buttonnose82
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There seen to be alot of the same questions being asked over and over again so thought I would write this which is all the info I found during my time reseaching cloth nappies for my buisness, so I thought I would share it to help others 
Different Types of Cloth Nappy:
Flats These could be the tradition terry towel, prefolds or muslins. They are generally square of rectangular in shape and they are folded into shape before putting onto baby. There are many different folds that can be used according to babys size, shape and personal preference. Flat nappies are closed using nappy pins of nappi nippas and they require a waterproof wrap.
Shaped/fitted These are a 2 part system that consisted of a shaped/fitted nappy that is shaped like a disposable; they can be closed with nappy pins, nappi nippas, alpix or snaps. Shaped/fitted nappies require a waterproof wrap however many parents use them without wraps if they are just in the house and there isnt continual pressure on babies bum.
Pocket These are again shaped like a disposable nappy with a opening (pocket) between the inner and the outer layer that can be stuffed with a insert according to the level of absorbency needed. These are closed generally with aplix or snaps.
All in Ones (AIO) These are as the name suggests, everything you need is ready made in just 1 nappy, they are waterproof and have a built in booster. They generally close using aplix or snaps.
Prewashing cloth nappies:
It is recommended that you prewash your new cloth nappies before using; this will help your nappies reach their best absorbency for use. Prewash your nappies 3 times using ¼ of the recommended amount of your washing detergent.
Washing Cloth nappies:
It is generally recommended that you washing cloth nappies at 60 degrees using ¼ of the recommended amount of your washing detergent. Using too much detergent will result in a residual build up of detergent within the nappy and therefore affected the absorbency. Some nappies can be washing at 40 degrees however this is generally not recommended until baby is a minimum of 4 months.
Drying Cloth nappies:
Preferably line dry your cloth nappies if possible as the sunshine will naturally bleach out any stains. If this isnt possible then drying on a airer in a warm room is the next best option. Avoid drying directly on a radiator as this could eventually cause damage to the fabrics. You can dry your cloth nappies in a dryer on a low/medium heat is needed however remember that the exposure to heat with break how to fibres in the fabrics and decrease their life span.
Dont use:
Chlorine Bleach This will eat away at the material of you cloth nappies, leaving holes and fraying edges
Fabric Softener In both liquid and sheet form will leave a water-repellent residue on your cloth nappies, therefore making them less adsorbent.
Pure Soaps These will leave a soap scum lime residue on your cloth nappies, making them repel moisture rather than absorbing it.
How many cloth nappies:
This depends very much on how often you plan on washing. If you are going to wash every day then you would need approx 15 nappies, if you are going to wash every 2 3 days then you may need up to 25 nappies.
Storing dirty nappies:
Dry Pail Simply put the wet nappies straight into a lidded bucket, for soiled nappies first rinse off the poop then place into the bucket. You can add a couple drops of teatree oil to the bucket if you are worried about smells but generally with a lidded bucket you wont get smells.
Wet Pail Nappies are placed in a bucket of nappy soak solution until washed in the machine. Generally not needed now a days as washing machines are more efficient and prolonged soaking can break down the elastic in the nappies.
Cost issues:
The total cost of using disposable nappies and wipes over 2.5 years is approx - £1584.70
The total cost of using cloth nappies and wipes (including washing costs) over 2.5 years is approx - £335 - £762 (depending on what system you use)
Using cloth nappies you could save between £822.70 - £1249.70. This is based on using cloth nappies for 1 baby, some cloth nappies can be used for 2 or even 3 children therefore increasing the savings.
Different Types of Cloth Nappy:
Flats These could be the tradition terry towel, prefolds or muslins. They are generally square of rectangular in shape and they are folded into shape before putting onto baby. There are many different folds that can be used according to babys size, shape and personal preference. Flat nappies are closed using nappy pins of nappi nippas and they require a waterproof wrap.
Pros Quick drying, cheapest option of cloth nappies
Cons Can be fiddly and takes practice,
Cons Can be fiddly and takes practice,
Shaped/fitted These are a 2 part system that consisted of a shaped/fitted nappy that is shaped like a disposable; they can be closed with nappy pins, nappi nippas, alpix or snaps. Shaped/fitted nappies require a waterproof wrap however many parents use them without wraps if they are just in the house and there isnt continual pressure on babies bum.
Pros 2 lines of defence, a cheap option of cloth nappy, quick drying, reasonably durable
Cons Can be bulky
Cons Can be bulky
Pocket These are again shaped like a disposable nappy with a opening (pocket) between the inner and the outer layer that can be stuffed with a insert according to the level of absorbency needed. These are closed generally with aplix or snaps.
Pros reasonable drying time, easy to use
Cons more prone to detergent build up making them less effective, not as durable over time, a more expensive cloth nappy option
Cons more prone to detergent build up making them less effective, not as durable over time, a more expensive cloth nappy option
All in Ones (AIO) These are as the name suggests, everything you need is ready made in just 1 nappy, they are waterproof and have a built in booster. They generally close using aplix or snaps.
Pros Easy and ready to use
Cons Long drying time, most expensive cloth nappy option, not as durable over time
Cons Long drying time, most expensive cloth nappy option, not as durable over time
Prewashing cloth nappies:
It is recommended that you prewash your new cloth nappies before using; this will help your nappies reach their best absorbency for use. Prewash your nappies 3 times using ¼ of the recommended amount of your washing detergent.
Washing Cloth nappies:
It is generally recommended that you washing cloth nappies at 60 degrees using ¼ of the recommended amount of your washing detergent. Using too much detergent will result in a residual build up of detergent within the nappy and therefore affected the absorbency. Some nappies can be washing at 40 degrees however this is generally not recommended until baby is a minimum of 4 months.
Drying Cloth nappies:
Preferably line dry your cloth nappies if possible as the sunshine will naturally bleach out any stains. If this isnt possible then drying on a airer in a warm room is the next best option. Avoid drying directly on a radiator as this could eventually cause damage to the fabrics. You can dry your cloth nappies in a dryer on a low/medium heat is needed however remember that the exposure to heat with break how to fibres in the fabrics and decrease their life span.
Dont use:
Chlorine Bleach This will eat away at the material of you cloth nappies, leaving holes and fraying edges
Fabric Softener In both liquid and sheet form will leave a water-repellent residue on your cloth nappies, therefore making them less adsorbent.
Pure Soaps These will leave a soap scum lime residue on your cloth nappies, making them repel moisture rather than absorbing it.
How many cloth nappies:
This depends very much on how often you plan on washing. If you are going to wash every day then you would need approx 15 nappies, if you are going to wash every 2 3 days then you may need up to 25 nappies.
Storing dirty nappies:
Dry Pail Simply put the wet nappies straight into a lidded bucket, for soiled nappies first rinse off the poop then place into the bucket. You can add a couple drops of teatree oil to the bucket if you are worried about smells but generally with a lidded bucket you wont get smells.
Wet Pail Nappies are placed in a bucket of nappy soak solution until washed in the machine. Generally not needed now a days as washing machines are more efficient and prolonged soaking can break down the elastic in the nappies.
Cost issues:
The total cost of using disposable nappies and wipes over 2.5 years is approx - £1584.70
The total cost of using cloth nappies and wipes (including washing costs) over 2.5 years is approx - £335 - £762 (depending on what system you use)
Using cloth nappies you could save between £822.70 - £1249.70. This is based on using cloth nappies for 1 baby, some cloth nappies can be used for 2 or even 3 children therefore increasing the savings.
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