Have you tried re-usable, cloth nappies? Modern washable nappies not only look super-cute on your baby, but will also save you money & help protect the environment. They are easy to use and easy to wash.
View our adorable collection of modern cloth nappies in a range of contemporary patterns & block colours.
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How Do Cloth Nappies Work?
Reusable nappies consist of an absorbent inner layer and a waterproof outer layer, called the wrap. You can also choose to add a booster pad for extra absorbency and a liner to catch the poo and keep your baby’s bottom dry. They are usually fastened by poppers or Velcro. If you choose Velcro fastenings, then the nappy will go on and off very similar to a disposable nappy.
Instead of binning the nappy after use, you put the reusable nappy in a designated bucket or wet bag, ready to be washed. When clean and dry, it can be worn again and again.
They’re available in a variety of materials, including cotton, bamboo, hemp and microfibre. The outer wraps are usually made of PUL (polyester urethane laminate) but can also be made of fleece or wool.
Find out more about the absorbency of the different materials in our Ultimate Guide to Reusable Nappies
Cloth Nappy Types Explained
Reusable nappies come in a range of different designs. Some have layers attached, while others have separate parts that you need to layer together. You might want to try a few types before buying in bulk to see what you prefer.
All-in-one nappies have all the absorbent layers and the waterproof outer layer sewn together into one piece.
Pocket nappies are a cloth inner layer and waterproof outer layer sewn together into one piece. There is an opening in the nappy cover that creates a pocket for you to stuff with fabric layers for absorbency.
All-in-two (or Nappy & Wrap) nappies are 2 separate pieces – a cloth nappy & a waterproof cover. They are not sewn together. The inner cloth nappy can be shaped or flat.
Waterproof Wraps are nappy covers made from PUL (polyester urethane laminate). They are waterproof yet breathable & can be fastened by either Velcro or poppers. Some wraps have flaps at the front and back for holding prefold or folded flat nappies in place.
Shaped nappies have elasticated waist and leg cuffs and are usually fastened with Velcro or a nippa (a pin-free fastening).
Flat nappies are simply a large piece of fabric, (such as cotton Terry squares or muslin squares) that you can fold to a suitable shape and size before putting inside a waterproof wrap. Prefold nappies are several layers of fabric sewn together.
One-size or Birth-to-Potty reusable nappies are adjusted via rows of poppers on the front, to shorten or lengthen the nappy to fit your baby as they grow. The waist is adjusted by either an additional set of poppers or Velcro fastening giving a customized fit from birth/few months old until potty training.
Reusable Nappy Accessories
Boosters are pads of multiple cloth layers that can be used to boost the absorbency of any nappy type. They are useful as your baby gets older.
Liners are an optional thin material used between the nappy and your little one’s bottom and help with cleaning & to provide a stay-dry layer. They can be made from fleece which are washable and reusable, or paper/cellulose based which are disposable. They can make changing time easier because they catch the poo, making it easier to dispose of, but are not essential to your cloth nappy journey.
Nippas are a T-shaped fastener, that stretches and grips easily to the front of a real (reusable) nappy to hold it snugly and firmly in place.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Reusable Nappies to find out more about comparing each type to see what would suit you best.
How to Wash and Dry Your Cloth Nappies
You will need to wash your new nappies before you use them to activate their absorbency. For the best results run the nappies through a cold-30 degrees wash a few times, without detergent. You do not need to dry them between washes, just leave them in and start the cycle again. A six times washed nappy will hold 12% more fluid than a twice washed nappy. The older your nappies get, the more they will absorb.
At changing time, follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Remove Nappy
- Dispose of solids into the toilet.
- Bin disposable liners (if using).
- Remove inserts from pocket nappies. Separate boosters and reusable liners from nappies.
- Fasten any Velcro tabs.
Step 2. Store
- Put used nappies, wraps, boosters and any reusable liners in a wet bag or dry, lidded bucket (do not soak).
- Store until you have a full load, but do not leave soiled nappies unwashed for longer than three days.
Step 3. Rinse
- Run a cold rinse cycle to remove any solids and flush away urine.
Step 4. Wash
- Wash on a full, long cycle at 40 or 60 degrees.
- Use a full dose of non-bio detergent. We recommend powder detergent.
- Do not use fabric softener as this coats the cloth fibres and reduces absorbency.
- Do not use bleaching agents as this decreases absorbency and may damage the fabric.
Step 5. Dry
- Line drying in direct sunshine is best as the sun naturally bleaches the fabric, it’s free and kind to the planet.
- Drying near a heat source like a radiator is also good. Do not put waterproof PUL layers or bamboo nappies directly onto radiators or heated airers.
- You can tumble dry cloth nappies, boosters and liners on a low heat setting if you wish. Do not tumble dry wraps or pocket nappy shells.
- The drying time will depend on the material they are made from.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Reusable Nappies to find out more about Washing, Drying and Absorbency.