Cloth Nappy Basics

Nappy – the absorbent bit

This is what absorbs the wee and may be made from a range of absorbent fabrics like: Cotton, Bamboo, Microfiber, Hemp etc...

The outer most part of the nappy system - keeps wetness in but allows skin to breathe
With a fitted or a pre-fold nappy the cover will be worn over the nappy
If you are looking at a pocket or an all in one nappy, this is already attached to the nappy

Flushable – simply flush the liner and any possible solids down the toilet ... how convenient but check that they are flushable, biodegradable and septic tank friendly
Reusable fleece liners keep baby’s skin dryer and protect the nappy from stains and botty creams

These are made from multiple layers of fabric
An extra booster may further increase the amount of wetness the nappy can hold – great for heavy wetter’s and night time use

Newborns are generally changed 7-10 times per day

Starting out with fitted nappies, around 4 to 5 nappies and 1 wrap
Starting out with pockets or all in ones get a couple and see how you go
Part-time would require around 8-10 nappies (plus 3 wraps for prefold or fitted nappy systems)
Full Time - 15 nappies is generally enough for a daily wash – if washing every other day add another 5 or so. As the baby gets older they will only be changed around 4-5 times per day so then 15 nappies would last up to 3 days
Up to 4 wraps – *N/A for Pocket Nappies and All in Ones
With fitteds and prefolds you may not need to change the wrap every time you change the nappy. For example; I would expect to wash the cover after around 4-5 nappy changes with a fitted nappy but you will most likely be washing the covers more frequently if you use prefolds
Nappy Liners
100 Flushable liners will last a couple of weeks with a newborn and longer for older babies
15-20 fleece liners would be heaps for full time nappy use

Most importantly, beware of cheap nappies - just like a cheap disposable nappy YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

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