# data[].attributes.body
A graphic comparison of the information in the printed guidance.

# data[].attributes.headline
Buying your own nappies: How many do you need?

# data[].attributes.subject
Buying your own nappies: How many do you need?

# data[].attributes.body
This infographic is based on the size of machine you have, as you'd need more nappies to fill a larger drum.
It does of course vary by the age of the baby, but a rough rule of thumb is that about 24 is the average minimum over the time your baby is in nappies.

# data[].attributes.body
Q: My nappies keep leaking - help!
A: Leaky nappies are generally down to two main issues – fit, and absorbency. Fit is relatively easy to sort – simply check against the photo fit guides or the  YouTube video link to see whether you have the nappy on the correct setting.
Absorbency issues can be trickier, as your baby’s wetting is a bit of a moving goalpost, changing with age, growth spurts and diet. Generally, a good place to start is to add in one booster, and monitor the wetness level. You may also need to change more frequently, though most good quality cloth nappies ought to be good for 3.5-4 hours*.
Be aware that the design of a nappy affects how much you are able to boost – very slim fitting AIOs and pockets have a physical limit to how much extra you can stuff into them. If you find that slimmer nappies which are correctly fitted & adequately boosted are still leaking, you may need a more absorbent nappy type, such as a two-part system.
(* Not for babies younger than 2-3 months, on average, who will simply need changing very often in line with their frequent feeding.)

Q: I want to try clothing overnight, but haven't yet been brave enough. Can I just stick some boosters in my regular day nappies?
A: This will depend on what your preferred nappy system is. Since the nappy will need enough capacity to stay on for between 3-5 times as long as you would normally use a single day nappy, you need a highly absorbent nappy.
Most bamboo two parters, such as Little Lambs or Totsbots Bamboozles, are ideal for overnight use, and you would typically add in one or 2 extra boosters (one inside the nappy, one outside between the legs before you fasten the wrap is a good place to start.) Airflow wraps are ideal as they are loose fitting to accommodate extra padding and wriggly sleepers. Many parents cloth very successfully from birth to potty training in a system like this. Unless you have a baby who is a very light wetter, you are unlikely to be able to boost a day nappy such as a pocket or AIO enough to cope with 12 hours of wee, without the nappy being so bulky that it is likely to get distorted around the legs - which would make a leak more probable.

Q: Are babies in cloth more prone to rashes?
A: No! Otherwise, there would be no need for the huge range of creams currently on the market, and babies in disposables would never get rashes! Young babies are often prone to rashes for a whole multitude of reasons (diet, famiy history of eczema, teething, and colds are the leading culprits.). A few easy, common sense habits will keep baby's skin lovely and soft.
* Change the nappy before it is saturated.
* Use a fleece liner and a good barrier cream (though not Vaseline or yellow metanium on hire nappies, please)
* Allow regular nappy free time to air the skin - this can be for a few minutes at each change, where practical.
* Always pat the skin dry gently after wiping at changes – muslins are useful for this.
* If your child seems very sensitive, try eliminating heavily fragranced items from skin contact - creams, toiletries/bubble bath, strongly fragranced detergents.
If at all worried, consult the NHS website and seek medical advice from a professional.

Q: My Mum will be looking after my son when I am back at work, but she has arthritis in her hands. What nappies will be easiest for her?
A: A velcro fastening nappy will be easier than poppers. This could be an All-in-One like the Totsbots Easyfit Star, or the Little Lamb two-part fitted nappies. Prefolds inside a velcro wrap would also be easy to manage.

Q: Which is the best nappy for childcare? My baby is in nursery and I would like her to continue using the nappies I have just bought, but I'm worried our nursery won't let us use them.
A: Your nursery is obliged to accommodate your nappy preference, whether single use or otherwise, so there is no rule against sending cloth (contrary to what we have heard some nurseries claim). However, the fact is that most key workers are unfamiliar with cloth nappies, and so it would help if you could smooth the transition for them. Offer to demonstrate to the manager and your child's key worker how to fit the nappies correctly. Some parents who use cloth make a laminated sheet with a photo reference guide (see some of the examples on this padlet). It's a good idea to send nappies that are higly absorbent and also not terribly expensive - there is always the risk that a wetbag or nappy may get mislaid in the general hubbub! Preloved cotton prefolds or fitted 2 parters are ideal. Disposable liners are probably best, as these can be bagged & binned with the disposables the nursery will inevitably be using.

