
Lots! If you are using something like a thin facewasher then probably at least 3 dozen. If using something more luxurious and thick you would get away with less. We don’t use any solution at all, just a spray bottle with plain water in it.
20 wipes that are at least 18cm square should do. I store mine dry and just spray a solution on when needed. I’m currently using a Foamy Wipes Wash that I bought but there are a number of recipes online if you want to try and make your own.
We started out just using face washers and warm water. After a friend asked me to make her some wipes, I started using them as well. I’ll be using bamboo/flannelette wipes for the next baby. I stock both hemp/flannelette and bamboo/flannelette wipes.
I use flannels, keep them in a basket and use warm water straight from the tap for bum washing.
We’ve got about 20 small square bamboo wipes and a cheap twist top drink bottle from the supermarket full of water in the change table. 20 is far too many for a toddler but about right for a newborn.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What is your choice of materials in cloth wipes? Leave your recommendations in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Best Reusable Nappies – What MCN Brands are the Best to Use?Our Nappy Experts are invited to contribute to these cooperative questions so that you get a range of informative and experienced responses about the topic. Enjoy and discover something new, and share with us in the comment box below.
Let’s see what our MCN shop owners recommend: What is your favourite nappy brand right now?
We’ve always loved Baby BeeHinds…
The type of nappy I like constantly changes. At the moment I’m very busy so I like the Itti Bitti AIO as I don’t need to put anything together.
Little Para Pants – I’m a little biased.
![]()
Omaiki – I didn’t like OSFM nappies until I tried their AIO and now I am a total convert. They are trim, absorbent, really easy to use and also very cute, I love the logo on the bum!
I don’t sell nappies at my site, in fact help interested folks (and amenable babies) to reduce their overall use of nappies, but must say I love our Krap Katchers Night Nappy, made by Nicole. It is awesome, NEVER leaks, is pretty (it was a semi-custom made nappy) and easy to use. I stuff it with whatever is around actually… terry towelling nappies, inserts from other nappies, even flannels. It is a ‘Stuff ‘Em Silly’ nappy. Having not needed night nappies with my first son, using nappies at night with son #2, who wears an orthotic brace at nights and so wears a night nappy, exploring night time nappies is something that has become of interest to me, LOL.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What is your current favourite MCN? Leave your recommendation in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Nappy Changing Time and Wriggling Babies – Mum’s Tips Please!Anything they aren’t allowed to normally have does the trick… or a toy/puzzle that’s a little bit tricky and needs them to do something
![]()
I let my son hold an item from the change table that he doesn’t usually get to touch. It could be the wipe spray bottle, a cloth wipe or anything else nearby.
Anything that makes noise or can go in the mouth! Plus all the tips I included in this article: 6 Tips for Easier Nappy Changes.
I often do them on the move, or give bubble a full wash down in the laundry sink, with toys nearby.
Songs, songs and more songs, nursery rhymes, children’s songs, pop songs, even made-up nonsense rhymes, anything to get them focused on you and not the nappy change! Amazing how any words at all can be put to the tune of Frere Jacques.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What is your cute trick when baby is in a snitch and this needs to be done? Leave your suggestions in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
If you have an urgent Cloth Nappy Question that isn’t covered in our MCN Information so far, let us know below in the comment box.
Provide full information about your troubles, and I can ask our panel of nappy experts and compile it into a new article to help both you and other Mums with a similar MCN problem. Just Ask!
This link will take you to the most recent MCN advice from Our Nappy Experts…
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
- Charndra
P.S. Are you registered to play in our regular nappy giveaways?
Be sure to sign up to have your chance to WIN a free modern cloth nappy for your baby!
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners:
Detergents and the Modern Cloth Nappy – What Do I Need to Know?Stay right away from any bleaches, enzymes, softeners and stick either with an eco-type powder or liquid, or a specific nappy detergent such as Rockin’ Green. Lots of sun is fantastic for making your nappies smell clean and fresh!
Use about 1/4 ? 1/2 of the amount you usually do and choose a washing powder that is phosphate free. Do not use a fabric softener as they will coat the fabric of the nappy and reduce its absorbency.
I’ve always used half the amount of detergent that the box/bottle recommends. They still get clean and they don’t smell like detergent!
I recommend looking at the article The Science of Washing Nappies, and finding out about SoapNuts and learning all you can from our nappy experts on this page, as well as here and here! Plus, do take careful note of the washing instructions from the maker of the nappy – it may have fabrics or embellishments in need of special washing care.
