It's important to know how nappy rash happens, recognise what nappy rash looks like and when to seek appropriate help.
Nappy rash is inflammation (dermatitis) that occurs around the nappy area (buttocks, thighs and genitals) due to irritation of the skin and usually affects most babies at some stage. In fact, research suggests 1 in 4 babies are affected by nappy rash at any one point.
This can vary depending on the severity and the baby's skin tone but is generally redness on the skin but may look brown, purple or even grey on darker skin tones. In cases of severe nappy rash, the skin might be swollen, peeling and even have breaks in it leading to bleeding. In some babies, the rash may cause them to feel very uncomfortable or irritable, particularly during nappy changes or when there is compression against the nappy area i.e. in seated positions and car seats.
Nappy rash can affect babies of any age but is most common around 9-12 months of age. Newborn babies and infants are more prone to nappy rash and girls are affected just as much as boys.
Age 👶: Newborns and infants' skin is thinner and therefore more easily prone to irritation. As baby grows, their skin matures and is able to resist irritation more easily.
Irritation from poo/urine 💩💧: prolonged exposure to urine or poo can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. So if your baby is pooping more than usual (eg. due to diarrhea, allergies or antibiotics), they could be prone to nappy rash. Prolonged time between nappy changes can also lead to rash.
Diet 🍅: as your baby grows and starts to eat solid foods, they will poo more frequently than when they were breast or formula fed. Acidic foods such as those high in citric acid (tomatoes, oranges etc) can lead to nappy rash.
Rubbing: poor-fitting or tight nappies (either cloth or disposable) and clothes that rub against the skin can lead to nappy rash.
Infection 🦠: fungal infection (thrush) is the commonest cause of nappy rash, followed by bacterial infection. The areas covered by a nappy, baby’s bottom, thighs and genitals, are particularly vulnerable to rash because it's warm and moist, making it a perfect breeding ground for thrush and bacteria. A nappy rash due to infection will often penetrate the skin folds, creases and be associated with red dots around the skin folds/creases.
New Products 🧴: a new washing detergent, shampoo, or an ingredient in a lotion or oil can all irritate baby’s skin leading to rash.
Skin Sensitivity: babies with eczema and other skin conditions are more prone to nappy rash than others.
Wipes: particularly those that are fragranced or contain alcohol.
Antibiotics 💊: antibiotics affect the good bacteria in your baby’s gut and microbiome as well as the bad bacteria. The good bacteria help to prevent things like thrush occurring and therefore nappy rash. Antibiotics often also cause diarrhea leading to increased risk of rash. If you are breastfeeding and taking antibiotics, this can also have a similar effect.
The best way to prevent nappy rash is to keep the nappy area clean and dry, especially soiled nappies as poo is more irritant to the skin than urine.
Be aware of the symptoms and as soon as signs of nappy rash appears, it is best to start dealing with it as soon as possible.
If your baby is going through a phase of having nappy rash:
Most nappy rash gets better with these simple steps.
See your doctor if the rash does not improve within a few days or is severe. Persistent nappy rash that does not respond to nappy creams might need a medicated cream.
When it comes to preventing nappy rash, there is no single nappy that is better than another.
There is no conclusive evidence in medical literature to suggest cloth nappies cause more nappy rash than disposables. In fact, in a recent review of available medical literature, authors were not able to conclude that disposable nappies cause less rash. It was apparent that better absorbing nappies were more likely to cause less rash.
Some feedback from the cloth nappy community that have used both single-use and reusable nappies:
If you find that your baby has repeated nappy rash in cloth nappies it's always best to not just treat the symptoms, but to see what might be causing it.
The most common causes for babies developing nappy rash when wearing cloth nappies are:
References:
https://starship.org.nz/guidelines/nappy-dermatitis/ [accessed 10.03.2024]
Baer EL, Davies MW, Easterbrook KJ. Disposable nappies for preventing napkin dermatitis in infants. Cochrane Database Systematic Review. 2006; (3) https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004262.pub2
https://www.thenappylady.co.uk/news/nappy-rash-advice.html
Benitez Ojeda AB, Mendez MD. Diaper Dermatitis. [Updated 2021 Jul 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559067/
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/nappy_rash/ [accessed 10.03.2024]
]]>So you might be asking yourself: do I need to do anything different for daycare? Do I need to buy different nappies? Or provide something?
Transitioning to daycare with cloth nappies requires some preparation, so that it's stress free for you and your childcare centre.
So here are a few things to think about.
This transition period can be bittersweet for most parents.
I remember my own experience: with my first-born Layla, I felt a real strong pull at the heart strings when it came time for her to start at daycare. I had a job with responsibilities, a mortgage to contribute to and was keen to go back to work for my mental sanity as well. But at the same time, I was breastfeeding and leaving my little 5.5 months old at daycare and felt such guilt that I was doing it. All the questions circling in my head: am I being selfish? Am I being a bad mother? What if she doesn't like it? Will I be able to pump enough milk for her when I'm at work? And on and on it went... it was a hard time. But after a while, I realised that it was more ME who was holding at the heart strings and Layla was happy, healthy and fine! She was loving daycare! 🛝
With my 2nd born Eve, I was able to enjoy my pregnancy a lot more and was able to return to work when she was around 9 months old. I had stopped breastfeeding (she wasn't that keen on it by then and it was less stress for me to not be pumping at work). Because I had that extra time with her and my previous experience with Layla, it was A LOT easier to transition to daycare.
In New Zealand and Australia, early childhood centres must provide continuity of care from home to a daycare center. This is to ensure a smooth and consistent experience for children transitioning between these two environments. So childcare centres shouldn't deny cloth nappies anywhere. But some are reluctant.
So here are my tips to make this a smooth transition with cloth nappies:
In some places, it is a good idea to contact a few daycare centres, even 6 months to a year before you need them and check if they have a waiting list or when is a good time to contact them for enrolment. There is nothing more stressful when you need to go back to work, and you are on a waiting list for who knows how long!
A lot of centres now have experience with cloth nappies due to their rise in popularity. For example, back with Layla there was only me and one other family using reusable nappies. Fast forward 5 years later and there are 4 other children with cloth nappies at the same daycare centre. But there are also a lot of centres who are very ignorant or misinformed about cloth nappies and they might bluntly say they don't want them without providing reasons, or for reasons that would not make sense to a cloth nappy user.
Here are some examples of misconceptions they might have:
they need to change them more often than disposables so it will be more work for them - of course they don't! Childcare centres must check/change nappies every 2 hours as per policy so cloth nappies should definitely last at least that long. If your nappies don't last that long, have a read of my blog on Cloth Nappy Leaks troubleshooting, it's not normal!
they have to clean them in any way. If you get an educator that plops the #2s that's like winning Lotto! Tell them it's fine to leave the nappies as is and roll them up and into a wet bag.
cloth nappies smell more than disposables - well definitely they shouldn't! With #2s, regardless of what type of nappy, you will know there is one in there. But cloth nappies shouldn't smell more. If yours do, there is something you need to tweak in your wash routine. Actually, once you become a cloth mum, the smell of urine from a disposable nappy is revolting compared to a reusable nappy!
Once childcare centres know they aren't expected to do anything but remove the soiled nappy, put it in a wet bag and put a fresh one on, they are much more amenable to the idea.
Have them with inserts already in place so they just need to grab and put on.
These are the Real Nappies Bioliners which come in an easy pre-cut / tear off roll of 100 liners:
If they are happy to use them, again have them folded and ready to go.
This is the Real Nappies laundry bag which is large enough to keep a day's worth of nappies at daycare:
The daycare may keep the clean nappies in the laundry bag in the changing room hanging on named hooks or put them in named wall hanging baskets or maybe in a cupboard.
The centre's policy might be to use a lidded bucket (although I feel like that would take more room than the other options). A lidded bucket is not ideal, as there is no air flow compared to a laundry bag. But it is also ok for the nappies as long as they are dry pailed as soon as possible once home and especially if you do your prewash every 2nd day or more.
Again, discuss with your centre what options they can work with.
If the nappies are required to be labelled, for nappies with snaps; snap nappy name tags can be purchased. But check what size snaps your nappies have (this does vary between brands) and what size the name tags are.
With hook and loop nappies, velcro name tags can be purchased.
With Real Nappies, I recommend writing on the fabric tag with a permanent marker, this has held up well through washes and is an economical way to do it.
Ensure you have a sufficient number of cloth nappies to last throughout the daycare day, working out from the changing policy of every 2 hours.
Include extra cloth nappies in the bag in case of emergencies (eg. when baby has done more #2s than usual) or when they do water play activities as the nappies and clothes will get wet. In summer, your baby might drink more and therefore need extra nappies.
Share information about the type of cloth nappies you use, how they work, and any specific instructions for changing them. But keep it simple, remember what it was like for you to learn about them!
If possible, and especially in a centre where they haven't used cloth nappies before, give a demonstration to the daycare staff on how to use and change the cloth nappies to make them feel more comfortable.
Be willing to compromise on certain aspects, like using disposable liners for convenience or the lidded bucket if the daycare prefers.
In any case, it helps to remember how you felt when you first learnt how to use cloth nappies and put yourself in the daycare centre's situation.
They have policies they need to follow. Some of these policies are mandatory from the Ministry/Department of Education and some are internal policies. The latter can be adapted as long as they don't go against the mandatory ones. But the centre must be willing to adapt.
Reminding daycare centres of their continuity of care duties is a way to let them know that you know your rights. And after all, there are many, many families that have switched to cloth nappies after having tried every brand of disposable nappies out there and their baby have a skin reaction to all of them.
Testimonial from an early childhood centre educator:
We love your nappies, they don't leak like the others do. With some of the others, we know we'll have to change the child's outfit as well as the nappies but Real Nappies seem to hold up better when the kids do bigger wees. Cindy
Peruse our range of uncomplicated cloth nappies and inserts and find the money-saving bundle that suits your needs.
If you want to take a look, try our Intro Packs.
If you want to dip your toes in the water, then start with a Starter Pack or Mixed Bundle.
If you're ready and want to be set with all you need, then get a game-changing Birth or Infant to Potty Pack. This pack includes a laundry bag, swim nappy, booster pads, Snappis and rolls of disposable liners.
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So if you have a baby in nappies, what's the go in that situation? Can it be done? How hard is it? Should you bother? Are probably some of the questions circling your mind.
Well, I have done a fair bit of family camping over the years and can share some insights depending on various situations 😎
Are you the only one motivated to use cloth nappies, will your partner/family help? Or maybe you don't find it a chore and that doesn't even bother you.
It is true that on holidays, simple things like doing the laundry or dishes are not as much a bother as at home somehow 🤔
Of course, the point of a holiday is to relax and enjoy some family time and bringing your cloth nappies might seem like the opposite of that.
So you really have to decide for yourself, discuss it with your partner and do some thinking of how it would work.
But let's remember that even if you decide to do cloth while camping, you can always take a pack of disposables as back up if you change your mind!
If it's a short excursion for a few days, it's definitely do-able and won't require much washing.
I've gone camping for 3 nights and still brought my Real Nappies, no issues. Just prewashing the night nappies and the most soiled by hand and leaving them until I got home for example. Or you can cloth part time and bring disposable for night time, it is really up to you!
If you are camping for longer than a few days, there will be some laundering required.
This will depend on how old baby is. Are you going somewhere where there is a drier, or dry weather or will it be hot and humid so nappies may take a while to line dry? Work out your current usage per day and get enough for a rotation based on what you know. If you end up short, you can always buy disposables to get you by! Or if you are going in the middle of nowhere, bring some for peace of mind.
This could be in the form of an actual washing machine or is it just a sink? Or nothing at all?
What kind of washing machine do they have. Can you hot wash in it or is it cold only? If cold wash only, you will need to either somehow get hot water into that machine or use bleach in your prewash.
Bring your supply of detergent if you need to or buy locally. I find using liquid detergent more forgiving in camping washing machines that have short wash cycles.
Check that you will have somewhere or something to hang your washing on: if you are unsure, it doesn't take much room to bring a length of washing line string and a few pegs. You can always find a couple of tents, cars or trees to tie the string in between for a makeshift washing line.
They are the most versatile while travelling. These will be much easier to wash and dry compared to thick nappy pad inserts.
They are much more forgiving when a less than ideal wash routine is used temporarily.
And because they unfold, much quicker to dry!
Real Nappies have flat nappies and prefolds to fit the bill.
Our Booster Pads are also good to have for night time or to use along with the flats or prefolds for heavy wetters.
And we have some videos on hand so you can learn a simple pad fold quickly, see our How to...videos.
Boy fold is a very reliable fold for both boys and girls, and side and tummy sleepers.
I recommend packing your nappies completely undone, prefolds and covers flat in the bag. They take a lot less volume that way.
You could vacuum pack them for the way there, when the vehicle is usually choker full!
Bringing a collapsible bucket is a must-have for camping. Use it to store nappies and wash nappies.
Use pillowcases to put dirty nappies in. It is best to hang the pillowcases with a string in a cool and airy place so that there is some air flow through the fabric.
Bring wet bags to store your nappies in when you are on the go or if you move around from day to day. You can put the pillowcases directly in the wet bag if moving.
Remove the solid poos as soon as you can or leave them closed up and do it all at the end of the day.
Check out the Real Nappies wet bags HERE.
They will help by making cleanup easier while not creating more washing. Disposable liners are placed on top of the prefold/insert to catch solid waste, making it easier to dispose of the waste without having to rinse the nappy immediately. They can also be used on top of a pocket nappy.
They will make washing easier, especially if the wash routine is a bit shaky compared to your normal.
The Real Nappies biodegradable liners are perfect for this.
Camping with reusable nappies may require some additional effort but remember the environmental and financial benefits they still bring. Stay positive, be flexible, and embrace the opportunity to continue using cloth nappies even when you're away from home. It's amazing how even a mundane task like doing the washing is not as bad when you are on holiday!
My little cloth bottom in her red snug wrap, she was sucking her toes all the time at that stage!
When you need to wash your night nappy: simply wash in the bucket with detergent, rinse and wring or squeeze the water out as much as possible.
When you need to wash your night nappy or do a prewash, use your foldable bucket. You could use an on-site sink but because you need to leave your nappies to soak for a bit, it may be preferable to not obstruct the facilities for others.
If hot water is not available on tap, you may need to heat some up.
Or diluted bleach can be used to help clean the nappies while washing with cold water. Use 2 caps full for 10L of cold water. Then wash as above.
