Reusable Nappies
Instructions for using reusable nappies
Reusable nappies are quite simple to use – modern cotton nappies do not need to be soaked in disinfectant solution or boil washed, and neither do they need to be changed much more frequently than disposables.
Re-usable nappies – the basics
In order to use our reusable nappies, you will need: terry nappies, wraps (the equivalent of “rubbers”) and, optionally, nappy liners. If you have decided to go for clip-fastening nappies you will also need at least one Nappy Nippa nappy clip.
It is recommended that liners are used with a reusable nappy to catch poo and act as a one way barrier. Our fleece liners are particularly good at letting moisture through and keeping bottoms dry, but paper alternatives are also available in shops. Most of our newborn size reuseable nappies (but not the natural unbleached nappy) come with a fleece liner built in as young babies' poo can easily be rinsed off before washing and so a removable separate fleece liner is not necessary.
When to change your baby's reusable nappy
Like a disposable, a reusable nappy should be changed as soon as possible after your baby has done a poo. It should also be changed when wet – usually every 2-3 hours during the day, and first thing in the morning. Re-useable nappies do not need to be changed every time your baby wees in them, especially if you are using a nappy liner (see below)
Putting the nappy on
1. Open the nappy out so that the integral booster is lying on top of the nappy, with the flaps at the back (fig 1). If you are using a nappy liner, put that on top. NB for a boy, you might like to fold the booster back on itself so that the nappy is more absorbent at the front.
2. Lie baby on top of the nappy and bring the front part up (as you would for a disposable nappy) and then bring the tabs forward and over the front.
3. If you are using Nappy Nippa clips, clip the tabs into place by hooking the claws of the clip through the hoops of the tereline loops on the nappy, first on one side, then the other and then hook the third claw into the body of the nappy below the tabs (fig 2)
4. Once the nappy is firmly in place, put a wrap over the top.
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| fig 1 |
fig 2 |
reusable nappy
with velcro |
clip fastening
reusable nappy |
Washing your terry nappies
When you change your baby’s nappy, you should rinse any poo away in the toilet or sink and store the nappies ready for washing in any container with a lid (eg a bucket). You may like to use one of our washable nappy bags, which can be placed in the washing machine with your re-useable nappies inside. You should not use any kind of soaking solution.

When it comes to washing the nappies, you simply need to throw them all in the washing machine and wash at 40-60°C (NB if you have a baby under 3 months, then 60°C is recommended, 40 is recommended for older babies because it uses less electriciy and is therefore more environmentally friendly). You can wash them with other laundry.
You should not use any fabric conditioner with your reusable cloth nappies because it will be detrimental to the nappies’ absorbency. If you are using reusable nappies in order to be as environmentally friendly as possible then you should dry your nappies on a washing line and not in a tumble drier.
Please click here to look for reuseable nappies and view other name brand baby products inside our online store.
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