Nappy Frequently Asked Questions.

What are the different kinds of nappies?

Nappies have moved on since the days of the terry square! Now there are loads of different varieties which are shaped to fit your baby better. Long gone are the days of the safety pins too! Now there are poppers, velcro and a nifty little device called a nappy nipper (in place of the pin) to secure your babies nappies with. There are new fabrics too, lighter, comfier and more absorbent. All these inovations equal a simpler more fun nappying experience for you and baby.

Nappies can be divided into 2 groups: those which need covers and those that do not. There is then a further variation within these 2 groups, leaving you with 4 main types.

Firstly, nappies can be divided between those which need waterproof covers and those that don't. Those that need covers are classed as 2 part nappies. (example: terry square and wrap) Those that don't are classed as 1 part nappies (example: Wonderoo or Itti Bitti Delish pocket nappies) 

The 2 part nappies are divided into flat nappies and shaped nappies.
 

1. Flat nappies are terry squares and prefolds (like a terry only folded and stiched to give a thinker central section). Flat nappies need a water proof cover and a nappy nippa can be used to fasten them.

 

2. Shaped nappies are made of the same material as the former: terry, hemp etc but they are shaped like a disposable and have elastic for a snug fit around the legs and waste. Some shaped nappies have a pocket for stuffing an absorbent insert in at the back. Shaped nappies come with a range of fastenings: poppers, velcro or none for use with a nappy nippa. They also need a waterproof cover.

 

The 1 part nappies are also divided into 2 types: Pocket nappies and All-in-one nappies.

3. Pocket nappies are also called stuffable nappies, they are one and the same. These nappies have a soft inner lining which goes next to babies bum and an integral waterproof outer. The inner and outer are stiched together to form the nappy. A pocket is created at the back of the nappy where the inner and outer are not stiched together. Absorbent inserts are stuffed in here to soak up urine. No wrap is needed with this type of nappy. Fastening can be poppers or velco.

The picture on the right is a pocket nappy with the insert showing poking out from the pocket at the back.

4. All-in-one nappies are as it says on the box a "one piece" nappy combining an integral waterproof outer wrap and a soft inner lining to go next to babies skin, inserts are permenantly sown in at the back and can be partially pulled out for washing. So they look the same as the pocket nappy (above right) except the insert remains attached. No wrap is required. Fastenings can be poppers or velcro.

So you see its not that confusing after all!!!! I hope............

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How many nappies will I need?

If you are changing your babies bottom every time you feed him/her, then this may be every three to four hours. On this basis you will need between six and eight nappies a day. If you plan to do a wash every night then you will need between twelve and sixteen nappies to get started. This will give you a day's worth while the others are being washed and dried. If you plan to use a tumble drier then you may need slightly less. 

Personally I bought sixteen to start and that was enough most of the time. Although I will admit needing a few more on those hectic days when I haven’t done the washing! (happens quite often these days!) I dry mine next to a warm radiator or on the washing line if the weathers fine.
 If you have twins then you will need between twenty four and thirty two nappies. 

These figures are based on using real nappies all the time. If you plan to use some eco-disposables part time, then adjust the figures accordingly. If you decide to go for a more expensive nappy type, I have found it helps to always have some cheaper wraps and prefolds/terries on hand incase you are running low and do not want to use disposables. 

Remember! Whilst its great to use real nappies all the time, if your finding it difficult to keep on top of the washing and drying you can always have some eco-disposables on stand-by. Make life easy for yourself! Its better to use real nappies part of the time than not at all.

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Do real nappies leak more than disposables?

I can honestly say that in all the time my daughter has been in real nappies we have probably had less than 10  leaks. Unfortunately whether you baby is in real nappies or disposables, leaks can and will happen, but they are no more likely to happen with real nappies than they are with disposables. 

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How should I wash and care for my nappies?

