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Cloth Nappy Library: a guide to using real nappies.


Added 23rd of May 2008

I run a cloth nappy library at a baby group I go to. I wrote these instructions to accompy the nappies and thought it might be useful to add to the site.

Tiddlywinks Real Nappy Library


You have been given a selection of real nappies to try out, but really they all work in the same way.




  1. Next to the baby's skin is a liner that isn't absorbent, but allows moisture to pass through keeping the baby's skin dry. I use fleece as they are soft and seem the most comfortable for Sam. If your baby's poos are solid, then just using fleece is fine, however, if poo is very runny (pre-weaned or teething for example) please use an additional paper liner, as this helps to reduce stains and is a little easier to clean. The pocket nappies are fleece lined. I would prefer you to use paper liner in addition, again to reduce staining, but if you were to buy some, you wouldn't need a separate liner.



  2. The absorbent part which soaks up wee and contains poo. A pocket nappy needs inserts to make it absorbent.



  3. The waterproof part that stops the nappy from leaking. The pocket nappies don't need a separate waterproof part, or wrap, but the two-part do.


So to sum up, from the inside out you need: a liner, absorbency, waterproofing.


How to use your cloth nappies:


Two part nappies (tots bots, motherease, terry squares):




  1. Place a liner on the top of the nappy.



  2. Put liner and cloth part on baby and secure. Don't worry if parts of the liner are showing, just make sure everything is covered by the wrap.



  3. Place wrap on the top. Make sure that no cotton parts are poking out (or liner). The wraps should fit quite snugly, but shouldn't cause any red marks.


Pocket nappies (mommy's touch, wonderoos):




  1. These need “stuffing” with inserts before use. Place the insert flat inside the pocket making sure that it reaches to the edges. You can use an addtional booster if you like. I would fold these and put them where needed. With Sam I would fold in half and place towards the front. Just add where extra absorbency is required.



  2. Place paper liner on top of nappy (remember if these nappies were yours, you wouldn't need to do this).



  3. Put the nappy and wrap on in one piece. It should fit quite snugly, but shouldn't cause any red marks on skin.


Storing nappies:


I think the easiest way to store your nappies is to “dry pail”. No soaking and no mess!


Line the bucket with the nappy mesh. (this make transferring dirty nappies into the machine easier). I put a couple of drops of either lavender or tee tree oil in the bottom of the bucket to help reduce smells. These oils have antibacterial properties.




  1. a) Pocket nappies: put paper liner with any solids in the bin (some liners are flushable, but mine aren't). Pull out the inserts, then put whole nappy in the bucket.


b) Two part nappies: with soiled nappies, put any paper liners into the bin. Solids on the fleece should be put down the loo. It should just roll off quite easily. A little bit still on the liner is fine. Put just the nappy and fleece liner in bucket. Wraps only need to be changed if pooy, or smelly. I change mine about every day.




  1. Put lid on! Easy!


Washing Dirty Nappies


When bucket is full, throw in the machine, nappies and mesh. The nappies just fall out in the wash. I just wash at 40 degree unless:


a) baby is very young, say under 4 months of age


b) Baby is ill and has “the runs”


c) More than one baby are using the same nappies


In this case, wash at 60




If nappies are very dirty, I would do a cool pre-wash, and wash at 50 or 60. This reduces staining.




Only use half the amount of detergent. If you notice bubbles at the end of the wash, I would do an extra rinse (it is possible to get “detergent build -up” which can cause smelly nappies and effect absorbency)




Do not use conditioner, as this coats the fibres of the nappies and reduces their absorbency.


I do “nappy washes”, as I have enough to do a full load. You can wash nappies with other clothes though, as long as you don't use too much detergent or any conditioner.


You can tumble dry the nappies of you wish, it will make the towelling ones softer, even if just a 15 minutes blast. I personally enjoy watching them blow in the breeze (I soften them buy rubbing them together)! The sun is a great way of reducing stains.


Don't worry of you stain the nappies. They will come out eventually, and stains aren't the same as dirt. I really hope you find one of the nappies (or more than one!) that you like.


Have fun experimenting. Different nappies suit different babies, so have a play and see what works for you.


Any questions, just email me on info@thenappysite.co.uk.


Sell Your Used Real Nappies on www.thenappysite.co.uk for free!