At least we can help you make a decision on that last one. We love cloth nappies! But don’t just take our word for it. Below, we’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both disposable nappies and cloth nappies. Hopefully, this breakdown will help make your decision a little easier.
One of the biggest problems that people have with disposable nappies is their chemical composition. Disposables contain a variety of chemicals that can present health risks to your baby. Sounds scary, right?
Each layer of a disposable nappy serves a purpose. The inner layer whisks moisture and keeps the baby’s bum dry, the middle layer absorbs wetness, and the outer layer is waterproof. Each layer contains its own cocktail of chemicals to help it do its job.
For example, the absorbency layer in disposables is made from sodium polyacrylate, a super-absorbent polymer which was removed from tampons because it caused toxic shock syndrome. Furthermore, disposable nappies can release volatile organic compounds into the air as they are worn. This has been shown to cause asthmatic conditions. Bleached nappies contain trace amounts of dioxins which are highly damaging to the immune system and reproductive system. Dioxins can also interfere with hormones and cause cancer.
Many other chemicals are found in nappies. Perfumes and dyes, for example, have been shown to cause allergic reactions in babies.
Check out our recent blog post if you want a more in-depth look at the chemicals in disposable nappies. (Link to chemicals in disposables post)
Concern for the environment is often listed as the number one reason why parents choose against disposable nappies. Did you know that Australians use 5.6 million nappies each day? This adds over 3 billion nappies to the landfill every single year. What’s more, a disposable nappy takes 500 years to decompose!
It’s not just nappy materials filling up landfills, but the human waste that is thrown out with them as well. Baby poop that’s thrown in the bin does not get professionally treated like it does when flushed down the toilet. Billions of soiled nappies sitting in landfills have a potential for spreading disease.
Before the nappy even makes it to your home it has already taken a toll on the environment. The initial act of manufacturing disposables requires huge volumes of pulp, paper, plastic, water, and energy. In fact, manufacturing disposable nappies uses twice as much water, three times more energy, and 20 times more raw materials than reusable nappies.
Sure, one disposable nappy costs a fraction of the cost of a cloth nappy. But after the 2.5 years that a child is in nappies, it turns out disposables are a much more expensive choice. This holds true even after we factor in the costs of detergent, water, and electricity required for laundering cloth nappies.
Disposable nappies can run you $2,000 to $3,000 over the first 2.5 years of your child’s life. In comparison, cloth nappying can cost you between $300 and $900 for that same time period. The amount you spend on cloth nappies will depend on the types you decide to go with. Check out the calculations we did in a previous post to see the cost breakdown for each type of nappy. (Link to How to Get Dad on Board post)
Despite their downsides, no one can deny that disposables are convenient. They’re so easy to use that anyone can tackle a nappy change with them. This makes disposables the nappy of choice for many dads, sitters, and daycares. You just ball up the used nappy and throw it in the bin. Though it is not recommended to throw nappies away without flushing the solid waste down the toilet first.
Because they’re compact, disposables are easy to carry around and you can fit more of them in a nappy bag. The dirty nappies can just be disposed of in a trash bin instead of being hauled back home for washing.
Compostable nappies reduce environmental impact and landfill burden. These nappies are made from plant-based materials which means they’re mostly chemical-free and better for your baby. These disposable nappies take as little as 50 days to break down in a landfill. The problem with biodegradable nappies is that they’re harder to get a hold of, your choices are limited, and they’re typically more expensive than traditional disposables.
Disposable nappies tend to hold more liquid than cloth nappies. This is because of the super-absorbent polymer in the absorbent layer, a chemical that binds with water molecules. If you’ve used disposable nappies, you may have noticed the squishy feeling of a wet nappy. When the super-absorbent polymer binds with liquid it creates a jelly-like substance. This keeps liquid from squishing out of the nappy which may help prevent leaks. Also, since this layer is extremely absorbent, disposable nappies are good keeping your baby dry.
In all fairness, cloth nappy manufacturers do produce boosters and inserts that can add layers of absorbency to nappies. This allows them to withstand long periods of time between changes, like overnight.
Cloth nappies are available in any supermarket or department store. They don’t need to be ordered online or sought out in specialty baby stores.
