How do reusable nappies work?

Now that you’re having a baby, there are a lot of things you have to think about and a lot of decisions to make! From whether you’ll breastfeed or use formula to what colour to paint their nursery, there’s a whole lot to think about. One of the decisions you’re going to have to make is whether you’ll use cloth nappies or disposable ones. To help you make that decision, we’ve put together everything you need to know about newborn cloth nappies, including understanding how do reusable nappies work so you can make the right decision for you.

When washing your newborn cloth nappies, be sure to use a kind-on-skin detergent and fabric conditioner to achieve the best results and keep your delicate baby’s skin protected, like Sunlight and Comfort Pure.

What are cloth diapers?

What are reusable nappies? Well, they’re just like disposable nappies but made of either a natural or manmade material that can be washed and used again and again. Cotton is the most common cloth nappy material and, by using natural fabrics, they’re kinder to your baby’s skin.

How to use cloth diapers

If you’re worried about how to use washable diapers, don’t be! You’ll get the hang of them very quickly. You can get a few different types, and here’s how to use them:

• Pre-fold. These are lengths of cloth that are folded a certain way to become a nappy. They can either be used inside another nappy that has a Velcro or snap fastening or pinned together using safety pins.

• Fitted. These look just like disposable diapers, but they’re reusable and are fitted with a snap or Velcro fastener.

• Pocket. These come with a waterproof outer layer, an inner layer, and a pocket to insert a soaker.

Take a look at all of these options before picking one that’s right for you!

How to clean reusable diapers

If you’re wondering how do reusable nappies work in terms of cleaning, we’re here to help. Simply flush any waste down the toilet and put the used nappy in a nappy bin. Then, simply pop them all in the washing machine and put them on a cold rinse cycle, before a 60-degree cycle using kind-to-skin detergent, such as Sunlight.

Are cloth nappies better for the environment?

Cloth nappies have a lot of environmental benefits. As you can reuse them, it’s a better use of materials rather than just throwing a nappy away once it’s dirty. Not only does this save the planet's resources, but it also helps reduce the waste in landfills, which is great for our world!

Now that you’ve got all the information you need on how do cloth diapers work and how you can use them, you can make a better decision about what’s right for you. Remember, you can always change your mind if they’re not working out! Just give them a try and see if you like them. 

• Get rid of any waste from your cloth nappies before putting them in.

• Use a bin with a lid that shuts tight.

• Wash your nappies regularly to stop them from starting to smell really bad.

• When you wash your nappies, give them bin a wipe over with disinfectant.