These days nappies can be dry pailed/stored until you have enough for a wash. There is no need to pre-soak or pre-wash, unless they are particularly heavily soiled or stained, and wraps should never be soaked! Before dry pailing the nappies ensure any poo and soiled liners are removed. Seperate all parts of the nappy from each other for washing ie. liners, inserts, waterproff outers or wraps, but wash them all together. Nappies can be washed using half the amount of detergent usually used, this is to prevent an oily build-up on the nappy fabric which can make them less absorbent.  Most nappies can be washed between 30-60^oC. There is no need to boil wash, infact this will most likely decrease the longevity of your nappies. Softener should not be used either as this causes a build up too, which can make nappies less absorbent than normal. Nappies can also be washed with Eco balls, or soap nuts if your counting your Eco Warrior points! Ideally nappies should be line dried, this improves their lifespan and the sun helps to remove any little stains naturally. Alternatively they can be placed somewhere warm but not directly on a hot radiator/heater. Most can be tumble dried on the lowest heat. Manufacturer’s instructions apply for individual products. See our "Nappy care" page for more details.

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What other equipment will I need?

• Nappy bucket with lid. This is optional, you can store nappies how you want (waterproof nappy bag or nappy mesh is fine) See the "Accessories" page for more info and to order) but a bucket and lid will contain any nasty niffs.
• Nappy liners (flushable or washable). These go next to your babies’ skin inside the nappy to collect poo , making it easier to remove. You can use flushable/biodegradable paper liners or washable/re-usable fleece liners. Fleece fabric does not hold water and hence keeps you babies bum nice and dry. See the "Nappy liners" page for more info and to order.
• Wipes (flushable or washable).  See the "Wipes" page for more info and to order.
• Optional is a nappy net to be placed inside bucket for collection of nappies. This can then be lifted straight into the machine, saving handling the nappies once they have been soiled.
• Soothing bum cream will probably not be needed but good to have some handy just in case of sensitive skin.

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How long before my nappies have paid for themselves and what will I save?

Washable nappies are always cheaper than disposables in the long run. You could save between £250 and £1000 on average over 2-3 years. See below for an example.

Working on the average of £10 per week spent on disposables and the upper average number of real nappies you would need for two days being sixteen. If for example these were Wonderoos with microcotton inserts, sixteen would cost £223. 84. This sounds like a lot but when you consider that they will have paid for themselves within five and a half months, it’s really not that bad. Especially considering that your baby may be in nappies for two to three years. If you opt for a cheaper nappy such as terries or prefolds and wraps you could kit yourself out for as little as £40 - £60, the cost is significantly less. The nappies would have paid for themselves in the first month, think what you could do with the savings you make over the next 2 - 3years!

How long will my nappies last?

If using birth to potty real nappies such as Nature Babies Stuffables then they will last until your baby is potty trained and longer. The real savings come when you can use them on your next child or even sell them second hand. If you are using sized real nappies then they will last as long as they fit your baby for each growth stage, so this way is more expensive. Once again they can be used for subsequent children or sold second hand.

 A few Do's & Don'ts to keep your nappies in tip top condition:

• Don't use barrier cream as it can build up on the inner fleece lining, causing it to become non absorbent. If you must, use a thick paper liner to protect the inside of the nappy.
• Don't use any bleach products as it will cause fibres in the nappies and wraps to break down.
• Don't use fabric softener, this can coat the fabrics in a waxy substance making them water repellent.
• Don't wash or dry using high heat. The outer, waterproof layer of the nappies or wraps will begin to break down if exposed the high temperatures and you may experience leaks.
• Don't use tea tree or lavender oil as this will coat fabrics causing them to repel liquids.
• Do air dry you nappies whenever possible, the sun will act as a natural bleach if the inserts start to turn a little grey.

Can I re-sell my nappies when I have finished with them?

Many nappies are re-sold through auction sites and reach good prices. This is a great way to recycle your nappies. Check out the links page for some of my favourite nappy auction sites.

Why are hemp and bamboo nappies different to any others?

Natural fabrics such as these need far less chemicals to grow them compared with cotton. So, they are not only better for the environment but they are better for your baby, as they will contain less nasty residues by comparison. Natural fabrics will let your babies skin breath! This can be of particular benefit to those babies suffering with eczema or similar skin complaints. Hemp and bamboo are also more absorbent and significantly less bulky than cotton in nappies. Because of their densness they will take longer to dry than some synthetic fabrics.