Trouble Shooting

How do I use my one size nappies?
On the front of your nappy there are some snaps.  Snap the top snaps to the bottom snaps for a small setting, the middle snaps for intermediate setting and leave them open for a large setting.  The setting you are wanting will depend on the age and size of your baby.  Place the absorbent insert in the pocket of the nappy (the pocket is at the front or the back of the nappy depending on your brand nappy).  Your nappy is now ready to put on your baby.  When putting the nappy on your baby it goes on just like a disposable.  When doing up the nappy check to make sure the fitting is snug and there is no gaping around the legs or anywhere else on the nappy.  If the nappy is not snug then you may need to change the setting you have it adjusted on.

How do I know if the nappy is fitting correctly?
You nappy is fitted correctly when the fitting is snug and there is no gaping around the legs or the top of the nappy.

How do I wash my nappies for the first time?
Wash your one size nappies prior to use to remove any residue that may be on your nappies from manufacture.  Prefolds need to be washed about 4 times with a line or tumble dry in between to make them fluffy and absorbent.

How do I wash my nappies on a regular basis?
Each time you wash your nappies start by pre-rising them on a cold water cycle as this reduces staining.  Then wash your nappies on a regular cycle up to 60 degrees in temperature.  If there are suds still left at the end of the cycle put your nappies through another rise cycle until the water runs clear.

What is the best detergent to use on my cloth nappies?
Use an additive free detergent.  This includes one with no perfumes, dyes, whiteners, brighteners, softners, enzymes or other fabric enhancers.  Do not use vinegar, baking soda, fabric softeners, lux flakes or Nappisan.  The recommended detergents to use is a powder and the brands recommended are Eco Store, Planet Arc Aware or Seventh Generation.  These can be purchased from your local supermarket or Eco Store can be purchased on-line from Happy Babes.  Use only ¼ - ½ the amount that is recommended.

How do I dry my cloth nappies?
The best way to dry your nappies is on the clothes line in the sun (this is a good natural bleach).  It is best to peg your nappies horizontally on the clothes line to reduce the amount of stretch on the elastic in your nappies.  You can also put your nappies in the dryer on a warm temperature.

How do I make the velcro tabs on my nappies sticky again?

Place the nappy in a dryer on warm/high heat which should fix the problem.

Can I use nappy rash creams with my cloth nappies?
If you need to use nappy rash cream on your baby place a reusable or disposable liner in between your baby’s bottom and the nappy lining to avoid any build up occurring on your nappies.

Why are my nappies leaking and how do I prevent them leaking in the future?
Are usually caused from detergent or nappy cream build up, poor fitting nappies or maximum absorbency of nappy has been reached.  Strip wash your nappies for detergent and nappy rash cream build up.  Check the fit of your nappy and add extra inserts for absorbency or change the nappy more regularly.

How do I strip wash my nappies?
• Wash your nappies through a regular wash with no detergent.
• Fill a bucket or sink with hot water & add a couple of squirts of dishwashing detergent (only use cheap dishwashing detergent that doesn’t have conditioners and moisturises etc. do not use Morning Fresh)
• Add your nappies into the bucket or sink of water
• Soak your nappies until the water is cool and then put some dishwashing detergent on the liners of your nappies and on the inside lining of your nappies.  Rub and massage the dishwashing detergent into the nappies and the liners.
• Rinse your nappies then put your nappies back into the washing machine on a hot long wash.  If there are still suds at the end of the wash keep washing/rinsing until you see clear water with no suds.

How do I stop my nappies from smelling?
Smelly nappies are usually caused from detergent build up.  Use a recommended detergent and ensure that your nappies are rinsed properly.  Look for clear rinse water without suds.

How do I get the stains out of my nappies?
Hang your nappies in the sun as this is a natural bleach for your nappies or soak them in water with baking soda.
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