Tips & Tricks

Washing Instructions:

1. For a soiled nappy, knock solids off the nappy and flush down the toilet (not required for exclusively breastfed babies)
2. Rinse the soiled nappy and store in a laundry style basket that is open and airy ‘dry pail’
3. Nappies that only contain urine can go straight into the ‘dry pail’ (remove inserts from the pocket)
4. Wash nappies for the first wash on a short warm – hot cycle (between 40 and 60 degrees) this may be done daily or every second day
5. Store nappies that have been through the first wash in a ‘dry pail’ (note: the nappies will still be damp from the wash)
6. Wash nappies for the second time on a long warm – hot cycle (between 40 and 60 degrees). This main wash may be done every three days and may contain all nappies that have already been washed once
7. Dry in your preferred way (on a line or in a dryer)

Note: before using nappies, you can give them a quick wash no hotter than 60 degrees. No special washing is required for an initial wash before they are used.

FAQ

How do I adjust the size of the nappy?

See the below picture.

Where do I put the inserts?

There is a pocket opening at the back of the nappy. Use your hand to put the insert in and pull to the front of the nappy. Ensure that all of the insert is inside the pocket.

You can also lay the inserts in the nappy, rather than the pocket, however the pocket acts as a stay-dry layer so that the child does not feel wet. Also, ensure that microfibre is not directly against the child's skin.

See the below picture.

Do I need an insert for a swim nappy?

No inserts are needed for swim nappies  swim nappies (both reusable and disposable) are designed to hold in solids. Using an insert will just fill with water and weigh bub down in the water.

Why am I getting leaks?

Modern cloth nappies need to be changed every 2 – 3 hours during the day. If you are changing the nappy this often and still having leaks, please review the info below.

Fit

Ensure that the nappy is snapped to the correct size. If fitted correctly, there should be no gaps around the legs. If you have gaps, adjust the second row of waist snaps.

Absorbency

Is the insert/s completely soaked?

YES - If the insert/s is completely soaked when the leak occurs, then you will need to either swap to a more absorbent insert or add an additional insert. Alva, Lulu & Finn and Mama Koala nappies can accommodate up to 3 inserts. In most cases a more absorbent insert or using 2 inserts will resolve an absorbency issue. 

No – If the insert/s aren’t completely soaked when the leak occurs, then you most likely have a ‘flooding’ issue. Flooding occurs when the urine isn’t absorbed fast enough by the insert. Generally fast absorbing inserts (like microfibre) have a lower capacity so will then need to be paired with a second insert.

Check out our Insert Absorbency Guide below to work out what inserts you should pair.

Insert Absorbency Guide

SPEED (Fastest to Slowest)	CAPACITY (Highest to Lowest)
Microfibre or Charcoal Bamboo	Hemp
Cotton	Bamboo
Bamboo	Cotton
Hemp	Microfibre or Charcoal Bamboo

• Pair high capacity inserts with fast absorbers eg. pair Microfibre with Hemp or Bamboo
• Place the fastest absorber closer to the child
• Do not place microfibre directly on the child’s skin

Other things to check for:

Is your child wearing bodysuits when the leaks occur? Sometimes tight body suits can cause compression leaks, usually when using microfibre inserts.

Is any of the suede cloth (inside stay-dry layer) sticking out of the nappy? This can cause wicking resulting in a leak.

If the inserts contain natural fibres (bamboo, cotton or hemp) they may take up to 8 washes to reach full absorbency.

How many nappies do I need for full-time day use?

You will need 8 – 12 nappies per day. A 24 – 36 is ideal depending on how often you are washing.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like further information or explanations, we are happy to help.

How do I use a swim nappy? 

Adjust the front snaps to suit your child's size so the swim nappy sits around the waist. Fasten waist snaps to ensure there is comfortable but tight seal around the waist. There should also be a comfortable and tight seal around the legs ie there should be no gap around the waist or legs.