Frequently asked questions
Won’t I constantly be washing and drying?
How often you wash depends on how many nappies you have and the type you use. Most parents wash every other day, or even every three days. You can tumble dry nappies on a low heat or hang them outside or indoors on an airer.
Most parents do more laundry once a baby arrives anyway. Cloth nappies also contain leaks and explosions better than disposables, which often means less clothes washing.
The initial outlay seems expensive – what makes cloth the cheaper option?
Cloth nappies save money. Washing reusable nappies at home from birth to potty training can save up to £500 for your first baby. Reusing them for a second baby saves even more.
Many parents buy second-hand nappies from Facebook groups to cut costs and reduce environmental impact. You can also resell nappies after potty training to recover some of your costs.
What am I supposed to do with all that poo?
Babies and small children excrete viruses in their poo, such as hepatitis A, rotavirus and salmonella. Always tip solids into the toilet and flush them away. Fleece and disposable liners make this easier. You can then store the nappy in a lidded bucket or zip bag until wash time. This is often much less time than disposables might sit in your household bin.
How do I make sense of all the different types and jargon?
All the names and types can be off-putting, but the Bedfordshire Cloth Nappy Library can give you information on what’s available and what types are best for your lifestyle. There are online communities and forums where you can get more advice.
Won’t my baby be wet or uncomfortable?
Modern cloth nappies include a stay-dry layer or the option to add a fleece (or other material) liner to keep your baby comfortable. You can buy these or make your own.
Contact
For more information or to get involved, visit the Bedfordshire Cloth Nappy Library Facebook page or email bedsclothnappylibrary@gmail.com.