Cloth Nappy Guide

Cloth Nappy Guide
Victoria’s Largest and Most Vibrant Municipality
About cloth nappies:
The City of Casey promotes
and encourages parents to
use cloth nappies. The City
of Casey runs an annual
expo featuring cloth nappies,
as well as a monthly rebate
draw, where each month one
Casey resident using cloth
could win half of their money
spent on cloth nappies back.
For more information visit
www.casey.vic.gov.au.
Finding out all about cloth
nappies can be daunting, a
quick Google search can turn
up hundreds, if not thousands
of different websites devoted
to the topic, so where do you
start?
This guide will provide you
with more information about
cloth nappies and help you
make an informed decision.
Why does Casey promote
cloth nappies?
Cloth nappies are better for
the environment.
Casey
encourages cloth nappy use
to reach our target of ‘zero
waste to landfill’. According
to the Australian Nappy
Network, each baby who
wears disposable nappies
produces around 2 tonnes of
waste. With Casey having
a high birth rate this is a
significant amount of waste
to landfill.
2 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Table of contents
Page
Nappy comparisons
4
All about nappies
5
Extra accessories
7
Cloth nappy materials
9
How to choose which cloth nappies are for you
10
Where to buy cloth nappies
11
How to use and care for cloth nappies
12
Benefits of using cloth in the city of casey
14
FAQs
15
Lynelle’s cloth nappy experience
18
A dad’s experience
19
Glossary
20-21
More helpful information
22
Cloth nappy rebate draw
23
FACT: “Every disposable nappy ever
dumped still exists today as they take
centuries to break down.”
- ‘Getting a Bum Wrap,’ G Magazine, Issue 6, Nov-Dec, p58
Cloth Nappy Guide | 3
Nappy comparisons
This table outlines some of the main points worth
considering when choosing nappies for your baby:
CLOTH
DISPOSABLES
Price: Higher costs in the short term but lower cost in the long
term.
• Each $20 average
• Lifetime $480 average
Price: Lower cost in the short term but more costly in the
long term.
• Each $0.35 average
• Lifetime $3,000+
Use: Require a few minutes of your time every few days to put
into washing machine, hang out and fold.
Use: No upkeep required as they are disposed of, but trips to
the shops for purchase required regularly.
Environmental impact of production:
• Uses less virgin and natural resources
• Reusable product
• Crop based material used (eg. cotton)
Environmental impact of production:
• Single use product
• Crude oil used
• Less sustainable use of virgin products
• Wood pulp used in production is sourced from trees
Environmental impact of disposal:
• Cloth Nappies are commonly reused on siblings or given away
• Have many uses around the house
• Once cloth nappies reach the end of their life, most (provided
they are made from a natural material) can be composted.
Environmental impact of disposal:
• Disposable nappies will not decompose in landfill for
hundreds of years
• Disposable nappies are only used once
• Can be odourous during Kerbside collection
Additional associated costs:
• Increased energy and water use for washing per week. Energy
and water usage does vary between washing machines with
newer machines being more efficient
• During winter, tumble drying may be required
• One off cost for purchasing lined wet bags & nappy bucket.
• Nappy liners
Additional associated costs:
• Ongoing cost if using plastic bags for individual nappy
disposal or a disposal bin in which you purchase wrap
cassettes.
• The possibility of an additional Council waste bin
Health impacts:
• Nappy rash has a lower occurrence rate
• More control of what is coming into contact with your
baby’s skin
• Cloth nappies allows skin to breathe
Health impacts:
• Nappy rash is more prevalent in disposable nappy babies
• More unknown chemicals in contact with your baby’s skin
4 | Cloth Nappy Guide
All about nappies
Disposables:
Disposable nappies are a single use nappy that are composed of various
plastics and wood pulp. Solid waste in disposable nappies is still required
to be disposed of in the toilet and not through municipal waste. There is
a wide variety to suit different budgets and babies.
Compostable/biodegradable:
Compostable nappies are a single use nappy that have parts that will
decompose in certain conditions. They are more expensive than disposable
nappies and in many cases the biodegradable parts are not that dissimilar to
standard disposables. Completely compostable nappies can be purchased
on the internet, and are only a better option if you are using the correct hot
composting method, as they cannot go into your home compost or garden
waste bin.