Disposables don’t require much thought before purchasing. You just have to decide if you need active baby nappies, plus nappies, or regular nappies. Your nappy requirements will become immediately obvious to you after observing how disposables hold up against your child. On the other hand, the many types of cloth nappies may demand some consideration before making a decision. You may also go through a bit of trial and error before choosing the best type of cloth nappy.
Laundry. One of the most feared aspects of cloth nappies. Cloth nappies may create 2-3 extra loads of laundry per week. Most cloth nappies will last much longer if they are hung to dry instead of thrown in the dryer which creates some extra work as well.
Most people overestimate the extra laundry that cloth nappies produce. The reality is that babies create a lot of laundry no matter what. You’ll likely be up to your neck in laundry even if you use disposables. For example, one woman reported to The Bump that even though they don’t use cloth nappies, they still do a load of laundry almost every day. Other moms do laundry 2-3 times per week without cloth nappies.
Changing cloth nappies will require more work than disposables. If using pocket nappies, inserts need to be removed from nappies and clean inserts stuffed into the replacement. Pre-folds and flats need to be folded and pinned or snapped in place with a waterproof wrap going on over top. This extra work is one reason why many parents opt for all-in-ones or all-in-twos.
Next, poop nappies have to be rinsed before going in your nappy pail. This may mean dunking them in the toilet or using a sink. However, many parents invest in a nappy sprayer that hooks up to your toilet. We recommend using nappy liners which can be removed from the nappy along with any poop inside it. Reusable nappy liners are made from a stain-resistant microfiber which allows poop to roll right off. You can also get flushable or disposable liners if you prefer simplicity.
We’ve already mentioned the cost-savings of using cloth for the 2.5 years your child is in nappies. However, there is a bit of an initial investment required. A full-time set of 20-25 modern cloth nappies can cost about $700.
To get over spending this all at once, we recommend that parents start purchasing cloth nappies before the baby comes. That way you can acquire a set of nappies over time. Remember that cloth nappies can be used again for future children. They even have resale value, so you can sell them when you’re done having kids.
Many people object to cloth nappies. Perhaps your close friends or family think they’re gross. Or maybe the baby’s father is skeptical about the work involved. Most people have an image of cloth nappies that is outdated and based on common myths. Make sure you read through our article where we debunk cloth nappy myths as well as our advice on how to get a reluctant dad on board. (Link to cloth nappy myths post and how to get dad on board post)
Yes, cloth nappies do have an impact on the environment. This is something that a lot of cloth nappy enthusiasts refuse to admit. First, remember that cloth nappies don’t pollute landfills and they use fewer resources during production than disposables.
However, the water and energy used during 2.5 years of cloth nappy laundry will take some toll on the environment. This may be a real concern for Australians since water scarcity is an issue in the country.
The University of Queensland carried out a Lifecycle Assessment of cloth and disposable nappies in 2009. They found that the consumer’s behaviour determines the degree of environmental impact caused by reusable nappies. Washing nappies in fuller loads and line-drying them reduce their global warming impact considerably. On the other hand, washing nappies in temperatures hotter than 60°C and always using the dryer will increase your impact.
Cloth nappies can be cumbersome while traveling. They are bulkier than disposables which makes it harder to cart them around. Plus, you’ll need a second wet bag to transport the soiled nappies back home for washing. For this reason, many parents prefer using disposables while they’re on the road.
Despite what you might think, cloth nappies actually are quick and easy to use. Modern cloth nappies are shaped like disposables and don’t require folding or pinning. They are just as easy to put on and take off as disposables but use snaps or Velcro instead of adhesives. Cloth nappies don’t even have to be stuffed if you opt for all-in-ones instead of pocket nappies.
As we mentioned earlier, cloth nappies will save you money in the long run. You can save up to $2000 over 2.5 years by using cloth nappies instead of disposables. The savings stack up even more if you use your cloth nappies on future children. Then, once you no longer need them, used cloth nappies can be sold to new parents.
Cloth nappies are usually made from 100% natural materials or chemical-free synthetic fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and polyester. As long as you use nappy-safe detergents that don’t embed themselves in the fabric, irritating chemicals will stay away from your baby’s sensitive skin. Cotton tends to be heavily sprayed which may introduce chemicals into cloth nappies. To avoid this, look for organic cotton fabrics.
