Cloth Nappy Shopping Guide

When you consider making the switch to using reusable nappies the terminology and research can seem a little bit daunting at first, and you may find yourself unsure with what you need to actually get started. Here at Summer Sweets Baby we are dedicated to keeping things simple and keeping the focus on budget and environmental savings and getting started with cloth nappies is no exception!

There are so many incredible benefits to making the switch to reusable nappies. Take your time to research using our guides, and please feel free to ask us any questions you may have. Our dedicated team is here for you.

Once you've decided you'd like to make the switch to reusable nappies, be it full-time or part-time, you just need to plan for what you need. Living a little greener and reducing our impact, all while saving money begins with just a small step.

To see just how many cloth nappies you will need to start your reusable journey, use our free Nappy Calculator.

What do I really need to get started with cloth nappies?

Daytime nappies

On average (again for a better estimate use our Nappy Calculator) you will need between 20-25 reusable nappies. This will be enough to use during the day leaving enough time for washing and drying. Nobody wants to do extra washing, and this quantity would be sufficient for washing every second day. If you wish to go full-time or wash less frequently, we advise you keep a stash of 25-35 nappies. We also recommend trying a few different types and brands to find the best nappy for your little one and your lifestyle. Always consider fit, quality, and warranties when making your purchase decision. A great way to try out different types, and save a few euros, is to pick up a carefully designed starter pack.

Many parents use disposable nappies to get through the night, but lately brands and manufacturers are putting a lot of development into night-time cloth nappies. Once your little one is sleeping through the night you will need a more absorbent and comfortable option, and most parents choose a two-part system. When you begin your research for a night time nappy you can have a read through our comprehensive guide.

Extras

Boosters - Boosters are typically constructed from natural fibres such as bamboo or hemp and are a great choice for when you need extra layer of absorbency for long periods, such as long journeys, a flight, or a long afternoon nap. You can browse our entire range of boosters here.

Liners - These are always an optional extra, but more and more families are choosing to include them when using cloth nappies on their babies. Liners are an affordable option and are brilliant for helping to remove solids especially during the weaning phase! Disposable liners are a great option for helping with messy nappies (just dump them in your trash when done but don't flush them), or you can consider using reusable liners which will also provide a stay dry layer to keep baby feeling dry.

Storage - Dirty nappies need to be stored before you wash them. To store your dirty nappies you will need either a hanging pail or a bucket, and the ultimate decision is purely down to personal preference. Nappies will stay in there ready for laundry day which is typically twice per week.

Wet Bags / Nappy Pods - If you choose to use cloth on the go, and most parents do due to the decreased chances of leakage and blow-outs, you will need a wet bag. Our extensive range of wet bags at Summer Sweets Baby from the world's leading brands are a colourful, simple, and affordable option for dirty nappy storage.

Cloth Wipes - These are definitely optional, but we strongly recommend using them. Not just for cleaning baby bottoms, reusable wipes are highly effective, cost friendly, and will dramatically reduce your waste. You can browse our guide to cloth wipes here.

And that is really all there is to it! Switching to cloth nappies on a full-time basis is a simple step to live a greener, simpler, and more affordable life with your little one giving you more in your back pocket for what you really want to spend your hard earned money on. And with our free and overnight shipping, you can always choose to add to your nappy stash as you need.