An hybrid nappy combines a waterproof & reusable nappy cover with a disposable or washable inner layer.
+ Can use a washable or disposable inserts and reuse the cover.
Disposable inserts are usually biodegradable and may be compostable or flushable.
An all-in-one nappy has an inner absorbent layer attached to an outer waterproof layer.
+ Ideal for quick changes. Goes on and off just like a disposable.
- Takes longer to dry. Not usually suitable for nighttime use.
Pocket nappies have their waterproof layer built in, they are similar to the All-in-one nappies, but instead of the inner soaker sewn in, they have a pocket. Stuff the booster/insert inside the pocket.
+ Easy to use . You can adjust the absorbency by stuffing them with different types of inserts.
- Can be bulky if too much stuffing is inserted. Need assembling after washing.
An all-in-two nappy has an inner absorbent layer which can be snapped in or laid into the outer waterproof layer. This insert can be removed and replaced with a clean insert after it has been wet.
+ Simple to put on – Quick drying - Economical.
- Needs assembling after washing.
It is important that you have enough nappies to comfortably fit in with your washing cycle:
-some clean nappies ready for use
-some waiting to be washed
-and some drying.
Newborns will use the most nappies, so you will need to either buy more nappies for this period, or wash daily.
However, allowing adequate washing/drying time, we suggest approximately:
20-25 nappies for a newborn with one cover per every five nappies for two-part nappy systems.
- Before using cloth nappies
The nappies need to be pre-washed at least once before use.If you are using hemp nappies, you will need to wash them alone several times before the first use to remove the natural plant oils.
Care instruction: It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s better if you use a flushable biodegradable liner.The liner which contains the poo can then be hygienically flushed down the toilet into the sewage system.
- Before washing machine
You do not necessarily need to wash the nappies every day. Every two or three days is enough.
-Remove as much solid matter as possible.
-Place soiled nappies in the nappy bucket.
They can be stored in a nappy bucket until there is enough nappies for a full wash load.
There are 2 basic method for storing your nappies between washings.
- The dry pail method (without water) in the bucket. You can put 5 drops of tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- The wet pail method (choose to soak your nappies) in the bucket. You can put 5 drops of tea tree oil as well.
The dry pail method seems to be the preferred method, is safe and easy.
When the bucket is full, its contents are tipped into a washing machine and then washed as normal, on a hot or at least a warm wash.
- Wash the nappies in a washing machine
-Start with a cold rinse.
-Wash in hot water.
-Use the highest water level your machine allows.
-Use 1/4 the amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer.
-Rinse in the warmest water possible.
-Do an extra final rinse.
To dry your nappies; the best option is to line dry, sunlight is a natural bleach
You can: Wash your nappies/covers at 40 or 60 depending on the wash care label.
Wash them with other clothes if the solids have been removed.
Do not: Fabric softener can reduce the absorbency of the nappies..
-Do NOT use bleach, including color safe,or fabric softeners, including softener sheet
-Do not regularly soak your nappies in chemical sanitizers
-Do not use nappy sanitizer when washing your wraps.
-Do not wash or dry your wraps at high temperatures.
-Do not use too much washing powder when you wash your nappies.
-Do not use nappy rash cream on your baby unless you place a paper disposable liner between your baby’s bottom and the nappy.
These creams can affect the absorbency of the nappy by coating it with a waterproof film.
Shaped cloth nappies are not waterproof and require a cover or “wrap”.
+ Very absorbent , great when used as a nighttime cloth nappy.
- Requires a nappy cover or ” Wrap” – Take longer to dry – Tend to be bulky.
Cloth can save you money
Even taking into account washing costs and washing machine depreciation, you could save hundreds of pounds by using cloth nappies rather than disposables. The more children you plan to have, the more you will save, as the nappies can be reused many times.
Cloth is better for the environment
By choosing cloth nappies, you could reduce your household rubbish by half. This will help towards a big reduction in the number of disposable nappies currently sent for disposal in landfill sites.
At the moment, about eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK. Cloth nappies get used again and again.
Cloth is better for your baby’s health
By choosing real nappies, you are helping to protect your baby’s very delicate skin from the harsh chemicals, plastics and adhesives that form the basis of disposables.
Cloth may help with toilet training
Toddlers in cloth nappies appear to be toilet trained earlier than those wearing disposable nappies. This may be because they become aware of when they have wet, as the moisture is not whisked away as quickly as by a disposable nappy.
