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| How many nappies do I need? |
Date Added:
23/10/2008
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The number of nappies you need depends on the whether you are using the full-time or part time, the age of your baby and how often you want to wash them.
Generally a baby wearing cloth nappies needs changing about 6-8 times a day. If you are using cloth nappies full time then you would need about 24 nappies. If you are only using nappies part time the about 12 nappies should get you though. This would then mean that you would be washing every 2-3 days.
Most people find it easier and more cost effective to start with a few nappies and build them up over time.
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| How often do I need to change cloth nappies? |
Date Added:
23/10/2008
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Generally the younger the baby the more changes you have as newborn babies usually have more soiled nappies than older babies which require more frequent changes. A newborn baby usually has between 10-12 nappy changes a day and it usually decreases to about 8 a day and then 6 a day as they get older.
Modern Cloth nappies usually need to be changed every 3 hours or so throughout the day and any extra times if the nappy is soiled. There is no need to change your baby throughout the night as long as you are using a good absorbent nappy and booster if needed. This should get you right though the night however the nappy will be very wet in the morning.
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| How do I wash cloth nappies? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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This means that you scrape out any waste from the nappy into the toilet or rinse it off the nappy and simply put it in a bucket with a lid with or without water. The manufacturers recommend no water which is called dry pailing.
Nappies should then be washed in a washing machine as normal on warm/hot temperature with half the amount of washing liquid. This reduces residue on the nappy which can lead to rashes and the nappy leaking.
Once the nappies are washed hang them on the clothes line in the sun. The sun is a natural bleacher and deodoriser for your nappies. Most nappies can be placed in the dryer on a low temperature.
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| What detergent do I use? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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Do not use fabric softner. Fabric Softner coats you nappies as it will coat the nappy and reduce absorption. Do not use Nappisan or other bleach based detergents or powders on your nappies. It is recommended that you use the following detergents: Eco Store, Planet Arc Aware or Seventh Generation which can be purchased from your local supermarket.
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| What are the costs of cloth nappies? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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Cost for 24 one size cloth pocket nappies at $28- each = $672-
Average amount spend on disposable nappies $2,803.20 *
Savings by using cloth nappies $2,131.20
* Based on 8 nappy changes a day for 3 years at 32c per nappy
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| What are the environmental benefits of using cloth nappies? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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18 billion disposable nappies enter landfills each year
It takes 500 years for 1 disposable nappy to decompose
82,000 tons of plastic needed each year to make disposable nappies
1.3million tons of wood pulp needed each year to make disposable nappies
250,000 trees needed each year to make disposable nappies
The production of disposable nappies uses around 3.5 times the amount of energy used for a cloth nappy.
The production of disposable nappies uses over twice the amount of water used for washing cloth nappies.
Disposable nappies use over 8 times the amount of non renewable raw materials and a whopping 90 times the amount of renewable materials (measured in weight).
For one child with an average 6 nappies a day over 2.5 years, approximately 734 kg of solid waste goes into landfill.
Disposable nappies are not bio-degradable and can sit in our landfill for hundreds of years.
It takes thousands of gallons of water, paper from our trees and bleach and chemical absorbers to make disposables look white, clean and fresh when you pull them out of a packet.
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| What are the differences between all the types of nappies? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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Pocket Nappies
A fitted nappy with a waterproof cover on the outside and a lining on the inside. The lining forms a pocket and is required to be stuffed with a booster, insert or other absorbent material. This nappy has no absorbency unless stuffed.
One Size Nappy
A fitted nappy with a waterproof cover on the outside. This nappy is adjustable on the front with snaps to make it smaller for newborns and then gradually get bigger as the baby grows. This nappy is an all round nappy from birth to toilet training.
All in One (AIO)
A nappy that is fitted and has the waterproof cover attached to the nappy. These nappies don’t need a cover.
Fitted Nappy
A nappy that is fitted and is made of an absorbent material. It generally has elastic around the legs and waist and is fastened with snaps or Velcro. These nappies require a cover.
Covers
A waterproof material that fits over a fitted nappy, terry squares or prefolds.
Prefold
Similar to the terry flat nappy however it has an extra absorbency panel sewn into it. These nappies require a cover.
Terry Flats
A terry toweling square that can be folded in different ways and attached with pins or a snappi. These nappies require a cover.
Liners
Liners are a piece of material that is either disposable or washable that sits in the nappy next to the baby’s skin. It provides a layer to reduce moisture touching the skin and catches any waste.
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| What are the benefits of cloth nappies to my baby? |
Date Added:
26/10/2008
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Using cotton allows your baby's skin to breathe reducing nappy rash.
Soft & non-restrictive keeping your baby's bottom nice and dry.
Reduced temperature of child's genital area thus reducing the risk of fertility issues.
No chemicals being exposed to the baby's body. Tibutyl tin (a very toxic chemical) have been found in disposable nappies.
Better performance - no blow outs when the nappy is soiled and ability to add extra absorbency when required.
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