Using Your Nappies

 

Putting a nappy on

Place a liner (either paper or fleece) inside the nappy (some nappies have a built in fleece liner or fleece pouch, these do not need liners).

Fasten the nappy around your baby ensuring a snug fit (not too tight or loose). For nappies that require folding, adjustment or stuffing please see the instructions later on in this booklet.

If required put the waterproof cover over the top. Only All-in-One or Pocket Nappies do not require waterproof covers.

Make sure that the nappy is completely inside the cover and no labels or cotton is sticking out.

Changing your nappy

When you come to change your baby you will need to follow these simple steps.

1. Remove the outer cover and nappy. If the outer is not got soiled or very wet then it can be reused for the next nappy. You will need to replace the nappy (cotton part) or for pocket nappies the entire nappy at each change.
2. Clean your baby as you would at any nappy change and add another nappy & cover as before.
3. If you have used a paper liner throw this in the toilet or compost bin if it just wet (please note: some drainage systems may not be suitable to flush your liners). If you have used a washable liner (fleece) and it is soiled rinse this off into the toilet. If your nappy or cover is also soiled you may also need to rinse this in the toilet too.
4. This can be done by either, holding tightly to one corner of the nappy and flushing the toilet so that the nappy is rinsed into the toilet bowl, by using a shower attachment over the toilet or shower into a bucket to rinse off the nappy.
5. Place the nappies/covers in a lidded bucket to store them until you are ready to wash a few together.

Soaking you Nappies
It is not necessary to soak your nappies but if you would prefer to do this then we do not recommend chemical nappy soak on nappies or covers as this can damage them. If you would like to soak your nappies then please follow these instructions carefully.

Half fill the bucket with cold water and add either a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil, a table spoon of white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda. We would recommend using a nappy mesh inside the bucket to help you remove nappies that have been soaked.

Place the nappies in water and remember to change it at least once a day to prevent smells. We do not recommend soaking your covers.

Please remember that a bucket full of water may seem like a fun thing for a toddler but does have potential dangers. Please keep buckets of water stored out of reach of any small children.

Washing your nappies and pocket inserts
(please check care labels before washing your nappies and covers)

Washing you nappies at 60°C or 40°C is sufficient in most circumstances and better environmentally. You should try to wash at 60°C if you baby is very young (for the first 3 months). You can use any non-bio washing powder but never use fabric conditioner as this will coat the nappies and reduce their absorbency. You will only need to use about 1/3rd of the normal amount of washing powder (if there are suds left in the final rinse keep reducing the amount of powder).

If you decide to dry pail (no soaking) your nappies, it may be worth putting them through a cold pre-wash or cold rinse cycle with no washing powder/liquid to give them a rinse through first.

REMEMBER: Try to wash your nappies at least twice before using them (no need to dry in between washes). This will help with the absorbency and remove any coating that may have been used in the manufacture of the material. It can take several washes before your nappies will reach maximum absorbency especially for hemp products. Shrinkage may occur on the first few washes, expect about 10%.

Drying your nappies

Most nappies can be tumble-dried but line drying is best (and free). Weather permitting out in the sun will also naturally sanitize your nappies and fade any marks on your nappies.

Nappies with elasticated legs should be tumbled dried on a low/gentle cycle and only if necessary. Please be aware that tumble drying or drying your nappies on direct heat e.g. on radiators or Rayburn shortens their lifespan and tumble driers uses more energy increasing the impact on the environment.

Washing and drying waterproof outers & pocket nappies
Do not soak your waterproof covers.

Your covers can be washed with your nappies. A 60ºC or 40°C wash is best (please check the care labels). Again try to use a non-bio washing powder. Wherever possible try not to tumble dry or dry your wraps on direct heat i.e. on a radiator or Rayburn as this could deteriorate the waterproof coating. If it is necessary to tumble dry them, use a low setting.

Fleece Cover Instructions
Please follow the care instructions on the label carefully.

The colour on your fleece covers may run for the first few washes so it is advisable to wash it with colours rather than with you nappies. We have also found that if they are washed with the nappies, that the fluff from the nappies tends to stick to the wrap and makes it look rather grubby.

If you do wash this with your normal wash it is Ok to use fabric soften with it.

For covers that do not have a PUL (polyurethane laminate) inner, try to avoid letting your baby sit for long periods of time while using this wrap as the pressure on a wet nappy may make the liquid wick through onto the clothing. This can also happen when your baby is wearing tight fitting trousers which have a central seam.

Using Boosters

You may need to add a booster to your nappy if you baby is a heavy wetter or for night time use. A booster is basically extra absorbency added to the nappy and can either be pre-shaped or any absorbent material folded into a pad (small pre-folds, small terry nappies or micro fibre cloths work really well for this purpose) and placed inside the nappy. If you find you need to add more than one booster it may be best to place one inside the nappy and any addition boosters between the nappy and the cover. Please Note: This may not work as well with some types of nappy cover and covers designed to hold a prefold are best if you are going to use this option.

