Real Nappies Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about real nappies which you may have.

 

A waste bin full of disposable nappies smells far worse than a bucket of used real nappies.  If you are keeping nappies in a bucket for longer than 48 hours, soaking them in a solution will reduce any odours.

 

Babies should be changed as soon as they have soiled their nappy or every 3-4 hours during the day if just wet to avoid nappy rash.  At night time nappies can be left on longer.

 

A real nappy and cover are no more likely to leak than a disposable nappy.  It is important to select the right size for your baby's shape to avoid leakages.  Simply check the nappy is tucked inside the cover, any cotton that protrudes from the cover will wick moisture from the nappy and onto any clothing it may be in contact with.  You can also use booster pads to increase absorbency if needed.

 

Wipes are expensive, contain strong chemicals and create waste.  If you want to save yourself some money invest on some flannels or cut up an old sheet or towel.  When changing a soiled nappy use toilet paper first (that can be flushed along with the soiled liner) then cotton wool or a cloth wipe.  The wipes can be washed along with the nappies.

 

There is no evidence to suggest that using a cotton nappy restricts a baby's movement or damages a child's growth.  Disposable nappies have only been on the market for the last 20 years or so.  Most adults would have been in terry towelling.  Has it affected how you walk?

 

Nappy rash is caused by the breakdown of urine (naturally producing ammonia which can irritate the skin) or leaving the baby in the nappy for too long after it has been soiled.  To avoid nappy rash change your baby frequently and clean them thoroughly.

 

Nappy rash often occurs when a baby is teething, as the pH of the baby's urine changes and it can irritate the skin.  It may also occur when the baby has had a change in diet or when you introduce a new food group.  Some wipes can also cause nappy rash, use water and cotton wool, or a cloth wipe instead.

 

Try to leave the baby's nappy off for a while, because fresh air aids skin healing.  Alternatively, use a raw silk liner next to the baby's skin.  Raw silk has natural therapeutic qualities, which can heal sore skin.  If you prefer, you can use a good quality barrier cream.  It is not necessary to use creams at all times, only when your baby's skin is sore.

 

The best way to dry nappies is outside in the sunshine.  Muslin and Terry towelling squares dry the quickest, whilst all-in-ones take the longest.  If you have a tumble drier you will not have a problem whichever nappy you use.  If you do have a tumble drier, put a dry towel in with the nappies to reduce the drying time.

 

A new-born can go straight into real nappies. In fact it is easier to tell if a new-born baby is wet if it is wearing a real nappy.  For the first few weeks, a baby will not wet its nappy heavily, muslin squares make ideal nappies, these can be tied on to the baby with no need for pins.