# Cloth nappy care and use

A practical guide to using, washing, and caring for reusable cloth nappies.
These are general best-practice answers; always follow the care label on your
specific products.

## How many cloth nappies do I need?

It depends on how often you wash. As a rough guide, washing every day suits a
smaller stash, washing every couple of days needs more nappies on rotation, and
washing twice a week needs the largest stash. Newborns go through more changes
per day than toddlers, so newborn rotations need more nappies.

## How often should I wash cloth nappies?

Most families wash every one to three days. Don't let dirty nappies sit longer
than about two to three days before washing, to avoid staining and smell. Store
used nappies in a dry, breathable pail or bag until wash day.

## How do I wash cloth nappies?

A typical routine is a cold rinse or short pre-wash to remove the bulk, followed
by a warm main wash with a full dose of detergent. Make sure the machine is
loaded well but not packed so tight that nappies can't agitate. Solids should be
flicked into the toilet before washing.

## Can I tumble dry cloth nappies?

Absorbent inserts (like bamboo) can usually be tumble dried on low, but
waterproof covers and PUL outers last longer when line dried or air dried. Line
drying in the sun also helps lift stains naturally. Check each product's care
label.

## Why are my cloth nappies leaking?

Leaks are most often a fit issue rather than a fault: check that the nappy sits
snugly at the waist and legs with no gaps, that inserts are tucked fully inside,
and that the absorbency matches how heavily your baby wets. A nappy that is too
loose or an insert that has shifted are the usual causes.

## How do I strip or deep-clean cloth nappies?

If nappies start to smell even when clean, or absorbency drops, they may need a
deep clean to remove detergent or mineral build-up. This is occasional
maintenance, not part of the regular routine. Follow a recognised strip-wash
method suited to your water type.

## Do cloth nappies fit newborns?

One Size Fits Most nappies adjust down using rise snaps to fit newborns, though
very small or early babies may fit better in a smaller dedicated newborn option
for the first few weeks.

## Are reusable nappies actually better for the environment?

Reusables avoid the thousands of disposables a child uses before toilet
training, and the same nappies can be reused across siblings. Their footprint
depends partly on how they're washed and dried; washing full loads and air
drying reduces it further.