive. Then fast forward to the birth of our son and two weeks in we had run to the store 2x to pick up nappies. I had purchased one set of newborn disposable nappies and little did I know that newborns poo and wee like crazy and you need to change them pretty much every 2 hours including at night!
I couldn’t believe how many nappies we had gone through and how much waste we made. This spurred me on to do some research into reusable nappies. And since getting my set I absolutely love using them for our son!
Here is a pros and cons list for cloth nappies:
Pros:
- They will save you money in the long run (see the cost breakdown below)
- They are environmentally friendly
- Cloth nappies are a much cuter option to put on your your babies bum.
- Choosing cloth means there are less chemicals and toxic fabrics against our babies skin
- Modern Cloth Nappies come in a variety of types, fabrics and brands allowing you to find the right nappy for your kids.
- These will last you multiple kids
- Cloth nappies are simple to keep clean once you have a routine.
- Using reusable nappies reducing how many times you need to empty the bin (true story)
- Cloth Nappies with cloth wipes are great for reducing your need to run to the shops and spend money on things your will throw away
Cons:
- Initially buying a cloth nappy set can be expensive – especially if you are going full time straight away.
- You have to wash your cloth nappies regularly.
- Some cloth nappy inserts can take a while to dry.
- Cloth Nappies are sometimes more bulky than disposable nappies.
- Cloth Nappies require you to change every 3-4 hours.
- You need to rinse the poo off of soiled cloth nappies in the toilet or laundry sink before washing.
Price Comparison CLoth Nappies to Reusable Diapers
To demonstrate the cost of cloth nappies I will share with you what I have spent on Jack’s full time cloth nappy set as well as wipes and compare with what is estimated for buying disposable nappies and wipes. You can choose to get second hand nappies which will decrease your cost significantly. We decided to buy new nappies because we wanted to use these nappies for Lord willing multiple children.
cost breakdown for Full Time cloth Nappies
- EcoNaps Trial Pack – 2x nappies plus inserts and boosters = $60.00
- Bare and Boho Trial Pack – 3x Nappies plus inserts and booster = $103.00
- Bare and Boho Aldi Nappies – 6x nappies with inserts – $90.00
- Alva Baby Nappies x 6 with 12 microfiber inserts – $66.00
- Real Nappies 12 organic cotton prefolds – $70.00
- Baby Beehinds – 2x wool covers and bamboo fitted nappies – $158.00
- Kmart Face Washers (used for cloth wipes) 36 face washers- $9
TOTAL COST = $556.00
Estimated average cost for cloth nappies $500-$1000.00 for a full time set with an average of 24 or more nappies for full time use.
Average cost of disposable nappies until toilet trained
The cost of disposables ranges from $1800 for cheap version of disposable nappies for 1 child. Generally most parents will spend around $3000.00 on disposable nappies for one child and up to $5000.00 for the most expensive brands.
Cost comparison disposables to reusables
On average including factoring detergent, electricity and water cost for one child in cloth nappies you can save between $1300 to $2577 instead of using disposables. The exciting thing is that your cloth nappies should last multiple children so you are doubling or tripling your savings on disposable nappies.
Even if you choose to do cloth only at night or only when you are home you are ultimately saving a lot of money and significantly reducing your waste!
CHECK OUT THIS EXCELLENT COST BREAKDOWN ARTICLE FROM CLEAN CLOTH NAPPIES.COM
Types of Cloth Nappies
Ok so now than we can see why you might want to switch to using cloth nappies here is a little breakdown of the types of cloth nappies.
Flats
Large cloth square or rectangle piece you fold around the bottom and fasten with a pin or snappi and can cover with a waterproof nappy cover – Terry Toweling, cotton flats are most common. This is the original or old fashioned way they used to do cloth nappies.
Prefolds
This is a cloth rectangle divided into three sections that can be folded and used as an insert or folded in the same way as a flat nappy
AIO – All in one
AIO nappy doesn’t need to be assembled. It usually comes with a PUL waterproof cover and sewn in absorption. Some of these nappies are able to be turned inside out to allow faster drying or contain a pocket so you can add in layers for increased absorption. Inserts are made out of cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber
Snap in or AI2 – All in twos
AI2 is generally a waterproof cover with a separate insert that is snapped into place. Inserts are made out of cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber
Pocket Nappy
A nappy cover with a pocket where the insert can slide into place.