The Real Nappies Snug Wraps have no absorbency and therefore usually only need one wash. If you have given them a good scrub, they should be good to dry and reuse without going through a main wash.
Using the campground machines, they will likely be top loaders:
Refer to the Real Nappies Care Instructions to see what a normal main wash, amount of detergent and what correct machine loading should look like.
If they are front loaders, they usually heat their own water so choose a cycle suitable for cloth nappies. You could check that the machines haven't been tripped to only use cold water with the campground reception to be sure.
If the top loaders are not connected to hot water:
Follow the instructions as above for the night nappy and prewash.
For the main wash, you will need some elbow-grease! I think you know what I mean 😜
It can happen from time to time just like with disposables... but it shouldn't be a regular thing!
If your nappies don't last at least 2 - 3 hours and you stress about using your nappies on car trips, then something ain't quite right!
There are 3 common reasons why reusable nappies may leak:
And a few other less common reasons that I will get into at the end.
The advice given here applies to any types of nappies and it may take a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best.
It may be that you don't have enough absorbency, or the wrong type of insert being used, or putting inserts in the wrong order, or not changing the nappies often enough or your baby is flooding the inserts.
Typical signs that you don't have enough absorbency: the inserts you are currently using are fully soaked.
Solution: add more absorbency!
This may be as simple as adding a face washer or another insert on top of what you have already been using.
Typically from about 4 months old, you may need to start using 2 inserts in your cloth nappies.
For Real Nappies, follow the nappy size on the label as per the weight of your baby and the size of the prefold is already suited to your baby's output. If you think your baby is outwetting the prefold, try adding a small face washer or a booster pad with your prefold.
It could be that you are using an insert made of a material that is unsuitable to hold the amount of output your baby is doing at their age.
For example, many nappies come with microfibre inserts because they are cheap to make and therefore the price of the nappies is cheaper.
Microfibre inserts may be sufficient when baby is small but as baby grows they will not absorb a big enough volume of urine.
When buying nappies, look for inserts or booster pads that are bamboo viscose, hemp, cotton or a blend of these.
Find out more about the different insert fabrics in our page Cloth Nappy Fabrics.
Different fabrics absorb at different speeds. For example, microfibre inserts are good at absorbing fast but they don't hold a big volume. Compare that to hemp inserts which can hold a lot of urine but absorb it a lot slower.
So it is important to layer inserts in the nappy in the correct order: fast absorbing fabric on top to draw the moisture in and slower absorbing but bigger volume insert underneath to hold more.
Read more about it in this blog about the importance of cloth nappy fabrics.
Cotton is a great natural fibre to use in cloth nappies because it holds both a lot of volume and is also pretty fast absorbing! So it's a great middle ground.
Cloth nappies should last at least 2 hours without leaking.
If they last longer that's great but it's up to you to monitor how often to change baby.
You can leave the nappy on for longer than 2 hours (as long as it is not soiled) but you don't want to leave it too long either as the moisture may irritate baby's skin and you are bound to have a leak eventually once the inserts are saturated!
We recommend changing Real Nappies ideally every 2 hours and up to 3-4 hours maximum. This can really vary due to individual babies' output and skin sensitivity.
When babies are small, they pee small amounts regularly throughout the day and night. Hence you will change a newborn around 10 - 12 times a day.
Whereas older babies start to hold onto the urine for longer periods but then release it in one big flood.
Typical signs that your baby is flooding the nappies: the inserts you are currently using are NOT fully soaked, there are dry areas left on the inserts but you are getting leaks, especially around the legs.
Solution: play with the types of inserts you have so that a fast-absorbing fabric is on the top layer to catch the flood and draw the liquid into the other inserts faster. This may be as simple as adding a face washer or an insert made of microfibre or bamboo viscose or cotton on top.
If you are using a pocket nappy, the pocket layer (also called the stay-dry layer) can prevent the liquid getting through to the inserts tucked inside the pocket. Skip putting the inserts into the pocket, and instead lay them on top. So you are using your pocket nappies just as a nappy cover.
Cloth nappies are designed to fit snug and low, like underwear. And like underwear that comes in different shapes, so do cloth nappies.
Getting the right fit can take a little practice if you are using OSFM (One Size Fits Most) nappies. But with Real Nappies, having appropriate sizing means you have a lot less to figure out to get the right fit!
Babies are all different shapes and sizes, and just as adults can't fit into a size that's too big or too small for them, babies can't either. Beware of one size fits all nappies that supposedly adjust to fit babies from birth to potty training. No single nappy can adequately address the needs of a tiny delicate newborn and a growing, boisterous toddler.
The four different Real Nappies sizes means you get a snug fit without any extra bulk at all ages and stages. A newborn in a one-size-fits-all design is generally saddled with a very bulky, often leaky, awkward and uncomfortable nappy, while on the other hand a toddler is left with one that is less than adequate. Using the correct size nappy will ensure a comfortable and leak-proof fit.
Ensure your nappies fit well:
Compression leaks can be due to using microfibre inserts, not enough absorbency or tight clothing.
Microfibre acts like a sponge and will release what it has absorbed when squeezed.
Typical signs: you use microfibre inserts and they are usually fine but you get leaks when baby is sat up or there is pressure on the nappy (eg. during feeds or in the car seat).
Solution: ditch the microfibre inserts and replace with bamboo viscose or cotton inserts.
Inserts (apart from microfibre) hold the liquid but if they are saturated and the cover presses on the soaked inserts, liquid will seep through the covers.
Typical sign there is not enough absorbency: the inserts are soaked and you get damp patches around the legs or if baby sleeps on their back or their tummy, dampness occurs in those areas.
solution: add more absorbency.
Clothing that is too tight around the nappy will cause moisture to be wicked from the nappy when the nappy gets saturated.
Typical signs: using bodysuits and damp patches occur at the front of the legs especially or on the tummy where the cloth nappy stops, not super wet but damp. A damp patch on shorts around the elastic waist band because the shorts have squeezed under the nappy front flap.
Solution: try the next size up bodysuit or clothing, avoid bodysuits if the next size up is really too big on baby. Bodysuit extenders can be found but you will need to ensure the extender buttons are the same size as the ones on your bodysuits.
Other causes of cloth nappy leaks are:
Nappy leaks whether with reusables or disposables are not fun!
Unfortunately, they will happen as you baby grows, and they are simply a sign that you just need to tweak your setup because baby's output has changed.
But leaks should not happen on a regular basis and your nappies should definitely last at least 2 hours during the day.
I've always got at least 3 hours out of my Real Nappies!
There will be a little bit of trial and error until you find what the issue is.
So don't worry too much and roll with it! This is an issue that can be solved.
Peruse the Real Nappies inserts, they are super thirsty and prefolds have great absorbency and can be added to any other nappies:
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Let's talk about the Real Nappies Snug Wraps this week because nappy covers are an important part of any reusable nappy system.
They keep everything in! And look cute while doing it!
Our soft Snug Wraps with their great water resistance, durability, ease of fitting and washing; have been said to be "bombproof". I'm sure that means poo-bombproof 😄
In this blog post, let's have a look at their features, how to use them, and the advantages and disadvantages they offer.
Real Nappies Snug Wrap nappy covers (let's just say Snug Wraps) are designed to be used as the water-resistant part of a reusable nappy system - so the inserts absorb the pee and the poo; and the Snug Wrap keeps it all in for as long as possible before moisture eventually seeps through the material or weak points such as stitching holes.
Nappy covers are not totally waterproof, or they would feel more like PVC thick plastic! And they would not be comfortable for babies to wear with no breathability.
Tip#1: there are currently no nappy covers that can claim to be fully waterproof. For all of them the moisture will eventually seep through the material or any weaker points like the stitching.
The Snug Wraps are made of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) which has been heat bonded. The material has been carefully sewn into a shape which will fit babies comfortably and allow for inside space for inserts to be added. This design allows for a variety of insert types that can be used inside the Snug Wraps.
Tip#2: Types of inserts that can be used inside Snug Wraps: flat nappies, terry cloths, preflats, prefolds, fitted nappies or also the pad type of inserts. That's all the types of inserts really!
Snug Wraps come in 4 sizes (Newborn, Infant, Crawler, Toddler) so that they properly fit babies of all shapes and sizes comfortably and YOU as a parent don't need to figure out how to fit the nappy.
Using the Snug Wraps is super easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparing Snug Wraps: No prep needed! They are ready to go but if you prefer, give them one short wash before first use.
2. Choose the right size Snug Wrap and Prefold combo for your baby's age/weight: this will be shown on the label. Some babies can get away with using a Snug Wrap either a size above or below depending on output and baby's body shape. This is something we learn as parents by observing our babies. The next size up Snug Wrap can be used for night-time use or times of the day when baby has more output.
3. Folding your Prefold nappy insert: There are several folding techniques to suit different stages and needs. Check out the "How to..." page for videos.
A common fold for newborn and infants is the simple "Liquid Poo fold", this fold works great without a Snappi nappy fastener but can also be used with one.
Other common folds include the "boy" and "girl" folds which are simple to do and hold up well without a nappy fastener.
Tip#3: Use the Boy fold for any baby that sleeps on their tummy once they start rolling. This places more absorbency at the front of the nappy to help catch the urine where it is needed most!
4. Placing in the Snug Wrap and secure with the velcro tabs: Place the Prefold inside the Real Nappies Snug Wraps. An optional Real Nappies Bioliners may be used on top of the Prefold (check out Tip#8).
Ensure the insert is all contained within the cover to prevent leaks.
5. Washing
Refer to the Care Instructions for details on how to wash your Real Nappies.
Keep your nappies smell-free, stain-free and clean in 5 easy steps:
Tip#4: Modern cloth nappies do not need soaking prior to washing. So leave the work to the washing machine!
Tip#5: Real Nappies Snug Wraps are so easy to get clean that most of the time they only really need one wash! So either put them in the prewash cycle (having no absorbency they will wash and get rinsed clean) or put them in the main wash cycle only.
Tip#6: Any brand of nappy covers that have lose elastics or started delaminating can be used as swim nappies as long as they can still seal around baby's bottom. Swim nappies only need to contain poo.
Tip#7: If the Snug Wrap is still clean and dry, the Prefold can be removed and a new one put in. So the same cover may be used 2 or sometimes 3 times, helping to reduce the amount of washing. It also means that you need to buy less nappy covers! Yay!
Tip#8: Real Nappies Bioliners are great to provide a stay-dry layer or when using nappy rash cream to help the cream stay on baby's bottom and delay it being absorbed on the Prefold. These liners also help once baby is eating solid food to make the poo clean up easier prior to washing.
Real Nappies Snug Wraps are awesome! They offer a cost-effective, versatile, and quick-drying approach to reusable nappies. While Snug Wraps may have some drawbacks, their numerous advantages make them a compelling choice for those looking to embrace a pure and simple to use, reusable nappy solution.
Here is a photo of my little one with her Real Nappies covered bottom.
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🌟 Like all parts of our lives, there are always tales to tell about our journeys 🌟
Like the day my partner was almost attacked by a coyote just outside of Yellowstone National Park while taking dark sky pictures. He snuck up on us real good that coyote!
I was particularly interested this week to read on a cloth nappy social media group about people's experiences with the world of cloth nappies and "what they wished they had known before starting".
It made me reflect on my cloth nappy journey (which is still going thanks to my 16mo), what I could reflect on but also how different my journey has been from other people's.
These are the most common comments that people were making about their own journeys:
And I totally agree with this! 🤲
I had doubts whether I was going to be able to cloth full time while working full time and with a partner not especially keen on "dealing with the poos". And sure, it does take making a new habit to clean up the nappies before washing, doing your prewash and then the main wash a couple days later. But you are doing more washing due to having a baby regardless of doing cloth nappies or not.
My partner has come around to it since then as he's realised how much better it has been for our wallet 💰 and the environment 🌍!
And to be fair, I'm pretty sure NO ONE says they like to deal with the poos!
Tip#1: you only need to remove poo from nappies once babies start eating solids - I didn't know this back then and that would have saved me heaps of nappy rinsing!
Tip#2: you don't need to soak nappies. It's actually bad for the PUL, is extra work that is not necessary as our modern washing machines and detergents do the work.
Definitely agree with these ladies. But luckily, I didn't find out the hard way.
My original nappy stash of Real Nappies was gifted to me by my bestie Siobhan and so all I was using was Real Nappies cotton prefolds. It's not until later than I learned about microfibre.
Tip#3: check before buying nappies what the inserts are made of. You might be keen on a cheap nappy but it will generally come with cheap inserts which will most likely be microfibre or a microfibre blend. This will be ok for a few months but as baby grows, they will outwet the microfibre soon, there will be nappy leaks, frustration for the parents and you will be left with having to buy better inserts and/or nappies.
Checkout this page about cloth nappy fabrics for what to look for: Cloth Nappy Fabrics
I thought this comment was a good summary:
Real Nappies prefolds are made of 100% cotton because it is a very absorbent fibre, is pretty quick at absorbing, quick drying, feels cool and is very durable to withstand the numerous wash cycles. Have a look at Real Nappies prefolds HERE.
For some info about the different types, have a read of this page on the website: Types of Cloth Nappies.
Because my stash was gifted to me, I didn't really need to buy other cloth nappies as Real Nappies have worked fine for me for both my kids. There are plenty of testimonials on the website that other people have had the same success.
So learning about other types of cloth nappies has been an interesting journey with my daughter Eve, she is my nappy testing baby! 👶
I have had failures with other brands that are said to be the best by other people and definitely cost more than Real Nappies. I also have had successes with other brands but there are things I don't like about them like stuffing pocket nappies with their inserts (and I don't have big hands!), this gal doesn't have time or the patience for that!
I often see polls on Facebook about "What's your favourite cloth nappy brand" and then the same day the same person makes a poll about "What is your least favourite cloth nappy brand".
And the top 3 or 4 are the same in both polls!
It's happened so many times now. 🌈
It really shows that the types of cloth nappies that will work for you definitely depend on your personal preference, family situation, washing/drying conditions, budget etc.
That is why on the landing page of the Real Nappies, I have a list of features to help you determine if Real Nappies tick your boxes.
Have a look HERE.
Tip#4: look at the nappies you think you like. Don't look at the colours or the patterns. But at the type of nappy, the nappy fabrics and how they are constructed. See if you can have a look at them in person at a Baby Expo or market and talk to the retailer so they can answer any questions you might have. From that you can already narrow down to what type of nappy you might want to try.
