Tips for Using Modern Cloth Nappies

* Whether you choose to use cloth nappies or disposable nappies it is important to change your baby's nappy frequently. Nappy rash is related to how often the baby's nappy is changed, not what type of nappy is used. If your baby wakes at night and you need to feed or soothe your baby back to sleep, it is a good idea to get in the habit of changing his/her nappy first. It is also recommended that you do not leave your baby in a soiled nappy, even if he/she has gone back to sleep.

* It is also a good idea to wear gloves whenever rinsing out or washing your baby's nappies, in case you have a any small cuts on your hands. If you choose to soak your nappies, it is important to keep the nappy bucket out of reach of any children.

* It is always easier to have your nappies "put together" and lined up in your change table at the beginning of the day.

* When cleaning your baby's bottom, use toilet paper for the first wipe, and then use a cloth wipe to get a thorough finish.

* If you decide to soak your nappies, a plastic potato masher is very handy for pushing the nappies under the water in the bucket.

* All cloth nappies need to be washed several times to help them attain a good absorbency.

* Don't ever use fabric softener or soap flakes when washing the absorbent part of a nappy because it may leave a residue on the nappy preventing the nappy from absorbing liquid.

* To wipe your baby's bottom with a warm cloth instead of a cold one, put some warm water in a thermos every morning. At each nappy change, pour a small amount of this water into the thermos cup and dip your wipe in.

* To store your used cloth nappies when you're out, be creative. You can use a make up bag for a small outing. The plastic bags that blankets are sold in are useful for larger outings as they usually have a zip and they slide easily into most nappy bags. When you're going to one place for an entire day, take a nappy bucket as a dry pail. If all else fails, a used plastic shopping bag will do the job just fine on any outing or emergency situation.

* You could investigate recycling your wash water in the laundry. After all, we don't empty the sink after each dish - only when we've done ALL the dishes, or the water is dirty). Consult your washing machine manual for instructions.

* To stop a clever baby from taking off his/her own nappy there are 2 things you can do. Making sure that the nappy is always covered with shorts may help, otherwise a Snappi Nappi is virtually like a lock! (Note that a Snappi Nappi can't be stuck directly into PUL without damaging the fabric.