So, you're interested in using cloth nappies, but don't know where to start? There’s a whole load of information out there on the web, and it can all get a bit confusing after a while, so I’m going to try and de-mystify the whole thing for you. You can find a glossary of cloth nappy terms here, and you will find a range of cloth nappies in the THM Shop - why not pop along once you've read this article?

How many nappies will I need?
There is no easy answer to this question – a newborn will need changing anywhere between 8 and 12 times a day, depending in part up on whether they are breastfed or bottlefed. An older baby will need fewer changes, perhaps only 4-6 per day, and this will decrease again as you move through potty training.

It also depends upon how often you intend to wash – if you are willing to wash every day then you won’t need as many nappies as if you plan to wash every other day. You may also be using cloth only part time, and this again will alter the number of nappies you need.

You will not need one wrap per nappy, however, and probably 4-5 wraps will be sufficient (allowing for washing every other day)

How do I choose?
Read our article on How to Choose, which will give you some handy hints on what to consider when you're deciding which nappies to buy. You can also email us or give us a call on 0845 644 3684 for advice on which nappies would suit your needs or for general advice on choosing and using cloth nappies.

The other main channel for advice is to consult other cloth nappy users. If you don’t know any cloth users personally, then there is are many clothies on internet forums such as www.baby-greenhouse.co.uk or www.ukparents.co.uk . Cloth nappy users are often incredibly passionate about the subject, and are generally willing to offer their opinions on different brands.

Some things you may want to consider are:

Cost - Terry’s or prefolds are the cheapest option, All-in-ones are the most expensive way to use cloth. It's worth shopping around for special offers - sign up to the THM Newsletter on the home page here for updates on special offers in the THM Shop.
Ease of Use - All-in-ones are easiest to use, as there are fewer components. Terry nappies are harder to get the hang of, until you are used to the folds and fastenings. Aplix fastening nappies are quicker to do up than poppers (but also easier for older babies and toddlers to undo…..)
Absorbency v Bulk - There is generally a trade-off between absorbency and bulk. A slimmer fitting nappy will not usually be as absorbent as a thicker one (with some exceptions) and so if you have a heavy wetter then absorbency may be a key issue for you. Any nappy can of course have it’s absorbency increased by using a booster.
Drying Time - Depending on what drying facilities you have, this may be an important consideration. Terry squares are the quickest to dry, shaped nappies take longer. All-in-ones are the longest to dry, as drying them in the tumble drier will reduce the life of the waterproof layer, but pocket nappies can be a useful compromise

Is there lots of work involved?
Not really - When you take a nappy off, if it is wet, then you just put it in the nappy bucket. If it is dirty, with a flushable liner, you just flush the liner and contents down the loo. If you are using a fleece liner, then the poo will normally fall quite easily off the liner, or if it is sticking then you can hold the liner (and nappy if necessary) in the toilet and flush.

Then every day or two, you will do a load of washing. Use non-bio powder (to protect that delicate bottom!) and you will generally find that you need only a third to a half of the amount the manufacturer specifies – any more and you will be leaving a residue of powder on the nappy which may cause soreness. Do not use fabric conditioner as this will reduce the absorbency of your nappies, instead you can use a tablespoon or two of distilled (clear) malt vinegar in the final rinse – this will keep your nappies soft, and ensure that any residues of urine are neutralised.

What do I need to start with?
I would recommend that you buy 1 wrap, and maybe two different nappies to try out. You will also need liners (either paper or fleece) and if you want to try using cloth at night you may wish to buy a booster as well.

Popular choices to start with are Motherease Sandy's or One-Size, or Fuzzi Bunz for daytime use, and Bumhuggers are popular as night time nappies. The Air Flow and Rikki wraps (both by Motherease) fit well over most nappies, or you might like to try a Stacinator fleece wrap for night time.