How to us a Nappi Nippa (Images thanks to Nappi Nippas)

Hold the nippa in the middle, gently pull across and hook into one side of the nappy,

 Gently pull across and hook into the other side of the nappy.
Pull down and hook into the middle the nappy making sure it is not too loose.
 Your nappy nippa is now in place and your nappy should be securely fastened.



Terry Folds

To use a standard 60x60cm terry square on a small or newborn baby fold the four corners of the nappy into the middle first to make a smaller square and then use the fold you like best. (Please note: If you are using a top quality thicker terry such as the Little Ewe Terry you may find the 60x60cm size a little bulky on a newborn baby).

All of the following folds can be made neater around the legs by tucking them in after you have put the nappy on.

The Kite

This fold tends to be quite bulky around the legs and has limited absorbency but can be boosted with a pad fold for night time use.

 

Start with the nappy flat and imagine a line from corner to corner diagonally. Fold the corners to meet the imaginary line (top left, bottom right). Fold down the top then fold up the bottom, adjust the length to fit your baby.

The Poo Catcher

This fold is great for use when breast feeding or for catching runny poo. Ideal for use with a small/newborn size nappy.



The Origami Fold

This fold is great for absorbency and a neat fit.

 

Fold the nappy into 4 quarters makins sure that the corners meet at the top. Pull the top layer by the corner out to the side to make a triangle. Turn the nappy over over and fold the square part into 3 or 4. If the nappy is too short hold the bottom of the central pad and the final layer at the top and pull gently to adjust the length.

The Pad Fold

This is the easiest of all the folds and is ideal for use inside another nappy as a booster or with a cover suitable for prefolds. It makes a great boy fold but can be used for a girl too.


Fold the bottom of the nappy up about 1/4 to 1/3 (if needed). Fold the nappy into thirds or quarters depending on the width of the pad you require.

The Triangle Fold

A basic nappy fold that is quick and easy.


With the nappy flat fold from the lower left corner to the right corner. For a smaller nappy fold the nappy in half again. This will then be more suited to a small or newborn baby.

Using Prefolds

Prefold nappies are usually oblong shaped cotton material with a thicker pad in the middle. A basic nappy which is quick and easy to use.

Girl Fold


This fold gives all the absorbency in the middle of the nappy where it is needed most. Once you have folded the nappy simply place it inside the cover add a liner and put it on your baby.

Boy Fold


This fold gives maximum absorbency at the front of the nappy. Once you have folded the nappy simply place it inside the cover add a liner and put it on your baby.

Liquid Poo

Fold the nappy as you would for the boy or girl fold and then fan out the back. The flaps can then be fulled around the waist and pinned or nippa’d if preferred. This fold is a good fold if you are using prefolds on a breast feed baby.

Using Sized Nappies as Birth to Potty Nappies

There are several nappies available now where the second size nappy can be used folded down as a birth to potty nappy from about 10lb onwards. Initially this will make the nappy a little bulky around the waist. This works well with the Tots Bots or Nature Babies nappies. The Size 2 Bamboozle (popper fastening and Size 2 Fluffles (nippa and popper fastening) have been designed with this in mind.

Size 2 Tots Bots Bamboozle Popper Fastening

Fold the front down
Cross over tabs and fasten
Adjust the setting as your baby grows

 

Size 2 Nature Babies Diddy Diaper Nippa Fastening

Fold down the front to the right height
Cross over the tabs to correct the width
Fasten with a nappy nippa

 

These 2 principles can be applied to most size 2 nappies that are suitable for use from 10lb weight. (Please note: not all size 2 nappies are suitable please contact us for more information).

 

Using a Mother Ease One Size Nappy

This nappy tends to stretch with use so don’t be afraid to make it a snug fit. You baby will let you know if it is too tight.

Smallest setting


With out the snap in booster (these can be brought separately) lay the baby on the nappy with the wings at the back. Bring the front of the nappy up through the babies legs and fold down at the front so that the short row of poppers is visible. Do up the poppers to a snug fit and push the folded part at the front up from underneath to make a neat finish. To boost the nappy at this size us a pad folded nappy or booster pad, not the pop in pad as it is too long for the crotch depth.

Medium Setting

Fit the nappy in the same way as above but adjust the poppers at the waist to extend the fit.

 

Large Setting

 

There is no need to fold down use the longer row of poppers to adjust the fit. For extra absorbency use a snap in booster. For night time use you may need to add an extra booster. Use a small pad folded terry, small Prefold, 3 layer terry booster or hemp insert under the pop in booster.

Pocket Nappies/Stuffables Instructions

The amount of absorbency you will need for pocket nappies will vary from child to child. You will need 1 or 2 inerts (these can be anything absorbent folded into a pad or specially designed inserts). If you find the nappy leaks wee with just 1 insert you may need to up the absorbency with another.

 

When stuffing your pocket nappies try to ensure that the insert inside the pocket is a flat as possible.

Stuffable Lites


BumGenius One Size Pocket Nappies

BumGenius Small
BumGenius Medium
BumGenius Large
Small
Medium
Large