Flat/nappies/terry flats:
These cotton squares are either cotton terry towelling or cotton flannelette.
They can be held together with a variety of methods, but the easiest option
is a Snappi – a three pronged stretchy rubber clip. These nappies require a
cover, and while you can still occasionally find pilchers, nowadays there are
PUL covers which allow the skin to breathe unlike the old PVC pilchers.
Trifold/prefold:
Trifold/Prefold nappies are a smaller rectangle that is folded into three
panels. The folds at the back of the nappy are opened out and reach around
the sides of the baby, while you leave the front of the nappy folded for better
absorbency. A separate waterproof cover is placed over the top.
Fitted or contoured:
These can be shaped like a disposable or an ‘hour glass’ shaped flat. The
entire nappy is absorbent so they still require a cover. They have a more
shaped fit than a traditional flat as the legs may be gathered and the shape
may be like a disposable.
FACT: Cloth nappies only need to be
purchased once – and they can be used on
siblings for only the cost of the washing.
Cloth Nappy Guide | 5
Nappy covers:
Modern nappy covers can come in a variety of colours,
prints and designs, but there are generally two types –
PUL layer and lanolised wool. These covers are used
over an absorbent nappy that has no waterproof layer
of its own. They can be fastened in a variety of ways.
Fitted nappies: pocket nappies, snap in
nappies, All in Ones (AIO), All in Two’s
(AI2)
These nappies are contoured similar to a disposable
nappy, they are gathered around the legs, and have
either Velcro/hook and loop or snaps on the front to
fasten them up around your baby. These styles have a
waterproof cover and an absorbent layer, however the
way they are assembled can differ.
Photo above: Terry flat nappy
Pocket style nappies have an opening at the
back or at the front which creates a pocket
where you put in the neccessary layers.
Snap-in nappies ensure that the absorbent
layers are placed on top of the cover inside the
nappy.
All
in
One
nappies have the
absorbent layers
sewn in so there
are no separate
parts. They are the most similar to a disposable in shape
and design. New designs of All in One nappies allow
the sewn in absorbent layer to flip out which allows for a
quicker drying time.
Making your own nappies:
Making your own nappies are an excellent way to save
money. There are many viable patterns available free on
the internet, or for purchase from some nappy retailers.
By making them at home you can also choose colours,
designs and styles that best suit your needs.
Photo right: Trifold nappy with snappi
6 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Extra accessories
Wet bags: Wet bags are a reusable waterproof bag used to securely
transport wet and soiled nappies. There are many different styles and
sizes of wetbags bags available. They also come in handy for carrying
wet items after swimming.
Baby legs: Baby legs are an optional accessory. Designed to cover your
baby’s legs. They come in many different colours and designs.
Liners: Liners sit in the nappy against your babies bottom keeping the solid
waste off the nappy, making it easier to clean. These liners can be disposable,
flushable or washable. Disposable liners are generally biodegradable and
can be flushed down the toilet after use. Before your flush the liners, it is
important to check whether they can be flushed and if they are suitable for
use in a septic system. They are a low cost item available in rolls of 100 or
200. They are also available as washable liners made out of polar fleece or
micro fleece.
Boosters: Boosters are basically an absorbent layer (made of any material)
that you can add into a nappy as necessary if more absorbency is needed,
for example, if your baby is a heavy wetter, sleeping for longer periods, or can
be added where required (e.g. at the front of a nappy for tummy sleepers).
Photo below: PUL covers, Snappi and an opened out All in One (AIO)
Cloth Nappy Guide | 7
Reusable wipes: Not only can disposable
nappies cost you a fortune, but disposable
wipes can too. A cheaper option is to have
reusable ones. These can be out of made
of old facewashers, towels, terry nappies,
chopped up old flannelette pyjamas or even
new fabric by simply hemming around the
edges. Ready made wipes are also available
from cloth nappy businesses. Just wet before
use. You can also buy ready made wipes from
cloth nappy businesses.
Nappy bucket/pail: A plastic bucket with
a sealable lid to place your nappies in after
use. Look for a wide opening bucket that
can comfortably hold 2-3 days of nappies or
approximately 14 litres. Remember there is no
need to soak - the bucket is just for storage!