OSFM
One size fits most – A nappy with adjustable snaps or fittings so allow babies to fit from a few weeks old to toilet training. Most won’t fit the newborn size (depends what brand you choose or how big your baby is, mine fit Jack from 4 weeks old as this is when we started using cloth). Many people use terry cloth or prefolds for their newborns.
Sized Nappy
A nappy AIO, Snap or pocket style that is sized to fit a particular weight range.
Fitted
Nappy that is made of completely absorbing material and requires a waterproof cover. These often come with additional snap in inserts to increase absorbancy.
Basic Cloth Nappy Wash Routine
Washing cloth nappies consists of 3 main steps:
Check out this post for more details on laundry recipes using thieves laundry soap.
- Rinse soiled nappies after removing and before placing them in the dry pail
- Pre-Wash – 30-60min cycle on 60degrees or more with detergent to remove initial soiling
- Final Wash – 2 hours minimum 60degrees or higher and detergent and possibly laundry booster.
Basic weekly routine
- Once nappies soiled are either rinsed or placed directly in a dry pail (metal or plastic bucket with air holes).
- Every 1-2 days nappies and wipes go through pre-wash cycle.
- Store pre-washed nappies in a separate plastic or metal bucket until you have enough nappies for a main wash.
- Every 3 – 4 days (for me). I do a main wash long cycle.
- Drying can take between 3 and 12 hours depending on indoor or outdoor placement and weather conditions.
- Wool covers are hand washed and lanolised every 2 – 4 weeks.
If purchasing second hand nappies or if bringing your nappies out of storage you may need to a strip and sanitise – see here for details.
Cloth Nappies when your out and about
When I take cloth nappies for Jack in my nappy bag I usually pack more inserts than covers and I can exchange inserts multiple times if they are not soiled with fresh inserts on the same cover.
I also bring a wet bag with me which is essentially a PUL bag to store soiled nappies in.
NIght Routine
For my cloth night time routine we use the wool covers with bamboo fitted nappies. We have had no problems with leaks and these last us 12 -14 hours. Finding a good night solution is important as you don’t want to have to change your baby multiple times in the night if it is not necessary. You also want to ensure their bottom is comfortable. This is why I find the wool covers and bamboo fitted nappies so great. Soft on Jack’s skin and natural fibres which soak up so much liquid!
Handy Cloth Nappy Tips
- When you baby is young you don’t always need to rinse the poo nappies newborn poos are runny and usually can come off on their own in the wash.
- Once they are older and on solids you can opt to use disposable/flushable or reusable liners to clean up soiled nappies.
- A sprayer attached to your toilet or on your laundry sink is super helpful to clean off soiled nappies.
- The Kmart rubber brush is a great tool for cleaning off cloth nappies.
- Using cheap baby face washers is an economical way to switch to using cloth wipes. It is easier to throw the cloth wipe into the dry pail than to use disposable wipes and have to throw them away separately from your nappy.
- Hang your cloth nappies in the son to help remove discolouration.
- When hanging inserts or fitted nappies sideways to prevent the elastic from stretching.
- Hang up your PUL covers in the shade to prevent the fabric from breaking down.
- Lanolise your wool covers using lanisol – lanolin nipple cream (100% lanolin).
- Start by purchasing a few nappies and then building a stash of what you prefer to reduce initial financial outlay.
- Don’t be afraid to use disposables when on holidays or if you are out. It is ok to pick and choose when you want to use cloth nappies. Anything is better than nothing!
- Buy second hand nappies if cost is an issue, just check the elastics and PUL fabric and do a Strip and Sanitise before use!
- Consider hiring or buying a trial pack to help get a sense for types and routines for using cloth nappies.
Cloth Nappy Resources
- Clean Cloth Nappies Facebook and Website is seriously the most helpful tool for researching, figuring out wash routines and understanding all about the different types of cloth nappies.
- Cloth Nappy Hire – Trial types of nappies or hire your newborn size rather than purchase newborns and need to have a full set before switching to regular OSFM nappies
Talk to friends or family that use cloth and learn what works for them. Be patient and do your research!
PIN FOR LATER!
Leave a Reply