If you’re new to cloth nappies, then the internet can be a minefield of information, sometimes over complicating everything about cloth nappies.

Here we will explain all you need to know to get started.

Although there are an array of names for all the types of cloth nappies out there, all you need to know is there is an ABSORBENT PART (i.e inserts and boosters) and a WATERPROOF PART (i.e the wrap, cover or shell). With most nappies the absorbency (i.e. how many inserts you use in the nappy) can be as little or as much as you need for your baby. A smaller baby may only need one insert, but as they grow you will find that insufficient, then you can add an additional insert. 

Fiyyah Nappies

The Pokkit, is a pocket nappy; it comes with two bamboo inserts. Our most popular nappy, for its simplicity and ease of use. The inserts slot into the pocket at the back. Use one or two depending on the required absorbency. The fabric that touches baby's skin is a soft stay dry fleece. The pokkit is often the choice of carers and the perfect nappy for nursery!

The Nappy wrap, is simply a cover, which can be paired with any absorbent inner that suits your babys need. It can be paired with flat nappies, terries, fitted nappies and inserts. We have a selection of snap in inserts which can be snapped into the wrap. At nappy change time if the inserts are wet, these can be switched out for dry ones, which makes this an economical way to cloth.

Our nappies are available in a one size and a newborn size. The one size nappies usually don't fit straight from birth, although depending on the size of your baby can within the first month be used with just one insert. By the time your baby is around 4 weeks old, or around 10lb your baby should fit in their one size nappies. Your newborn may quickly out wet one insert, so you will soon need to add an extra. 

PREWASH

The nappies should be washed at least once before first use. Our inserts are made from natural materials such as, hemp, bamboo or cotton. The natural oils in these materials can repel water, affecting the absorbency in the first few uses. Prewashing helps with this. Once the natural oils are washed out the materials become more absorbent. It can take up to 10 washes before they reach maximum absorbency. 

HOW TO USE

Nappy changes are simple. For newborns there’s no need to dispose of the poo, as it’s water soluble, it washes out in your washing machine. Simply pull out the inserts and place the used nappies in a wet bag or bucket until wash day. Once baby is on solid foods, you will need to remove the poo from the nappies. Simple shake off into the toilet, and place the nappy into the wet bag/bucket. Some people find using disposable bamboo liners or reusable fleece liners makes this easier. The nappies will be stored in a bag/bucket until wash day, every 2-3 days. Nappies should not be left for more than 3 days before washing.

WASHING

Once you have enough nappies for a wash, load your nappies into the washing machine. The number of nappies you should wash at once very much depends on the capacity of your machine. Just remember that there needs to be enough nappies to create agitation and get a good clean; but not so many that there is no room for the nappies to move around freely. 3/4 full is about right for a nappy wash.

Start with a cold rinse cycle, on reduced spin, to wash out any solids and saturate nappies with water. Follow this with a full wash at either 40 or 60 degrees, using the recommended dose of detergent (check the back of your detergent box, this can be altered to your needs). We recommend any non-bio washing powder. Ensure that you select a cycle that uses extra water, and remember to use a spin setting no higher than 1000 (any higher than this may cause damage to your nappies in the long term).

When the wash is completed, it’s important that the nappies don’t smell of detergent, as this could cause detergent build up over time, and affect the absorbency of the nappies. If necessary, an extra rinse at the end of your main wash cycle should wash out any excess detergent.

DRYING 

The last step is to dry the nappies. The best way to dry is outside on the line, but for half the year this can be a struggle in the UK. The next best thing is drying indoors, away from direct heat. A drying rack near a heater usually does the trick in winter! If you have a dehumidifier, then this can also speed up the process and prevent excess moisture building up in your home. If these options are not available to you, you can tumble dry on low. We do not recommend putting the waterproof part in the dryer, as those will dry very quickly anyway, and the drier will cause damage to the waterproofing and elastics overtime. Do not dry nappies and wet bags directly on a heater/radiator. 

Wash in 3 Simple Steps

1- Rinse cycle- cold - reduced spin (<1000) - no detergent
2- Full wash cycle -40C/60C - reduced spin (<1000)- extra water- add recommended detergent dose
3- Line dry/ dry indoors/ tumble dry on low-  Air dry covers, pockets and wet bags

SMELLS & LEAKS

It’s not normal for cloth nappies to give off a potent smell as soon as baby wees; it is a sign that there is some build up of detergent in the nappies and they may need a strip wash. Another sign that your nappies need a strip wash is a lot of leaking. A strip wash is simply a more thorough wash to get all those fibres in the cloth completely clean. Simply follow these 3 steps.

STRIP WASH

1- Cold rinse cycle with no detergent
2- Full wash cycle -40C/60C - extra water*- add recommended detergent dose
3- Full wash cycle -40C/60C - extra water*- no detergent

If you still see suds forming in the drum near the end of the final wash, then repeat the rinse cycle until the suds no longer appear.

*Extra water- its necessary that cloth nappies are washed on a setting that uses extra water, as the cloth nappies are by nature absorbent, they will hold a lot of the water in the wash cycle. Therefore without the extra water there is not enough agitation to get the nappies clean. Refer to your washing machine manual to find the appropriate settings for washing your cloth nappies.

 Do not use bleach, fabric softeners or vinegars. These will cause damage to your nappies. If using barrier creams, remember to use a liner as the creams can become trapped in the fibres of the nappy, causing leaks.