When you remove a cloth nappy from your baby, the poop goes right into the toilet. Australia’s Department of Health even stresses that feces should be scraped from nappies into the toilet before they are thrown out. Most people using disposable nappies will skip this step for convenience sake which creates a biological hazard in dumps and landfills.
Cloth nappies come in a variety of types and fabrics, some of which are luxuriously soft. Outer-wraps, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos, and pocket nappies can be found in adorable prints and colors. Disposable nappies printed with chemical dyes will never stack up to beautiful cloth nappy prints. Plus, cloth nappies look so stylish they can be worn alone in the summer when it’s warm enough for your baby to go without pants.
In the end, cloth nappies are a great choice for your family and the planet. But, disposable nappies can also be useful and shouldn’t be shunned completely. Make the choice that feels right to you. If that means finding a balance between both cloth and disposable, then go for it!
]]>Did you know that Australians use 5.6 million nappies per day, adding over 3 billion to the country’s landfills every year? What’s more, these nappies take around 500 years to decompose! Not only that, but disposable nappies are full of harmful chemicals that can cause long-term health consequences for your baby.
The initial act of manufacturing disposable nappies alone requires huge volumes of pulp, plastic, paper, water, and energy. In fact, The Good Human reports that manufacturing disposable nappies uses twice as much water, three times more energy, and 20 times more raw materials than reusable nappies.
Plus, years of purchasing disposable nappies can take a financial toll on your family. It’s estimated that families spend between $1900 and $3000 on disposables per child during their first 2.5 years. Using cloth nappies can cut your nappy spending in half, even with the electricity and water bills from washing factored into the cost. Plus, you can reuse cloth nappies on future children!
Despite this, over 95% of Australians are still using disposable nappies. Thinking of making the switch? We applaud you! Using cloth nappies isn't nearly as daunting as it seems. Hopefully, this guide can answer some of your questions and settle your concerns about making the switch.
The upfront cost of cloth nappies is the first hurdle to overcome. Though cloth nappies cost more than disposable ones, you will ultimately save money in the long run. So, think of it as an investment. To ease the burden on your wallet, try not to purchase a full set of cloth nappies all at once. If you plan early enough, begin acquiring cloth nappies while you’re still pregnant so you have a bit of a stockpile ready for when your baby arrives.
To add to that, don’t feel pressure to start using cloth nappies from day one. Newborns may not properly fit into cloth nappies for the first couple of weeks. In this case, disposables may be an easier way to get started. Especially if this is your first child.
You may want to switch between cloth and disposable nappies as you develop a cleaning routine and get accustomed to how they work. Plus, disposable diapers just hold up better in some situations, like when traveling.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the cloth nappies available. How do you decide what kind of nappies to buy? Instead of deciding on one type of nappy and buying a whole bunch of them, start with just a few different kinds and see how you like them. Little Piglet has a large selection of brands and nappy styles to choose from to get your nappy stash started.
There are many different types of cloth nappies to consider for your collection:
Pre-fold nappies are rectangular pieces of cloth that are folded into three sections. These are folded around the baby and fastened with nappy pins or a more convenient snappi. Pre-folds are the low-cost option and are great to have in your rotation because they dry so quickly.
Fitted nappies are shaped similar to a disposable nappy. They are very absorbent and don’t have to be folded or stuffed. Fitted nappies are held together with snaps or Velcro which makes them very easy to put on and remove. These nappies aren’t waterproof, so they require a nappy cover.
Pocket nappies are some of the most dad-friendly since they’re simple and easy to work with. These types of nappies have a pocket which gets stuffed with something absorbent. These pockets are lined with stay-dry material to keep moisture away from your baby.
All-in-one nappies are the quintessential premium nappy. These require the least fuss and are popular with dads for this reason. They will take a bit longer to dry than other nappy types, but they're great to have in your rotation due to their ease of use. Be sure to check out Little Piglet’s plush, bamboo all-in-one nappies.
All-in-two nappies use snap-in inserts which can be cleaned without changing the waterproof shell. This cuts down on cleaning times and laundry volume, making your life a little easier. This beautiful, printed all-in-two nappy by Close is a very popular choice.