Tip#5: buy a couple of nappies secondhand to trial with but look for good condition nappies (slack elastics are a no no so ask for close up pictures if needed). Buying new nappies will be a safer investment if you are planning to use your nappies for more than 1 child and also you will not know how secondhand nappies have been treated and washed in the past, so they could fail before you finish using them or might not last for a 2nd child.
That is one thing that surprises me, the endless questions about fitting OSFM nappies right and if people are getting leaks because they are not fitting properly, and people asking for help all the time for that.
It is something I have not experienced with Real Nappies 💪
The sized nappy system eliminates that guesswork of fitting the nappy as the 4 sizes from newborn through to infant, crawler and toddler already takes care of that for you. The elastics around the waist and the legs allow for different shapes and sizes of babies: babies of same weights can vary a lot in shapes and sizes!
The prefold's absorbency concurrently increases with the nappy size because as your baby grows, their output increases.
Real Nappies also have a generous gusset, this part of the nappy:
This allows for a little bit of extra room to add a booster pad if it is needed. A booster is an additional insert that can be put in the nappy to increase the absorbency and contain a larger volume of urine (example for heavier wetters or for the nappy to be used overnight). The Real Nappies Booster Pads are great for this, as they have 14 layers of cotton fabrics sewn together into a pad.
That is the beauty of a true All-In-2 (AI2) nappy: you can customise your absorbency a lot more, put whatever you want inside the cover and change as you grow in knowledge on your nappy journey 👪
Tip#6: it is important to have a good seal around the legs to prevent leaks. However, if there is plenty of absorbency inside the nappy, a less-than-ideal leg seal is not going to cause major problems as long as the urine is absorbed by the insert before it reaches the edges of the nappy. If the amount of absorbency is "only just" what is needed, then it is more likely a nappy will leak without a good seal.
Tip#7: if you think you are coming to the limit of having a good seal for the absorbency you need for baby (example at nighttime when you might have added extra boosting to last the night), then just start using the next size up Snug Wrap nappy cover with the amount of absorbency you need inside that is right for your baby.
There is a misunderstanding that doing cloth nappies is an all or nothing process. But actually, it isn't at all!
Tip#8: just start. Whether you have 1 nappy, enough for a whole day or enough for a whole week. Just start and give it a go.
If you are worried about hurting your baby if you don't put on the nappies properly or washing your nappies perfectly yet or damaging your nappies: you will not hurt your baby, you will not damage your nappies irreparably! The worst that can happen is the nappy leaking (which will be very disappointing for you and is definitely not normal but is something that can be improved and fixed next time). Nappy damage or nappy rash starts after a longer period of time of not washing nappies properly so a few times here and there will not be the end of all. But it is definitely important to get a good wash routine in place 🧺
You are not alone in your cloth nappy journey.
I was doing what I thought was right when I started and after a while some things didn't feel quite right with my wash routine, especially after we started feeding my daughter solid food. I was getting the odd stain and smells and I thought "how can I improve this? It doesn't feel right to be having stains means something is not clean".
I made the mistake of not looking at the Real Nappies website to check my wash settings or see what I should be doing.
Tip#9: check the nappy manufacturer's website for washing instructions. If they are serious about their business, they will have a good run-down of how to do it so that you look after your baby's health and keep the nappies lasting as long as possible with normal wear and tear.
Instead of looking at the Real Nappies website, I asked Google and got all sorts of strange answers about vinegar and soaking and scrubbing. Then I found some more scientific cloth nappy information websites like Clean Cloth Nappies and cloth nappy community groups on Facebook which helped me get back on track.
But as Gina says from her experience, it can get quite overwhelming if you haven't started using cloth nappies and you read all this info. And if you are pregnant, hormones are playing up with you, you are still working and trying to figure this all out, as well as looking after yourself and preparing to welcome a new human into the world. It really is information-overload out there!
Because I had already been using Real Nappies, I could sift through the advice to what was applicable or not, and over-the-top or not 😄
Tip#10: I have been putting loads of tips and resources on the Real Nappies website that is easy to digest in bite-size pieces of information. Have a look at the BLOG section of the website for all this helpful information.
It has been fun reflecting on my cloth nappy journey and I hope that I can help you on yours!
For the sake of your wallet, the health of your baby and the future of our planet!
I wanted to talk about Prefolds this week because Prefolds really are the workhorses of reusable nappies with their great absorbency, durability and ease of washing. In this blog post, let's have a look at their features, how to use them, and the advantages and disadvantages they offer.
Prefold nappy inserts (let's just say Prefolds!) are rectangular pieces of absorbent cloth designed to be used as the absorbent core of a reusable nappy system. They are usually made from layers of cotton, bamboo viscose, hemp, or a blend of these materials. The layers are sewn together, creating a thicker middle section and thinner outer sections. This design allows for better absorbency where it's needed most.
They can be folded different ways to suit different stages of baby's development and urine/poo output.
They can also be used in any type of nappy as they can be folded to any size.
Real Nappies prefolds are 100% cotton, and we also have an unbleached, organic grade cotton prefold option.
Using prefold nappy inserts may seem a bit daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes quite simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepping Inserts: Before using NEW Prefolds for the first time, it's essential to wash and dry them several times to increase their absorbency. The fibres will get "fluffed up" during washing. You may notice some shrinkage with natural fibre Prefolds such as cotton and hemp but this is totally normal and will stop after the initial washes.
2. Choose the right size Prefold for your baby's age/weight: this will be shown on the label. Some babies can get away with using a Prefold either a size above or below depending on output. This is something we learn as parents. The next size up Prefold can be used for night-time use or times of the day when baby has more output.
3. Folding: There are several folding techniques to suit different stages and needs.
The most common folds for newborn and infants include the "angel wing" fold and the "jelly roll" fold.
Angel Wing Fold: Lay the prefold flat, fold it down lengthwise to the right length for your baby and place the folded edge under baby's bottom. At the front, fold the sides towards the middle, bring the front over baby's belly and the back sides of the prefold over the sides and secure with a Snappi nappy fastener. This fold is great for infants and babies who need more absorbency upfront.
Jelly Roll Fold: Lay the prefold flat, roll both sides of the insert towards the middle, place under baby and adjust the length by folding down at the front and back if needed. Secure the sides over each other with a Snappi nappy fastener. This fold is particularly effective for containing newborn and breastfed baby messes.
Other common folds include the "boy" and "girl" folds which are simple to do and hold up well without a nappy fastener.
4. Placing in a Cover and close: After folding the Prefold, place it inside a nappy cover such as the Real Nappies Snug Wraps. Ensure the insert is all contained within the cover to prevent leaks. Other nappy covers can be used or a great natural option are wool covers.
Prefolds offer a cost-effective, versatile, and environmentally-friendly approach to reusable nappies. With a bit of practice, parents can master the folding techniques and find a system that works best for their baby's needs. While prefolds may have some drawbacks, their numerous advantages make them a compelling choice for those looking to embrace a pure and simple reusable nappy solution.
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With all the washing and effort, is it actually worth it for the environment or is this greenwashing?
After all, there are many marketing claims out there about this or that being better for the environment. But it is often hard to know if our choices are making a difference.
Well luckily for us, an updated Life Cycle Assessment study has been published in the UK in early 2023, which compares the environmental impact of reusable vs disposables.
Here is a link to the study reports: Science Search (defra.gov.uk)
If you don't want all the deets, just skip to the end of this blog for the summary.
But first, what is a Life Cycle Assessment?
Life cycle analysis or assessment (LCA) is a method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product through its life cycle encompassing extraction and processing of the raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, use, recycling, and final disposal.
From: Journal of Environmental Management, 2010
So it looks at the environmental impact from start to finish of a product which gives a reliable assessment when doing a comparison.
Image from Deloitte.
The study took 2 years, £47,575 (AUD 92,653) to complete; and the objective was to determine the cumulative environmental impact of the use of a disposable and a reusable nappy ‘system’ for the first 2.5 years of a child’s life in the UK.
Researchers used aggregated data sets (2020-2021) for disposable nappies from major manufactures and 4 reusable nappy producers combining 8 different reusable nappies from 13 different washable/ reusable nappy components (nappy systems).
The results are based upon the following nappy formats:
• Disposable nappies - single use nappies with super absorbent polymer (SAP) and cellulose fluff to retain the urine. They are available in a range of sizes from new-born upwards.
• Reusable nappies (home laundered) covered in this study had three different designs:
o ‘Pocket nappy’ - consist of a waterproof outer and a fleece inner. An opening along the back of the nappy allows an absorbent pad to be inserted and to change soiled pads.
o ‘All-in-one nappy’ - incorporates an absorbent inner (‘core’) with an attached waterproof outer layer sewn together and can be used without additions as a complete nappy system.
o ‘All in two nappy’ - incorporates an inner absorbent pad (‘insert’) that attaches to the outer waterproof layer (‘wrap’) with poppers to form a one-piece nappy. The pads can be removed for washing independently of each other and reuse. Both the absorbent inner and waterproof outer must be used together to comprise a complete nappy system. - Real Nappies fit into the "All in 2" category.
The Global warming potential (GWP) (carbon footprint) for disposable nappies for the first 2.5 years of a child’s life is 456.91kgCO2eq. The largest environmental impact (CO2eq) is due to the materials and production (~63%) followed by the end of life (EOL) treatment of the nappies, faeces and urine (~33%).
For the reusable nappies the GWP is 344.57kgCO2eq. The use phase (energy use in washing and detergent impact) is by far the largest contributory factor to the carbon footprint (~85%).
The report also looked at another 18 main environmental impact categories plus consumer water and material consumption. Examples of these are stratospheric ozone depletion, Ionizing radiation, Terrestrial acidification or Mineral resource scarcity.
The disposable nappies have a higher environmental impact in 7 categories out of 18 and in addition, the overall consumption of materials used is also higher than reusable nappies.
On the other hand, reusable nappies have a higher environmental impact across 11 of the impact categories. The main contributing factors (aside from materials) is electricity used in pre-washing, washing and drying operations, detergent use and the treatment of wastewater (toilet flushing and washing machine).
In any case, user behaviour plays an important role in understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of nappies.
In the case of electricity use for reusable nappies, that can be minimised to some degree by doing things such as:
Another thing to consider is that the study was conducted in the UK, where in 2022, 40% of electricity came from renewables according to the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Compare this to the Australian situation where renewables contributed 29% of total electricity generation in 2021. So we could do a bit better in that regard and minimising the electricity use is crucial.
Consumer research indicated that since the last LCA study, a percentage of children are being potty trained at a later stage in their development. The results also showed that at 2.5 years, 37% of babies using disposables and 35% of babies using reusable nappies were still in nappies. This is an increase of 19.4% and 17.4% respectively over the previous LCA studies.
This is not a good thing since extending the use of nappies, whether disposables or reusables will have a detrimental environmental impact.
The following types of nappies were evaluated: Disposable nappies (aggregated data between sizes) and 3 types of reusables: Pocket nappy, All-in-one nappy and All in two nappy - Real Nappies fit into the "All in 2" category.
On the other hand, reusable nappies have a higher environmental impact across 11 of the impact categories. Mostly due to the electricity used in pre-washing, washing and drying operations, detergent use and the treatment of wastewater (toilet flushing and washing machine).
So there you have it! Reusable nappies are better for the environment than disposables, helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
Minimising the use of electricity being the main one!
1. Wash at lower temperatures such as 40degC instead of 60,
2. Run the washing machine during the night from midnight to 4am when electricity demand is low (plus some power companies have cheaper night rates so you can save some money too!),
3. Dry nappies on the line instead of using the drier.
References:
https://randd.defra.gov.uk/ProjectDetails?ProjectId=20622
https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/how-much-do-renewables-contribute-to-the-uks-energy-mix-and-what-policies-support-their-expansion/
https://www.energy.gov.au/data/electricity-generation#:~:text=Renewables%20contributed%2029%25%20of%20total,and%20households%20in%202020%2D21.
]]>There are many reasons why parents decide to use reusable nappies, the most common you can guess are: saving money (financial reasons) and reducing waste (environmental reasons).
Using reusable nappies can be a daunting decision to make, even for the most motivated parents.
After all there is a bit of a financial outlay to first buy the nappies without being able to try them on a child and secondly, new parents simply don't know what it is going to be like becoming a parent. You hear the great birth stories, the horrendous birth stories, everybody tells you how hard a baby is to look after in those first few months/years. And it can be easy to loose that initial motivation.
✨ So if you feel you need a pep talk to get you back on track with using your reusable nappies, or whether you need some motivation to get you over the decision line, well this blog is for you! ✨
My main reason for using reusable nappies was environmental. I couldn't bear the thought of our family creating a small mountain of disposable nappies that would still pollute this Earth long after we would have all departed this world.
But there are many other reasons why reusable nappies are awesome. We'll start with the 2 main reasons for using cloth nappies and then expand on other reasons.
Picture this: you, yes YOU, have the power to become a superhero for the environment, all while raising your little bundle of snuggles! 👶
Imagine Wonder Woman, but instead of her Lasso of Truth and a pair of indestructible bracelets; YOU have popped the hip out carrying baby on one arm and in your other hand your trusty Real Nappies. You are ready to save the planet, one nappy at a time! ✨
It's like a double dose of awesomeness, right? By switching to reusable nappies, you'll be a true champion of Mother Earth and your baby. 🌍💪💚👶
Those disposable nappies, well, they are quite handy to use. I mean buying something, using it once and just disposing of it after use is really easy. But reusable nappies are not a whole lot harder either once you have climbed the learning curve and given them a go.
Let’s think about it - your beautiful little bundle of joy is going through approximately 10-12 nappies a day at newborn stage and about 6 per day as he or she gets older. So, that’s 8,000 nappies, regardless of using disposables or reusables.
You can be the ultimate eco-warrior by donning the cape of reusable nappies! They're here to save the day, swooping in to minimize waste and keep the world cleaner and greener. 🦸♂️🌿
Not only will you be saving the Earth, but you'll also be saving your hard-earned cash! Ka-ching! 💰
Using reusable nappies can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run.
On average, parents spend $4,000 on disposable nappies per child (approx. 3 years old toilet training stage). We worked out that using our nappies you will spend $910 (including laundering expenses) for your first child, and since our nappies can be reused, it costs even less for your second or third child. In fact, Real Nappies cloth nappies have a warranty for at least two children!
