12 Cloth Diapers Answered for Curious Parents

Cloth diapers (also known as reusable nappies, washable nappies and cloth nappies) are much easier to use than you think. Here are some answers to common questions about using cloth diapers.

What do I do at changing time?

If the diaper is just wet, all you need to do is take it off, throw the liner away (if disposable) and place the diaper and reusable liner in your diaper bucket instead of in the bin.

If the diaper is dirty, the poo can be thrown away down the loo (far more hygienic than putting it in the dustbin) and the diaper placed in the bucket.

Liquid poo can be washed off by holding the diaper under the flush of the toilet before being dealt with in your normal way.

Are they fiddly to put on?

Not at all.Shaped diapers or all-in-ones are the simplest to use and need no folding - simply place them on just as you would a disposable.Terry or flat diapers do need to be folded but the amazing invention of the Nappi Nippa means no pins are needed.

Will my home smell?

Only if you leave la lot of dirty diapers hanging about for days.Remember how your bin smells with a couple day’s worth of dirty disposables in it, using real diapers, the poo is flushed down the toilet straight away, so you won’t have this issue.If you like, you can put a few drops of essential oil on a cloth that is kept on the top of the bucket.

Will I have to more washing?

All families have washing to do, so including a few diapers isn’t really more work.When you are ready to do a normal wash, just take the diapers out of the bucket and put them in the washing machine, it couldn't be easier.

Putting diapers into a modern machine with its fast spin is a far cry from having to put them through the twin tub and mangle that you mother may have used.

Diapers can be washed at 60c and some people even use 40c with the odd hotter wash to keep the stains at bay.

The best way to dry diapers is on the line with the rest of your clothes (or on a radiator during the winter) but I do fluff them by placing them in the tumble dryer for 10 mins with the bath towels after taking them off the clothes line.

Will I get dirty putting them in my washing machine?

No.  The poo will have been disposed of, so you are only dealing with a little wee.If you wet pail (see below) you can use a mesh type bag to store the diapers in, so you just need to pick that up and put it in the machine.Dry pailing is easier to do still.

What is the meaning of ‘pailing’?

Basically, storing used diapers in a bucket.Wet pailing involves placing the diapers into a solution of water and diaper soak or similar or just plain water.

Dry pailing is easy - simply put the used diaper into the bucket and put the lid back on.

Won’t all the washing powders damage the environment?

Yes and no. Yes to the extent that all detergents cause some damage (this can be limited by using non-bio or eco-friendly products) but no to the extent that this is still far better than using disposable diapers.

Will I have to change diapers more often?

Not really.Advice states that you should change your baby’s diaper every 4 hours during the day (more often for newborns), so this remains the same.

Will my baby get diaper rash?

Diaper rash is caused by bacteria in the poo reacting with the ammonia in wee.  The best way to stop diaper rash is to change frequently (every 4 hours or so) and allow fresh air to get to the diaper area.

The lock away moisture core in disposable diapers makes parents change less often and their very design stops air from circulating.  Most designs of real diapers are breathable, allowing air to circulate, resulting in a healthier butt.

What if I am away from home?

Many parents use real diapers even when they go out and just take a slightly larger bag with them. Others have a stock of eco-disposables to use for day trips or when they go on holiday.

What about nightime?

Again, some people use eco-disposables during the night or add a booster pad to the cloth diaper.

Do they leak?

Not if they fit properly.A properly fitted real diaper with wrap if needed is no more likely to leak than a disposable.We recommend that you try out a few sample kits to ensure you buy the best diaper for your baby.