Cloth Nappy Basics, What's What

This makes up the absorbent part of the nappy. These layers absorb the wee and may be made from a range of absorbent fabrics like: Cotton, Bamboo, Microfiber, Hemp, Minky etc...
 

Wrap / Cover – The Waterproof bit

This is the outermost layer of the nappy system. This is what does the containing and keeps all of the wetness in but allows skin to breath

• With a Pre-fold, Snap In or Fitted nappy system, the cover will be worn over top of the nappy
• With a Pocket or All in one system, this is already attached to the nappy 

The Liner – Catches the POO

Flushable – Are NOT flushable!  They along with the so called flushable liners are creating havoc for many councils all over the world as they get caught in the sewers, attract fat and then turn into fatbergs. Check out the fatberg epidemic ...https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/apr/21/huge-10-ton-fatberg-removed-chelsea-sewer-london

Flushable liners should be treated the same was as disposable wipes and be rinsed and thrown into your landfill bin.

Reusable Liners - (Synthetic) These keep the baby’s skin dryer and will protect your nappy from stains and botty cream build ups.

The Booster – Adds absorbency

You use a booster when you want to add absorbency to your nappy because an absorbency booster allows the nappy to hold more liquid. Great for heavy wetter’s and night time use They are made from multiple layers of absorbent fabrics.
 

What will you need?

Newborns are generally changed 7-10 times per day but as the baby gets older, the changes will become less frequent so you will need less nappies.

The best place to start is getting a few trial packs from different brands. Once you know what you like, you can add to it.

Here are some basic numbers for how many nappies you would need depending on how often you intend to use cloth nappies:

Just want to try it:

You will need a Trial pack from a couple of different brands

Some of the time:

You will need around 5 nappy changes

Part time on home days:

You will need 8 – 10 nappy changes

Full Time:

You will need 15 – 20 nappies if you wash every day

Using Liners:

100 Disposable liners will last a couple of weeks with a newborn

Or 20 Reusable lines will be plenty to get you started.

Remember, you can always get more if you need them and if you end up with lots of nappies, they will last longer because they are washed less so you will be able to on sell them second hand.