FAQ ~ Still under construction!

Many people have lots of questions when they first think about using cloth nappies. Here are the answers to some of your questions. Don't hesitate to email us if you have other questions which are not answered here

Why Use Cloth?

Will using cloth nappies cause nappy rash?

What do I do with a soiled nappy?

How do I wash and dry cloth nappies, wraps and nappy accessories?

What types of nappies are there?

How many nappies will I need?

How many wraps will I need?

How often should I change a nappy?

How do I fold a hemp square?

What is the difference between PUL & Fleece wraps?

When do I need boosters?

Hemp....what is it all about?

Bamboo....what is it all about?

http://www.diaperpin.com/howto.asp A good selection of more FAQ for you to read.

Q: Why Use Cloth?

A: Using cloth makes sense from an environmental, financial, and health point of view. Even the Irish Department of the Environment advocates the use of cloth nappies.

• ENVIRONMENTAL: In Ireland alone, over 300 million disposable nappies are dumped into landfill every year, making up 5% of our domestic waste - and that does not included nappy sacs or disposable wipes.
• Each child uses 5,500 - 5,800 nappies before being potty trained (at 2.5 years).
• It takes 1 cup of crude oil to make the plastic in each disposable nappy.
• In 2002 an independent consultancy firm (Landbank Consultancy, London, UK) showed that from production to disposaal, disposable nappies use 8 times as much non-renewable resources as cloth nappies; 90 times as much renewable resources, generate 60 times as much solid waster and create 2.3 times as much waste water when compared to cloth nappies.
• Cloth nappies are available in organic fabrics, hemp fabrics (produced with minimual insecticide use in production), and now from bamboo fabric - all environmentally friendly.
• FINANCIAL: Cloth nappies are without doubt much cheaper to use than the disposables. The cost of providing disposable nappies for the average child will cost E2,000 or more depending on the brand of nappy used. This does not include the cost of nappy sacs or disposable wipes. Even buying the most expensive nappies, and including the costs of washable wipes, washable nappy bags and washing them considerable savings can be made. There is also a thriving second hand market for cloth nappies.
• HEALTH: There are potentially serious problems due to the ease of disease transmission associated with the disposal of faeces/poo in a nappy disposal of in regular household waste, as well as the risk of groundwater contamination in lndfill sites.
• The future effects of extreme dryness on babies delicate skin from the superabsorbant gel used in disposables is stil unknown. Superabsorbant gels can contain polyacrylate srystals which form a gel when in contact with urine. There are particular concerns about these chemicals entering the body via broken skin, especially as sodium polyacrylate and other chemicals have been removed from tampons due to their association with Tosic Shock Syndrome.
• Disposable nappies are known to keep babies testicals at a higher then normal temperature. (The testes are located 'outside' the body in order to keep their temperature lower than body temperature to facilitate the production of sperm). The risk to future fertility is still unknown.
• Manufacturers are not required to print the nappy materials or processing details on their packaging...

Q: Will using cloth nappies cause nappy rash?

A: NO, many people actually find a decrease in nappy rash when using cloth nappies. Nappy rash is mainly caused by urine (or another irritant) causing a reaction to the skin. Fleece liners keep the skin dry and frequent changes (whether disposable or cloth nappies are used) will also help prevent it. Teething can also cause nappy rash irrespective of the type of nappy used.

Q: What do I do with a soiled nappy?

A: Simple, If it is a wet nappy, just put it into a dry bucket with a lid until it is time to wash. There is no need to soak nappies as modern washing machinesare much more efficient now in comparison to 20 years ago. If it is a soiled nappy, put the poo into the toilet (flushable liners or washable fleece liners~poo falls easily off fleece~ are available) and put the nappy into the bucket as usual.

Q: How do I wash and dry cloth nappies. wraps and accessories?

A: Nappies, wraps (except wool), washable wipes and nappy bags can all be washed at 40 or 60o C and tumble dried or line dried. Some people add 1/4 cup (65 ml) vinegar to the final rinse as it removes all traces of detergent and ammonia as well as lowering the pH level. This also helps to prevent nappy rash. If you prefer to line dry your nappies, putting them into the tumbler dryer for about 10 minutes helps to soften them.
Fleece and PUL wraps do not need to be tumbled dried as they will air dry extremely quickly. Putting fleece wraps into the tumbler drier at intervals will increase/maintain their water-resistance properties.

Q: What types of nappies are there?

A: Simple put there are 2 classes of nappies:

1. All-In-Ones (AIO) which are the same as a disposable except you wash them between use.

2. A 2-system nappy made up of a waterproof cover/wrap and a cloth nappy. The nappy absorbs the urine and the waterproof wrap (named as it wraps around the baby and ties in the front using velcro or snaps) keeps the baby's clothes dry. (AIOs have the wrap sewn into the nappy).

Both classes of nappy can be designed as a pocket nappy i.e. made of 2 layers with an opening in the front or back into which a highly absorbent insert/booster is inserted. The type of fabric the booster is made from determines the absorbtive capacity of the nappy with hemp, burley knit terry and bamboo being the best and most sought after.

There are lots of different nappies available. They can differ in fabric, shape, colour etc. What suits one baby does not neccessarily suit another as babies differ in shape, height, build etc.

Q: How many nappies will I need?

Q: How many wraps will I need?

A: Most people find 4-5 wraps is ideal as they can be washed and dried easily. Some people like using fleece or woollen wraps at night because these are more breathable than PUL. Fleece is easier to care for as it needs no special washing or lanolising which wool wraps

Q: What is the difference between PUL & Fleece wraps?

A: PUL is a laminated material which is waterproof hence its use in wraps and nappy bags. It can be wiped, machine washed at 40 or 60 o C and dries quickly. It comes in two forms, solid colours and printed patterns. Printed patterns are cotton which is then laminated with PUL and is more suitable to day use than night-time use due to the possibility of wicking occuring on prolonged use.

Q: How do I fold a hemp square?

A: There are a number of different possibillities here. The easiest way to use a hemp square is using a pad fold.

Q: When do I need boosters?

A: Boosters are needed as their name suggestes to boost or increase the absorption in a nappy. If a nappy leaks it can indicate the need for additional boosting. Nighttime nappies usually have more boosters than daytime nappies. They can be inserted into pockets nappies or place between the nappy and wrap for nighttime use. Fleece-topped boosters can be used with the fleece next to the baby's skin to keep it dry (usual use)or with the fleece next to the fleece wrap to increase the water-resistance in that area.

Q: Hemp....what is it all about?

Q: Bamboo....what is it all about?

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at celtickidz@iol.ie


Thank You
         
Maria Smit,
Celtic Kidz,
Muingaphuca,
Caragh Lake,
Killorglin,
Co. Kerry,
Ireland 

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