Already Using Cloth?  FAQs below:

IF YOU CAN’T FIND ALL THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS HERE, LOOK AT OUR “THINKING ABOUT USING REAL NAPPIES FAQ’s” PAGE.  IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP.

Q1.            What can I put in the wash to get rid of any urine odour?

Adding a tablespoon of vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to rinse cycle will help eliminate any odours.  Soaking your nappies in an antibacterial solution such as tea tree oil (5-10 drops in a bucket with cold water) should help prevent odour. Washing your nappies at 60º once every few months will kill any remaining bacteria which is causing the smell.

Q2.            My nappies have become brittle over time, how do I get them soft again?

Cotton and hemp nappies tend to become brittle over time, especially if you live in a hard water area. Adding one tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing your nappies will help soften the fabrics; it will also help if you rub them together once they have dried to loosen the fibres. 

You can also try buying bamboo or microfibre nappies as they are much softer and remain soft for much longer than cotton or hemp.  A brittle nappy will not affect its performance nor will it hurt or discomfort your baby, however lining your nappies with fleece will keep a softer, stay dry layer against baby’s skin if you are worried.  Pocket wraps (AKA pocket nappies) are completely lined with fleece, so they are a great alternative if you don’t like the idea of cotton shaped nappies becoming brittle. You will need to stuff pocket wraps with flat nappies such as muslins or prefolds.

Q3.            I have just started using real nappies and Im having some problems with leaks.  

If you are having problems with leaks, ask yourself these few simple questions.  Did I wash my nappies three times before first use to boost their absorbency? Is the nappy sufficiently padded for absorbency?  Is the nappy the right size?  Have I made sure that nothing is sticking out of the wrap?  Am I changing my baby frequently enough?  Is my baby a heavy wetter?   

If you are still having problems after answering all these questions, please give us a call or email and we will be sure to help you.

Q4.            What about using cloth nappies when I’m away from home?

It’s very simple and straightforward to use cloth when away from home, but here are some tips to make it even easier.  Use the simplest nappies, such as pocket wraps or all-in-ones, and prepare them in advance to keep things simple as you only have to worry about changing one layer. 

Buy a reusable drawstring nappy bag from a real nappy company. These bags are a very handy way to store dirty nappies until you are home again – a standard size sack will typically have capacity for 3 or 4 nappies. You may also want to buy cornstarch nappy sacks (Nature Baby, sold at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, etc.), as they are compostable and biodegradable. Place your dirty nappy into a corn starch nappy sack, then place the sack into the reusable nappy bag. This will keep odours in, and keep things nice and tidy. 

If you are thinking about using real nappies while on holiday, make sure you are able to wash and dry your nappies as you would at home.  Bring with you a large plastic bag to store dirty nappies until you wash and make sure you wash at 60º if you are unable to soak your nappies.

Q.5      Do real nappies really work at night-time?

Real nappies are fantastic at night-time, especially shaped nappies, which are very absorbent. And because they are chemical-free, you can rest assured that your baby is not being exposed to any chemicals during their sleep (this is especially reassuring when your baby starts sleeping through the night so she/he will not need a nappy change in the night).

You will just need to ensure that your nappy is made sufficiently absorbent with extra boosters, which boost the nappy just in the areas needed.  If you are still unsure, call us or come to a Nappuccino and we’ll show you how.