Of course, if it all seems a bit complicated, do not beat yourself up for using disposables in nursery and your own nappies at home. Every little bit helps!

# data[].attributes.body
A journalist product tested a range of some of the best nappies out there

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mention cloth nappies to older generations and they'll describe soaking pails of smelly nappies, boiling them, folding towels, and accidents with safety pins. Nowadays reusable nappies can be as simple to put on as disposables - they're shaped, elasticated, fastened with velcro or poppers, and come in a dazzling choice of prints. And they're easier to care for too: there's no soaking or boiling; all you have to do is chuck them in the washing machine.

Truly, we are living in a golden age of reusable nappies.

Why use them? To save money and reduce rubbish. Most toddlers are out of nappies by the time they're aged two and a half. Over that timespan, if you were to replace just one disposable nappy a day with a reusable one, you'd save around 900 nappies from going to landfill ( where they would take hundreds of years to decompose), and save yourself some serious cash in the process. Using reusables full-time, you might use 20 nappies instead of thousands.

Specialist seller Wendy Richards, founder of The Nappy Lady, says that sales of 'natural nappies' are rising sharply, thanks in part to the growing awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic: "We've definitely seen a post Blue Planet effect. It's gone mad. We're on track for a 100pc growth in sales this financial year and we've more than doubled our staff". Other customers are motivated by concerns about the chemical make-up of disposables, highlighted by a recent report that "detected a number of hazardous chemicals in disposable diapers that could migrate through urine, for example, and enter into prolonged contact with babies' skin."

There are lots of different types of reusable nappies, but to keep things simple I'm dividing them into two broad categories here: one-parters, which involve fastening one layer around your child, much like a disposable nappy; and two-parters, which require fastening both a cloth nappy and a waterproof outer wrap.

On first look, it probably seems like one-part nappies are easier and therefore better, but I didn't necessarily find that to be the case. The two-parters I've recommended are unbeatable for absorbency and containment, because the whole nappy is made from absorbent material, whereas one-part nappies have a smaller absorbent core. Also, with two-parters you get two sets of elastic, making them likely to contain even the most explosive expulsions. If something gets past two layers of elastic, nothing could have contained it.

Two-part nappies tend to be slower drying, because they absorb more, so are often used as night-time nappies or for nap times and long journeys. But if you've got a heavy wetter (like my super soaker baby) and space to dry the nappies, then they're a reliable regular option too. Two-parters tend to work out cheaper because you only need to buy a few wraps to cover a stash of nappies - but again, it's worth emphasising that you'll save a significant amount of money either way compared to using disposables.

Finally, a note about the 'ickyness'. I know people are put off by the idea of handling and processing reusable nappies - but honestly, I found it's really not that bad. Common practice is to use a permeable liner, which sits between your baby's skin and the cloth nappy and catches non-liquid waste (see the FAQs for more info on these). Folding up and throwing away the liner is no more yucky than dealing with a disposable nappy. And as for the washing, yes, it takes some effort, but once you're in the swing of it, it's no different from washing your loved one's inevitably mucky onesies at the end of a day.

At the time of writing, I'd been using natural nappies on my six-month old boy for three months, testing as many types and brands as I could, at all times of the day. I'm now a convert and intend to continue using them for the rest of his nappy-wearing days (although that's not to say we've gone cold turkey on disposables - they still come in handy from time to time, especially for overnight use or when staying with friends).

Here's what I've found in my search for the best reusable nappies on the market, starting with my favourite one-part nappies, and then two-parters.

The best one-part nappies

Motherease Wizard Uno

Why we like it: Quick to put on, excellent containment for an all-in-one and quick-drying
£22.99 from thenappylady.co.uk

The pad is made of a special stay-dry synthetic fabric which performs well, makes for a slim-fit and dries quickly. I found my son stayed drier in these for longer than other one-part nappies, and they were less prone to pesky leaks.