What works best for one family may not work the same for you. Parents’ preferences vary considerably. Some prefer the no-frills, quick-drying nature of pre-folds, while others enjoy the simplicity of all-in-ones despite the heavy laundering required.
Start by purchasing a few different types of nappies in different fabrics. That way you can see how they perform and what the cleaning process is like for each type. You may realize that your baby is especially sensitive to wetness or synthetic fibers. In this case, it’s best to find out before you buy a whole set of nappies that you can’t use. For these situations, you’ll be able to find a selection of 100% organic cotton nappies and stay-dry liners from Little Piglet.
It’s a common belief that cloth nappies are more prone to leaks than disposable ones. But cloth nappies shouldn’t leak. If they do, there is likely something wrong with the fit.
This may sound like common sense, but make sure you get nappies that are the right size for your baby. For example, this all-in-two nappy comes in three sizes based on the weight of your baby. Both the legs and waist can be resized as required so it fits snug to all types of baby bodies. If you’re looking for tiny nappies for your preemie or newborn, try these organic cotton fitted nappies.
Nappies should sit snug around the waist and there shouldn’t be any gaps around the legs. Any gaps between nappy and baby will quickly become leak areas. Here’s a quick tip: once you’ve put the nappy on your baby you’ll want to make sure the cuffs are pulled out. Tucked-in cuffs are common causes of leakage.
Some ingredients in nappy creams are damaging to cloth nappies. Petroleum products are found in most nappy creams because they protect the baby’s skin from irritating wetness. However, petroleum-based creams will create a waterproof layer on your cloth diapers, preventing them from absorbing liquid and quickly leading to leaks. Similarly, zinc oxide will coat the fibers of cloth nappies and lead to leaking. This ingredient can also stain your beautiful cloth nappies.
Try to avoid creams with these ingredients. Or make sure you use nappy liners to protect your precious cloth nappies from these damaging ingredients. A better option is cloth-nappy-safe creams which are made from natural oils that wash out of nappies easy. Like this baby lotion from wotnot.
A good system for storing cloth nappies will make your life easier and keep your home sanitary. This means you may want to invest in a few additional items for your house.
First, you’ll need somewhere to store those soiled cloth nappies until it’s wash day. Traditional wet pail and soaking methods aren’t recommended for modern cloth nappies. Instead, many people prefer to store used nappies in a dry pail or hanging wet bag without soaking them first. You can use any pail or container for this, lined with a reusable, washable, waterproof cloth bag. Then, you can just throw this cloth liner into the wash with the nappies!
Before you put the nappies in the dry pail you’ll want to remove any solid matter from them. You can invest a nappy sprayer which hooks up to your toilet and makes rinsing nappies much easier and more sanitary. As an alternative, you can also dunk or swish your nappies in the toilet.
To cut down on odours in your used nappy pail, try to wash nappies every 2 to 3 days. This will help you avoid odours caused by urine breaking down. Washing frequently will also keep the cloth nappies in top condition. Stains can set in if nappies are left too long before washing.
Commercial deodorizers can be added to nappy pails to prevent odour:
Or, you can create your own odour-eliminators:
If you’re considering the switch to cloth nappies, the dreaded clean-up may be another hurdle that’s making you hesitant. We’ve summarized the cleaning process below, so you can see how simple it really is.
Once your nappy pail or bag is full or it’s been a couple days, it’s time to wash those nappies. Of course, make sure you’ve already rinsed any solids from the nappies before throwing them in your washing machine!
Run the nappies through a warm cycle in your washing machine. You can use cold water, but warm water will better remove body fluids from fabric. Avoid hot water during the pre-rinse as this will cause stains to set in.
Now, the nappies are ready to be put through a normal or long wash cycle with 60°C water and a nappy-safe laundry detergent. Don’t use bleach as this can damage and discolour your cloth nappies. We recommend Rockin’ Green’s liquid laundry detergent because it's plant-based and gentle, yet extremely powerful. Steer clear of detergents with additives that stay in cloth after washing and may reduce absorbency or irritate baby’s skin!
