NEW NAPPIES
Wash the shells and inserts prior to use.
Our natural fibre inserts need 6-8 washes to build maximum absorbency. They will shrink and puff up too, all normal. You can add to other washing or use straight away and just expect to change more often when they are new.
Check out our Instagram instagram.com/whatthefluffnz/ for guides, fit videos, tips and tricks. We are also more than happy to assist over email at hello@whatthefluff.co.nz
WEAR TIME
Reusable nappies should be changed every 2-3 hours during the day. They’re not meant to last as long as a disposable (except overnight, but this is a different ball game).
For day use for light-medium wetters we’d recommend the standard insert set. You can tailor these inserts to bub’s wet zone by folding one in half, and add a small booster if your child tends to flood nappies, for nap or car times. For heavy wetters we’d suggest the bamboo-cotton trifold, plus bamboo-cotton booster if needed. If your child is leaking out of a nappy before 2 hours, don’t give up! It comes down to fit or absorbency; getting the fit right if the inserts are not saturated, adding more absorbency if the inserts are saturated (especially in the wet zone) or changing more often if the inserts are new. We’d love to help so email us at hello@whatthefluff.co.nz.
FIT
Our nappies are OSFM (one size fits most). Adjust the height/size by snapping or unsnapping the rise snaps; the three columns of snaps on the front of the nappy (see pictures below for sizes). The two rows of snaps at the top of the nappy adjust the waist circumference.
Fit Video
In this video Evette is 4 months old. She has all of the rise snaps done up (smallest setting).
TIPS
Go up a size when the nappy tabs no longer sit flat over the hips without digging in and the legs are too tight. Many children continue to need one row of snaps done up until they reach at least 1.5-2 years old if they are of slim build. Play around to get a good fit. When the nappy starts to gape too much at the front and dig into the thighs it usually means it is time to go up a size, but it can also mean it was put on too low at the front to start with.
WASHING
Our nappies should not be soaked as part of your normal routine as this can damage them. Follow our instructions below to ensure they stay well-maintained and sparkling clean. Once you get into it, it’s not overwhelming!
- Remove inserts from the pocket. For wee only, throw everything into a bucket or airy basket, the more airflow the better. Remove as much 3D poop as possible into the toilet. If exclusively breastfed (not on solids), they can just go in the bucket without removing poop if you wish.
First Wash (prewash)
- Do a daily quick wash of nappies only with 1/2 of the amount of detergent recommended on the box for a heavily soiled load.
- 30-60 mins long cycle (not just a rinse and spin) at 40 or 60 degrees. If adding night nappies choose 60 degrees.
- Remove from the machine and store in your airy basket.
- You can stretch this to every second day if you don’t use nappies overnight.
- Eco and sensitive detergents require a hot wash (60 degrees) to be effective. We have best results with Persil Ultimate powder or liquid.
Second wash (main wash)
- After 2-3 days, combine all the nappies from the quick washes together again in an intensive wash cycle with full amount of detergent.
- This will be around 2.5-3.5 hours at 40-60 degrees, e.g. Cottons or Heavy Duty.
- Hang on an airer or line (shells shouldn’t be put in sunlight or in the dryer but inserts can be).
For the prewash the machine will just have that day or two’s nappies so won’t be a full load; this is ok.
To get a thorough clean, the main wash needs to be the correct fullness in a front loader. This is between 2/3-3/4 full when wet, which equals to be loosely full-very full when dry. You can check about 30 mins-1 hour into the wash to see the fullness when wet and adjust next time if needed. There is a video here: https://cleanclothnappies.com/front-loader-wash-routine/.
If you don’t have enough nappies to achieve correct fullness, you can add some small clothes like socks, underwear and baby clothes (nothing bigger than an adult t-shirt, no adult pants). Bear in mind, if you do this wash at 60 degrees you won’t want to add good clothes in as they will fade/wear faster. I usually do the first wash on 60 and this one on 40 degrees so I can add other clothes in.
NB: If you have any queries or are getting stains or smells, message us or see the Clean Cloth Nappies website and Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/cleanclothnappies