Motherease also make a version with an organic cotton inner for the same price.

These Canadian nappies are so popular that they're often out of stock in the UK, but Motherease tell me that they are working to meet demand and shipping more our way.

BumGenius Elemental

Why we like it: Quick to put on, great absorbency, slimline & made from organic cotton.

£21.50 from Lizzie's Real Nappie s

BumGenius also make the Freetime, which is similar to the Elemental but its absorbent layer is made from microfibre. The Freetime is cheaper and quicker drying, but less absorbent.

BumGenius V5 Pocket Nappy

Why we like it: Quality pocket nappy, comes with two inserts for custom absorbency and quick drying
From £19.50, from Lizzie's Real Nappies

This is what's known as a 'pocket' nappy, which means that you stuff absorbent inserts into a pocket within the nappy before use. When you've used the nappy, you pull out the inserts ready for washing.

The separate components enable faster drying, which is useful if, for example, you live in a flat with no garden. Each BumGenius pocket nappy comes with two microfibre inserts so you can customise its absorbency.

This is an easy to use, high-quality nappy with quick-drying inserts.

Charlie Banana One Size

Why we like it: Great pocket nappy with adjustable leg elastic, comes with two inserts for custom absorbency, quick-drying and cute prints.
From £18.99, from The Nappy Lady

Unlike all the one-size nappies above, which you adjust with popper settings on the front of the nappies (as well as at the waist), Charlie Banana's unique feature is their adjustable elastic around the legs. This works like a bra strap: there are little markers showing you where to set it for different fits, from extra small to large. This allows you to customise a close fit around your baby's legs, as well as being able to select the popper fastenings at the waist. It's a bit of a fiddle, but you only need to set it when you first use them and then change the setting a few times as they grow. I found it useful to enable a more precise fit with the elastic.

Charlie Banana also sell an Organic version of this nappy (for a few pounds more) which has an organic cotton lining against baby's bottom. Its inserts are a mixture of hemp, cotton and microfibre. Both types are available in a variety of prints.

Bambino Mio Miosolo

Why we like it: Reasonably priced pocket nappy, quick drying & gorgeous prints
£15.99 from Bambino Mio

The Miosolo fastens with velcro at the waist rather than poppers, which is quick to put on but may also become easier for little ones to take off. The Miosolo inserts are made from microfibre so are incredibly quick-drying - however they're less absorbent, so more prone to leaks. I found that I needed to use mine with an extra booster insert even in the daytime so would recommend buying boosters with these nappies if you have a heavy wetter - though that makes for a chunkier bum.

I love Bambino Mio's prints and am particularly smitten with their new Bug's Life collection.

Blueberry Simplex Organic All in One

Why we like it: Easy to use, good absorbency, slimline, cotton & pretty prints.
£24 from The Nappy Lady

Like the BumGenius Elemental, the Blueberry Simplex is a quality organic American all-in-one diaper and highly absorbent for a slim nappy. Its absorbent core is made of layers of cotton. It also has a pocket so you can add in extra layers of absorbent material if you wish, though I found the cotton that was sewn into the nappy to be enough for general daytime use if changing regularly.

Whilst it became one of my favourites, it's a pricey option. I can't see that this nappy offers any advantages over the BumGenius Elemental, except that it comes in a wide range of attractive colours and prints.

Little Lamb Sized Pocket Nappy

Why we like it: Bamboo inserts are highly absorbent whilst slim-fitting

This pocket nappy comes in three sizes, although most babies would be potty-trained before needing the third size. All of the nappies in the list above come in one-size and you adjust the fit for your growing baby, so Little Lamb's sized offer mean more nappies and more expense. That said, if you're starting to use reusable nappies with a slightly older baby, you could just buy the Size Two and then this becomes a decent economy option that's worth knowing about.

It comes with an excellent woven bamboo insert. You have to fold this bamboo sheet and stuff it into the pocket of the nappy before use and remove it for washing. It's a much slimmer insert than those for the Charlie Banana and Bambino Mio nappies, but highly absorbent. It also takes a little longer to dry.