Avoid:
Follow the recommendations from your nappy manufacturer as to whether it’s safe to tumble dry them. Some brands or style should be line dried only. Regardless, line drying is the best way to keep nappies in great condition and save power by not running the dryer. If you’re lucky enough to have some sunlight outside, your cloth nappies will benefit from the naturally-sanitizing UV rays!
Just beware of long Australian summer days which may provide too much heat for cloth nappies and cause damage. On these extreme days, dry your nappies in the shade or inside.
We understand! Switching to cloth nappies can seem daunting and intimidating. It will involve learning and facing new challenges as you get used to it. For example, you’ll have to learn how many nappies you’ll need in a day, how often you have to change them, and how to get into a good washing routine. Once you get the hang of it, the environment, your wallet, and your baby will thank you! We find that many mothers can even convert their husbands after they get a chance to try out cloth nappies and see how simple the process is.
The transition to cloth nappies can be very easy if you do your research. Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our cloth nappy tips and guides!
]]>So, how do you convince your partner to switch to cloth nappies? The first thing you can do is help him overcome some common misconceptions. We dedicated a whole post to addressing cloth nappy myths, so make sure you give it a read! For example, cloth nappies are sanitary, they’re less work that they seem, and they aren’t any messier than disposables.
Hopefully, we can help you get dad on board!
Everyone loves to hear how they can save money. With a new kid around, you quickly realize how much money they cost. From furnishing the baby room to buying bigger and bigger clothes as your child rapidly grows, babies are expensive. Any way you can save a bit of cash is welcome. And, cloth nappies will save you quite a lot of cash!
Here’s a breakdown of nappy costs in Australia for one child over 2.5 years.
Disposable Nappy Costs |
||
Newborn nappy - 3 months, 10 changes per day |
$0.38 per nappy |
$345.80 |
Regular nappy - 27 months, 5 changes per day |
$0.45 per nappy |
$1,847.81 |
Baby wipes - 30 months, 1 pack every 2 weeks |
$5.95 per 80 baby wipes |
$386.75 |
Toddler night nappies - 12 months |
$0.87 per nappy |
$317.55 |
Total: |
$2,897.91 |
That’s just for one child. You can expect that number to double with two children and triple with three! One of the best things about reusable nappies is that you can use them on all of your future children, saving you even more money. See how much cheaper cloth nappies are:
Reusable Nappy Costs |
||
24 cloth nappies |
$26 per nappy |
$624.00 |
5 overnight boosters |
$5 per booster |
$25.00 |
25 reusable nappy liners |
$6 for a pack of 4 |
$36.00 |
20 reusable nappy wipes |
$10.95 for 5 |
$43.80 |
Laundry for 2.5 years |
Detergent, water, and electricity |
$146.98 |
Total: |
$875.78 |
Of course, the upfront cost of cloth nappies is more than with disposables. If dad is wary of the initial investment, start early. Begin purchasing cloth nappies while you’re still pregnant. That way, you can build up a stash over a couple of months rather than shelling out the cash for a whole set all at once.
If you two are first-time parents, it’s more likely than not that your husband has never changed a nappy. They have no idea what baby poop is like and how non-threatening it really is.
First of all, newborn poop is 100% water soluble and washes away easily and completely. Newborn nappies can be thrown right into the wash without rinsing!
Once the baby begins consuming solids, poop needs to be disposed of before washing. Nappies can be rinsed. But, liners make the task even more simple. Flushable liners can be thrown in the toilet while reusable liners just need to be dumped out and thrown in the laundry. Get microfleece liners and poop will roll right off. Then, whatever small amount of poop is left on the actual cloth nappy is easily handled by the washing process.
Many dads object to washing dirty nappies in the same machine that regular laundry goes in. We don’t blame them! But after the water-soluble newborn poops are over, hardly any poop actually makes it into the washing machine. Plus, washing machines are designed to handle unsanitary, dirty messes like soiled nappies.
Washing nappies involves two cycles in the laundry. The first cold or warm cycle rinses any bodily fluids left on the nappies. The second is a hot cycle with detergent, sanitizing the nappies and cleaning them completely. After this cycle your washing machine will be clean and sanitary, ready for your regular laundry!