Use a mild and natural detergent. Avoid anything that says it contains active brighteners or softeners and fragrance or perfume. Fragrance and perfume in products are usually phthalates in disguise (Don’t know about this nasty found in many household products? – try a Google search to find out more).
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What is your reusable nappy washing routine? Leave your recommendations in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Damaging Your Washable Modern Cloth Nappy – How NOT to!Let’s see what our nappy experts have to share with us about our MCN topic: How do I damage a modern cloth nappy?
Not washing frequently enough, soaking in bleaches/sanitisers, washing too hot, coating with creams, tumble drying on hot.
How you wash your nappies can affect them. Do not use bleach, napisan or fabric softeners. The way nappies are hung on the line can also damage the elastic. Place them flat or drape them over the line sideways to prevent pressure being put on the elastic and if you are using a nappy rash cream make sure you use a liner.
Lots of ways. If you leave it in the wet bag/bucket too long, it can grow mould. Using vinegar in the wash will eat away the elastic and possibly delaminate PUL. If you use a Snappi on a non-Snappi-able nappy, you’ll get holes, runs, or leaks.
I have had then come out grey after something new went in the wash with them, turning EVERYTHING grey, sigh. The first time a new night nappy was used, hubby washed it, without turning it inside out – so, sigh, pilling, no more of that pristine beauty of a new nappy, just like that – BAM! What do I recommend? A tip one mum left on the blog here was to put a capful of disinfectant in with the pre-rinse. Good tip that I always do now.
Using zinc & petroleum based nappy creams can affect the fibres of MCNs and reduce their absorbency. Be sure to use a liners (either flushable or microfleece if you must use a chemical-based nappy rash cream). Over use of the dryer on your nappies can deteriorate elastic and PUL, so keep dryer time to a minimum. Leaving wet nappies in a bucket for too long isn’t a good idea either, try to wash every second day if possible. Speaking of buckets, don’t soak your nappies in bleach, it can destroy the fabric of your nappies and this too will reduce their absorbency. Dry pailing is best!
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
Time to fess up – what have you done? Leave your confessions in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Reusable Nappies and Nappy Rash Creams – How to Protect your Washable Nappies and Your Baby’s Bottom!Liners liners liners
We don’t tend to use any creams without a liner to protect the nappy.
It is best to use a liner if using creams with your nappies. This will protect the nappy from contact with the cream and reduce the likelihood of absorption issues.
Once in a while I use some urtica or calendula cream. A good squirt of breast milk on the rashy area does wonders too! Just be sure whatever you use won’t stain the nappy.
I have never used any of them, but understand a liner is the way to go. Nappy Free time, a squirt of breastmilk and any redness will hopefully fade away… Nappy Free Time is my solution to any sign of redness!
Whilst cloth nappies are good for preventing nappy rash, sometimes your little one may be affected. Petroleum and zinc based nappy rash creams might clog the fibres of the cloth so during these times either look for an application that doesn’t contain either of those ingredients (there are plenty on the market) or use a liner to protect the longevity of your nappies.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What do you use or not use? Leave your recommendation in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Top MCN Tips: Making the Most of Reusable Night Time Nappies…Always rinse after taking them off in the morning, try and have at least 5-6 in your stash, and hand knitted woolies over the top are awesome
![]()
Add lots of boosting to ensure it lasts the night and doesn’t leak..
Have at least three reusable night nappies. One in the wash, one for tonight, and one for tomorrow night. If your baby is stressed by wetness next to his/her skin, use a stay-dry liner like microfleece.
I chuck them in the laundry sink and give it a quick rinse. They have a pre-rinse, an extra rinse and an extra spin at the end of washing.
Use a microfleece liner to keep baby dry and avoid nappy rash (even if the nappy has a dry layer – 12 hours is a long time in a wet nappy). Give night nappies a hot wash every now and then to reduce ‘stink’. I also think breast or bottle feeding your older baby/toddler at least an hour prior to bedtime gives them time to have a wee before bed and hopefully do less in their night nappy. If you feed baby right before bed one of the first things they’re likely to do when you put them down is wee and then they’re in a wet nappy for a long time.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What brands do you use, How many do you have? Leave your recommendations in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here…
Our Nappy Experts are invited to contribute to these cooperative questions so that you get a range of informative and experienced responses about the topic. Enjoy and discover something new, and share with us in the comment box below. This is MCN advice from a series by the Autumn 2011 sponsors of the Green Promise Nappy Event.