If you want to see how we worked this out: Cost of Reusables vs Disposables.
Think of all the exciting adventures and experiences you can have with your little sidekick when you've got some extra bucks in your pocket. You can invest in your child's education, experiences, and a brighter future 💚👶
Now, you're not in this cloth nappy gig alone. You become part of a fantastic team of like-minded parents and caregivers, all on a mission to make the world a better place for our tiny humans. It's a whole community of eco-warriors, high-fiving and supporting each other every step of the way. 🤝🌿
At Real Nappies, we don't just want to sell you stuff, we want you to be successful with using reusable nappies. 🏆
We are only an email (info@realnappies.com) or DM away from you to give you advice and support or point you in the direction of something you need.
You have the ability to be a catalyst for change. Each time you choose a reusable nappy over a disposable one, you are making a conscious decision to protect our environment. Small acts, when multiplied by millions, can transform the 🌍.
Too often, with our busy lives it is easy to loose sight of the big picture. And sometimes like during a severe weather event, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than us and we can make a difference, one nappy at a time, one reusable coffee cup at a time.
Using reusable nappies doesn't have to be an all-in situation. Many people do cloth nappies part-time to suit their family situation and that still makes a massive difference!
Educate and inspire others: share your experiences and knowledge with friends, family, and your community. By spreading awareness about the benefits of reusable nappies, you can inspire others to make eco-friendly choices and create a ripple effect of positive change.
And hey, let's talk about the adorable factor. Reusable nappies come in a rainbow of colors, making nappy changing time a fiesta of brightness! 🎉 Your baby will be the trendiest little superhero around town. 👶
And what able the nappy waddle. We just love the look of those cute little bottoms waddling around in their cloth nappies.
Cloth nappies are better for your baby's health. We all want a chemical free lifestyle for our babies. However, with disposable nappies, there is the question of what is hidden in some disposable nappies, including the various chemicals used to make the disposable nappies and fragrances that can irritate sensitive baby skin.
Those disposable nappies might look convenient, but they often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic materials that can irritate your baby's sensitive skin. Ouch!
That's where your trusty reusable nappies come to the rescue! Once you learn if your baby needs sensitive detergents or not, and when washed properly, reusable nappies will come out squeaky clean. Made from natural, breathable fabrics, they provide a gentle and comfortable layer of protection for your baby's bottom.
Many people actually switch from disposables to reusable cloth nappies and see a marked improvement in their baby's skin. Say goodbye to those nasty rashes and hello to happy, giggly little superheroes! 🌈😄
Be the superhero safeguarding your baby from potential health hazards! 🛡️💚
But listen, being a superhero doesn't mean being perfect all the time.
We might have those moments where a disposable nappy sneaks its way in because we need the break or we've been unwell. It happens! What matters most is that we keep trying and keep improving, little by little. Progress, not perfection, is the name of the game! 🏆
So let's rock this reusable nappy adventure with enthusiasm and courage! Spread the word, inspire others to join the party and let's show the world that we're not just changing nappies; we're changing the future!
You've got this! Go forth and cloth nappy responsibly! 🚀💚
Here we are the flight, on our way yipee!
To clarify - this blog is about travelling and staying in houses or hotels, not camping. That will be a blog for another time as it is a bit different again! But there are similarities.
First of all, you're probably wondering... where is New Caledonia?? No hurt feelings here, it's a pretty small place and still not that well known. This is where:
And what's it like??
Well it looks like this:
A tropical island with French heritage, a rich melting pot of cultures (from French to Melanesian, Vietnamese and other Pacific Islands), modern hotels, restaurants and facilities. Beautiful beaches and UNESCO World Heritage recognised coral reef. The 2nd largest coral reef after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
This is a great website to check out if you want to know more: The official guide for New Caledonia Tourism
Of course, the point of a holiday is to relax and enjoy some family time and bringing your cloth nappies might seem like the opposite of that.
How long are you staying? If it's a short trip it's definitely some hassle but if you are staying a couple of weeks then it might be more worth it. That will really depend on how you feel and what you are prepared to do. I've gone camping for 3 nights and still brought my Real Nappies no issues with just prewashing by hand and leaving them until I got home for a long hot main wash for example. Or you can cloth part time and bring disposable for night time, it is really up to you.
How many nappies will you need? This will depend on how old baby is. Are you going somewhere where there is a drier, or dry weather or will it be a hot and humid country so nappies may take a while to line dry? Work out your current usage per day and get enough for a rotation based on what you know. If you end up short, you can always buy disposables to get you by!
Well, apart from in Vanuatu. Did you know that in December 2019, Vanuatu became the first country in the world to impose bans on single use nappies? Amazing isn't it! Since then they have been working to transition, and reusable nappies are used by everyone and hotels provide nappy laundering services.
A good reason to holiday in Vanuatu, well done to them on that front!
Will you have access to laundry facilities? This could be in the form of an actual washing machine or a laundry service. Are they ok with washing cloth nappies? Or what kind of washing machine do they have. Can you hot wash in it or is it cold only? If cold wash only, you will need to either somehow get hot water into that machine or use bleach in your wash.
Bring your supply of detergent if you can or buy local. It is a good idea to bring enough to get you started for a few days until you have a chance to look into a supermarket. A lot of our detergents have equivalents in other countries, similar looking packaging but different name. Or ask at reception or locals what is a good quality detergent.
Check that you will have somewhere or something to hang your washing on: if you are unsure, it doesn't take much room to bring a length of washing line string and a few pegs. You can always find a couple of chairs to tie the string in between for a makeshift washing line.
I went to New Caledonia for 7 weeks and didn't need to buy an extra bag to put my baby's reusable nappies and clothes as she could share a bag with her big sister.
I recommend packing your nappies completely undone, prefolds and covers flat in the bag. They take a lot less volume that way.
You could vacuum pack them but check that you can do the same for the way back!!
Travel plans can sometimes be unpredictable, and you may encounter delays or unexpected situations while you are going to your destination. Pack a few extra nappies in your carry-on bag to account for any unforeseen circumstances that may extend your travel time.
Bring wet bags to store your nappies in when you are on the go or if you move around from day to day.
If staying in a hotel/house, there will always be somewhere you can pop your wet bag open to air the nappies out by a window, on a balcony or something like that. Remove the solid poos as soon as you can or leave them closed up and do it all at the end of the day.
Check out the Real Nappies wet bags HERE.
They will help by making cleanup easier while not creating more washing. Disposable liners are placed on top of the prefold/insert to catch solid waste, making it easier to dispose of the waste without having to rinse the nappy immediately. And it will make washing easier, especially if the wash routine is a bit shaky compared to your normal.
The Real Nappies biodegradable liners are perfect for this.
They are the most versatile while travelling. These will be much easier to wash and dry compared to thick nappy pad inserts.
They are much more forgiving when a less than ideal wash routine is used temporarily.
And because they unfold, much quicker to dry!
Real Nappies have flats and prefolds to fit the bill. Our booster pads are also good to have for night time or to use instead of the flats or prefolds.
Check them out HERE.
Traveling with reusable nappies may require some additional effort but remember the environmental and financial benefits they still bring. Stay positive, be flexible, and embrace the opportunity to continue using cloth nappies even when you're away from home. It's amazing how even a mundane task like doing the washing is not as bad when you are on holiday!
My little cloth bottom in her red snug wrap, she was sucking her toes all the time at that stage!
My first Real Nappies user, enjoying the warm water at the beach in the village of Touho where I grew up.
So on my holiday, we were staying with my parents at an off-grid house with solar to power a small washing machine and hot water.
Now I didn't find that the agitation was particularly good in that machine even with all the things I tried and the fact that it was small so it could be bulked easily. I think the motor on it was just small and not super powerful.
I also had to try a couple of different detergents (one my Mum already had which was average and then I bought another with enzymes which was much better).
The soiled nappies sat unfolded in an outdoor laundry sink, it was the start of summer with humid 25 degrees C days but we didn't have issues with flies. We left the wet nappies but prewashed the soiled nappies by hand to reduce the chance of flies being attracted.
I did need to do a sanitise half-way through our holiday as I wanted to look after my nappies and do a reset as we were there for 7 weeks.
Now to be clear, the nappies were not stinky or heavily stained. Just a faint off-smell and some shadow stains from time to time that I needed to put the prefolds through a second wash to get rid of. No biggie!
Now go on and enjoy that holiday that I am sure you deserve!
All will be well.
✨ There are actually quite a few myths about reusable nappies. Maybe I shouldn't say myths but they are more like misconceptions ✨
I would love to hear what misconception you heard of before using cloth nappies??
Generally, they are from people who haven't used them or people who compare modern cloth nappies to the cloth nappies of back in the day; how those were and had to be treated.
So, as Kayce Dutton says:
Some myths might have originated from outdated information. By doing thorough research and consulting experienced cloth nappy users, you can make an informed decision about whether cloth nappies are the right choice for you and your 👶.
✨ Reality: While cloth nappies require a bit more effort than disposables, modern cloth nappies have come a long way in terms of convenience. There are various styles available, types of fabrics and types of fastening systems. With the right washing routine and storage system, cloth nappies can be just as convenient as disposables.
Additionally, making trips to the supermarket for disposables is very inconvenient. I can see myself buying a few more things I didn't really need at the supermarket if I'm just going in for a few nappies!
Once you have bought reusable nappies once, you don't need to buy them again! So really the main difference is after the nappy is used: the poo needs to be removed (and we are actually supposed to do that with disposables also to reduce faecal bacteria leaching from landfills) and the nappy needs to be washed and dried. But that can be done in your own time and at home.
✨ Reality: While cloth nappies have an upfront cost, they can save money in the long run compared to disposables. Cloth nappies do require regular washing, which incurs some water and energy costs. While this cost is ongoing, it is generally minimal compared to the ongoing expense of purchasing disposable nappies.
There are many ways to calculate the cost of reusable vs disposable nappies.
Let’s think about it - your beautiful little bundle of joy is going through approximately 10-12 nappies a day at newborn stage and about 6 per day as he or she gets older. So, that’s 8,000 nappies, regardless of using disposables or reusables.
The average disposable nappy costs around $0.25 - $0.88 (depending on brand and size). For this calculation let’s assume the average spend is somewhere in the middle. So the average cost of a nappy is $0.50.
This comes to a total cost of 8,000 x 0.50 = $4,000.
Even at the cheapest of $0.25 the total cost would be ($0.25 x 8000) $2,000.
Birth to Potty pack ($700) + Washing costs (approx. $210 over 3 years - this is based on having baby clothes and other items in the wash) = $910 and that’s just for the first child. The second child will be washing costs only!!!
Approx Savings: $4000 - $910 = $3090 per child! That’s a flight to Europe (just imagine sitting in Italy telling your friends you are there because you used cloth nappies!)
Top Tips: there are many things that can affect the cost of washing nappies:
✨ Reality: Properly cleaned and maintained cloth nappies are not less hygienic than disposables. They should not have any smell or stains if washed properly. If you have any smells or stains, review your wash routine asap here.
In fact, cloth nappies are often more breathable, which can reduce the occurrence of nappy rash. However, it is important to change cloth nappies frequently (2 - 4 hourly) so that dampness is not close to baby's skin for long periods of time, use a proper washing routine, and ensure that the nappies are thoroughly dry before reuse to maintain good hygiene.
There are many reasons why 👶 develop nappy rash and more often than not it will be related to hormones or teething. I know straight away when my little one is teething, there appears the nappy rash! Sometimes this lasts days on end and even I have questioned my wash routine and sanitised my nappies "just in case" it was something to do with the nappies. All for the rash to continue and one night just disappears not to be seen again for a few days or weeks.
Top tip: applying nappy rash cream is still helpful to soothe your 👶bottom. To make it easier to wash the nappies, we recommend using liners to keep the rash cream off the cloth nappy and make washing easier, click on the image to check them out:
✨ Reality: Cloth nappies are just as effective at containing messes as disposable nappies, IF NOT BETTER! When they are properly fitted, the right size and adequate absorbency, they actually contain poo-namis WAY BETTER than disposables according to many disposable nappy users who switched to cloth nappies. Cloth nappies also tend to contain smells a lot better.
Top tips: There are 3 main reasons why cloth nappies leak:
✨ Reality: cloth nappies have many features that make them comfortable to wear:
One thing to remember here is that reusable cloth nappies ARE NOT A NEW THING!
Disposables have only been commonly available since the 1950s whereas cloth nappies have been used since the dawn of time in one form or another.
Pretty sure if there were any health or safety issues with cloth nappies, they would have been found by now!
👶👶👶👶👶👶👶👶
Leave me a comment:
What reusable nappy myth did you hear about before starting your cloth nappy journey?
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Let's dive into this but you can also skip to the bottom to see why Real Nappies are a cost-effective option compared to other types of cloth nappies.
How many nappies you need will be affected by:
Ok, let’s start at the beginning, a tiny newborn. Yes, these babies are small, but boy do they go a lot!! With their teeny tiny bladders and immature digestive systems, stuff just shoots through...and many more times a day compared to when they are even a few months older. Compare this to a toddler, at that age their primary food is solids, so there is less often liquid output but larger pees.
So, you're probably looking at anything between 8-12 nappy changes a day! Which means you are wanting about 20-30 nappies for a newborn if you are going to do a main wash every 2 days and your nappies can dry pretty quickly like Real Nappies.
Because the Real Nappies Snug Wraps can be re-used if they are not soiled, you need a number of prefolds in that range but the number of Snug Wraps required is lower than that as the same cover will be able to be used more than once!
We recommend a minimum of 24 prefolds in newborn size and 6-7 covers
At about 3-4 months your child will probably move into infant size nappies, but they are still being fed liquids only. And liquid in = liquid out. You will still need a similar number of nappies although you could get away with slightly less.
The newborn and infant stage lasts for about 7 months and basically while they are being breastfed/bottle-fed.
During this time is when you may need to look at starting to boost your nappies at night time. Your baby may start to wake less often, is drinking quite a bit more (may still be feeding during the night) and therefore more absorbency is needed overnight.
We recommend starting to boost nappies with small items like a face cloth. Or if more absorbency is needed, our Booster Pads are the go-to with their 10 layers of absorbency.
