Making the switch to cloth nappies is a fantastic decision for both the environment and your wallet. However, it can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re unsure what you actually need to get started. This guide will walk you through the essentials, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a smooth transition.

Reusable cloth nappies (… obviously!)

You guessed it, you need cloth nappies! The number of nappies you’ll need depends on the age of your baby, and whether you will be doing cloth nappies full-time or part-time. Generally, you will need somewhere between 15-25 reusable nappies. Starting with 15 is a good idea, and you can always add more to your stash if you find you’re running out between washes. 

To simplify the process, consider checking out cloth nappy packages which give you a good idea of what you’ll need to get going with cloth nappies. We also have cloth nappies for newborns and babies, so regardless of when you choose to start using cloth nappies there is a size for you. The clips also make it easy to accommodate babies of all sizes.

Storage for dirty nappies

Proper storage for dirty nappies is crucial to managing odours and maintaining hygiene until wash day, and there is a real comfort to having those dirty nappies out of sight and out of mind. You want to have storage for your dirty nappies at home and on the go, so we would recommend a nappy bucket (also known as a strucket) and plenty of wet bags to store those dirty nappies when you are out.

Nappy bucket

There are some beautiful bucket and storage options out there – just take a look at Pinterest for inspiration. In reality, all you need is a bucket that can be 100% sealed. This not only combats smell but also reduces the chance of extra air and moisture getting to your nappies. Be sure to get two buckets; one for dirty nappies, and one for pre-washed nappies. This is because your washing cycle will mean that you have some dirty and pre-washed nappies on the go at any given time.

Large wet bags

Our large, waterproof wet bags are worth their weight in gold. Large wet bags are easy to use and contain smells well. We find many of our customers have a handful of these in their nappy bags and car so that they can stow their dirty nappies until you get home to wash them or place them in your buckets. As they are water-proof and zipper-sealed, you can throw these in the wash regularly too.

Extra microfibre and/or bamboo inserts

Nappy inserts, also known as boosters, are reusable absorbent strips in microfibre or bamboo that provide additional absorbency for your nappies. They’re especially useful for overnight use or heavy wetters. Bamboo and microfibre cloth nappy inserts are highly recommended due to their superior absorbency, and many parents find that they are most comfortable in having an extra stack or two of these are they dry more slowly than our nappy shells.

Disposable liners for your cloth nappies

Using disposable liners is not essential, but they are great to have on hand – especially if you are new to cloth nappies. Using bamboo nappy liners makes using cloth nappies so much easier with less time spent cleaning poo off nappies – think of it as a barrier between your nappy and a poo. They are also great when you are using rash creams like Sudocream and Bepanthen, as this style of cream will create a barrier on the nappy that can be difficult to wash out. 

While not essential, disposable nappy liners can be very useful, especially when your baby reaches the weaning age. These liners lay inside the nappy to catch solids, making clean-up easier. They can be disposed of in the bin, saving you time and effort.

The right washing machine and detergent for washing a cloth nappy

We can all agree that not every washing machine is made equal. You will need to have a washing machine that is powerful enough to remove stains and kill bacteria

Having a good washing machine that is hooked up to hot water is essential for cleaning cloth nappies effectively. Additionally, you’ll need a strong washing powder that’s effective at removing stains. Here is a list of recommended washing powders that are strong enough and endorsed for cleaning cloth nappies Avoid using fabric softeners as they can affect the absorbency of the nappies.

Switching to cloth nappies can seem like a big step, but with the right preparation and understanding, it becomes a manageable and rewarding choice. Not only will you be reducing your environmental impact, but you’ll also find that modern cloth nappies are convenient and effective. Happy nappying! Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.