Dont let Devon go to waste

Using Real Nappies

Getting Started

Understanding the parts of a cloth nappy system

Caring for your cloth nappies - including storing, washing and drying

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Washing	Storing	Drying
How_many_	Cost	DOs_and_DON'Ts
	Washable_wipes

Washing

Washing your nappies at 60°C will ensure they are clean. Boil washing was common before people had washing machines however boiling can reduce the life of modern nappies and it's also costly to your purse and to the environment.

Rinsed soiled nappies and nappies that are only wet can be added to the rest of the household washing at 40°C.

If your baby is under one year old their rinsed soiled nappies should still be washed at 60°C (while he or she is developing resistance to infection).

Wraps should be washed at 40°C. They don’t have to be washed each time they are used if they haven’t been soiled and can be quickly rinsed under a tap if you feel this is necessary. Most are very quick drying.

Biodegradable liners can also be washed once or twice if they are wet and not soiled.

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Storing

Wet nappies and rinsed soiled ones can be placed in a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed.

Soaking is a personal preference, it’s not essential but it reduces staining and wash times. It is not recommended to soak wraps, all-in-ones or pocket nappies as this shortens their lifespan. Soaking your nappies in a lidded bucket and washing every 2-3 days means there is no smell, unlike leaving used disposable nappies in your dustbin until collection day.

If you choose to soak prior to washing, try ONE of these solutions in each bucket of water (use fresh solution each day for maximum effect):

White distilled vinegar (2-3 tablespoons), find it in your local shop or supermarket.

Bicarbonate of Soda (1 tablespoon), available in large packets from chemists or weigh-and-save shops.

Tea Tree or Lavender essential oil (5 drops), available from health food shops and chemists.

Nappy sanitising powder (1 tablespoon), available from health food shops and chemists.

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Drying

Dry nappies out on a washing line if you can. Sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach them. Otherwise line-dry indoors.

Avoid tumble drying, as this uses a lot of energy and therefore costs more, reduces the life of the nappy and is not good for the environment.

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How many nappies will I need?

If you usually wash nappies every 2-3 days you will need:

24 nappies for a newborn (going down to 18 nappies as your baby moves onto solid food) and

3-4 waterproof wraps in each size.

If you use shaped, sized nappies you will normally need three sets - small, medium & large - as your baby grows.

If you use one size - birth-to-potty nappies - one set should be enough. However, you may need a particularly small set for a newborn.

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How much will it cost?

Starting with 24 flat nappies and 4 wraps plus some liners (at £2-3 per roll of 100), you can expect to pay around £60 for a set. You will need to get larger wraps later as your baby grows, which will bring the total to about £120 for everything until your baby is potty trained. One-size wraps cost more but you will need fewer.

A full set of birth-to-potty shaped nappies with wraps and liners, providing everything you need in one go, will cost a little over £200 while all in one nappies will cost up to £400. This compares to £1,200 for market leading brand disposables.

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Laundry Services

Laundries supply, deliver, collect and wash your nappies for you. Unfortunately, there are no laundry services in Devon at present.

What we recommend

Do:

Use eco laundry liquid or powder where possible.

Use an A-rated washing machine to reduce energy, water costs and consumption.

Add half a small cup of vinegar to the last rinse cycle, or a few drops of lavender in the conditioner compartment of the washing machine, to keep nappies soft as well as smelling fresh.

Thoroughly rinse nappies before drying – whether in the washing machine or after just soaking.

Pass on your nappies for another child to use, when your child is potty trained.

Use a laundry service if you don’t want to wash your own, particularly in the early months.

Try it first. Get a trial pack of different types, to see which suit you best, before getting a full set.

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Don't

Use commercial fabric conditioners, as they reduce nappy absorbency.
Tumble dry. This shortens the nappy lifespan and consumes more energy.
Use chlorine bleach or perfumes. These chemicals, as well as the optical whiteners and other ingredients in ordinary washing detergents, may cause skin irritation.

Have you considered washable wipes?

They have the same financial and environmental benefits as washable nappies and put you in control of the products used on your baby’s delicate skin. They are also great for hands and faces too. Find out more about the benefits of using reusable wipes here:

Most nappy retailers sell washable wipes or you can make your own from scraps of fabric The following recipe is great:

Steep 1 camomile teabag in a cup of boiling water and allow to cool.

Add a couple of drops of lavender oil and a little vegetable or olive oil.

Pour into a bottle and shake well.

Use in various ways: soak washable wipes in it and store in a sealable tub ready for use, decant into a spritzer bottle (from chemists) and spray directly onto the skin or use at home at each nappy change instead of water.

Always carry out a skin test for Tree Tree or Lavendar oil before use. Dilute 1 drop in some water and apply to your baby’s arm or leg with a cotton bud before using on nappies or in wipe solution.

And finally.....

Choosing reusable products for health, cost and environmental benefits isn't just limited to your baby. Many women have switched from disposable to reusable sanitary products and are surprised at how easy and convenient they are to use. Whether you want to save money, avoid chemicals and bleaches or cut down on the 11,000 disposable sanitary items an average woman will use in her lifetime, you will wish you made the switch sooner! Click here for more information.

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