There is no one right way to use cloth nappies and many families find that using cloth nappies part-time works for them.
So what does using cloth nappies part-time look like?
It could be:
- Using cloth nappies at home, but not out and about
- Using cloth nappies during the day, but not overnight
- Having the flexibility of using both cloth and disposable nappies when it suits you
- One parent using cloth nappies and the other using disposables
- Full-time cloth nappy users transitioning to part-time users when they go back to work.
Here are 5 things to consider when deciding to get into cloth part-time:
- Remember to wash them! We don’t want cloth nappies sitting soiled for more than 2 days. If you don’t have a full load you can do the rinse part of the washing routine and then add other items. See ANA wash routine here.
- You might need to change cloth nappies more frequently than disposables. Depending on the quality and absorbency of your cloth nappy, and the age of your baby, changing is needed every 2 to 4 hours.
- You CAN use cloth nappies out and about. Get yourself a wetbag and deal with it when you get home.
- If you want to use cloth nappies overnight, consider using a night nappy for extra absorbency.
- Cloth nappies shouldn’t leak. If your nappies are leaking you might need to adjust the absorbency of the nappy or the fit. Seek help from a cloth nappy using friend, the nappy manufacturer, the Australian Nappy Association, or one of the many social media forums
Just remember, do what works best for you and your family… and you may be surprised at how enjoyable using cloth nappies can be.
Blog post by cloth nappy educator and ANA member Alice Henchion from Nappy Lane.