The best way to convince your husband to try cloth nappies is to tell them you’ll take care of the extra work they create. This mainly refers to the laundering required. Many cloth nappying dads have stated that they would never have switched to cloth nappies if they had to do the laundry. If you’re fine taking care of the washing, this can help a lot in trying to convince him to get on board.
You can also make it easy for him by getting dad-friendly nappies. Though flats and pre-folds may be cheaper, fitted nappies, pocket nappies, and all-in-ones are easier to put on and take off. Dads prefer the simplicity of Velcro over pins and snappies. If you have the time, you can even stuff inserts into pocket nappies for him so they’re ready to go.
There are a few godsend products that make cloth nappying much more pain-free. We discussed these in our last post so make sure you check it out!
Instead of going 100% cloth, get a few nappies and try them while you’re still using disposables. You don’t want to push dad into it if he doesn’t feel comfortable.
We recommend starting with Little Piglet’s all-in-one nappy. It’s a favorite of dads everywhere thanks to its simple Velcro closure. It’s also the perfect cloth nappy for your baby in terms of materials. This nappy has four layers of bamboo viscose, 3 layers of super-absorbent microfiber, a luxuriously soft minky shell with a hidden waterproof PUL layer, and moisture-wicking suedecloth inner lining. We even offer a nappy trial pack of three nappies for a heavy discount.
Don’t feel defeated if your husband really isn’t into the idea and there’s no changing his mind. This doesn’t mean you can’t still use cloth! You can use cloth nappies when you change the baby and dad can use disposables when he does it. Once he sees how easy it is to use cloth, he might come around too!
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First, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife before jumping back into exercise after giving birth. You may have to wait around 6 weeks before you get the go ahead. Generally, you should be able to do some light exercise soon after giving birth, as long as you kept active during pregnancy and didn't have a cesarean section. Still, it's best to check with your doctor first!
Starting slowly with low-impact aerobic activity is a good way to help your body rebuild strength after pregnancy. You may want to avoid any workouts that stress your abdominal muscles, like sit-ups or crunches, for several months. Instead, try to find gentle postpartum abdominal exercises for the time being.
Don’t spend your first few magical months with your newborn obsessing and stressing over the extra pounds. Everyone knows it's difficult to find the time to exercise when you’re a new mom. But just because you can't fit 30 solid minutes of exercise into your day, doesn't mean you should abandon the idea altogether. Instead, try to do some quick physical activity whenever you have 5 or 10 minutes to spare. For example, fit in some push-ups or a plank while your baby has tummy time. Or, do some impromptu squats with your baby in your arms. Just make sure they're old enough to hold up their head, neck, and torso on their own.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for new moms. It's gentle on your body and your baby will love getting outdoors too. Just strap your baby into a stroller and head out the door. Try to avoid walking on gravel or other rough surfaces as it can be difficult to push a stroller on these and the vibrations aren't good for your child or your arm joints.
If you can, find a paved path that goes through nature or greenery area, such as a park. Multiple studies have found that walking in nature is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for yourself and supplies for your baby. Bring a spare nappy and a wet bag, as well as anything else you need to do a quick change on the go. If you’re stopping in the park to relax, try out this handy travel play mat for safe and comfortable leisure time on the grass. Importantly, don’t forget baby-safe sunscreen to protect your little one’s sensitive skin while you’re out and about.
Get the most out of your workouts by enjoying some baby bonding at the same time. For young babies who can't yet hold their heads up, place them in a front carrier and make sure their heads are well-supported during your exercises. Gentle Plié Squats and walking lunges are great options since the weight of your baby will increase your workout intensity. Or, try dancing to some music you love. Just avoid bouncing or turning quickly for your baby's sake.
Once your baby is around 3 to 4 months old and can comfortably hold their head up, you can try out some additional baby exercises, like baby bench presses and bridges. Check out this article by Fit Pregnancy for more great ideas.
Yoga is a great way to relax a frazzled mind, improve your posture, and relieve joint or muscle pain. Some of the best yoga poses for new moms are those that relieve tension in the back and gently strengthen the core:
New moms aren't the only ones who could use some exercise. In fact, dads are an average of 10 pounds heavier than non-dads. If you're a dad who is busy working and helping around the house, you'll want to spend every spare minute with your baby. Luckily, dads can also participate in baby-friendly exercises. Almost any exercise you can do with a kettlebell, you can do with a baby. You can also try a few bicep curls with your baby in their car seat. This doubles as a great way to help your baby calm down with the relaxing up and down motion.