When babies start to move into solids, they are starting to hold on for longer and go less often. The poo starts getting more solid and condensed. Now, I know talking about or even thinking about poo isn’t what usually excites people, but once that poo starts condensing and becoming more solid, it actually means poo less often, which is great because it also means less nappies!
Nappy changes are reduced to about 6-9 a day, so you’ll want to have about 12-18 nappies at this point.
If extra absorbency is needed for night-time, the Booster Pads are ideal but the smaller size prefolds that you may already have work well too.
Top tip: Use the newborn or infant prefolds as boosters.
While your baby moves from crawling to standing and then running, the bladder gets bigger. They can hold for longer and their poo comes down to 1-2 a day you probably only change about 4-5 times a day and at this point you really only need about 8-12 nappies in your nappy stash.
We have based the above number on washing your nappies every second day, but if you plan to wash every day you could reduce the numbers. Or if you want to wash less often, then increase the numbers.
If you live in a hot climate then you can get away with less nappies, but if you are in a cold or damp climate then this is where prefolds really do win the nappy drying race compared to other types of nappies as they are the quickest drying nappy option after flats.
Want to use disposables at night or while out and about? You can definitely reduce the number of nappies from above (possibly even half the number).
After all that you might be thinking...
Well if I buy all these different sizes to go from birth to toilet training is it worth it compared to OSFM (One Size Fits Most) nappies??
YES!
Based on the number of changes per day above, for a main wash every 2 days and allowing another day of nappies while the wash dries - you would need 36 nappies.
OSFM nappies costing an average of $25 - $30 per nappy = $900 - $1080.
Our Birth to Potty Pack is yours for $700.
And it does not just include nappies but also a wet bag, 8 rolls of nappy liners, 2x booster pads, Snappi nappy fasteners and a swim nappy!
Another thing to consider is that OSFM nappies typically do not fit newborns as snuggly as you would like. And for toddlers, they often struggle to allow enough absorbency and also struggle to be used as night nappies.
Real Nappies are great value, easy to use for new cloth parents, quick to dry and the Snug Wrap covers can be used multiple times if not soiled.
Leave me a comment:
When did you start your cloth nappy journey?
Do you wish you had started sooner/later or what made it the perfect time for you?
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Well in a lot of ways they are actually very similar.
They have absorbent layers and a water-resistant outer layer.
But there are some key differences to meet the needs of babies at different times of the day.
If you get unsure about some of the types of nappies discussed in this article, refer to our page on Cloth Nappy Types.
A fairly obvious one to start! Reusable nappies at night need to provide higher levels of absorbency compared to daytime nappies. This is because babies tend to sleep for longer durations at night (yes! Eventually they do!), and their urine output is generally higher during this time. Especially if they are still on a mostly liquid diet and still feed/drink at night.
So night time nappies will need to have additional absorbent layers or inserts to handle the increased volume of urine and prevent leaks.
It is always a balance between absorbency and bulkiness. Cloth nappies don't have the chemicals that disposable nappies contain to absorb the urine. Absorbency is achieved by layers of fabric. Different fabrics will have different levels of absorbency (see the blog about nappy fabrics) so the amount of absorbency can also be adjusted by selecting the right type of fabric. But there will always be more bulk to increase absorbency.
Embrace the bulk! Cloth nappies have been used for generations!
Disposables only became mainstream in the 70s, that's not that long ago. And before that there were centuries of babies growing in cloth nappies which were much bulkier than the modern cloth nappies of today.
Due to the increased absorbency required for nighttime use, nighttime reusable nappies will be bulkier compared to daytime nappies. The additional absorbent layers make the nappy thicker, which provides adequate absorbency for extended periods of sleep.
If you are using Real Nappies, extra absorbency is achieved by adding our Booster Pads under the prefold or adding a flat nappy in the mix:
So many ways to use the prefolds and inserts! Just mix and match to see what works for your baby!
Since more layers of absorbency are needed inside the nappy, the water-resistant outer layer(s) of the nappy will need to accommodate this.
And that pretty much then defines the difference between a day and a night nappy.
Generally, day nappies are pretty trim fitting and therefore can't adequately allow for additional layers of absorbency to be added without the fit (the seal around the legs and waist) getting compromised. So yep some nappy brands look very trim, but they will only be able to serve one purpose which is to be used for daytime and need changing pretty often before they leak.
On the other hand, there are some brands of nappies that have been designed to have a slightly more generous fit and therefore more flexibility for "boosting" the absorbency for daytime use for heavier wetters or for nighttime use. Real Nappies is one of those brands.
The Real Nappies system is multi-sized:
They also have a generous gusset. The gusset is this part of the nappy:
This allows for flexibility in what to put inside the nappy cover and extra room for a nighttime absorbency booster if needed while still having a leg seal from the elastic edge.
Thanks to the multi size approach you can have a trim nappy for during the day but that has enough room for some boosting. If your baby is a heavy wetter, you can always go to the next size up Snug Wrap to get the extra room for absorbency!
Most of them are simply larger nappies with extra inserts and that are priced a lot higher than day nappies.
I have been trialing a few of these and I am getting leaks using some of them when I don't using a Real Nappies boosted. So I wouldn't go investing in some of them before trying other more cost-effective options.
Prefolds are already a type of insert on the higher end of the absorbency range, so these are in my opinion better options to invest in if boosted prefolds are not enough:
Hemp inserts: hemp is a natural fibre which has great absorbency. A hemp insert can be a good addition next to our Booster Pad in a night time nappy.
Fitted nappies: one type I have found to be beneficial for heavy wetters are fitted nappies. Fitted nappies are made entirely of an absorbent material. Have a contoured shape absorbent insert with gathered edges around the legs and waist. They are generally fastened with a nappy fastener or snaps and require a waterproof cover over the top. Because they are quite thick they are slow drying but can be a good option for night time, especially at the stage when babies are still on a liquid diet but holding a lot more urine like around the 6 - 15 months mark.
Real Nappies Snug Wraps can be used as the water-resistant layer over fitted nappies so if you already have some, you are already half way there.
Wool covers: another type that people have success with are wool covers which provide a stretchier, larger water resistant outer layer. So instead of using a PUL cover, you use a wool one which is great as it is a natural fibre and we love that at Real Nappies! When well lanolised, the lanolin provides the water resistance but requires re-applying regularly and requires some skill but it's not overly difficult. Wool covers can be aired between use and washed once soiled or significantly smelly.
In extreme heavy wetter cases, people have used prefold or fitted nappies with a Snug Wrap cover, then another layer of absorbency such as preflats/prefolds/booster and a wool cover over the top of it all.
So you don't really need anything special for night time, especially at the newborn stage because you will be changing baby about every 2 to 3 hours anyway (at each feed).
But once baby starts sleeping for longer stretches of time, you will need more absorbency!
You can reach the absorbency you need many different ways and I wouldn't necessarily rush into buying more things if you don't need to! What do you already have at home that you could try boosting with?
Tips for nighttime use in order of least to more boosting:
Real Nappies allow you the flexibility to change your setup to have a trim nappy during the day, boost it for nap times and boost it even more for nights!
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Especially if most of the comments you get when you mention that you want to use reusable nappies for your👶 sound like this:
And all of a sudden, doubt starts to creep in your mind. Maybe they are right. What if I start and I can't manage and I will waste my money. My partner will get mad and I will look like a failure. And on and on it goes in your mind.
I bet that most people who make these comments either haven't used them before, or used them like 30 years ago and so much has changed in cloth nappy fabrics and technology (like we don't soak nappies in buckets anymore!), or used them and gave up because they lacked the support to be successful using reusable nappies.
In fact, a comment that most people make when they have used reusable nappies is:
It was easier than I thought it would be before I started.
Learning Curve
Okay, so using reusable nappies might require a bit of practice. You'll need to learn how to fold, secure, stuff, fit the flats/prefolds/inserts you want to use, but fear not, soon you'll be a cloth-folding ninja! 💪 Plus, modern cloth nappies often come with user-friendly features like adjustable sizing and easy-to-use fasteners.
At Real Nappies we want to make reusable nappies pure and simple to use so we take out some of those tricky things by having nappies in sizes that will fit your 👶 snuggly without having to fiddle with fitting the nappy at different ages and stages. The velcro also takes the guesswork out of fitting the nappy as it is so much easier for beginners and intuitive to feel if the nappy is on too tight or too loose.
You and your 👶 will always be learning from each other. Know now that your 👶's nappy needs WILL CHANGE AS THEY GROW and as long as you learn the principles of what makes a reusable nappy work, any issue that arises can be sorted by making some adjustments along the way.
Increased Laundry
Yes, you'll have to do some extra loads of washing, but think of it as your secret training to become a laundry master! 🧺✨ Actually that is another common comment people make...
Since doing cloth nappies, my washing overall has never been so clean.
Because you will learn a lot about what it requires to have clean washing!
While it may make a bit of extra laundry, it's actually not that much more than you would do otherwise with a new 👶 due to the normal spills, bibs, breast pads and burp cloths anyway! And hey, you can always make laundry time a dance party or an excuse to catch up on your favorite TV shows! 🎶📺
Fit and Comfort
Reusable nappies offer a customizable fit for your little one's cute bottom. Again it is part of the learning curve with the variety of inserts and kinds of nappies out there. But it's like giving them a tailor-made outfit for their nappy needs. A big advantage of cloth nappies is the cushioning they provide when babies are learning to walk.
They have a little cushion pad on their bottom all the time!
Your baby will be rocking their comfy and stylish nappies like a boss! 👶💃
Availability of Support
Join the cloth nappy squad! There are cloth nappy communities ready to shower you with knowledge, tips, and plenty of virtual high-fives.
You're never alone on this cloth nappy journey!
Connect with ME! Connect with experienced cloth nappy users who are always happy to share their wisdom. Make sure you sift through the comments because there are also a lot of new parents in these groups and their experience of a few weeks with their babies and nappies are not always well informed YET. So it always pays to ask how old their baby is etc. But these communities are like having a superhero team of reusable nappy experts cheering you on! 🦸♀️🤝🌟
Happy cloth nappying, and may your parenting adventures be filled with smiles, laughter, and leak-free nappies! 🎉😄👶
Something that most of us don't think much about when first looking at buying cloth nappies but is actually quite important!
Why is that important??
Because the type of fabric used in reusable nappies will determine how much the nappy absorbs, how fast/slow it absorbs, how the nappy holds on to the moisture, how the nappy withstands regular washing (wear and tear), how waterproof the nappy is, how it fits with your environmental beliefs (eg synthetic vs natural fibres); to name a few.
Let's start here as that is the place with the least options.
The outer layer needs to provide waterproofness or more likely water resistance. Because tbh nothing is fully waterproof unless it is a thick plastic sheet that doesn't breathe...and we wouldn't want that wrapped around our babies!
All nappies will resist to moisture but the amount and for how long will vary depending on the material, thickness and of course what you have inside absorbing the moisture in the first place!
The most natural cover fabric you can use is wool. Many MCN users are very satisfied with wool covers:
But they do require some maintenance with re-lanolising from time to time to keep their water resistance properties and gentle washing to keep their shape.
A thin, synthetic, breathable material that keeps moisture from escaping while allowing air circulation.
There are actually 2 types of "PUL", they are both the same thing, just made by a different process:
Polyester fleece is a synthetic fabric, not inherently waterproof but it is often used as a water-resistant fabric in cloth nappies.
Real Nappies Snug Wraps are made of TPU PUL (heat bonded) and are DOUBLE LAYERED for extra water resistance and a soft feel on both sides of the cover.
Now this is the other part that is important to understand for your nappies to work as intended and especially to compare buying nappies as the nappies will all come with different inserts.
Bamboo: A synthetic fabric called Viscose derived from bamboo, with a high level of absorption so is great at holding liquid. Beware of greenwashing statements about this fabric as most inserts will state bamboo but there is really nothing left of the bamboo as it has been turned to Viscose. There are two manufacturing methods of bamboo fibres: a Chemical Process or a Mechanical Process. The majority of the bamboo fibres are produced by the viscose rayon chemical processing method. Which is cheap to produce but has some environmental downsides. Ensure that you are getting a high-quality bamboo fabric, make sure that it is manufactured with a mechanical rather than a chemical process. Pure mechanically processed bamboo will feel quite rough and so is usually blended with other fibres for use in fabrics.
Cotton: A natural fabric with a high level of absorption. Cotton has been used for hundreds of years. It has a well known manufacturing process with many life cycle studies to back its lower environmental impact overall. This is why we love cotton at Real Nappies and our inserts are made of variation in thickness and weaving type of the cotton fibres.
Babies have worn cotton nappies for hundreds of years!
We also have certified Organic prefolds if you are worried about pesticides used during the growing of the cotton.
to have a look at the inserts (prefolds, flats and 10-layer booster pads).
Fleece or microfleece: Not to be confused with microfibre, this is a polyester material that can be used next to the skin. Often found inside pocket nappies as the internal "stay dry" layer, and as reusable liners but is prone to collecting lint. It somewhat holds the moisture but lets it through quicker to other parts of the nappy. However, be mindful that polyester sheds during washing and end up as microplastics in the environment. For this reason, we do not sell fleece products.
Hemp: Natural fibre made from the hemp plant. It is very popular in cloth nappy use because of its durability, absorbency and natural anti-microbial properties. It is a little slower at absorbing moisture. Inserts made of hemp work well in conjunction with a natural fabric like the Real Nappies cotton prefolds: place the hemp insert inside or under the prefold to boost absorbency.
Microfibre: Microfibre is a fast absorbing synthetic polyamide fibre that is often found in pocket nappy systems. It is cheap to manufacture, absorbs moisture very quickly and can hold up a good amount of moisture but it is prone to compression leaks, so as soon as pressure is applied the urine easily comes back out the of insert like a sponge. It should not be used directly next to the skin as the tiny fibres can cause irritation. If you choose to us microfibre, it works well in conjunction with a natural fabric like the Real Nappies cotton prefolds: place the microfibre inside the prefold to catch any compression leaks. However, be mindful that microfibre sheds during washing and end up as microplastics in the environment. For this reason, we do not sell microfibre products.
(Image courtesy of Clean Cloth Nappies)
Suedecloth: A stay-dry material often found on the inside of nappies. This is a synthetic polyester material and has no relation to animal based suede. Suedecloth sheds during washing and end up as microplastics in the environment. For this reason, we do not sell suedecloth products.
