Basics About Washable Nappies
Washable nappies are easy to use:
- They can be washed at home in the washing machine or by a nappy laundry service
- They come in a range of styles and patterns and simply fasten (for example with velcro)
- A modern washable nappy system consists of a liner, a nappy and a waterproof cover:
- Liner: allows wetness to pass into the nappy, while retaining solids for easy disposal down the toilet. Liners are either paper or are washable and offer an effective stay-dry layer.
- Nappy: Shaped to fit, with velcro or poppers for quick, easy changes. They are designed to provide the greatest absorbency where it is needed most.
- Wrap: Breathable, waterproof and shaped with elasticated legs to guard against leaks. Fastens with velcro or poppers.
What materials are used by Popolini and why?
Modern nappies have to be comfortable, skin friendly and very absorbent.
This is the reason why cotton is still the first choice material with Popolini. Cotton is an ideal raw material that allows the skin to breathe and is comfortable to wear. At the same time it has a high absorbent capacity.
Depending on the design either knitted terry cotton, or cotton flannelette is used. Unbleached and organic cotton are also available.
With high performing Ultra Fit nappies Popolini uses an absorbing Polyester/rayon core, with an absorbing capacity of more than 1000% or 10 times the weight of the fibre, (about 30% more than cotton)
Popolini covers are generally made of fine velvet knitted polyester fabric with a micro porous polyurethane coating to make them waterproof and breathable.
A high performing alternative to this manmade material is pure new wool, which has been pre-shrunk in warm water to give a water-resistant yet highly breathable material.
While Polyester covers are easy to use and to clean, the wool covers are the first choice in hot summers and for babies with very sensitive skin.
How long will I be able to use a washable nappy for?
Usually a set of 15-20 One-Size or Ultra Fit nappies is enough to use from birth to toilet training. Provided the nappies have been washed with care and according to the washing instructions you can use these nappies for at least 200 washes, which should take you through your babys time in nappies.
If you chose Two Size you will most likely be able to use them for a second child, as the small size is only used for about 7-9 months.
The amount of nappies you will need depends on your washing/drying cycle. Popolini recommends that a baby is changed 5-6 times a day and that every 3rd day its time for a full hot wash load. While 15 nappies is the absolute minimum, its better that you buy 20 absorbent nappies (one size, ultra fit two size etc) and 2-3 covers.
What nappies will suit me and my baby the best?
Ultra Fit/One size are Popolinis top selling absorbent nappies which will grow with your baby from newborn to about 15 kg (32 lb). Since these nappies will be used for maybe 2 years they may be quite worn by the time the baby is toilet trained. Due to the fact that they can be used for such a long time the fit is not always as snug as in sized nappies. This is true especially at the beginning when the baby is very small or at the end when the baby is larger. All Ultra Fits have Velcro type fastenings and are therefore easy to adjust to the size of the baby.
Two Size is made in two sizes to fit the babys needs perfectly. One set will last for about nine months. The next set should then fit until your baby is toilet trained. If you definitely plan a second baby then Two Size could be a good option, since you could use size S for your younger baby while your older baby is using Size L.
Easy Fix is an all-in-one nappy, with inner absorbent nappy, liner and a waterproof cover. This comes in 2 sizes and has been developed especially for day care nurseries or hospitals, and as a useful addition to any nappy collection.
Can I use Popolini when I travel?
When going out and about for a day use Popolini just as you would use disposables. The used nappy can be easily brought home in an airtight nappy bag. When you leave home for a longer period of time (e.g. holidays) try and make sure you have access to a washing machine wherever you go. If not, you could use disposables, after all this should have been the first reason why they have been invented.
How easy is it to care for washable nappies?
Popolini can be easily washed in your washing machine. They are durable and do not have to be ironed.
Useful hints for nappy care
- Wash before use! New nappies have to be washed before use. The maximum absorbency is reached only after a few washings.
- Use a thin disposable or flushable nappy liner to catch most of the poo, which can then be easily disposed of or flushed away in the toilet.
