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If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option for your baby’s nappies, reusable nappies might be the way to go. But getting started can seem daunting – where do you begin, and how do you make sure you’re using them right? There seems to be so many pitfalls. Here are 10 tips to help you navigate the world of reusable nappies.
- Start small: Don’t buy a huge stash of nappies before you’ve tried them out. Start with a few, and see how you like them before investing in more. Second hand nappies are a great option too, and allow you to try out different options.
- Choose the type: There are several different types of reusable nappies, from prefolds to all-in-ones. Do some research and figure out which type will work best for your baby and your lifestyle. However, I had a range of different styles and managed to get them all to work, some were better for overnight, others for day time. It was just a case of working out which bit went with which!
- Invest in a good washing routine: Reusable nappies need to be washed properly to avoid smells and stains. Look up a good washing routine and stick to it. There are lots of local Facebook group that can help, one of the main points is not to use too much soap powder, which is the opposite of what most people expect!9
- Use a liner: A liner can make cleaning up poop much easier. Simply lift out the liner, hold it firmly while you flush the toilet. You will see some of advertised as flushable, but none are truly flushable, so it’s best to dispose of them in the bin, or use reusable ones.
- Try different brands: Not all reusable nappies are created equal. Try out a few different brands to find the ones that work best for you. This is where second hand bundles can be a great option, there’s often a great selection at the NCT nearly new sales.
- Prep your nappies before first use: Most reusable nappies need to be prepped before their first use. This usually involves washing and drying them several times to improve absorbency.
- Use a wet bag: When you’re out and about, you’ll need a place to store dirty nappies. A wet bag is a waterproof bag that will keep odours and leaks contained.
- You don’t need to do it full time: I think this is important, it’s not all or nothing, even if you just do day time, or only a couple a day it’s still great, it doesn’t need to be all or nothing!
- Don’t stress too much: Remember, using reusable nappies is a learning curve. You might have a few leaks or mishaps at first, but you’ll get the hang of it with time.
- Find support: Having someone you know you can ask if great, there are lots of local nappy groups, locally we also have Nicole from Nurtured Baby who is a cloth nappy expert. Finding others who can share tips and help you if you’re stuck is really valuable.
In conclusion, using reusable nappies can be a great choice for your baby and the environment. With these 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a reusable nappy pro. Remember to start small, choose the right type of nappy, and invest in a good washing routine. And most importantly, don’t stress too much – you’ve got this!
Are you thinking about using cloth nappies?
