Reusable nappies - birth to 1 year
Although initially more expensive than all-in-one disposables, reusable nappies can work out cheaper over the years.
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Made of terry towelling or muslin, in a variety of styles, they have to be rinsed, sterilized, washed and dried after use and therefore involve much more labour than disposables. Because they have to be washed regularly you'll need a minimum of 24 nappies. Obviously, the more nappies you have the less often you'll have to do the washing (and the more economical your washes will be). Buy the best you can afford. They'll last longer and be more absorbent.
Towelling square nappies
These traditional nappies are thick and absorbent and can be folded into a variety of shapes according to your baby's size and needs. They can be bulky on very small babies and newborns. Buy them ready-hemmed to avoid fraying when they are washed. Towelling nappies are more absorbent than the majority of disposables and are therefore very useful at night. You can also use a disposable pad inside a towelling nappy for extra absorbency at night.
Muslin square nappies
These are about the same size as towelling squares, but they are softer. They are ideal for newborn babies because they are soft and comfortable, but they are not very absorbent so need changing frequently.
Shaped terry towelling nappies
These T-shaped nappies are made of a softer, finer towelling than ordinary squares and have a triple-layered central panel for added absorbency. They are shaped to fit neatly around the baby's legs and are more straightforward to put on.
Plastic pants
These pants, which come in several designs, are used over towelling nappies to prevent wet or dirty nappies soiling clothes or bedding. Buy six initially. You'll need to replace them as they get old, torn and unusable.
All-in-one reusable nappies
These offer all the features and convenience of a disposable nappy, but are produced using fewer chemicals, are made of cotton, and don't contain dye, latex or perfume. They're machine washable, can be brightly coloured, have Velcro closing tabs and elasticated legs. Made of several layers of absorbent fabric, they have an anti-leak outer layer, so you don't need to put plastic pants on top of them. Your baby's faeces are collected in liners and the used nappy can be stored in a nappy bucket until you have sufficient to make up a load for your washing machine.
Nappy pins/nappy grippers
Nappy pins are especially designed for use with fabric nappies and have locking heads. You'll need at least 12. Grippers are easier to use than pins and safer. These little plastic devices hook into the nappy and fasten it securely without the worry of pins.
Nappy liners
You'll need these with reusable nappies. They are placed inside the nappy and go next to the baby's skin. Choose the “one-way” variety that's made of a special material that lets urine pass through but remains dry next to the baby's skin. This minimizes the risk of a sore bottom due to friction or moisture, so reduces nappy rash. They also catch most of the faeces and prevent the nappy from getting badly soiled. Liners can be lifted out with any faeces and flushed away if biodegradable, or if made of fabric, washed with the nappies.
Tips for using fabric nappies
- Use a disposable inside a towelling nappy for extra absorbency at night. You can also use this method when you're travelling and want to avoid an awkward change.
- Use stretch towelling pants over plastic pants - they look neater than plastic pants on their own. Frilly and patterned plastic pants are also available if you want something prettier.
- Always keep your fingers between the nappy and the skin if fixing with a pin.
- When you've put on the nappy run your fingers round the legs to check they are not too tight.
- To save time, fold all the nappies ready for use and put the nappy liners in position.
- Make sure that the nappy fits snugly around your baby's body. It gradually gives, so if it's too loose it will slide down.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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