Photo Above: Fitted pocket nappy
Tip: Boosters for your nappies can
be made from strips of old towels, face
washers, Terry towelling nappies, microfiber
cleaning cloths, anything absorbent!
Photo below - clockwise from left: Reusable wipes, PUL
covers, face washers and towel strips (boosters), All in One
nappy (AIO) and snappi
8 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Cloth nappy materials
Bamboo: Bamboo is considered to be an environmentally-friendly crop
because it is quick growing and requires less water, minimal chemicals
and fertilisers to grow. The material is incredibly soft and very absorbent,
however this means it takes longer to dry. Bamboo is considered to have
antibacterial properties.
Cotton: Cotton is grown worldwide and is absorbant, soft and a fast drying
fabric.
Hemp: Hemp is an environmentally-friendly crop with similar properties to
bamboo.
Microfleece: A synthetic fibre (100 percent polyester) is a very
fine-grade polar fleece. It wicks wetness away from your baby by allowing
moisture to pass through. It is generally used as a liner or as the inner layer
of a fitted nappy – it is soft and waste just falls off.
Suede Cloth: Thinner than microfleece but has many of the same qualities.
Suedecloth wicks moisture away from baby and resists staining.
Microfibre: Microfibre is incredibly absorbent, so much so that it shouldn’t
be the layer touching the babies skin, as it can dry out their skin too much.
Use it with a layer of microfleece or suede cloth between the microfibre and
your baby.
PUL: Poly-Urethane Laminate – a waterproof layer on the outside of the
nappy. It is any type of material that has a been laminated on one side
to create a thin waterproof layer. It is not recommended to wash PUL in
temperatures greater than 600C or put on the high setting in the dryer as it
can break down the waterproof layer.
Wool: A natural breathable material which when treated with lanolin
becomes waterproof.
Cloth Nappy Guide | 9
How to choose which
cloth nappies are for
you
There are thousands of different brands
and styles of cloth nappies available, but
they all generally fall into one of the types
listed previously. Your budget can be a
major factor to consider when choosing
a nappy style or brand. The price of a
single cloth nappy can range in price from
as little as $5 to $40 each.
Remember you don’t have to buy a
complete set from the start. Don’t feel
pressured into buying a complete set of
of nappies at a reasonable discount. You
need to know what kind of nappies suits
your lifestyle and your baby – there would
be nothing worse than spending hundreds
on nappies to find they rub your baby’s
legs, or that they don’t fit properly.
Just using one reusable nappy can
provide many environmental benefits. It
might be a good idea to buy a couple of
a few different types and brands, and see
what works for you. Terry flats or prefolds
are quick drying, easy to fit and a great
way to start your nappy collection, they’re
also cheap!
Other factors that may influence which
nappy type or brand you decide to use
Photo Above: Terry flat nappy
with cover
Tip: Fold nappies or
assemble fitted nappies
while you’re watching TV.
10 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Tip: Invest in at least three tight-sealing
buckets for nappies, so that you can
always have one in operation
are materials. For example if you have ducted heaters, drying times
are not an issue as you can place the nappy on a clothes horse over
a vent. If you don’t have this heating option you may want to choose a
quicker drying material. Ease of use is also a consideration as pocket
nappies take time to stuff the material into the back pocket while All in
One nappies require no preparation.
Selecting which nappy suits your family and babies needs can be
overwhelming. Nappy libraries are becoming more common, with
businesses allowing you to ‘borrow’ a set of different nappies, effectively
allowing you to ‘try before you buy’, to give you an idea of what brands
might suit you and your bub. Most cloth nappy businesses will also offer
advice, a help-you-choose option, and some are even available through
parties, where a business will come to your house and show you and your
friends what it’s all about – great for a baby shower!
It also pays to sign up to a lot of the nappy businesses through Facebook,
as a lot of them will advertise specials, one off’s, etc so that you can
take advantage of them to save you money in that trial period. Also, the
Australian Nappy Network has information, forums, etc and there is a new
website encouraging parents to choose cloth called ‘My Green Nappy’,
where there is advice, and even an emailed introduction to cloth nappies!
Where to buy cloth nappies
There are many places where you can purchase cloth nappies, and most
are on the internet. Do your research first, get onto forums, google different
brands, see what other people say, ask other cloth nappy users, come
along to the annual Casey Cloth Nappy Expo and get an idea of what’s
out there.
