The simplest answer is to buy just one (or a couple) Cloth Nappies to try!

Buy one nappy to try - or buy 5 to 7 nappies to give a full day's trial in Cloth! (Out of Newborn Stage). 

Modern Reusables are easy to care for using your washing machine, so you will likely find they are not as complicated as you once maybe thought scrolling through information, brands, and types online.

Also, even if you decide not to commit to full-time cloth nappies for your little one, part-time use of reusable nappies is still a great achievement!

When beginning to use Cloth Nappies you might find the right fit and absorbency with the nappy you trial first, and whilst there is bulk (i.e. kits of 20+ nappies) starter nappies available which usually means a discount, we would advise to trial before committing, as all will fit babies differently dependant on babies body shape, and light to heavy wetters vs the absorbency of the nappy you choose.

The next thing to consider is which type of nappy is most suitable for you and your baby.

For example, if you have limited drying space, you may want to consider having Pockets so that you can seperate the absorbency from the water resistant shell to turn around drying time faster. 

Here is a handy chart which shows the common absorbency materials and their qualities. 

 What to do with the Poo? 

An often asked question. Before weaning babies poo is actually water soluble so you don't need to, unless preference, remove the poo before pailing. 

Whilst weaning/weaned:  

If ploppable simply shake down the loo. If not use a bidet sprayer, shower head, or the toilet flush to hold and remove poo with water. Some people prefer to scrape off solids with a dedicated 'poo knife' too.

Our personal method: We own a manual shower, the hose reaches the toilet and we purchased a bidet shower head attachment to spray soiled nappies straight down the toilet.

Whilst out and about for the day, keep a wet bag handy and dry pail in a wet bag until home to continue your usual care. 

Did you know? 

Even using disposable nappies you are suppose to put poo down the loo before disposing of a single use nappy in the bin.

Other Top Tips: 

• Check whether your local Council offer a Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme here.

• View our New to Cloth? for more information on Cloth Nappies. 

• Get all the information on Wash and Care for our Nappies. 

• Join some Cloth Nappy Groups on Facebook if you are on social media! There are some really great and friendly groups to seek advice from other cloth bum parents, although as always with social media, differing opinions can definitely occur.

• Connect with your local library via UK Nappy Network here. Cloth Nappy Libraries offer Hire Kits so that you can rent out a choice of different nappy types and brands before committing to purchasing your own stash. 

Some Cloth Nappy Acronyms:

• AIO - All in One (a nappy type where the absorbency is sewn into the water resistant shell).
• Pocket - A nappy type where there is the water resistant outer with a 'pocket' opening, for the absorbent inserts to go into. 
• AI2 - A nappy type where the inserts usually popper into the shell and are removable. 
• Fitted Nappy - A shaped nappy which is totally absorbent and requires a cover/wrap over the top for water resistance.
• Wrap/Cover - A PUL water resistant shell to go over the top of different types of absorbency such as a fitted nappy.
• OTB - On the Bum.
• PUL: Polyurethane Laminate - The water resistant outer on cloth nappies/wet bags.
• Insert - The absorbent part which comes within a nappy.
• Booster - An absorbent insert that is added to cloth nappies to help increase the absorbency.
• Liner - Either disposable or fleece usually with the aim to catch poo and make cleaning soiled nappies easier. This is down to preference and nappies can be used with or without liners.
• Hook & Loop - refers to nappies being fastened by Velcro.
• Snaps - refers to nappies being fastened by poppers.
• Gusset - the inner middle part of the nappy.
• Double gusset - refers to there being two elastic defences in the Gusset area to help prevent leaks. These can be internal or external. 
• Stash - Collection of cloth nappies.
• Dry Pail - This refers to storing soiled nappies in a pail without water. 
• Stuff - this refers to stuffing the inserts into a pocket nappy/boosting an all in one/night nappy. 
• Fluff Mail - refers to recieving cloth nappies in your post! 

If this Blog helped you, give it a share! 🌟 

Use the code POCKETS for 10% off when purchasing 3 or more Cherrybottoms Pocket Nappies, or check out our Trio Bundle offer!