nappy faq

Where to shop for cloth nappies:

Don't know where to start? The best place to shop for nappies is online... check out our NZ nappy stores online page and NZ nappy WAHM's creating beautiful nappies from home.

Everything you need to know about cloth nappies: Cloth vs disposable Modern cloth nappies and costs Nappy Subsidies Why organic? How do I start? Washing Second hand Newborn Hire Kits Make your own Eco friendly disposables Night time training naps (for big kids) Where to buy nappy accessories

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:

• Polyacrylate crystals (http://www.ecobots.co.nz)
• Tributyl tin (http://www.nappies.net)
• Dioxin (http://www.healthmatters.org.uk).

Last, but absolutely not least there's no doubt that over time you'll spend more on disposables. Most of the NZ nappy stores online web sites provide the calculations for you.

If you'd like to do further reading, see the 'cloth vs disposables' box on the right.

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 (Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Waitakere, South Taranaki and Gisborne) 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.

For suppliers of organic cotton nappies:
US "where to shop" or NZ "where to shop"directory.

under "Nappies (organic cotton)"

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.

More information on nappy styles (snazzipants.co.nz) .

After that the most popular choice of nappies is usually Pocket Nappies. These were shown in a recent 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.

For a great visual explanation of the different systems,  see  The Nappy Lady web site.

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 2 part system: fitted nappy and nappy cover or 2 part system: prefold nappies and nappy cover.

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.

Extras: (recommended)

inserts (also known as boosters or doublers) - for extra absorbency) washable liners, or flushable liners (help with clean-up) and if unsoiled can be washed and reused 2-3 times (available from Organic Baby).

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:

Try shopping online at Trade Me
under >babygear>nappiesandchanging

Newborn Hire Kits:

Available from:
- The Nappy Network
- Waitakere City Council (all sizes)
- and selected retailers.

Check out our:
US "where to shop" or NZ "where to shop"directory.

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