Something about this nappy doesn't feel as neat or flashy or well-fitting as the brands above, but the insert is excellent and this nappy performed well for my baby.

Close Pop-In New Gen V2
£18.75 from Close

The inserts are made from thin layers of bamboo so are pretty absorbent but take a long time to dry. Close are a UK company, based in Hertford, and their nappies are made in China.

The Pop-Ins have short tabs on the waist fastening so I worry that my baby might outgrow this nappy before he's potty-trained. That said, I found that the Pop-Ins worked well, were pretty good for absorbency and containment, and I like the prints.

The best two-part reusable nappies

Easy Peasy Bumble Birth to Potty

Why we like it: Truly works birth to potty for most babies; brilliant absorbency and containment; homemade in the UK; and a bargain price
From £9, from Easy Peasy Nappies

The Bumble is cotton and highly absorbent as it includes a booster. You could also add extra boosters inside the pocket if you wish to use it overnight.

Alison makes the Bumble with poppers or 'Nappi Nippa' fastening. The latter is a modern, safe alternative to safety pins: a piece of plastic with three claws that you use to hold the nappy in place, making a y-shape when fixed.

I was very hesitant about trying a nappy with a Nappi Nippa. It sounded less advanced than all the modern nappies with their funky velcro and popper fastenings and I thought it might be tricky. Actually, it couldn't be easier - it's really quick to pop on and enables a custom fit as you're not limited to where poppers are placed. (Two Nappi Nippas cost £5.99 - which is all you should need)

(A tip from Alison: if your Nippa ever gets over-stretched with time, you can shrink it back by popping it into some boiling water.)

The Bumble became a surprise favourite for me because it's so practical and comes at a great price for a quality handmade product that should last for many years.

As a two-parter, you need to use this nappy with a wrap. Alison recommends the Motherease Airflow (see below).

TotsBots Bamboozle

Why we like it: Highly absorbent, excellent containment, good price and made in the UK.

TotsBots advertise the Bamboozle as a nighttime reusable nappy because it's very absorbent but it can be used in the daytime too. My baby's a heavy wetter so I found myself using it regularly in the day as a reliable leak-free option.

The Bamboozle has a lovely, close fit to baby's bottom so nothing can escape, and then a waterproof wrap over the top provides another layer of elastic. TotsBots sell their own waterproof cover called the PeeNut wrap (£12.99) - but, again, remember you can use any wrap with two-parters.

I found the containment on the nappies was so good that I rarely had to change the wrap, so you only need a few wraps for a stash of these nappies.

It's quick and easy to put on, with velcro at the waist enabling the perfect fit. The PeeNut wrap also has velcro straps. Both go on swiftly and require no preparation. I enjoyed the colourful layers too.

The Bamboozle comes in two sizes, but TotsBots say that the Size Two works well as a birth to potty nappy for most babies, so you should only need to buy one size. Size One is designed for small babies weighing 6-18lbs, so is perfect for premature newborns or particularly small babies. Size Two is for babies weighing 9-35lbs and has poppers to enable you to reduce the size for little babies.

The downside is that the Bamboozle takes a long time to dry, precisely because it's bamboo and absorbs so much water.

TotsBots are a UK family-owned company and all their nappies and wraps are manufactured in Glasgow.

LittleLamb

Why we like it: Highly absorbent, excellent containment, good price and classic fluffy look.
£9 from Little Lamb

These gorgeous fluffy nappies come in a range of materials; cotton, bamboo, microfibre, and (for a few pounds more) organic cotton. The bamboo and cotton versions are the most absorbent, but take a while to dry, so the microfibre version is for families who need a quick-drying option.

They're all plain white or off-white and have a classic, simple look, which is very cute on baby's bum and when hanging on the washing line. They drew lots of gushing comments from visitors to my house who saw them drying.

The LittleLambs are very easy to put on with a velcro waist allowing you to adjust the fit perfectly to your baby. Their elastication provided a comfy close fit with no leaks. They do make for a rather large bottom, but my baby didn't seem to mind. You'll need a large wrap because these are big nappies. LittleLamb sell coloured wraps for £10 each, and they're even cheaper with multi buy offers.