Terry Nappy or Terry Squares: The Terry Nappy is the traditional nappy that your mother or grandmother would have used! A square piece of terry cotton that can be folded in a manner of ways and fixed with a nappy fastener such as our Snappis. They are inexpensive, easy to find and make yourself, extremely versatile and quick to dry. A good alternative to the prefolds in the newborn or infant days.
Unbleached: Unbleached fibres are those which have not gone through a chemical bleaching process. They usually retain more of the fibre's natural oils and waxes, so may need washing more times than bleached fibres before they reach full absorbency but have undergone less processing and are softer on skin.
An important factor in choosing what type of fabric insert inside the nappy, to use at different stages or parts of the day is how fast the fabric absorbs and how much. Especially important when babies reach a stage where they are holding their wees for longer and letting go of a bigger amount, all at once, instead of small regular amounts.
Often cheaper nappies will come with a microfibre insert to keep the price down and be attractive to new parents. Nappies with microfibre or charcoal bamboo inserts will work ok when baby is small. But comes the 3-4+ months old mark and leaks will start occurring as the inserts are not absorbent enough for the amount baby is releasing and not able to contain the urine.
And that is when new cloth parents will get leaks, become frustrated and start thinking about giving up on reusable nappies.
Around the 9+ months mark, "flooding" can occur inside the nappy when baby releases urine fast and in one go instead of small amounts often. That is when an insert with FAST absorbency will be helpful to bring the urine more quickly into the high capacity insert.
A few figures about insert capacity:
Pairing a fast absorbent insert closest to baby's skin with a high capacity insert underneath will prevent leaks from happening. Even things like face washers can be a cheap and easy way to boost the nappy and provide that fast absorbency. Just remember, microfibre causes skin irritation so do not put it directly against baby's skin.
Cotton is a natural fibre and pretty good all-round workhorse in the world of cloth nappies. It has quite a high absorbency capacity but also not bad on speed of absorption. It is a good type of insert to have in your nappy and the other types of fabrics can be added around it if needed.
Remember this:
1. Research the types of Nappies
2. Plan your change area setup
3. Plan your washing routine
4. Start using your nappies
5. Join reusable nappies online communities
]]>Do you feel like you have information overload? Or stuck not sure where to start?
Nobody wants that but at the same time, you need enough information to make some choices. So let's walk that fine line...
This article has been written with beginners in mind. Those who are expecting and are interested in the idea of cloth nappies, or those who were waiting until they ‘got used to being a parent’, but now don’t know where to begin.
Now you're thinking "duh Merine, that's what I've been doing and I'm still undecided".
Reusable nappies come in various styles, such as prefolds (like Real Nappies), flats, fitted, pocket nappies, and all-in-ones. Look into the different options to determine which one might be the best fit for you and your family situation.
Prefolds? Flats? Pocket? Fitted? All-in-one? All-in-two?
If you want a breakdown of what each are, have a read of our handy pages:
Each system has its pros and cons and at the end of the day they are all a great option for someone.
For example, the Real Nappies prefold system is...
For some people, a con is that you need to fold the insert (see how simple the folds are here). We think that is actually a positive as it allows tailoring of the insert absorbency at different stages of your baby's nappy journey.
Compare this to a Pocket nappy.
Pros – most are claimed to be OSFM adjustable from about 4kg to 13kg, often available with colourful patterns.
Cons – You have to change the whole nappy each time so you need to buy more nappies and end up with more washing. They are a more expensive option due to the additional sewing and materials required to make them, they take longer to dry as they have multiple layers, harder to get a good fit as they may vary based on the baby's body shape and size. Some babies may outgrow the absorbency capacity before reaching the upper weight limit. They also take additional time to stuff the inserts to be ready for changing.
For some people the convenience of a pocket nappy with matching insert size is essential and they don’t mind the longer drying time or expense, for others the affordability and ease of washing and drying is more of a priority so a prefold system, such as Real Nappies, is best.
There are basically two options, velcro or snaps/poppers. This can come down to personal preference, but if you want a look at the pros and cons of both these options, check out this blog here:
Things to look at here are natural (such as cotton, hemp) vs. synthetics (such as bamboo - yes that is actually Viscose made from Bamboo which is far from being bamboo anymore, or microfibre; organic or not; and for the covers PUL, wool or minky.
Real Nappies prefolds are made of Indian Cotton, so they are fastest drying of the natural fibres and available in Organic. Real Nappies covers are made from PUL.
Learn more on some of the differences between fabrics here: Cloth nappy fabrics.
Consider what YOUR priorities are.
Not at all! Most people have a mix. It’s totally up to you. Generally people have a favourite nappy style, but might have a few others styles in their stash for variety.
Secondhand cloth nappies are also an affordable way to try out different styles.
Some brands have handy starter packs so you know how many nappies or inserts and covers you need.
Check out the Real Nappies packs here.
To make life easier with any nappies you need to sort out your storage, where do you keep the nappies so that they are easily accessible for change time? And where are you going to put the dirty nappies?
With cloth this is as simple as finding an airy bucket/basket that is big enough for your dirty nappies. You will pop the dirty nappies in here after you flush the solids (or rinse off the runny poo). There is no need to soak the nappies – this method is called dry pailing and common practice amongst the modern cloth nappy community.
Once you have a wash routine sorted you are ready to go!
Follow the washing instructions from the nappy manufacturer.
This usually involves throwing the dirty nappies in your washing machine, every 1 - 2 days, from the dry bucket they were stored in. Running the load through a short wash cycle to rinse them, then a normal or heavy duty cycle to wash them. Hang to dry or put in the dryer (inserts only) and they’re ready to use again.
You can read more about the Real Nappies washing instructions here.
Just go for it! Get some nappies and begin.
Prep your nappy inserts before you start using them – again refer to the manufacturers instructions.
Typically either washing the nappy inserts three times or soaking them for 24 hours. This prepares the fibres in the nappy, maximising their absorbency.
Join online communities or local groups of parents who use reusable nappies. They can provide valuable advice, support, and recommendations based on their experiences.
Search social media with terms such as "MCN tips", "cloth nappy advice" or "cloth nappy washing" to bring up relevant groups.
Or even better, buy our trial pack and join our Nappy Club VIP group
And if you have any questions just contact us or check out our FAQ page for answers to all your questions.
Good luck!
]]>There are many things I wish I had known about reusable nappies before I got into them.
So I thought well that's some good stuff to share with my fellow cloth nappy community out there.
So here goes my top 3!
1. Proper washing is important: one of the most important things to know about cloth nappies is that proper washing is essential to keep them clean and hygienic. After all they are most likely the dirtiest thing you will ever wash!
This usually involves a pre-wash with a small amount of detergent and a separate main wash with the detergent manufacturer's recommended amount + extra if you have a large washing machine. It is important to follow the reusable nappy manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying the nappies, but good quality reusable nappies should withstand regular washing as the process above.
I inherited my Real Nappies from a friend and just washed them as I would clothes initially. I was doing a main wash only, mixed with clothes and I was using a sensitive detergent but only washing at 30 - 40 degrees C. But I could feel something wasn't right.... I would get some faint stains, some odour in the nappies. After doing some research on the internet I found some better washing advice which I now share with you on the Real Nappies Care Instructions page.
Failure to wash reusable nappies properly will result in premature wearing of the material (and this is not apparent straight away but happens a few months down the track) and can result in baby getting nappy rashes, both due to ammonia build up in the nappy.
Stains and smells are not normal with reusable nappies!
2. What if your partner/husband/spouse is not on board with reusable nappies? It is still doable to use reusable nappies. Even part time is better than none. Your partner may be as committed as you to using reusable nappies... or some find it difficult to do cloth nappies at first, but generally they do come around or at least to some degree.
Preferences regarding nappies can vary widely and may depend on a variety of factors such as personal values, convenience, cost, environmental concerns, and practicality. Some may prefer to use reusable cloth nappies because they are more environmentally friendly than disposable nappies, and can be more cost-effective over the long term (as long as you only buy the number you need and don't keep shopping for the latest design!). Using reusable nappies is a good way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
My partner likes the cost saving and environmental/ waste reduction benefit from cloth nappies and he was on board with using them thankfully but he HATES dealing with the poo (and well I don't either! but I just get on with it!).
There are ways to help with that with some tools and setups which I will go into more details in another blog. But something you can do if you are using reusables and your partner wants to use disposables, is to always have the reusables in an easier to reach place and only have a small number of disposables around so that sometimes you will be short and your partner will have to use a reusable even if it's just putting it on! Practice makes perfect right! Also if your partner uses disposables, well they can be in charge of doing the groceries when they need some more.
In terms of reusables, velcro (hook and loop) nappies are easier for beginners to master the nappy fit with; as it is just more intuitive to whip it on and close it like a disposable.
One thing that I was really proud of my partner for saying is that one day we were hanging the washing together (how romantic lol) and he said "every time I look at the nappies drying, I realise it's that many nappies less in the rubbish bin and going to landfill and that makes me feel better about doing the whole thing." Well said Wayne!
3. Reusables come in different styles and inserts and it is important when shopping around to compare like-for-like: Cloth nappies come in a variety of styles and materials. As a soon-to-be or new parent, we want to find the best nappies and spend the money wisely and get it right first time. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you don't know what you don't know! But fear not there is help out there!
There are many factors that will eventually influence what is your personal preference with reusable nappies. It is important to choose a style and material that works well for your baby's needs, your lifestyle, financial situation or washing conditions to name a few. Baby's needs will change over time as they grow for example and so will you as you learn what works best for you. So don't be afraid to get a stash of mixed brand second-hand nappies, or try a few different styles (for example at Real Nappies we have an Intro Pack for only $29.99!).
When comparing brands, it is really important to look at the inserts the nappies come with. How many are there? What material are they made of? How thick are they or how many layers of material sown together? Do they have some measure of how absorbent they are?
For example cheaper brands of pocket nappies will come with microfibre inserts which are fine when baby is small but from around 3 months of age, they will not be absorbent enough and are subject to compression leaks (the urine comes out of them really easily when squeezed which creates leaks). So you buy them thinking they will do fine and after a few months you start having problems and find out you have to research other options and spend money again or the nappies are so slim-fitting that adding more inserts to increase absorbency is affecting the fit of the nappies and creating other leak problems.
I've tried different brands and I now know what I like - Real Nappies of course!! The other brands I bought to try...well I only end up using them as a last resort. I just reach for Real Nappies to go on adventures as I know they have good absorbency that lasts and I don't have to worry when I go out.
Just to check them out and give them a go, they are pure and simple!
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I share how I came to know Real Nappies and the top 5 features that I love about them.
]]>What I like about Real Nappies:
1. Simple All-In-2 system that is quick to dry: a waterproof cover and absorbent insert.
No stuffing of inserts into pockets with tight openings, because who has time for that?!
The covers are dry within a few hours and the inserts almost overnight! Because the covers and inserts dry so quickly it's a quick turn-around and you need less of them.
2. Multi-size for always a great fit, whatever the shape or size of babies.
It might seem futile to buy multiple sizes compared to One-Size-Fit-Most (OSFM) nappies. The first clue is in their name, OSFM, they might fit most, but as soon as anything is outside the "normal", problems are encountered. The second clue is that every OSFM vary in sizes quite widely themselves between brands. Because of the set of sizes, Real Nappies are flexible enough to allow less or extra absorption to be added without compromising fit and to suit baby at every stage, because that is the most important!
3. Less washing! Covers can be used several times and only the insert replaced.
If only the insert is soiled, it can be removed and the cover reused again and again. If the cover is lightly soiled, it can even be wiped clean and reused!
This cuts down on the amount of washing (only one cover used for every 3 inserts sometimes more) and less covers are needed to be bought, saving you money!
4. Quality velcro closure: easy to get the right fit as it is very intuitive and adjustable to the millimetre.
Easy for people not so confident with nappies or with difficulties with fine motor skills. Also quick to put on wriggly babies or nappies can be stepped into and tightened upright.
5. Long lasting: some in my stash are on their 3rd child.
True the elastics are a bit tired, some I have replaced but they are still properly waterproof and fit-for-purpose. We back our products and Real Nappies have a 2-Child Limited Warranty to give you peace of mind.
The big question every pregnant mum asks...
because let’s be honest, you never changed a nappy before right? and if you were holding a cute little bub and it decided to poo, you sent it straight back to where it came from (mum or dad) for the change. Even if you were one of those that had to change your younger siblings nappies, were you really keeping count of how many?
Which leaves you at, ahh pregnant and suddenly how many nappies matters!
Ok, let’s start at the beginning, a tiny little newborn. So, yeah, these guys are small, but man do they go a lot!! With their teeny tiny bladders and immature digestive systems, stuff just shoots through. Sometimes with quite a rate of knots (top tip: don’t put your change table on your new carpet).
So, you're probably looking at anything between 8-12 nappy changes a day! Which means you are wanting about 20-30 nappies for a newborn.
At about 3-4 months your child will probably move into infant size nappies, but they are still being fed liquids only (milk) and liquid in = liquid out. You will still need a similar number of nappies although could get away with slightly less.
The newborn and infant stage lasts for about 6 months and basically while they are being breastfed/bottle-fed.
Then when they are starting to move into solids and hitting that 6 month benchmark, they are starting to hold on for longer and go less often. And, the poo starts getting more solid and condensed. Now, I know talking about or even thinking about poo isn’t what usually excites people, but once that poo starts condensing and becoming more solid it means less poo, which is great because it also means less nappies. Yah!!!
Nappy changes can be reduced to about 6-9 a day, so you’ll want to have about 12-18 nappies at this point.
As you wee one gets old, the bladder gets bigger and they can hold for longer and their poo comes down to 1-2 a day you probably only change about 5-6 times a day and at this point you really only need about 10-12 nappies in your nappy stash.
We have based the above number on washing your nappies every second day, but if you plan to wash every day you could reduce the numbers. Or if you want to wash less often, then increase the numbers.
If you live in a hot climate then you can get away with less nappies, but if you are in a cold or damp climate then this is where prefolds really do win the nappy drying race as they are the quickest drying nappy option.
Want to use disposables at night or while out and about? You can definitely reduce the number of nappies from above (possibly even half the number), or wash less often.
If you plan to do cloth nappies full time (or even part time by wash less often) we have already put together the pack for you. We have our amazing, award winning, Birth to Potty pack, which has all the nappies in all the right quantities to get you going from day one. Or if you are later into the game you can always check out our Infant to Potty Pack.
If you prefer to buy as you go, check out our other bundles for amazing offers on all our nappies.