Tip: Re-usable wipes can be made from scraps
of old clothes, cotton, bamboo cloth, old face
washers, pieces of towels and handkerchiefs.
Use your imagination!
Cloth Nappy Guide | 11
How to use and care for cloth nappies
Washing
Washing cloth nappies is not a difficult task. When it comes to hanging them out,
remind yourself that you’re saving yourself between $5 and $15 each time you
wash your nappies, instead of buying disposables.
Once you take your baby’s nappy off, it should be placed into the wet bag or
nappy bucket, after removing any solids into the toilet. Using a liner will allow any
solids to be removed easily.
If you’re using a pocket nappy, remove the absorbent insert from the pocket and
place the nappy and insert into a dry pail until you’re ready to wash. The nappy
can remain dry in the bucket for up to a few days prior to being washed.
Place all nappies into the washing machine, making sure that you have attached
any Velcro tabs. You only need to use ¼ of the washing detergent that you would
usually use. Wash your nappies in cold to warm water, then hang them out in the
sun – which will bleach, sanitise and dry your nappies, or place them to dry over
a vent or a safe distance from a heater. If using a tumble dryer use only a warm
setting for your PUL covers or AIO nappies. Inserts/boosters can be dried on a hot
setting.
DO NOT USE BLEACH/ANTIBACTERIAL/ENZYME
WASHING SOLUTIONS
Eco-friendly or sensitive skin detergents are gentler on your baby’s skin. There
are many new varieties in the market today. It
is best to avoid detergents that contain fabric
softeners, enzymes, perfumes and bleaches
as these can shorten the nappy’s lifespan and
may irritate your baby’s skin. Fabric softener is
to be avoided as it can build up in the fabric and
reduce absorbency, while bleach and whitening
agents breakdown the fibres of the fabrics and
can destroy nappies and covers.
Strip washing
If you notice a smell starting to develop as soon
as your nappies get wet you may need to do
a strip wash. It is possible that there may be a
build up of detergent or creams that repel water,
12 | Cloth Nappy Guide
causing leaks or making them smelly when wet.
A strip wash is best on clean nappies. Put them in the washing machine
and wash on a hot wash (no greater than 60OC) with no detergent. Keep
rinsing until all the suds are gone. If the smell persists it is possible that
maybe you are not using enough detergent during each wash or the
drying time is too long. Care of your wool soaker and lanolising!
Wool is naturally antibacterial so it doesn’t have to be washed after each
use. Simply air your wool soaker between wears. When ready to wash,
select a wool wash product and wash by hand in luke-warm water or on a
gentle machine cycle. Line dry flat, do not tumble dry.
Wool covers will need re-lanolising approximately once a month. There are
various lanolising products. One is a product called Lansinoh, available from
your local pharmacy. Melt a pea-sized amount of Lansinoh in a cup of hot
water. Fill your sink with luke-warm water and add your melted Lansinoh
and mix well. Add your wool covers to be lanolised. Soak your cover for
around half an hour and no more than twenty four hours. Gently rub the
lanolin into the wool fibres. Roll out in a towel to remove the excess moisture
and lay out to dry.
Going out and about with cloth
Cloth nappies need not be any different when it comes to getting out and
about with your baby. Just pack your cloth nappies, along with a container of
wipes and a wet bag.
The only major difference when out and about with cloth nappies is that you
need to take yours home
Cloth nappies at night time
Cloth nappies can also be used at night. Many parents end up using cloth at
night even if they use disposables during the day as you can fold/stuff/pack
a lot more absorbent layers into a cloth nappy than you can a disposable
one. If you can find a night nappy you are happy with, then you can leave
your baby in it for the whole night’s sleep if you like. There are many
different types of nappy available that are suitable for a long nights sleep
such as fitted nappies with a PUL cover or wool soaker, pocket nappies
with extra boosters or specifically designed night nappies.
Cloth Nappy Guide | 13
Benefits of using cloth in the City of Casey
Rebate:
City
of
Casey
residents have access to a
monthly ‘Cloth Nappy Rebate
Draw.’ Once you purchase your
cloth nappies, you attach your
receipt to the entry form (at the
back of this booklet, or online
at www.casey.vic.gov.au) and
submit it to Council. Once a
month, one entry is drawn
out, and the winner could get
half of their cloth nappy spend
back (see www.casey.vic.gov.
au). You can enter more than
once, and entries are kept
from month to month, so there
is always a chance your name
could be drawn.