The main downside is that this is a sized nappy system, so there is no birth-to-potty option. LittleLamb say that Size 1 fits 7-20lbs, Size 2 fits 20-38lbs, and Size 3 is for babies over 35lbs. They say that most babies won't require Size 3 because they're likely to be potty trained by then. However, I found that Size 2 fits my (admittedly long) six-month-old baby so well now that I fear he might outgrow it and need the next size up.

The Nappy Lady website also observes that these nappies are shorter in length so great for smaller children but not recommended for tall babies because you're more likely to need to buy three sizes, which turns this budget option into a pricier proposition.

LittleLamb are another great UK company and their nappies are manufactured in a factory in Turkey.

Ella's House Bumhugger

Why we like it: Most absorbent nappy for overnight. Made from hemp and cotton.
£12.99 from Nappy Lady

These nappies are made in the Czech Republic and come in two sizes. The small size is designed for babies weighing 6-15lb and large is for 15-40lb.

My baby is such a heavy wetter that I found I still needed to boost this nappy overnight to avoid leaks. You need to use this nappy with a wrap and I used it with the Motherease Airflow.

Motherease Sandys
From £8.99, from The Nappy Lady
Another absorbent fitted nappy, this one is made by Canadian company Motherease. Sandys come in multiple sizes but two sizes should cover most children from birth to potty. It comes in cotton or bamboo and I found it performed well and didn't give me any leaks.

The best wrap for two-part reusable nappies

Motherease Airflow Wrap
From £12.99, from The Nappy Lady

The Motherease Airflow Wrap worked well during my testing so I'd recommend this wrap to accompany any of the nappies listed in this article.

Unfortunately there is no one-size version of the Airflow. It comes in a variety of sizes to cater for all niche fits. However most parents will only buy two sizes (Medium and Large, which covers babies from 10lb-35lb). Still, this does up the financial outlay.

Frequently asked questions about reusable nappies

How many nappies will I need?

It depends on how many nappy changes you do per day, how regularly you want to wash a batch of nappies, and how quick-drying they are. In general, if you wash a load of nappies every other day, you'll be looking at buying around 20 nappies - 15 for daytime and 5 for nighttime. If you're starting with an older child who needs fewer nappy changes, you may not need so many. You could try buying a few and then see how you go to calculate the optimum number for your routine.

If you're using a two-part system, most sellers recommend buying one wrap for every four nappies. Usually the wrap stays clean so can be reused after most nappy changes.

What else will I need to get started?

Assuming that you already have a washing machine and somewhere to hang your nappies for drying, you'll need:

Nappy bucket

Mesh laundry bags for inside the bucket

Waterproof storage bags for dirty nappies when you're out and about

Changing mat

Wipes (more on reusable wipes below)

Liners (optional, more info on those below)

Boosters (possibly, more info below)

How do I find the best nappies for me?

Check with the UK Nappy Network to see if there is a nappy library near you - they're free, run by volunteers, offer demonstrations of reusable nappies and can loan you kits to experiment with. Nothing beats getting your hands on some nappies and having a go. Specialist sellers can also provide you with free advice tailored to your circumstances. The Nappy Lady's Questionnaire is a great place to start.

How do I wash nappies?

Nappies should be washed at least every two or three days. Store dirty nappies in a mesh bag inside a nappy bucket (no soaking required) and then empty the bag into your washing machine. I do a pre-rinse to flush out all the nasties before adding detergent for washing.

Different brands give different guidance on what temperature you should wash their nappies, but all recommend either 40 or 60 degrees. Some brands also recommend using washing powder rather than detergent. You need to beware of detergent build-up affecting the absorbency of cloth so don't use too much. You can rinse the nappies after washing to rid them of excess detergent. Never use fabric softener because it reduces the absorbency of the nappy.

It's best to let your nappies dry naturally and sunlight is remarkably effective at removing stains.

What are nappy liners?

