Cloth nappies have been around for centuries and, mainly due to the more eco-friendly and sustainable nature of them, are becoming more and more popular again.
However, making the switch to cloth nappies can be an incredibly daunting change for lots of us. All those choices, all the terminology, it can all feel like a bit of a minefield. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right know-how and support, you can be successfully using cloth nappies (and loving them) in no time!
If you’re interested in using cloth nappies with your little one, here’s a brilliant guide to what you’ll need to know to help you ditch the disposables in no time.
Swat Up
Initially, it’s incredibly helpful to do you research on what’s out there, the options you have, how to fit them (it is quite different to disposables, but not hard once you get the hang of it), the washing, etc, etc.
Now, I totally remember how overwhelming it can feel trying to find all of the information you need but I have created some brilliant guides to help avoid exactly that feeling, guides I wish I’d have had to avoid that overwhelm when I first started!
The FREE Washing Tips Guide is a fab little guide talking you through the whole process of cleaning those cloth nappies, from dealing with the poop, to washing and drying. Grab your copy here.
Then, I have created an amazing guide of all the information you need to know when looking into cloth nappies, including a deep dive look at the different nappy types (plus their pros and cons so you can think about which best suit you), the all important materials and a whole heap of other bonuses from the Definitive Jargon Buster to The Ultimate Fit Guide. It’s everything you need and want, all in one place! Get your Essential Cloth Nappy Guide and Bonuses here!
Try Before You Buy
If you’ve ever read much of my other blogs or content anywhere really, you’ll have seen me mention, time and time again, the importance of trialling a range of good quality variety nappies before building your own stash. This is for one key, VERY important reason: what you think will work best for you and your baby, or what worked best for your friend and their little one, very often isn’t actually the case. This means it’s so often the case that people buy a whole heap of nappies that then don’t even really work for them or they don’t bother reaching for. It’s a huge cause of why people give up with cloth nappies. That and the lack of knowledge or support to know how to turn their success (or lack of it) around.
Trialling can either come in the form of hiring a kit, where you then get the support of a pro who can help you as and when you get stuck (we all do) or buying a small selection of quality nappies to try first. Then, once you’ve trialled, whichever way you choose, you’re able to feel confident that then the nappies you buy to build your own stash will actually be best for you guys!
How many?
A key question most people have is around how many nappies you will need. Well to start, you don’t actually want or need many (remember, you want to trial a range first).
Then, even when you’re building your own stash, there’s nothing to say you need a complete stash straight away…build up at your own pace. We started part-time, just at home, then going out and about, then built our day stash to be able to do full time in the day and finally added in night time nappies a couple of months in.
But, to know how big your stash needs to be, you need to factor in the amount of nappies you use in a day, then think about how often you want to wash, plus factor in a day or so drying time:
6 nappies a day/washing every 2 days/1 day drying time (so 3 days worth) = 18
So here, 18 day nappies would be enough, then you’ll probably add in a few extra to be safe, or could continue to build up your stash so that you could wash every 3 days, so needing 4 days worth, etc.
What You’ll Need (Checklist)
Here’s a little checklist of what you’ll actually need (essentials and options)
Most importantly, cloth nappies (you can start with a small amount and build up though…it’s not all or nothing)
A nappy pail (a basket, bucket or bag to store your dirty nappies until wash day)
A couple of medium wet bags for storing dirty nappies when out & about
Cloth wipes (honestly, such an easy pairing with cloth nappies…they all just go in to wash together)
Fleece or disposable liners (to help deal with the poop when the time comes)
There are many ways to start cloth nappies, but my honest opinion is don’t rush it! Take your time, find the guidance to learn, the support to help if you get stuck and remember to try before buying too much!
I believe it can and should be something to enjoy and feel proud about, not something to cause huge stress and overwhelm.
How do you feel about getting started?