Rest is one of the most important parts of caring for your body after giving birth. I know, you probably won’t get a solid sleep for a long time. But at least you can try to fit in time for rest whenever possible. When your baby sleeps, you should also take the time to try and sleep. Even if you can't fall asleep, just laying down to rest can be restorative and provide you with some additional energy for the rest of the day. Try not to drink coffee in the mornings as this will mask your need for sleep and keep you from getting those helpful spontaneous naps in the middle of the day.
Too much physical activity too soon after delivery can be unhealthy. So, make sure you take a break and talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following:
A good social support network is key to keeping you stay accountable for your fitness goals. Find some other moms to accompany you on your stroller walks. Or, join a group fitness class if you have someone who can watch your baby. There are even mom and baby fitness classes you can attend, which are a great way to get out of the house and spend valuable bonding time with your little one.
]]>However, there are a lot of mistakes to be made when you embark on your own cloth nappy journey. These mistakes are possible whether you’re a brand-new parent or you’ve been nappying kids for years. In fact, many parents who are used to disposables don’t realize the amount of care required to preserve the functionality and durability of cloth nappies.
The best way to avoid making common rookie mistakes is to do your research! Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of 12 common mistakes made by cloth nappy users, so you can avoid them!
Try to change a cloth nappy as soon as possible after your baby wets it. As you may know, poop nappies should be changed immediately while pee nappies may be able to go a little longer. However, we advise changing any nappy as soon as you notice it is soiled. Disposable nappies can absorb a lot of liquid and still feel dry due to the absorbent chemicals used in them. However, since cloth nappies don’t have these chemicals they will feel damp when they are wet.
Changing nappies quickly will keep your baby’s skin from developing nappy rash as a result sitting against damp cloth. Most people recommend changing nappies every 2-3 hours.
Babies can go longer between changes overnight. Add some absorbency boosters and a stay-dry liner to keep your baby dry and prevent leaks. Some parents prefer to use disposables during the night.
If your nappy stash is too small, you’ll be forced to do laundry more often to keep up with demand for clean nappies. Remember, you’ll go through at least 10-12 nappies a day with a newborn and 6-8 per day after that.
Most moms have enough cloth nappies that they only need to do 2 or 3 loads of nappy laundry per week. We recommend getting a stash of 20-24 cloth nappies for full-time use. Unless of course, you like doing laundry every day!
On the other side of this problem is having too many nappies. Why would this be an issue? Well, with a huge stash you may wait more than 3 days between washes because you don’t have an immediate need for clean nappies. This is also a common issue with people who use both disposables and cloth nappies.
Even if your nappy pail or wet bag isn’t full to the brim, you shouldn’t let your dirty nappies sit any longer than 3 days. This is because urine quickly starts to break down into ammonia which can stain nappies and cause them to deteriorate. Regular washing will keep your nappies in the best shape and ensure they’re as sanitary as possible.
Nappies with poop in them need to be rinsed before washing. This isn’t a super common mistake since most people don’t want to put a nappy full of poop straight into a washing machine anyway. Even so, we feel we should mention this to save people some wash-time horror.
Additionally, you should rinse those poop nappies as soon as they come off your baby. Don’t put off rinsing them or leave it for laundry day. If you put your nappy in the pail or wet bag without removing poop and rinsing it first, your nappy pail will quickly smell horrendous. Plus, this will create a breeding ground for bacteria. Make poop removal a breeze with nappy liners and nappy sprayers.
Washing cloth nappies with the wrong detergent or in temperatures that are too hot may seem okay for a little while. But eventually, your nappies will lose absorbency. They will also suffer from deterioration of the materials and elastics.
Most nappy manufactures recommend a very strict washing routine. Following these recommendations will ensure your cloth nappies remain in good shape, stay super absorbent, and are always sanitary.
Now, we realize this sounds a bit intimidating. However, the washing instructions for cloth nappies are actually fairly simple. Check out Little Piglet’s laundry instructions to learn how to properly care for your precious nappies.
