How To Set Up A Cloth Nappy System
Once you have decided to use cloth it’s a little hard to figure out where to go next! How many nappies should you buy? What is the best way to organise them? And so on ....
Here is a quick start guide to setting up your cloth nappy system.
If you need help deciding what nappy is right for you please see our guide to Cloth Nappy Basics – Click Here
How many nappies will I need?
This question has many differing answers and it all depends on your lifestyle and how much work you want to create for yourself.
Most babies have 5-6 nappy changes per day, some may have a few more but this is around average. Knowing this number and adding 1-2 extra just to be sure you will need 6-7 nappies per day in your stash and you will need 2 days worth if you are going to wash daily. One set on the clothes line and one set being used. If you would like to wash every 2nd day then you will need 3 sets (approximately 21 nappies).
The less loads of washing you need to do is obviously better, however the outlay for 21 nappies could be a little too much for some people. So it all depends on your budget and how often you would like to wash.
What extras will I need?
Depending on the type of nappy you choose you may need extras. Be sure to ask the nappy supplier what you need to make your chosen nappy a complete nappy.
Other extras you may like are:
• Nappy Liners – either reusable or flushable. Liners help to reduce staining, make clean up easier and can also prolong the life of your nappy.
• Boosters – It is always handy even with AIO’s (all in ones) to have a few extra boosters on hand for night use or those extra heavy wetting days.
• Covers – If you are using a fitted nappy or terry flats you will need a water proof cover.
How do I set up a cloth nappy changing system?
If you haven’t used cloth nappies before the logistics of how the process is done may seem a little daunting. Here is a sample nappy station and how the process should ideally work. This can be changed to suit your household and needs.
• Have the nappies at easy reach where you generally change baby.
- If you are using liners, pre-insert the liners when you are putting the nappy away. This will save time when changing.
- If you are using SIO’s pre-boost when you are putting the nappy away after washing. This will save time. Also it’s handy to have 1-2 night ones ready.
- If using Terry Flats pre-fold them and have the covers and pins at arm’s reach.
• Keep a nappy pail in the laundry ready to drop the soiled nappy in.
• Install a “Little Squirt” in the toilet to help with the removal of solids from the nappy
Here are 4 easy steps to changing a cloth nappy.
Step 1: Un-snap nappy and use wipes to clean babies bottom or use a liner to remove solids and a wipe to freshen babies bottom.
Step 2: Put new nappy on baby
Step 3: Throw any non-flushable wipes in the bin or rinse if they are reusable. Throw flushable liner in the toilet and remove any solids from the nappy and flush.
Step 4: Place nappy into the dry nappy pail ready to be washed.
At night before bed put the nappies in the washing machine to wash on a long cycle overnight and ready to hang out in the morning! Click Here to read our guide on washing and caring for your nappies.
Cloth nappies don’t need to be hard and generally it is a lack of organisation that makes them difficult. If you have a system in place it will be just as easy as using disposables!
Here is a quick start guide to setting up your cloth nappy system.
If you need help deciding what nappy is right for you please see our guide to Cloth Nappy Basics – Click Here
How many nappies will I need?
This question has many differing answers and it all depends on your lifestyle and how much work you want to create for yourself.
Most babies have 5-6 nappy changes per day, some may have a few more but this is around average. Knowing this number and adding 1-2 extra just to be sure you will need 6-7 nappies per day in your stash and you will need 2 days worth if you are going to wash daily. One set on the clothes line and one set being used. If you would like to wash every 2nd day then you will need 3 sets (approximately 21 nappies).
The less loads of washing you need to do is obviously better, however the outlay for 21 nappies could be a little too much for some people. So it all depends on your budget and how often you would like to wash.
What extras will I need?
Depending on the type of nappy you choose you may need extras. Be sure to ask the nappy supplier what you need to make your chosen nappy a complete nappy.
Other extras you may like are:
• Nappy Liners – either reusable or flushable. Liners help to reduce staining, make clean up easier and can also prolong the life of your nappy.
• Boosters – It is always handy even with AIO’s (all in ones) to have a few extra boosters on hand for night use or those extra heavy wetting days.
• Covers – If you are using a fitted nappy or terry flats you will need a water proof cover.
How do I set up a cloth nappy changing system?
If you haven’t used cloth nappies before the logistics of how the process is done may seem a little daunting. Here is a sample nappy station and how the process should ideally work. This can be changed to suit your household and needs.
• Have the nappies at easy reach where you generally change baby.
- If you are using liners, pre-insert the liners when you are putting the nappy away. This will save time when changing.
- If you are using SIO’s pre-boost when you are putting the nappy away after washing. This will save time. Also it’s handy to have 1-2 night ones ready.
- If using Terry Flats pre-fold them and have the covers and pins at arm’s reach.
• Keep a nappy pail in the laundry ready to drop the soiled nappy in.
• Install a “Little Squirt” in the toilet to help with the removal of solids from the nappy
Here are 4 easy steps to changing a cloth nappy.
Step 1: Un-snap nappy and use wipes to clean babies bottom or use a liner to remove solids and a wipe to freshen babies bottom.
Step 2: Put new nappy on baby
Step 3: Throw any non-flushable wipes in the bin or rinse if they are reusable. Throw flushable liner in the toilet and remove any solids from the nappy and flush.
Step 4: Place nappy into the dry nappy pail ready to be washed.
At night before bed put the nappies in the washing machine to wash on a long cycle overnight and ready to hang out in the morning! Click Here to read our guide on washing and caring for your nappies.
Cloth nappies don’t need to be hard and generally it is a lack of organisation that makes them difficult. If you have a system in place it will be just as easy as using disposables!
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