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Have you heard about our awesome store loyalty program? If you haven’t you should find out more. Our Nappy Club is our way of saying “thank you” for all your wonderful support.
It’s really easy to join and everyone is invited. You can join on our website by registering or if you buy something you automatically become part of the club - so simple!.
The coolest part of our club is the ability to earn, save and spend tickle tokens.
Tickle tokens??? What are these things? Tickle tokens are our Nappy Club currency, which you can earn in a variety of ways and then convert in to ‘real’ money to spend in our store.
What's even better is that you can earn tickle tokens without even spending a cent.
We reward you for every purchase you make, big or small - it doesn't matter. |
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Get points for you (enough to get a reward) and your friend gets a discount too. This is the fastest way to get a lot of points. |
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Sit back, relax, and as long as we know when it's your birthday (you can add this to your account), we’ll give some tickle tokens to celebrate. |
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Give us a review on our shop and we reward you. |
Or... Are you a Social Media fan? Get points for using social media....
At 300 points you can start turning your tickle tokens into store credit. However, the best part is the more tickle tokens you accumulate, the more value the hold. This means that while 300 points gives you $10, to get $20 you only need 200 more points.
Wanna know a wee bit more – terms and conditions and other boring stuff can be found on this page: https://realnappies.co.nz/pages/the-nappy-club
]]>Liners are a thin material that are placed inside the nappy and go between the nappy and the baby’s bottom. They are designed to catch solid matter (poo), but for liquid (urine) to go straight through.
The main reason people use liners is to catch the solid poos and make it easier to clean the nappies. Liners are also useful if you want to use nappy or barrier creams or ointments as they protect your cloth nappies from any oil build up, which could prevent the nappies from absorbing moisture. Another great reason for using the liners is that they create a stay-dry layer between the wet nappy and baby’s bottom.
No of course not, they are entirely optional.
Real Nappies liners are made from a very thin layer of corn starch. Corn starch means that we can make a liner that doesn’t disintegrate immediately on contact with liquid (such as urine) but allows it to pass through to the prefold beneath while catching solid matter (such as poo).
Yes. There are a couple of other liners.
Bamboo liners, which are pretty much the same as corn starch but made from bamboo not corn.
Micro-fleece liners, which are reusable liners made from micro-fleece.
Corn starch is a biodegradable product. At Real Nappies, we try to promote natural and plastic free as much as possible. We don’t promote the use of microfibres and micro-fleece as every time microfibre is washed (and nappies are washed A LOT) little fragments end up in our water ways and in our oceans and currently 80% of the plastic in our oceans and found in our fish comes from microfibres. You can read a little more on this in our blog here.
To a point. The liners can go through the washing machine about 2-3 times before they start to breakdown and you will need to dispose of them.
Yes and No - it really depends on your waste water treatment system. The liners have been designed to breakdown within the sewage system, and while some councils are happy for these to be flushed down the toilet, others are much stricter on what they want you to put into their systems. If you wish to flush them down the toilet, you will need to check first with whomever is in charge of your waste water. We are unsure as to how well they will work in septic systems, so we suggest getting in touch with your installer as they may know more. Please always make sure that your waste water system can deal with them before flushing. Remember to only ever flush one at a time. We believe that poo should be dealt with via the correct treatment systems rather than landfill, so ideally the dirty liners go via those systems, but wet liners can be thrown in the bin, or even washed a few times.
There are a few other ways you can deal with the liners. Remember they are biodegradable so they are able to go into your garden waste or compost bins. If your council collects green waste, please check with them first before adding your dirty liners to your bins. You can burn them in your fireplace. Or if no other options available, you can put them in your general rubbish.
]]>Bamboo fabric is claimed to be a natural fibre, and while this is true in its virgin state, during its processing to be made into fabric it undergoes extensive chemical processing that according to Americas Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gives off hazardous air pollution. Some of these chemicals include carbon disulphide, sulfuric acid, ammonia, acetone and caustic soda. Bamboo requires 19 steps (nineteen!!!) of processing instead of the 7 steps it takes for cotton. The end result of processing bamboo cellulose fibres is called Rayon or Viscose, which unfortunately retains no trace of original bamboo plant in the finished product. There is currently an ongoing debate about whether rayon/viscose is a synthetic micro-fibre that should be considered plastic.
False and misleading claims of fabric being called/labelled Bamboo has become such an issue that the FTC have taken action in the United States on labelling so that manufacturers can no long call something Bamboo unless made directly from bamboo fibre. Instead textiles made from rayon or viscose created using bamboo may be labelled and advertised as “rayon (or viscose) made from bamboo”. Only products made directly with bamboo fibre — often called “mechanically processed bamboo” can be called/labelled bamboo which feels like scratchy linen. Unfortunately no such labelling requirements exist in New Zealand or Australia. So, if your bamboo nappies feel soft and silky, you can bet your bottom dollar they are rayon or viscose.
Cotton has been grown and produced into fabric for thousands of years and is one of the oldest known fabrics. The way it is processed to be made into fabric is very different to how bamboo is produced. Instead of chemicals it is mainly a mechanical series of processing that it goes through with some bleaching towards the end (to turn it white). The biggest issue with cotton is the pesticides and fertilisers used while it is growing. This is where organic cotton is the safest solution for the land, growers, consumers and environment. In an ideal world everything would be organic!
At Real Nappies we are very proud to offer organic cotton prefolds/inserts and all of our cotton is certified to the highest Oeko-Tex ecological standards. Oeko-Tex is an independent organisation that develops test methods and defines limits for the textile industry. Real Nappies carry their Standard 100 label certification, which means our cotton has been tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is safe for human health.
Here are some other differences between cotton and bamboo:
Micro-fibre nappies and inserts are becoming more and more popular with cloth nappy companies. But are they any better?
It’s a hard NO from us!
Why? They are 100% synthetic, made from plastic! Now while micro-fibre can technically be made from recycled plastic they very rarely are and the majority are made from new plastic… pretty sure we don’t need more plastic in the world today! What’s worse is they are thought to break down into micro-plastics and shed off clothing when washed, being washed out into the waste water system and out to sea. Fish and other aquatic life end up ingesting it, which ultimately we eat when we buy our fish from the supermarket. On top of all those environmental arguments against micro-fibres, it’s not great for baby’s skin as it isn’t breathable and can wick away their natural skin moisture leaving their skin dry.
Bottom line is why use a fabric that, while once natural and pure, is so heavily processed, using a raft of chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment, and is now not biodegradable when there is much safer, healthier, biodegradable, breathable fabric? Cotton!
We believe Cotton is still the best option for fabric and especially nappies that are worn by our babies directly against their very sensitive skin, which absorbs anything put on it. For the health of our babies, the future generations, the planet, the farmers and the factory workers. And finally, cotton is better as it can be repurposed for many different uses (check out the many ways you could re-use a Real Nappies prefold) and once it is no longer being used can be composted or put into a worm farm to biodegrade back into the earth. The same cannot be said for bamboo or micro-fibre cloth nappies.
https://www.thekitchn.com/microfiber-cloth-eco-friendly-pros-cons-256051
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2013/01/bamboo-snafu
https://www.ftc.gov/bamboo-textiles
https://shenandoahmoon.com/news-information/rayon-vs-cotton/
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/how-avoid-bamboozling-your-customers
https://fashionbi.com/newspaper/the-health-risks-of-toxic-fibers-and-fabrics
https://www.biome.com.au/blog/is-bamboo-fabric-plastic/
https://www.the-sustainable-fashion-collective.com/2014/12/12/how-is-cotton-made-why-bad
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex
Muslin is a finely woven, lightweight and breathable cotton material that dates back to Ancient India. It is one of the purest, simplest and more gentle fabrics you can buy. It has a loose plain weave and this, combine with the lightweight of the fabric, gives it excellent airflow, meaning that if used as a swaddle, it massively reduces the risk of baby overheating, keeping baby safe and giving you total peace of mind. Muslin is also very durable, able to withstand many washes and in fact, gets softer with each wash.
Some of the ways I have used muslins are:
Other ways that you could use a muslin include:
We have the most amazing muslin in stock, using the finest muslin fabric. Muslins are a great baby shower gift and have a lifetime of endless uses.
This article has been written with beginners in mind. Those who are expecting, and are interested in the idea of cloth nappies, or those who were waiting until they ‘got used to being a parent’, but now don’t know where to begin.
First of all, we totally get it!
The world of cloth nappies can seem like an overwhelming place from the outside, especially with so many choices, varieties and brands, but we promise that once you make the choice to go cloth, with some guidance, you won’t look back.
Anyone who has started researching cloth nappies will know that deciding which nappies to buy can be confusing. There are many styles, many brands and many opinions on which are best. We’re not going to explain all the styles as there are so many out there and new ones popping up every day, with many websites that give you this information, but here are some useful questions to ask yourself to help make the decision easier.
Prefolds? Snap in? Pocket? Fitted? All-in-one? All-in-two?
Each system has its pros and cons and at the end of the day they are all a great option for someone. But remember, everyone is different, so look at the pros and cons to help you compare and decide what is going to work best for you and your family.
For example, the Real Nappies prefold system is...
Pros – affordable, great fit, EASY to wash and super fast to dry, comes with a 2 child guarantee, you don’t need to change the cover each change so less washing is created, beautiful bold coloured covers, a fantastic everyday nappy.
For some people a con is that you need to fold the insert (see how simple the folds are here)
Compare this to an All in One.
Pros – one piece design which makes them more like a disposable, often available with colourful patterns.
Cons – You have to change the whole nappy each time so you require more nappies and end up with more washing, an expensive option, take longer to dry as the absorbent layer cannot be unfolded, bulkier, harder to get a good fit.
For some people the convenience of an all in one nappy is essential and they don’t mind the longer drying time or expense, for others the affordability and ease of washing and drying is more of a priority so a prefold system, such as Real Nappies, is best.
There are basically two options, velcro or snaps/poppers. This can come down to personal preference, but if you want a look at the pros and cons of both these options, check out this blog here:
Things to look at here are natural such as cotton, hemp, bamboo vs. synthetic such as microfibre; organic or not; and for the covers PUL or minky. All the fabrics have their pros and cons and there will be plenty of websites to help you figure that out. Real Nappies prefolds are made of Indian Cotton, so they are fastest drying of the natural fibres and available in Organic. Real Nappies covers are made from PUL.
Learn more on some of the differences between fabrics here: Fabrics Blog
Not at all! Most people have a mix. Maybe they choose to use prefolds as their main everyday at home nappy and all in ones for when they go out. It’s totally up to you. Generally people have a favourite nappy style, but might have a few others styles in their stash for variety.
Some brands have handy starter packs so you know how many nappies or inserts and covers you need.
Check out the Real Nappies packs here.
To make life easier with any nappies you need to sort out your storage, where do you keep the nappies so that they are easily accessible for change time? And where are you going to put the dirty nappies?
With cloth this is as simple as finding a bucket/basket that is big enough for your dirty nappies. You will pop the dirty nappies in here after you flush the solids (or rinse off the runny poo). There is no need to soak the nappies – this method is called dry pailing and common practice amongst the modern cloth nappy community.
Once you have a wash routine sorted you are ready to go!
Follow the washing instructions from the nappy manufacturer.
This usually involves throwing the dirty nappies in your washing machine, every 2-3 days, from the dry bucket they were stored in. Running the load through a short wash cycle to rinse them, then a normal or heavy duty cycle to wash them. Hang to dry or put in the dryer and they’re ready to use again. We recommend the use of a nappy sanitiser in the wash along with your laundry detergent to help keep your nappies fresh and clean.
You can read more about the Real Nappies washing instructions here.
Just make sure you’ve prep your nappies before you start using them – again refer to the manufacturers instructions.
Typically either washing the nappy inserts three times or soaking them for 24 hours. This prepares the fibres in the nappy, maximising their absorbency.
Our best piece of advice is just go for it! Get some nappies and begin.
And if you have any questions just ask 🙂
Good luck!
Need to know more - check out our What to Buy page or our FAQ page for answers to all your questions.
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Let's take a look at some common techniques and then some tips being used by many parents today.
Undieless Technique or Bare Bottom Technique
Literally take their nappy off, prepare yourself (mentally and cleaning supply wise), stay home, be consistent with the bare bottom and they learn. The theory behind this method is that without nappies or any kind of covering, children are more aware of their bowel motions due to the nature of it running down their legs. They learn quickly when they are going and when they are not because the connection between their brain and the physical act of moving their bowel becomes apparent and thus easier to learn.
I’m the BOSS Technique - Otherwise known as ‘I am a strong independent child and I do not need your help’ or Toilet Learning
Your child takes the lead with this technique. They go when it suits them and when they are ready. Depending on which your independent child chooses, it will be in a nappy they remove as they go, in undies they have chosen to wear themselves or nappy pants they have indicated they would like. Feel the theme? Independence and autonomy is a big for this technique. It is also referred to as toilet learning as the child is learning at their own pace rather than being trained at an adult’s pace.
Water Overload Technique aka Practice makes perfect
More water or liquids consumed the better. The more they drink, the more they wee. Children can then practice the feeling of needing to wee, learn to hold it, and then practice the act of physically using the potty or toilet more frequently. The more they go, the better they understand their body and its needs.
Parent led Toilet Training for those of late bloomers or early starters
This technique is often used when the child is not showing any signs of readiness to begin using the toilet or potty. But the parents are ready and they would like to begin initiating toileting. Parents would encourage children to be more inquisitive about toilet training and help children learn about their bodies and bowel movements in a deliberate manner.
The Rewards Programme and Institute of Treats Inc
Is your parenting style ‘bribe and conquer’? Well this technique will work a treat for you. Each time the child has a bowel movement in the potty or toilet, there is a prize. Prizes vary in what your child loves the most, but it can range from stickers, marshmallows, cars or TV time. Find what motivates your child to do their pee and poo and give it to them!
Nature will take care of it aka the lawn is getting fertilized this season
This technique is commonly used during summer and is a close cousin to Undieless Technique. Like Undieless technique there is a bare bottom but unlike Undieless technique it is done outside and infrequently. It’s like a practice run and a run up to full toilet learning. They have the freedom to learn but then also to place a nappy back on at their choice.
So what is the secret to any of these techniques becoming successful toileting?
Well let me tell you, it’s not just one but many secrets (well not so secret now) that lead to successful toileting. Here are some factors to consider.
