Before using your nappies
Wash your nappies at least three times before use; this will then make them more absorbent by fluffing up fibres. Just like a new towel, the fabric is always softer and more absorbent after washing. Nappy covers should be washed just the once. Please be aware, we cannot refund washed products. So if in doubt, wash and try just one nappy to start with.
Soaking
Wet Pail: We suggest you soak your nappies in a bucket ½ full of water until you have a wash load. If desired you made add 5 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is our preference for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. If you baby is sensitive to tea tree oil, lavender oil can be used as an alternative.
- Change water in the bucket on a daily basis
- Do not soak your nappy covers.
Dry Pail: Put the nappies in the bucket and a few drops of tea tree oil. Do not add water. Before you wash we recommend you put the nappies in the machine on a pre wash or rinse cycle to loosen any stains.
Washing
A 60º wash will adequately cleanse your nappies; a hotter wash may reduce the life of the nappy. Never wash hotter than the washing instructions on the label. We recommend you wash every three days. The wraps can be washed up to 60º with the nappies or can be washed in a cooler wash with the usual clothes wash. It is important to close any VelcroÔ on the wraps and nappies. This must be done to prevent the VelcroÔ from catching and snagging. Never use fabric conditioner on nappies or covers, this will create a waxy layer on the fabric, decreasing the nappies absorbency.
Drying
Although nappies and wraps may be tumble dried (low) it is both cheaper and 'greener' to hang dry. Tumble drying can reduce the effectiveness of the wrap due to wear and tear on the velcro. So where possible allow to hang dry. Sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach nappies. Do not place wraps on radiators (or similar) to dry. This may damage the waterproofing.
Waterproof covers
Always make sure that you are using the correct size for your child, this will prevent accidents happening and leaking nappies. The covers can usually be used 3 - 4 times before they require washing, provided they are not soiled. Always make sure when fitting the nappies and covers, that all nappy is tucked well inside the cover, any fabric showing out of the cover will cause leaking. Ensure a good fit of cover, fasten so there are no gaps, but not so tight that the cover leaves red marks on your baby.
Nappy buckets and Laundry Nets
Nappy buckets are handy for soaking your nappies, and for convenience a nappy mesh is placed inside the bucket. Then the nappies inside the mesh can be placed in the washing machine letting them tumble during the wash. To reduce odours and stains change the water in your bucket every day, always refill with enough water to cover the nappies. Wash your bucket thoroughly from time to time.
Disposable Liners
To simplify the clean up of soiled nappies and help prevent staining we recommend laying a disposable liner on top of the nappy, or wrapped around a washable liner. Liners are available in rolls of 100. These liners can simply be flushed away or composted (Caution: old and damaged drains may become blocked with flushable liners)
Nappy Stains
Soiled nappies should be rinsed promptly minimising staining. Disposable liners will also help as will sunshine. You can also use a non-chlorine bleach (though cleaning agents such as these may reduce the longevity of the nappies, we recommend you only use these if you have to!) Just remember ALL nappy stains eventually come out (though you may not notice because new stains may take their place!) nobody see inside of a nappy (except when changing) and if the nappies have been washed at 60º they are totally cleansed and pure regardless of stain.
Nappy Rash
A number of factors can cause nappy rash. Research has shown that there is no more nappy rash from washable nappies than there is from disposable nappies. All babies at some point in time will develop nappy rash. Foods they have eaten (or you have eaten if you are breastfeeding), weaning time, teething or illness are all very common causes of nappy rash. In the incidence of nappy rash, change the nappy more frequently, check you have not changed your brand of washing powder and try a cup of vinegar in the final rinse in the nappies, use a cream or try our Mother Earth Nappy Balm.
To identify the cause of the rash, if it is down to diet, remove the food that has irritate fro the time being (you can reintroduce it later) if it is down to health or teething, simply continue as you are, only keep up with the frequent changes (especially the moment after your baby opens his/her bowels) Offer your baby nappy free time as often as possible until the rash heals. If you are concerns or the rash is severe, blistered or bleeding consult a health professional.
Absorbency
Once your baby sleeps through the night, you may find that you need to increase the absorbency of the nappy. We suggest you insert a washable booster liner into the nappy for this purpose, making sure the wrap is a snug fit. If you are concerned about the wetness of the night nappy, consider using more than one booster
If you are in any doubt or would like to discuss any of the information given here, please call or email us. We are always happy to help.
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