blog \ How many cloth nappies do I need?
What Ive found that works for me is the following approach. A good rule of thumb is newborns go through 8-12 nappies per day, while older babies may only need 6-8. So if you plan to wash every other day and your baby needs 10 nappies per day, you would need at least 21 cloth nappies.
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Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies are reusable nappies made from natural or synthetic materials. They can be an eco-friendly alternative to disposable nappies and may save parents money in the long run.
Cloth nappies come in different types, including prefolds, flats, fitted nappies, and all-in-one nappies. Each type has its own pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on personal preference and lifestyle.
Prefolds and flats are the most basic types of cloth nappies and require folding and fastening with a snappi or nappy pin. Fitted nappies have elastic around the legs and waist and are fastened with snaps or hook and loop closures. All-in-one nappies are the most similar to disposable nappies and require no folding or assembly.
Cloth nappies can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, bamboo, hemp, and microfibre. Natural fibres are more absorbent but take longer to dry, while synthetic materials are less absorbent but dry faster.
Factors Influencing Quantity
When it comes to determining how many cloth nappies you need, there are several factors that come into play. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Age of the Baby
The age of the baby is a significant factor in determining the number of cloth nappies you need. Newborns need more frequent changes, so you will need more cloth nappies during the first few months. As the baby grows, they will need fewer nappy changes, so you can reduce the number of cloth nappies you have.
Frequency of Laundry
Another factor that influences the number of cloth nappies you need is the frequency of laundry. If you plan to do laundry every day, you will need fewer nappies than if you only do laundry once a week. It is recommended to have at least two days’ worth of cloth nappies on hand, so you can rotate them while the others are in the wash.
Type of Cloth Nappy
Different types of cloth nappies have different absorbency levels and require different numbers of nappy changes. For example, all-in-one cloth nappies are the most convenient but may require more frequent changes, while pocket cloth nappies may require fewer changes but more effort to stuff the inserts.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle also plays a role in determining the number of cloth nappies you need. For example, if you are a stay-at-home parent, you may need fewer cloth nappies than if you work outside the home. If you travel frequently, you may need to have more cloth nappies on hand to avoid running out while on the go.
Washing and Care of Cloth Nappies
When it comes to washing and caring for cloth nappies, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure they remain clean, hygienic, and in good condition. Here are some tips on how to wash and care for cloth nappies:
Removing Solid Waste
Before washing cloth nappies, it is important to remove any solid waste. For exclusively breastfed babies, their poop is water-soluble and does not require any special removal. However, for formula-fed or older babies, solid waste should be removed using a nappy sprayer or scraper and disposed of in the toilet.
Washing Cloth Nappies
It is safe and sanitary to wash cloth nappies in a home washing machine. However, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure they are cleaned properly. Here are some tips on how to wash cloth nappies:
- Pre-rinse: Rinse the nappies in cold water before washing to remove any excess waste.
- Wash: Use a detergent that is free of fragrances, enzymes, and fabric softeners. Wash the nappies on a long cycle in hot water (60°C) to kill bacteria and remove stains.
- Rinse: Rinse the nappies in cold water to remove any remaining detergent.
- Dry: Line-dry the nappies in the sun or on a drying rack. Avoid using a dryer as it can damage the nappies and reduce their lifespan.
Storing Cloth Nappies
When not in use, cloth nappies should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a damp environment, as this can cause mould and mildew to grow.
Troubleshooting
If cloth nappies are not coming out clean or are developing an odour, there are a few things to check:
- Detergent: Make sure the detergent being used is appropriate for cloth nappies and is being used in the correct amount.
- Water temperature: Ensure the water temperature is hot enough to kill bacteria and remove stains.
- Build-up: Check for detergent build-up on the nappies. If there is build-up, strip the nappies by washing them in hot water with no detergent and adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- Hard water: If the water in the area is hard, consider using a water softener or adding a water softening agent to the wash cycle.
By following these best practices, cloth nappies can be washed and cared for properly, ensuring they remain clean, hygienic, and in good condition.