Your brain development plays quite a big role in toileting readiness. Your brain is the one who holds the flood gates and releases on your command. Just like a muscle movement this has to be flexed and developed into muscle memory. Cognitive readiness might be shown by children taking their own nappy off when wet or soiled, telling you they have done a pee or poo, has dry spells for about 2-3 hours, investigates his or her body equipment and what happens inside a nappy, doing some squatting, grabbing at their nappy, crossing legs, grunting and grimacing during a bowel movement or retreating to a corner or behind the couch for some privacy. You may not identify all of these signs for your child but they will show a handful of them, indicating their brain connection between happening and doing is beginning to develop.
The key to understanding emotional readiness is first realising that everyone is ready at different times. Even though your child might be showing some cognitive readiness they may not have the emotional maturity to be successful with their toileting journey. Some emotional readiness your child might show is through communicating verbally or non verbally other sensations, such as hunger or tiredness, understanding what the toilet or potty is really for, great satisfaction is achieved by ‘doing it themselves’, a desire to imitate you or others or an emerging interest in dressing and undressing themselves independently. Think of it as, if their heads aren’t in the game (the toileting game), their success rate might not be as high as you would like.
Just as your child is showing readiness you also need to be ready too. If you are not fully prepared mentally, physically or by drowning in new undies, toileting can become a stressful learning experience and the results will vary widely in success. Choose a time when you can be at home predominantly, you’re not preoccupied by work, older siblings or new babies, moving house, renovating or anything that will take your mind off of this crucial learning experience.The best time is when you are feeling the most positive and understanding of the world and you feel you can tackle anything with a calm mind and an open heart.
Now that your children are cognitively, emotionally and fully supported by their parents ready, they need to be able to actually get on the thing! Take stock on if your child can physically get onto and off of the potty or toilet, do you need a stool and a toilet insert to make it achievable? Do they have gross motor skills to get the technique for squatting into a sit? Do they have fine motor skills for wiping in a controlled way, cos who really wants poop on their toilet seats and bathroom walls? Who will be doing the wiping is now what you are thinking. Do they have the spatial awareness and balance to stay put on a toilet or potty? Are they able to take their own pants down or you helping them every time? All great questions that you can answer and then be happy with the response for you and your children.
If your children are on their toileting journey you are bound to experience regression. This is a perfectly normal behavior, slight regression is perfectly fine so long as you continue to see an improvement each day. If you do notice that your child is resisting and regressing too much, then it is an excellent idea to try again a week later. Regression is heavily influenced by success. If your child does not feel they are being successful, they will emotionally and cognitively begin to lose their confidence or readiness. It's important to stay positive through regression and reassure yourself and your children that it’s okay, tomorrow or next week is another day to try again.
Good luck! And remember, take it easy, its not a race
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Unfortunately, post-natal depression is real and it can affect both mothers and fathers, and when it does it impacts on the whole family and often on friends and the extended family.
The key to improving our mood is in biology. Ugh - who wants a biology lesson - I'll try and keep it fun. It's all about brain chemicals.
When trying to remember what the chemicals you need are you can always think of:
Dopamine is the pleasure hormone, it sparks up when you do something that gives you pleasure. It is also often the hormone related to addiction, because it gives us such a good feeling when it occurs. Some simple ways you can boost your dopamine levels are: getting enough sleeping, having a good routine, achieving goals, winning games/sports, knitting, listening to music. Obviously, some of these things can be hard to do when you have small kids, but listening to music is always a great one, and if nothing else, write a task list at the beginning of the day that looks like this:
They might all look like simple tasks, but just crossing off one of those tasks will give your body a wee dopamine boost and make you feel better.
Oxytocin is the cuddle hormone, the love drug. This is often released during breastfeeding, so if you are still at that stage and it’s going well for you, great! If not, here are some other ways to boost your oxytocin levels: Hugging, massage, laughing with others, sharing a meal, petting an animal, talking or counselling. Getting a hug can be the simplest and easiest and children love to cuddle, but you could also do things like taking your child to the SPCA to learn about animals and get your love drug boost at the same time.
Serotonin is the happy drug and improves your mood and feelings of well-being. Serotonin can be boosted by meditating, yoga, breathing exercises, going to the beach, remembering happy times, singing, reading, gardening, and clearing out clutter. Going to the beach or into the bush is a great way of getting back in touch with nature as well, which has been shown to be highly beneficial for mental health.
These tend to be the hormones related to reducing stress and pain. Ways to increase endorphins (and therefore reduce stress and pain levels) include jogging, playing sport, chopping wood, going for a walk, dancing. So start spinning round the kitchen with baby in your arms to some funky music - get your groove on.
Working on getting more of these biological chemicals circulating in your body is a great way to ward off post natal depression and any other mental health issues. And one way to get your DOSE of happiness in one hit could be....
Dancing (increases endorphins) along the beach (increases serotonin), holding hands with your bub or partner (increases oxytocin), while listening to beautiful music (increases dopamine)… think that about covers them all. Or you could cook your family a lovely meal, sit down together and talk about your day.
When looking at nappies, there are basically two ways that they do up – either using Snaps (aka Domes or Poppers) or using Velcro. So the tricky question for every mum or dad is… which is best?
The best option is the one that is going to suit your family, and there are some considerations you might want to think about when considering what style of nappy you would prefer.
We are all looking for a top quality cloth nappy. At Real Nappies we use top quality materials for all our products, and this includes our velcro. Not all velcro is the same and you won’t find the velcro we use on our nappies at your local craft or sewing store and you certainly won’t find it in the discount shops. This is certainly an important factor to consider. We make our velcro to last and it will continue to stick and won’t break. Of course, velcro is sticky, so it can attract lint, but this is easily cleanable and once cleaned, the velcro should be sticking like new.
Snaps can break as they are made from plastic and I’ve certainly seen and heard about this happening. When they do break they need specialist tools to replace them. This is often offered by companies that make snap nappies, but it’s certainly more hassle than cleaning out lint from velcro.
Velcro is most like a disposable in that it is a rip and stick sort of situation, so very easy to adjust to get the right fit. It is far quicker to get the nappies on and off, which if you have a squirmy baby is a huge advantage. Snaps can be quite fiddly, however they do stay in place once snapped, which may not happen with a cheaper variety of velcro. Snaps also rely on you remembering what snap you are using this week for a quick change. Velcro tends to be easier for men (with larger hands) or older grandparents (with arthritis) or for other people who might have disabilities.
Following on from Easy of Use, is how easy it will be for those that only care for baby ad hoc. While mum (or dad) knows which snap baby is currently fitting, when grandma or daycarer or babysitter comes along, they don’t know, and they might not have the time to sit there try to get the fit right as snaps are not as easy to open and close quickly. Velcro is much quicker and easier to adjust and for daycares that are used to disposables, are closer to what they are used to. In fact, I know of some daycares that insist on velcro cloth nappies for this reason.
Because Velcro is infinitely adjustable you will get a much snugger fit, which means less leaks. Snaps cannot do this as they are set in specific locations and can’t be adjusted. This means you are more able to get a custom fit for your baby with velcro. As baby grows there might be periods where the snaps don’t fit so well as he’s at a stage that is between snap locations on the nappy.
Snaps… well… snap and this makes quite a noise and is quite disruptive for a sleeping baby and much more likely to wake them. They are quite startling and there are many of them. Velcro is also noisy, though if you were super stealthy, you could pull quite slowly and quietly if necessary, and there are only two tabs total. Velcro tends to be less disruptive to a sleeping baby. I, myself, have changed a nappy on a sleeping baby and he didn’t wake up or even stir throughout the entire process!
This is a tricky one. And it can depend on your child and on the style of nappy. Both snaps and velcro have the possibility to cause issues for baby. Velcro if it gets onto baby’s skin could chaff, but if you have the fit correct this shouldn’t be happening. Snaps can leave red marks or pressure points on baby’s skin where they have dug into the skin. As a general rule, with correct fit, no nappy should harm your child.
From my experience and what I’ve heard, this is negligible as a worry in terms of differences between snaps and velcro because, unfortunately, babies learn to undo both. People are often worried that a child will pull velcro nappies off easier than snaps, but I can tell you this is not the case. I know of some kids that can undo the snaps, but not the velcro and others that are the opposite. Our 2 year old had trouble taking off his Snug Wraps when we were teaching him how to take his nappies off so he could use the potty and we had to help him.
So, what ever you use, this will be an issue, and the way around it is to either put pants over the top or use onesies that cover the nappy and prevent this from happening.
Gosh, bet you didn’t realise there was so much to consider when buying nappies, right? It’s always good to think about how your family operates and what you might need to consider when investing in anything for baby, so hopefully this will help you think about what is the best option for your baby and the loved ones looking after her.
On 15 October, 1917, an amazing woman was born. Marion Donovan an American woman who has been credited with creating the first modern cloth nappy or at least the closest thing to it, but she certainly started the road to the nappies we have today. So, let’s take a little walk through the history of nappies.
In the early early days, babies were wrapped in animal skins, moss or in the tropics nothing, until along came cloth nappies. These started as large squares of cotton/linen, which were folded over many times and wrapped on to the baby, then held in place with safety pins. This type of nappy, which is still available now, is commonly referred to as a flat nappy or a traditional nappy. Nappies like these were used for many years.
However, in World War 2 the increase of working mothers made the labour intensive washing and boiling of large nappy squares undesirable. It was around this time that nappy washing services came about.
Then in 1946, Marion Donovan, a housewife sick of changing wet bed linen, wet nappies, wet clothing and dealing with nappy rash due to the rubber pants available at the time, had a light bulb moment while in the shower. She cut a square out of her nylon shower curtain and created the first waterproof covering for cloth nappies.
She then started producing the “Boater”, a reusable nappy cover made from surplus nylon parachute cloth and using snaps, rather than nasty safety pins. When Mrs. Donovan’s Boaters made their debut at New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue in 1949 there were an instant success. Donovan was granted patent in 1951 and sold the patent for over $1 million (close to $10 million in today’s money).
To continue a bit of history, in 1950 the prefold nappy was invented by a nappy service company, as well as the first fitted nappy. In the 1960s, the disposable nappy became popular and cloth nappies fell out of fashion until the late 1980s when there were growing concerns of the environmental effects of disposable nappies and cloth nappies started to make a come back and changes in design for modern living.
In 1987, Bummis invented the modern nappy cover to go over flats and prefolds using Velcro and is very similar to a Real Nappies Snug Wrap cover and prefold, this was also the year that Snappis were invented, so the days of safety pins were long gone.
In the 1990s, cloth nappies started to become quite popular and some were getting so popular they were being sold at $200 a nappy. 1999 saw the development of the one-sized nappy and in 2000 PUL was brought into the market. In 2002 and 2003 there was a lot of competition from larger nappy companies who began to threaten smaller ones with legal action and accusations of pattern or patent infringement. But in 2004 and 2005 the growth in the cloth nappy community saw many WAHM (Working At Home Mothers) sewing, and retail businesses starting up.
In Feb 2014, a WAHM nappy sold for $2025 at auction (that's just one nappy)!
2010 saw an outrage from parents using disposable nappies reporting burns and rashes. And more recently there has been even more bad publicity around disposable nappies for the environment as well as causing health issues for babies, which has increased the popularity of cloth nappies. A quick google search and some rather nasty images will pop up.
Now cloth nappies are a popular option for many parents particularly as concerns continue to grow around the health and safety as well as environmental factors related to disposable nappies. Additionally, cloth nappies of today are far easier to use and manage that those of pre-WWII.
So, I think we can all thank the inventiveness, determination and spirit of the woman who started the pathway to an easier nappy system. It all started in the sewing room or on the kitchen table of Mrs Marion Donovan, a determined lady who wasn't put off by companies of the time telling her that her ideas was no good. She knew she was on to something and she went for it - what a woman.
"I went to all the big names that you can think of, and they said: ‘We don’t need it. No woman has asked us for that. We don't need it at all [...] They’re very happy; they buy all of our baby pants, and we have a very good sale.’ So, I went into manufacturing myself." - Marion Donovan on inventing The Boater.
More fun facts on Marion Donovan.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloth_diaper
https://www.diaperjungle.com/pages/history-of-diapers
https://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/the-history-of-cloth-diapers/history-of-cloth-diapers-timeline/
https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/18/business/marion-donovan-81-solver-of-the-damp-diaper-problem.html
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Have you got any more or better ideas? Leave a comment below and let us know how you use your prefolds.
]]>In a previous blog, I wrote about the chemicals that make up a disposable nappy, and as frightening as that was to consider, there are other factors to consider when thinking which nappy to use and how it might impact on your child’s health. So, let's stop and think about this as if we were to wear a nappy.
One thing disposables are most commonly known for is having absorbency that lasts hours, this is mainly due to the heavy marketing from disposable nappy companies promoting the fact. However, this leads to babies getting left in their nappies longer and can cause a number of issues. Even if a nappy appears dry on the outside, the bacteria from excrement is still present and it is still coming into contact with the baby’s skin, which leads to skin irritations and nappy rash.
Additionally, the ability to wick away moisture in disposables is also wicking away the natural moisture and oils from the baby’s skin.
Child health professionals recommend that babies should have their nappies checked and changed every 2 hours whether it is disposable or cloth. So, no matter the nappy, change every 2 hours.
One of the other issues is disposable nappies are made from plastic. Humans are not designed to wear plastic and wearing it makes it harder for us to maintain a good body temperature. This is even more important in babies as their blood vessels are under-developed and they have fewer sweat glands than adults, meaning they are unable to regular their body temperature as easily. Wearing plastic nappies (disposables) reduces the amount of air circulating around the baby’s skin, and combined with an inability to regular temperature can cause increased nappy rash or heat rash.
One study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood has shown that disposable nappies heat up baby boys’ testicles higher than body temperature and to the point they stop developing naturally. Combine this information with the endocrine disrupting issues caused by the chemicals and it’s no wonder we are having an increase in male infertility.
It’s all starting to add up and the facts don’t favour disposable nappies too well. What with the number of chemicals the baby is exposed to, the effects of wearing plastic and of not being changed regularly, children in disposables are sitting in their own waste while it mixes with toxic chemicals heating up to high temperatures – personally I’m surprised we don’t have lab-like chemical explosions spewing out the nappies, but perhaps this is why poonamis or poosplosions are a special treat for those using a disposable, but avoided with the use of cloth nappies.
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