Access to support: Council
has a dedicated ‘Casey loves
cloth nappies’ Facebook page
where support is provided and
questions answered. Contact
the Waste Department on 9705
5200 if you have any queries.
Expo: Council holds an annual
expo featuring cloth nappies,
and other environmentallyfriendly children’s products.
The expo allows local cloth
nappy businesses to showcase
their products, and it allows
residents to see nappies that
are otherwise only available
online.
Photo: Fitted nappy
14 | Cloth Nappy Guide
FAQs
Doesn’t washing nappies waste water?
I don’t have to wash disposables.
The first thing to remember is that the disposables didn’t just
pop into existence – the wood pulp had to be grown, harvested,
processed, the oil had to be drilled, transported, processed
and made into plastics, and every step along the way there is
water used. The difference is that with disposables, you don’t
see the process, just the nappy. It just means someone else has
used the water instead of you. There are more water efficient
washing machines, and yes, the raw materials for cloth nappies
also had to be grown/processed, but you are re-using them
hundreds of times, not throwing them out after one use as you
do with a disposable.
Don’t I have to soak the nappies?
Many people remember their parents having smelly, heavy nappy
buckets full of sanitising solutions/bleaches, that they then had
to lift to empty and then wash. These days, due to our increased
knowledge in sanitation methods, we now know that if the nappies
can dry in the sun, the sun will bleach any stains out, and will
sanitise the nappies too.
Aren’t disposables more hygienic?
Provided you are washing and drying your cloth nappies correctly,
there shouldn’t be a difference in hygiene standards.
Tip: When holidaying away
somewhere and you’re planning on
using cloth, just ensure that where you
are staying has a washing machine.
Cloth Nappy Guide | 15
I thought babies in cloth
nappies got nappy rash
more than babies in
disposables?
“Nappy
rash
incidences
from cloth nappies prior to
disposables were 7.1 percent.
Nappy rash incidences when
90 percent of babies wear
disposables: 78 percent” (from
www.modernclothnappies.org/
facts.htm)
Nappy rash isn’t caused by the
type of nappy, it’s caused by the
length of time the baby is in the
nappy for. Cloth babies should
have their nappy changed
around every 3-4 hours.
Why are cloth nappies
so expensive? I can buy
a packet of disposables
for the same price as
one of those fancy
cloth ones.
Photo: Fitted
nappy
Cloth
nappies
are
more
expensive at the start, because
you are buying a longer lasting
product. Disposable nappies are cheaper in the outset, as they are a single use
product. The basic difference is that while cloth nappies will cost you more in the
short term, they will pay for themselves in savings long before your first child is
out of nappies. Disposables are cheaper in the short term but more expensive
in the long term. The other advantage of using cloth is that you can use them for
consecutive children, and so the only ongoing cost for them is the washing costs.
Tip: Many discount stores sell peg frames, where
there are many pegs hanging from a plastic frame, that
can be hung from a hook/bar. These allow for speedy
hanging of nappy parts
16 | Cloth Nappy Guide
I don’t have time for cloth nappies.
It only takes a few minutes to put the nappies into the washing machine,
and hang them out. Folding them can be done whilst watching TV or
while talking.
Why aren’t more cloth nappies sold in shops?
Currently, not enough people are using cloth nappies to justify the shelf
space.
Why doesn’t Casey offer disposable nappy recycling,
or a nappy composting service?
There is no way of recycling disposable nappies that is currently available.
Disposing of compostable nappies in your green waste bin presents a lot
of problems, mainly that the composting process would need to be altered
to ensure that high enough temperatures are attained to kill any pathogens,
and most compostable/biodegradable nappies have parts that aren’t
biodegradable.
The simple fact is that whether the nappy is a standard disposable, or a
biodegradable one, all those resources have gone into making a single use
product.
Why are some cloth nappies $40 each when I have seen
some online for $4 each?
