nappy faq
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New Zealand Cloth Nappy FAQ's
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USA Cloth Diaper FAQ's
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Cloth vs disposable?
Environmentally there’s no choice. In NZ we dump 575 million nappies per year
in landfills (which are said to take up to 500 years to breakdown) (http://www.zerowaste.co.nz),
while cloth nappies can be washed and reused time and time again.
Many nappy web sites cite the fact that there are health
concerns about disposables and the chemical nasties they contain:
Last, but absolutely not least there's no doubt that over time
you'll spend more on disposables.
Over the lifetime of a nappy-wearing child, you will use about 6,000
"disposables", at an average cost of say $0.45 = $2,700.
Plus the cost of rubbish bags ($1.30 ea) and your total cost is $2770.
If your child uses more nappies, the cost increases eg: 6,500 "disposables"
will cost $2925.
Modern cloth nappies:
Modern cloth nappies are excellent alternative. They are far
more absorbent than the old style cloth nappy and are easy to
put on (no folding, no pins!).
Costs:
Nappies come in many brands and styles.
It's a matter of deciding which one that will works for you,
your baby and your budget.
Buying modern cloth nappies does involve initial investment but
you can start off slowly and build up your cloth nappy supply
until you have eliminated disposables completely.
Some brands even offer hire purchase.
Subsidies:
Many councils in NZ have introduced subsidy schemes to
encourage people to use cloth nappies (although these schemes
start/stop from time-to-time). Check with your local council.
Why Organic?
Read this interesting article on
traditional cotton vs organic cotton.
Some brands listed are traditional cotton/some are organic
cotton.
Other environmentally-friendly fabrics include bamboo and hemp.
Take into account:
- over time you will spend more money on disposables
- modern cloth nappies have great resale value on
Trade Me.
How do I start?
Many parents start with eco disposables, or prefolds
(nappy & cover) while the baby is in the first messy poo phase.
Organic Baby stocks
Littlelamb
which is a very affordable bamboo and organic cotton nappy.
Little Lamb is a 2-part nappy and cover system. Each Littlelamb
nappy comes with a reusable cloth liner.
We also stock
Honeychild Pocket
nappies.
Pocket Nappies are a very popular choice in NZ, and were shown in a poll (by
The Nappy Network) to be used by 90% of parents as their main nappy
system).
With pocket nappies, both the nappy & insert is washed each time the nappy
is changed but you can vary the number of inserts you use according to how
much the child wets.
We stock the very popular NZ made Honey Child Nappy
System. Each Honeychild insert has been tested to absorb seven times
it's weigh in liquid. That's 430mls in the Infant and Toddler size! Because
you can add additional absorption using Honeychild booster pads or an
additional insert the nappy will always suit your needs.
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AIO 'all-in-one' = fitted nappy sewn
into waterproof outer, or
- pocket nappy = nappy with pocket for inserts and/or
boosters (no cover required) or
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2 part system: fitted nappy and nappy
cover or
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2 part system: prefold nappies and nappy
cover.
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AIO 'All-in-one' systems - are the easiest to use
but you will require more nappies as they must be washed each time the baby
is changed.
2 part system - A nappy cover is essential over fitted
nappies and prefolds. The nappy cover can be reused at nappy change time (if
it is not soiled), so only 3-4 covers are required.
Covers -The natural (but most expensive)
choice is wool. There are some gorgeous wool covers available or you can
knit your own. They also are available in polarfleece and PUL (polyurethane
laminated polyester) but avoid pvc covers.
For a great visual explanation of all the different
systems, see
The Nappy Lady web
site.
Extras: (recommended)
Washing:
There are two methods (it varies between nappy brands), so follow the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Never use fabric conditioner as it contains makes the nappies less
absorbent!
Drypail method:(most common with MCN) you
scrape/flush off the poos and store in a covered nappy bucket for 2-3 days
until your next washload. If the bucket gets smelly, you can add a couple of
drops of teatree or lavender oil.
Soaking method: you soak the nappies in water and either
baking soda or vinegar (¼ cup in a bucket) or a whitening powder. Soak
overnight.
Washing: (both methods) after soaking overnight, wash in an
environmentally-friendly liquid wash, using about half as much as you
normally would. I have stopped using washing powder because powder residue
tends to cause smells. See 'Smelly nappies' below.
Drying: Dry in sunshine (best of course!) or tumble dry on a
low setting.
Smelly nappies?
First check your washing powder: Environmentally-friendly soap powders
can interact with urine to cause smells (particularly bad with PUL and
fleece overnaps). Try a plant-based liquid wash instead eg Ecostore.
Wash cycle: Nappies left lying around for days will get smelly. Wash
more regularly and use a heavy duty cycle if necessary.
Soaking: Once a week, you can soak your nappies/covers in a
whitening powder.
Soak for an hour or so, then wash without any other detergent.
Eco-friendly whitening powders are now available in supermarkets - brands
include B.E.E., EcoStore and Next Generation. Whitening powders are also a good
laundry booster. Follow instructions as directed.
Please
note: Whitening powders should not be used with some nappies/covers Check the
nappy manufacturer's washing instructions first.
To remove stubborn smells: You can wash your nappies in 1-2 Tbsp of
eco dishwashing detergent in a hot wash. Repeat in a hot wash with no detergents
at all.
Cloth Nappy Manufacturers now advise against using vinegar and baking soda
because excessive use has lead to some problems with elastic and PUL.
Second hand:
We have good quality preloved nappies instore,
contact us to see what is in stock.
Newborn Hire Kits:
Available from:
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The Nappy Network
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Waitakere City Council (all sizes)
- and selected retailers.
Check out our:
Untitled 1
Make your own:
Check out
The Nappy Network for patterns to make your own fitted cloth nappies.
Kits, fabrics and notions are available in NZ through
Greenbeans.
Eco friendly disposables:
These provide a great alternative when travelling or working
(or your creche or daycare won't use cloth).
They are better for your baby and better for the
environment (than ordinary disposables) because of the manufacturing
processes and they can be composted (
Ecobaby
- see diaper disposal).
Here are some instructions for building your own
worm farm.
Our most recent price comparison revealed, that if you order eco friendly
disposables online they are only about 7c per nappy (with free freight) more
expensive than regular disposables.
Although eco friendly does not always mean chemical free. Only one brand of
eco disposables available in NZ does not contain polyacrylate crystals.
Available from:
Baby
Online (Moltex)
Nourish
(Bambo Nature, Tushies
Night time Training Pants: (for
big kids)
Natural Parenting NZ (Nap Naps Trainer)
Mum & Bubs (Happy Heiny’s Pocket Trainers) go up to 30kg