- Store wet nappies in a bucket for up to, but no longer than 3 days to avoid them going mouldy. For easier handling you can collect them in a nappy mesh that fits over your bucket. Put the mesh with the nappies in it into the machine. Attention! When putting the full mesh into the machine leave it open so the nappies can fall out during the washing cycle.
- All Velcro fastenings should be re-attached after removing the nappy and before washing to avoid them becoming entangled with your other clothes.
- For a better odour put a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil into the nappy bucket.
- Wash at 60C which is usually sufficient and economically the better choice. However if you insist on maximum hygiene you can also wash Popolini nappies at 95 (where precautions are not given).
- Do not use bleaching or whitening agents and use a non-bio detergent with little or no additives or perfumes, to avoid skin irritations on your baby.
- Gall soap is a natural stain remover.
- Do not use any softening agents since they put a film over the fabric which will make it soft but also much less absorbent. After all softening agents are not very environmentally friendly and may also cause skin irritations. You can soften your nappies by adding half a cup of vinegar into the last rinse of your wash (in the fabric conditioner tray). Another possibility is to tumble dry for fifteen minutes and then line dry, or put dry nappies in your tumble drier with your almost dry clothes for about 5 minutes.
- Hang your nappies to dry whenever possible. If you have to use a dryer do it only at a low setting (not too hot)! Remember! Driers are generally much harder on your wash than the washing machine.
- Covers should be washed in the machine at maximum 60C. Or since they are generally not heavily soiled it is very often sufficient to rinse them in warm water. They will dry quickly. Wool covers should be washed by hand. Important! Do not hang covers directly over radiators, wring or strech expand them which can damage the waterproof coating.
- Continuous use may widen the stitch holes of the covers at leg gussets and on the front part where the loop closure is sewn on. Thus possibly making them leak. To waterproof your cover again, put Wool Wax (Waxed Cotton) over the seams and let it soak into the yarn by heating with a hair dryer.
Can I switch to Popolini with my older child?
Yes, as long as you expect it to be at least 6 months until your baby is toilet trained, it would be economically wise to change to a Large size nappy system (Easy Fix or Two Size L)
How often do I have to change nappies?
A newborn baby wets up to twenty times a day. It is therefore impossible to keep him dry at all times. Try to change nappies as often as possible and at least every 4 hours. Observe carefully the amount of wetting and react accordingly by shorter change intervals or by adding extra absorbent liners. Should wetness seep through even when using an additional absorbent liner it is most likely that you will have to use the next size of cover.
The following guidelines should help too:
Change as soon as possible after a poo, regardless of the child's age. Babies under one month - change every two hours during the day, and before/after every night feed (whichever you prefer). Babies under six months - change every 2 1/2 hours during the day, and before/after every night feed (whichever you prefer), rising to every 4 hours as baby drops night feeds and gets towards six months. Babies and toddlers over six months - change approximately every four hours during the day. Toddlers over 12 months will usually have approximately 3-4 nappy changes in a 24 hour period
How long will it be until my baby will be toilet trained?
Washable nappies will show your baby at a much earlier stage a connection between wetting and being wet. It is therefore commonly assumed that babies who use cloth nappies will be toilet trained much earlier than those who use disposable nappies.
Are Popolini nappies comfortable?
Yes. Popolini might look a little bulkier to you but your baby feels quite comfortable in them. Popolini nappies keep your baby in a straddled position that is excellent for a healthy hip development especially in the first year.
How many Popolini do I need?
The amount of nappies you will need depends on your washing/drying cycle. Popolini recommends that a baby is changed 5-6 times a day and that every 3rd day its time for a full hot wash load. While 15 nappies is the absolute minimum, its betterthat you buy 20 absorbent nappies (one size, ultra fit two size etc) and 2-3 covers.
Different useful hints
Fresh air is the best for your babies skin. Leave your baby without a nappy as often and as long as possible. This gives the wet skin time to recover and your baby will love the new feeling of freedom.
Make sure that the nappy is completely covered by the cover.
It is recommended to use disposable nappy liner to catch the "heavy soils".
For a breastfed baby - a shaped nappy with separate wrap is best at poo containment, as this gives two leg barriers.
If the nappy gets soiled, rinse it before putting into the nappy bin. Don't forget to clean your sink afterwards.
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