If you are after a lot of cheap cloth nappies that you don’t expect to last,
then choose the cheaper options. If you are looking for cloth nappies that
will last your children and probably someone else’s as well, then spend the
money. Even if you purchased a full set of the most expensive nappies you
could find, with washing you would still come out cheaper than disposable
nappies.
How many cloth nappies should I buy?
This number depends on how often you change your child’s nappy, and
how often you want to wash. It also depends on the nappies you choose,
as some dry faster than others. Twenty four is the suggested amount, and
it’s always good to have some terry flats available as emergency nappies
in case you run out.
Tip: Washing a load of nappies
is quick and easy, and just think of
the money you’re saving each time
you hang out a load!
Cloth Nappy Guide | 17
Lynelle’s cloth nappy experience:
As a first time mum, I have been using cloth nappies for just over
a year and have been surprised about the little fuss it has taken
to make this sustainable choice work. I have two different types
of nappy, some “all in ones” and “pockets”. Things I have found
out along the way:
The nappies improve after a few washes – especially if you can
dry them in the sun. So if you have time, wash and dry several
times before bubs arrives. My “all in ones” can take a while to dry
in winter, but they never leak. I try and mix up the nappy styles I
use each day so each wash has some fast drying and the slower
ones – to ensure I always have some to use.
Over winter, I followed the instructions and added a small amount
of bleach to the occasional nappy wash to help keep them stain
free (not needed in summer as the sun does this job). As you use
such a little amount of detergent (half the recommended amount
on the pack) a box of detergent lasts for ages. Some nappy liners
are better than others. I have found a brand that can last several
washes, which is great reusing!
My solution to night nappy wetness has been an All in One, with
an insert from a pocket nappy tucked underneath – this beats the
disposables that I tried when I was stuck for ideas on how to stop
the night leaks. I use a two bucket system. One in the nursery for
the dirty nappies and once it is taken into the laundry and nappies
emptied into the machine, I like to put a bit of disinfectant into the
bottom with a couple of centimetres of water and give it a good
swish with the lid on. It sits until the next load goes on and at that
time I drain it out and start again. This keeps the bucket odourfree and hopefully germ free. I use home-made wipes with a
container of water which is cheap and gentle.
Shop around – if you are not sure about a type of nappy, only buy
a couple and give them a go, you can always buy more once you
know they work!
18 | Cloth Nappy Guide
I am convinced cloth nappies have saved me money and helped clear
my conscience a little as I have discovered that having kids can create
a lot of waste! There is a mum in my mothers group who uses cloth
nappies purely for economic reasons as she calculated she would have
to return to work much sooner if she was paying for disposable nappies
and wipes.
We are very happy with our choice to use cloth, even our doctor has
confirmed they help with air circulation as disposables can cause some
sweating. Our baby boy also looks very cute in the great colours, especially
when they are so easy to clean and care for.
Lynelle - Mum to Oliver, Thirteen months
A dad’s experience
I had no choice in the matter, my
partner told me we were using cloth
no matter what. Now that I have been
using them for over a year now, I
constantly tell people how easy they
are. To put it simply, it’s cheap, easy,
I don’t have to put the rubbish bin out
any more than I used to (it only goes
out about once a month) and it’s really
easy. The washing machine does the
washing, it’s not hard to hang them
out! I used to fold the terry nappies
while watching TV.
FACT: “1.375 billion disposable
nappies are used annually in
Australia and New Zealand.”
(Source: Australian Nappy Network)
Cloth Nappy Guide | 19
Glossary
AIO (All in One): Nappies that have a
waterproof outer that doesn’t detach with
the absorbent layers built into the nappy. They fasten with aplix (velcro) or snaps
(poppers). They are the easiest nappy to
use as they are similar to a disposable.
One disadvantage is that they may take
longer to dry. FACT: “EACH child in
disposables can cost you up
to $5,000 for nappies for the
time they wear them. If you
have more than one child, the
cost rises by up
to $5,000 PER CHILD.”
- Janine Baron, “Kindred’s Ultimate
Nappy Guide,” Kindred Magazine,
Issue 23, Sep-Nov 2007, p17.