Let’s see what they have to say about our MCN Question:
Cheap Cloth Nappies – What Is Your Recommendation for A Budget-Friendly Washable Cloth Nappy Stash?
There are plenty of options out there if you are looking for something reasonably priced, you don’t have to rely on flat nappies either. Although nappies are expensive to buy upfront, don’t forget that you’ll be saving quite a bit by using them, so it works out slightly more reasonable. You can often sell them on after use, which helps with the cost, and it’s also worth looking at what you can get hold of second hand. A good fitted nappy would be our one size, made from recycled cotton, it’s reasonably priced, and will last from birth onwards.
Keep it simple. A easy system is the Weehuggers where you can change the inserts at change time and not the whole nappy. You do not need to buy a nappy for every change. Have 4-6 covers and lots of inserts.
There are a couple of options for budget-friendly stash, terry flats and pilchers are very budget friendly but for me I would use prefolds/tri-folds and covers that way you can still achieve the trim fit and cute look of some of the more expensive options without the price tag. Also make sure you do your math when weighing up the options, some of the all-in-two options work out significantly less expensive than all-in-ones or pockets as you don’t need any where near as many covers.
I would start with prefolds as these can be used as boosters later on and buy one sized fits most nappies for when the baby is bigger. I recommend either Booroi or Ish Fly prefolds. A cheaper one size nappy that I have found to be excellent with my son is the Organic Bugalugs Smooth Nappies. They fit from approximately 4kgs and are a pocket nappy which makes it easier to add extra boosters for overnight or if your child is a heavier wetter.
A dozen Mandy Mac MacBoos and a dozen Pikapu AIOs, and 7 Pikapu covers are a good combination to start off with. Having a mixture of bamboo & polyester nappies will ensure that you have super absorbent and quick drying nappies. A OSFM nappy is a great option for not having to buy a new set of nappies each time your baby goes up a size. If you add 6 prefolds to the mix, you’ve added 6 nappies to your stash, and also have the option of stuffing the pockets with a folded up prefold to increase absorbency – great for night time.
All cloth nappies are budget friendly when compared to disposables. To keep your costs down even further, go for nappies that have removable inserts, this way you can have three or four inserts per nappy shell, the shells dry in a matter of hours and you can just use a new insert. Plus you don’t need to wash the shell everytime, only if it gets wet or soiled.
It depends on which type you end up using – for a pocket nappy I love Issy Bears because they are One Size Fits Most and made with quality materials so they’ll last for the time you need them and beyond (therefore you won’t be replacing them so they’ll be cost effective)! If you prefer a sized nappy I love Itti Bitti D’lish – fantastic quality and a choice between Snap Ins and All in ones.
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
Tell us how you saved money and built a budget friendly stash…
- Charndra
P.S. Are you registered to play in our regular nappy giveaways?
Be sure to sign up to have your chance to WIN a free modern cloth nappy for your baby!
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners:
MCN Boosters and Inserts – How Do You Use Them Best?If using BBH Petites, buying additional inserts will extend your stash somewhat. The night boosters are great for boosting up bamboo fitteds or MagicAlls for night time use or use as extra inserts for Multifits. They can also be used as prefolds on small newborns or even as great cloths for soaking up spills or putting under the sheet of a toilet training toddler
![]()
Inserts and Boosters for pocket nappies can often be exchanged between brands. If necessary choose an insert that is more suitable for your environment i.e. if you live in a cold climate and drying is a concern choose a faster drying material like microfibre or a trifold rather than a multilayered bamboo booster/insert.
I guess for me it comes down to fabrics. What do you want next to your baby’s skin? How long do you expect the nappy to be on? For something like a night nappy, bamboo is the most absorbent and very soft. If you’re looking for something that dries quicker, hemp is still very absorbent but quicker to dry than bamboo.
I am not an expert on these – which is why this question is here, and woo hoo I’m learning new stuff!
Be careful of over-boosting pocket nappies, too much and you will cause a leg gape and possibly have some leaks. When you boost fitted nappies, place the booster on the outside of the nappy – you’ll get the extra absorbency without compromising fit around the legs.
- Our Nappy Experts -
Discover Expert Advice About The Modern Cloth Nappy – Information About Modern Cloth Nappies – Advice About Frequently Asked Cloth ‘Newbie’ Questions – Lots of Tips and Tricks to Help You With Your Reusable Nappies – Learn From the Experts in Cloth Nappies -
What is your tip for keeping them sorted? Leave your recommendation in the comment box below.
Thank you to My Green Nappy’s Sponsoring Partners… Want a new Washable Nappy? Start here.