Washing Guidelines
You will need about 1 nappy for every 3-4 hours during the day + 1 for the night, a very
young baby may need to be changed more frequently. I would advise you to have 2 or 3 days
supply according to your washing/drying pattern.
You will also need liners. Liners help to reduce stains, and make cleaning soiled nappies
easier. Disposable liners come in two types and can be bought from supermarkets and babycare
shops. Flushable ones (although some people prefer not to flush any) are made from
treated paper, and non-flushable ones from a honeycome plastic. Either way, soiled disposable
liners can simply be removed to leave a clean(er) nappy to soak, whilst wet-only ones may sometimes
be washed. Washable liners are available from Mothercare and some other places selling terry
nappies. When soiled, washable liners must be sluiced in the toilet flush before soaking.
Washables work out a little cheaper over time, and are more comfortable against baby's skin.
Washable wipes can be made very simply from muslin squares (or other favourite materials
which include old towel or old t-shirts). They need to be about 6inch square, you can get six
good sized wipes from one muslin square. Roughly hem cut edges and wash muslin a few times
before using. Store dry and then use with plain water, or a homemade cleanser mixture such
as:
- 1/2 pint cold water
- 2-3 drops of baby bath, or antebacterial handwash for an older baby
- 2-3 drops of baby oil
- 1tsp witchhazel
Note: The old box from disposable baby wipes makes an excellent container for these!
All used nappies, wipes and liners can be soaked together in a bucket. Some favourite
soaking solutions include water, weak vinegar, weak detergent or weak bicarbonate of soda
solution. Bleach should never be used on wraps or all in ones and reserved only for VERY
OCCASIONAL use on 100% cotton nappies since it will distroy the fabric over time. Bleach
can also be irritating to a baby's skin.
Nappies can then be washed on a 60 cotton cycle in a machine. Occasional use of a 95 wash
may also be beneficial. Nappies are best dryed outdoors as the sun will help to bleach out
any remaining faint stains and they can also air. Dryers can be used, but drying nappies this way,
especially all-in-ones, may reduce their lifespan. A nappy will easily dry
overnight on a radiator, or outside during the day. Prefold and terry types will dry in
a few hours.