AI2 (All in Two): these nappies are a
hybrid between an All in One and a pocket
nappy. They have a waterproof outer that can
detach from the absorbent layer. Rather than stuffing the ‘insert’ into the back of the
nappy it sits on top. The benefit of this is that they are quicker to put together than
a pocket nappy, are quicker to dry than an All in One and you can often buy extra
inserts to place in the nappy to enable the cover to be reused. They fasten with
aplix or snaps.
Aplix: Similar to velcro.
Barrier Cream: A cream that is applied when there are the first signs of nappy rash,
to create a barrier between the baby’s skin and the wees. Make sure you place a
liner between the nappy and the baby’s bottom, as the barrier cream can reduce
the absorbancy of your cloth nappy. If this happens see strip washing on page 12.
Booster: An extra absorbent pad placed in the nappy to increase the amount of
liquid it will absorb.
Dry Pailing: Putting all of the dirty nappies into buckets until you are ready to
wash.
Hook and loop: Similar to Velcro.
Insert: The absorbent layer placed into the nappy to absorb and retain the liquid.
Lanolin: Natural wax from sheep’s wool. It has many applications including
soothing, healing and protecting sore cracked nipples from breastfeeding.
20 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Little Squirt: A hose that is attached to the back of your toilet to allow
you to spray the faeces into the toilet off the nappy.
Minke/Minky: A furry fabric that is popular with cloth nappy users.
Modern Cloth Nappy (MCN): Any nappy that doesn’t use pins or PVC
pilchers, though more likely to be referring to the newer fitted style cloth
nappies.
One Size Fits Most (OSFM): A nappy designed to grow with your baby
and fit from birth to toilet training. Depending on the size of your baby.
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate): A breathable, stretchable, waterproof fabric
that is used for making covers/outer layers of modern cloth nappies.
Sized nappy: You have two choices with MCN’s as to whether you choose a
nappy that can be snapped down to fit from birth to toilet training, or a nappy
that may last six months to a year per size. The advantage of sized nappies
is that they will generally fit better than an AIO that may have difficulty fitting
perfectly for the whole time. The disadvantage is that you would require more
nappies, as your baby would grow out of the sizes.
Soaker: See Wool.
Snaps: Plastic snaps that are used both to make the nappy smaller, and to
fasten the nappy around your baby’s waist.
Snappi: A three-pronged stretchy clip that holds a flat/trifold nappy together
under a cover.
WAHM/WAHP: Work At Home Mum/Work At Home Parent
Wicking: The movement of moisture across a fabric. Common causes of
leakages can be clothing that has accidentally been tucked into the nappy,
a liner that is touching clothing or a seam that isn’t sitting right, allowing
the moisture to move from the nappy across to the clothing creating the
leak.
Wool cover/soaker: A natural, breathable nappy cover which when
treated with lanolin becomes waterproof.
Cloth Nappy Guide | 21
More Helpful Information
www.nappynetwork.org.au/
www.mygreennappy.org/
www.kindredcommunity.com/articles/kindreds-ultimate-nappy-guide/p/1224
www.gmagazine.com.au/features/186/cloth-versus-disposables-nappies?page=0%2C0
For suggestions, tips, or to contribute ideas please email them to
wasteadmin@casey.vic.gov.au
This booklet could not have been created without the help of Nathalie Nunn, Natalie Ashton and
babies: Aiden M, Aiden H, Brooke A, Oliver M and Adele F.
22 | Cloth Nappy Guide
Cloth Nappy Rebate Draw
The City of Casey is encouraging parents to choose cloth nappies
over disposables. The monthly rebate draw enables parents to
potentially win half of their cloth nappy spend back
(see www.casey.vic.gov.au for more details).
Please print clearly:
Name:
Address:
Suburb:
Postcode:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Mobile:
Email:
Full cost of nappies purchase:
Brand/s of nappies purchased:
Where did you purchase the nappies from?
Why did you choose there?
Why did you choose cloth nappies over disposables?
Please return to: The City of Casey, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, Vic 3805.
Fax: 9705 5336 or email adminwaste@casey.vic.gov.au
Don’t forget to attach your receipt!!
City of Casey
P O Box 1000,
Narre Warren 3805
ph: 9705 5200
fax: 9705 5336
adminwaste@casey.vic.gov.au
Translating and Interpreting
Service (TIS): 131 450
Telephone Typewriter (TTY): 9705 5568
Printed on 100% Recycled Paper
©2011 City of Casey