What a fantastic question, and one that is often asked. Bringing a new baby into the world is a thrilling experience, accompanied by countless decisions. Among them, the choice of diapering method is significant. If you're considering cloth nappies, you might wonder, "Can I start cloth nappies from the day my baby is born?". Let's delve into this question and explore the feasibility, benefits, and practicalities of beginning your cloth nappy journey right from day one.
Understanding Newborn Needs: Newborns require specialised care, including frequent diaper changes due to their tiny bladders and sensitive skin. Cloth nappies can absolutely be used from day one, so here are a few factors to consider to ensure you make the right nappy choice for your wee bundle.
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Size Matters
Most cloth nappy brands offer newborn-specific sizes but this can be hard on the wallet as you will need to get a whole new set when baby out grows these (often within the first month or two). We are lucky here in Aotearoa to have a newborn hire option available through one of our stockists, Nappy Mojo. Your other option is designs with adjustable snaps such as ours (but we are biased lol). These options cater to your baby's small size and delicate features, allowing for different body shapes and sizes ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. -
Absorbency and Frequency
Newborns tend to have more frequent bowel movements and urination. Choose cloth nappies with adequate natural fibre absorbency to keep your baby dry and comfortable. Having a sufficient supply of nappies on hand is essential to manage the frequent changes.
Benefits of Starting Early:
Starting cloth nappies from day one offers several advantages
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Economical: Using cloth nappies right from the beginning can help you save significantly on disposable nappy costs throughout your baby's diapering journey.
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Environmental Impact: By choosing cloth nappies, you're making a massive positive contribution to reducing landfill waste and minimising your carbon footprint.
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Gentle on Baby's Skin: Cloth nappies are often preferred for their breathable fabrics without the chemical load of disposable nappies. This makes reusable nappies gentle on delicate newborn skin, reducing the risk of rashes and irritations.
- And lastly, You don't know any different. Embarking on cloth nappies from day one provides a unique experience. If you are already using cloth nappies from birth, then washing and using become second nature as you have no previous use of disposable nappies to compare.
Practical Tips for New Parents: Preparation for Using Cloth Nappies from Birth:
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Stock Up: Ensure you have an adequate supply of cloth nappies, especially if you're opting for newborn-sized ones. Newborn babies can need around 10-12 nappy changes in 24 hours. So a good rule of thumb is having enough that are clean for the next day, after a day of changing, plus a couple in case of extra changes. This gives you an idea of 25-30 nappies for full time use without having to rush to wash and dry.
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Prepping Nappies: Some cloth nappies require prepping, which involves washing and drying them multiple times to enhance absorbency. However you can just wash and dry once to get them ready. Once they are being used the absorbency of natural fibre inserts will increase over time.
- Washing Routine: Establish a washing routine that works for you. Cloth nappies need proper care to maintain their effectiveness and reduce any staining or smells. Check out Clean Cloth Nappies for a custom guide.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can certainly start using cloth nappies from the day your baby is born! With the right size, absorbency, and care, cloth nappies offer a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable options. The decision to use cloth nappies early on reflects your commitment to a sustainable and nurturing start for your baby's life journey.
Remember, each family's situation is unique. If cloth nappies align with your values and preferences, starting from day one can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your newborn.