Liners are an optional extra. They are there to help dispose of solids from the nappy more easily. Disposable ones are biodegradable and can be lifted out and binned, or composted, whilst you can shake or scrape any solids off a reusable liner and then add it into the nappy bucket.

Another benefit of using a liner is that they protect the nappy fabric from any moisturisers or barrier creams that you might be using on baby's bum.

Most nappy brands sell their own liners but I used all sorts and found that they all did largely the same job equally well.

What are boosters?

Boosters are another name for nappy inserts. They're absorbent pads which can be used to boost the absorbency of nappies. They can be made from a wide variety of materials: microfibre, cotton, bamboo, hemp etc. You can buy boosters from different brands, mix and match, and even use old pieces of cloth and towel to boost nappies as you see fit. If you have a heavy wetter you might regularly need to add a booster into your nappies. I found LittleLamb's bamboo insert for their sized pocket nappy works brilliantly as a booster because it's super absorbent whilst being super slim.

Can I use reusable nappies overnight?

Yes you definitely can and many do, but if your baby is a very heavy wetter (especially if they're still feeding through the night) then you may have to work hard to boost your night nappy adequately to avoid leaks.

The more boosters you add, the larger the bum. I found the Bumhugger paired with the LittleLamb bamboo insert worked for my little one, covered with a wrap.

Some parents with heavy wetters use reusables by day and a disposable overnight - and I found myself doing this pretty regularly.

Sized nappies versus Birth to Potty?

Some nappies come in different sizes (though not as great a size range as disposable nappies do), whereas others are called 'one-size' or 'birth to potty' nappies and can be adjusted to fit your growing baby. Buying one size of reusable nappy is generally most economical. That said, very few birth-to-potty nappies truly fit well from birth without leaking (although the Easy Peasy Bumble was the best option I found), so if you want to use cloth nappies on a newborn you'll probably want some special small nappies. You can hire newborn kits to keep costs down as you won't need this size for very long.

Some parents choose to start reusables when their babies are a couple of months old so that they can go straight into one-size nappies. Other parents prefer sized nappies for the closer fit and they can also make economic sense if serving multiple children, who could be wearing different sizes at the same time.

What are the pros and cons of different fabrics?

Cotton is the traditional reusable nappy fabric and extremely long-lasting. Cotton nappies can serve multiple children and still be sold on after use. It's highly absorbent and washes well.

Parents wanting to avoid chemicals and artificial fabrics often opt for organic cotton as the purest option available. Cotton takes longer to dry.

Bamboo fabrics are more absorbent than cotton without being any bulkier. They feel softer to the touch. However, bamboo isn't so long-lasting and you can't buy 'organic bamboo' because the manufacturing process that turns bamboo into fabric is highly industrial.

Microfibre makes for the ultimate quick-drying nappies, which is useful when drying space and time is limited. Microfibre holds fluid between its filaments, rather than absorbing it inside the fibre and that's why it's quick-drying, but it also makes it liable to compression leaks if your baby plonks their bottom down when the nappy is full. You might need to boost microfibre nappies to reduce the risk of leaks. Microfibre nappies need to be changed more regularly because they don't hold as much fluid, but as they're so quick to launder you don't need a bigger stash.

Why am I getting leaks?

If you're experiencing leaks, first check the fit of the nappy. You want to ensure the elastic at the waist and legs is a close fit, without being too tight. The UK Nappy Network have a useful fit guide here.

If there are no gaps where fluid is escaping, you'll want to check the absorbent capacity of the nappy and might need to add boosters.

For overnight, most people recommend adding extra boosters between the nappy and the wrap because you can't add too many boosters inside the nappy without compromising the fit. It's also worth looking on YouTube for videos of people using the nappies that you're interested in as sellers and bloggers will also demonstrate specific techniques for getting the best fit.

Two-part systems are best for limiting leaks as they're most absorbent and offer two layers of elastic for ultimate containment.

Is it worth using reusable wipes?