Many people aren’t aware how easy it is to damage cloth nappy fabric. Many common laundry detergents contain optic whiteners, scents, bleach, or fabric softeners that actually remain in the nappy fabric. This contributes to nappy rash and also decreases nappy absorbency. Instead, use nappy-safe detergents like Rockin’ Green.
Additionally, avoid using dryer sheets on cloth nappies. Dryer sheets work by coating fabric with chemicals that repel liquids. Obviously, you don’t want this happening to cloth nappies designed to absorb liquid! Be careful even if you’re using dryer sheets in your regular laundry as they can leave a residue on the dryer drum. This reside can rub off onto your cloth nappies later on.
If your nappies have lost absorbency due to a build-up of products, strip washing may be necessary. Avoid this unless it’s required because it can be damaging to the nappies.
What if I told you that nappy creams may actually cause your baby’s nappy rash to get worse? Creams coat the inside of nappies and form a water-resistant barrier on them. This prevents nappies from absorbing moisture and causes it to sit against your baby’s bottom instead. This cream build-up is also a common cause of nappy leaks.
You can still use nappy creams with cloth nappies. Just make sure you use a liner to protect your precious nappies from them. Little Piglet has nappy creams and lotions that are safer to use with cloth nappies. Though you should still use liners for extra protection.
We always advise people to choose types of nappies that they feel confident about using on their baby. Some people find pocket nappies a bit cumbersome since they need to be stuffed with inserts. Others love the ability to customize the absorbency of pocket nappies.
Don’t get traditional prefold nappies unless you’re comfortable with the folding process. Prefolds are much cheaper than modern cloth nappies, however, they require a bit more work to put on and remove. On the other hand, some mothers swear by prefolds, so it’s really up to you!
If you’re interested in the easiest and simplest cloth nappy, opt for all-in-ones or all-in-twos. These resemble disposable nappies and are a favorite among dads and sitters for their simplicity.
The type of fabric used in nappies is more important than you think. Don’t just assume that synthetic materials mean low-quality nappies. Typically, a combination of both synthetic and natural fabrics makes up the best nappy. Some materials, like cotton and bamboo, work best in the absorbency layer while other materials, like microfleece and suedecloth are best used for liners because they wick moisture easily.
One common mistake is using microfiber in nappy liners. People often think this is a great idea since microfiber is extremely moisture-wicking. In fact, microfiber is so good at absorbing moisture that it can be extremely drying against your baby’s skin, causing irritation and rash. Instead, microfiber makes a great absorbency layer inside of nappies.
Some cloth nappies users run into leaking issues, especially during the night when their babies go longer than a couple of hours between changes. When used properly, cloth nappy inserts can increase absorbency and help your baby make it longer through the night before requiring a change. Your baby may even need extra absorbency layers added during the day if they’re a heavy wetter.
Some parents wrongly overstuff pocket nappies in an attempt to stop leaks. However, this can be counterintuitive. When nappies are overstuffed, the nappy elastic no longer fits snuggly around the baby’s legs. This causes gapping at the legs and gives liquids an easy exit out of the nappy.
Buying properly sized nappies is crucial to prevent leaks and keep your baby comfortable. You may think it’s a good idea to buy nappies slightly on the bigger side, so your newborn can grow into them. However, a loose-fitting nappy won’t seal properly around the legs which will quickly lead to leaking. Additionally, this extra material will be cumbersome to babies who are trying to move around.
To avoid this, check the sizing of nappies before purchasing them. Even one-size-fits-most (OSFM) nappies are made for a specific range of sizes as can only be adjusted so much. Nappies are usually sized based on weight and age of the baby.
Choosing to go reusable doesn’t mean you have to ditch disposables completely. Some people continue to use disposables on their babies during the night or while they’re on vacation.
People who feel intimidated by cloth nappies will benefit from easing into it. Get a cloth nappy trial pack to introduce you and your partner to the process. Going 100% reusable right out of the gate can be too overwhelming for some people, prompting them to abandon cloth nappies all-together!
Did you make any of these simple mistakes when you started out? If you’re still a cloth nappy newbie you can avoid running into these common problems by doing your research. Check out the Little Piglet blog where you’ll find a ton of great information for new and seasoned cloth nappy users alike!
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