Definitely. Once you're using reusable nappies, reusable wipes are a no-brainer. A pile of reusable wipes will last years and save you a small fortune - plus you'll never run out. I have a stash at my changing station and throw used wipes into the nappy bucket with the dirty nappies. They take up barely any extra space in the wash. They're convenient to use because, unlike with wet wipes, they don't all get stuck together and come out in a long line. You can easily pick up one wipe at a time. They're natural on baby's bum. They have good traction. I could go on.

I have a container full of water by the changing station to dip them in, but some people make special washing solutions. I use Cheeky Wipes which are cotton towel squares and Charlie Banana organic cotton wipes which are thinner, softer and have a larger surface area (making them feel more akin to wet wipes).

What type of nappy fastening?

It's worth considering how the outer part of the nappy fastens. Velcro is easy to pop on quickly but as your baby gets older, it's also the easiest for little hands to undo.

Poppers are trickier for babies to mess with and tend to hold up better after years of washing - although they're a tad more fiddly to fasten.

A Nappi Nippa is the modern safe equivalent of a safety pin. It's a piece of plastic with three claws which you use to hold the nappy in place, making a y-shape when fixed, and allows for a quick custom fit.

If you already use reusable nappies, would you recommend them? If not, do you think they are a good idea? Tell us in the comments below To join the conversation log in to your Telegraph account or register for free, here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The best reusable nappies - tried and tested

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mention cloth nappies to older generations and they'll describe soaking pails of smelly nappies, boiling them, folding towels, and accidents with safety pins. Nowadays reusable nappies can be as simple to put on as disposables - they're shaped, elasticated, fastened with velcro or poppers, and come in a dazzling choice of prints.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cloth Vs. Disposables: The Environmental Impact

# data[].attributes.subject
Cloth Vs. Disposables: The Environmental Impact

# data[].attributes.body
A very long report written by the campaigning organisation Break Free From Plastic, summarising the Europe-wide statistical evidence for the environmental impact of single-use wipes, nappies & menstrual products.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BFFP Environmental Costs of Single Use Nappies, Wipes & Menstrual Products

# data[].attributes.body
Some facts & figures, especially for your sceptical family/friends/colleagues...

# data[].attributes.body
1. Take off the dirty nappy, change baby and put them somewhere safe.

2. If the nappy is a pocket, remove the insert and loosely leave it inside the nappy. For a snap-in (Ai2), un-popper one end, so it is loose in the wash.

3. *ALWAYS* secure velcro tabs to the Laundry patch/tab . Alternatively, do up the nappy, and then turn inside out.

4. If using reusable wipes, these can simply be left loose inside the wet/soiled nappy and added to the bag.

5. Store in wetbag until you have enough for a load; with a newborn, every 2nd day is fine, and every 3rd day for older babies. Please do not leave the nappies longer than 3 days, to prevent issues with ammonia and stains.

# data[].attributes.body
The best basic fit video for all modern cloth nappies (pockets, AIOs and AI2s.) Does not apply to fitted 2 parters or flats; for those, simpy ensure that the nappy is totally covered by the wrap.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Real Diaper Circle San Diego - Disposable to Cloth Transition: Tips for a Good Fit

# data[].attributes.body
A quick guide to the technique covered in the fit video.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Load the nappies into the machine. It should be loosely full, but neither tightly packed nor half empty. Ensure all velcro is tightly secured first!

2. Select a SHORT wash cycle. (+/- 20-40 mins). This rinses away all the remaining soiling and wee.

3. After the short wash, you can bulk out the load (if only washing a few nappies and the machine seems empty or underloaded). Use baby clothes, burp cloths, bibs, t-shirts, tea towels etc - no large items like bath towels, and check for colourfastness! You want the drum to look about 2/3 - 3/4 full, with some space at the top. This is a more energy efficient way to wash, and also ensures the nappies have sufficient agitation to get thoroughly cleaned.

4. Measure the FULL DOSE of powder for heavy soiling and your drum size. Select a 60 DEGREE COTTON WASH - at least 2 hrs.

5. You can add an extra short rinse at the end, though this is optional.

Hang out to dry.

# data[].attributes.body
Prefolds are an economical way to cloth nappy; hard wearing cotton, they can be washed very hot, tumble-dried, and used as pocket inserts. Padfolding is quick and easy, though poo containment is less good than with wrapped options.
This fold may not work on very tubby babies, or large toddlers; it is quite good for slim younger babies.

# data[].attributes.body
Q: Should I use powder or liquid to wash the nappies?
A: Powder is best, as liquid or gel detergents can build-up on the fibres, making nappies less absorbent. They can also be more difficult to rinse cleanly. Powder is also usually cheaper to bulk buy in a big box - win, win!

Q: Can I use fabric softener in with the nappies?
A: No. Please do NOT use softener, as the liquid silicone-derivatives will waterproof the fibres, causing the nappy to repel all fluids. The nappies won't absorb wee!

Q: Help! My breastfed baby poo has left yellow stains on the hire nappies - how do I get them out??
A: Do not worry! Stains from unweaned babies do come out, rest assured, and will not result in loss of your deposit. The kits are sanitised and any stains will be treated between hires by the Nappy Library Co-ordinator.
*DO NOT* under any circumstances use bleach on hire nappies. Use of bleach, Vanish, Napisan, Dettol, or similar products on Nappy Library kits will void your hire agreement and lead to loss of your deposit.

Q: How do I stop all the nappies from sticking together in the wash!?
A: You need to do up the velcro when you take the nappy off the baby; if you feel the laundry tabs aren't secure enough (velcro does wear with age), then do the used nappy up and turn inside out before bagging.

Q: How do I know how much detergent to use? Can I just eyeball it and throw in a scoop?
A: Nappies are dirty and need a good dose of detergent to get clean. Read the dosage on your box according to your drum size and water hardness. Hard Surrey water needs a lot of powder!

# data[].attributes.body
The Pickman fold

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 5:46•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pickman Fold - trim, tidy, and fully adjustable easy flat diaper fold

# data[].attributes.body
The origami fold (part 1): how to fold and put on your baby. Very adaptable, though you may find with older babies (1yr+) that you need a larger size of terry or flat to have long enough wings to stretch round the waist.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Back

# data[].attributes.body
The origami fold (part 2): using on a newborn.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to put on a newborn origami folded Pokkelokkie hemp flat

# data[].attributes.body
The kite fold - quick and easy for wriggly older babies. Not the most absorbent in the wetzone, as it's fewer layers; you can easily add boosters under the fleece liner, however.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Terry Square - The Kite Fold By The Nappy Lady

Why this ad?

CoQ10 Can Help Women Conceive

Trying to start a family? Get the result you are hoping for with CoQ10.

pharmanord.com

If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

0:00

3:36

1:55 / 3:36•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Terry Square - The Kite Fold By The Nappy Lady

# data[].attributes.body
The 'Jo' fold - ideal for newborns or younger infants, as it's trim and the wings tend not to reach as far round as the Kite.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Back

# data[].attributes.headline
Change the world by changing your baby's nappies!

# data[].attributes.subject
Change the world by changing your baby's nappies!

# data[].attributes.body
Is there a generational shift towards cloth?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All change as millennial parents turn to cloth nappies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Families keen on saving money and stopping plastic waste ditch the disposables

# data[].attributes.body
* A onesize ('birth to potty') nappy, for you to compare/contrast the sizing.
* Although it is poppered down into the smaller setting, this makes it bulkier on younger infants than the sized Bimbles.
* Once baby is no longer so tiny, it can be unpoppered to extend the length, and the insert snaps into the poppers.
* The Bumble is a very economical way to cloth nappy, as you don't need to buy separate sizes.
* Picture shows the Bumble in the regular (unpoppered) setting next to a size 0 Bimble.

# data[].attributes.body
In the pocket at the back, unpopper the insert.

# data[].attributes.body
After you have removed the insert, snap the poppers on the front flap to the inside poppers (about half-way down in the pocket).
Fold the insert to a suitable size and stuff inside the pocket.

# data[].attributes.body
Once the nappy has been poppered onto itself, the length is shortened (just as you adjust the rise on wraps, AIOs & pockets) and it is now fine to use on a newborn. It will be bulky by comparison but this is really only an issue in the early days.