Frequently Asked Questions
CLOTH NAPPIES
Price remains a crucial consideration for families when selecting baby products. So, what's the cost comparison between disposable diapers and cloth diapers? Let's crunch the numbers. In short, opting for cloth diapers could save you hundreds of dollars over your little one's diaper-wearing years. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "Most U.S. parents will go through nearly 3,000 diapers during their baby's first year alone and average six diaper changes a day thereafter." If you stick with disposable diapers until your child is potty trained (around two and a half years old, depending on the child), you could spend at least $2269 AUD on the most economical disposable option for those initial 2.5 years. On the contrary, cloth diapers are reusable, meaning once you invest in your stash, you're set for your baby's entire diapering journey*. Most families who opt for full-time cloth diapering (both day and night use) typically have around 24-30 diapers in rotation. Let's say you purchase 24 reusable cloth diapers at the current full price*, costing you $839 AUD upfront. Cloth diapers undoubtedly prove to be the most cost-effective choice in the long run.
Please note:
1.The lifespan of cloth nappy/diaper shells may vary due to various external factors, with a customer's personal washing routine being the most common influencer and the amount of nappies in rotation. This timeline serves as an estimate and assumes adherence to EcoNaps care guidelines for diapers treated with utmost care. Additionally, it's important to note that the inserts and boosters need to be replaced approximately every 12 months (personal care routine dependant along with how often they are in rotation) as they receive the most wear and tear. Regularly replacing these components helps maintain the effectiveness and longevity of the cloth diaper system.
2. While the current full price is stated, it is subject to change. Most EcoNaps customers benefit from our tiered discount offer based on quantity purchased, as well as promotional offers or sales events, often resulting in a lower final cost.
Were you aware that disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose, with some components never fully disappearing? Shockingly, around 450,000 tonnes of waste end up in Australian landfills annually due to disposable diapers, wipes, pads, and tampons. According to the NIH, opting for cloth diapers over disposables can divert over 3,000 nappies from landfill during the first 2.5 years of your child's potty training journey alone, drastically reducing your single-use plastic consumption. Discover more about the benefits of cloth nappies versus disposable nappies.
Whether you're considering starting with cloth diapers part-time or full-time, there are several factors to consider. For detailed information, check out our blog post: "How Many Cloth Nappies Do You Need?"
Here's a quick estimate of the number of diapers you'll need, per child, to get started, based on washing every second day:
- Part-time use: 8 to 10 cloth diapers for 2-3 changes per day.
- Full-time day use: 12 to 18 cloth diapers for 4-6 changes per day.
- Full-time day and night use: 24 to 30 cloth diapers.
*These are approximations and may vary, as each child is unique.
Having a selection of boosters and inserts will help you get the most from your diaper stash. We also recommend getting a few eco-friendly accessories to help you use cloth diapers at home and on the go including;
Wet bags: a waterproof zippable bag that makes transporting cloth diapers simple and smell-free.
Travel change mat: these create a soft and hygienic landing spot for cloth diaper changes anywhere.
Bamboo cloth wipes: super soft and the perfect compliment to cloth diapers for any eco-conscious parent.
We have designed an adjustable one-size cloth nappy so you don’t need to worry about what size to choose. Our cloth nappies are made to fit many sizes: spanning from newborns weighing approximately 3.5 kg to toddlers up to 16 kg.
We recommend changing cloth diapers every 2-3 hours during the day. At night, you may require a little extra absorption to keep bubs dry and happy right through. Simply add additional Bamboo Boosters, or our Tri-Fold Bamboo Night Boosters for extra absorption.
Yes, it just takes a little trial and error to get the setup and absorption settings right for your baby. Our EcoNaps cloth nappies come with five nappy absorption settings, however if you do find you need a little extra support to last through the night, pick up a set of our Bamboo Boosters, or try our Tri-Fold Bamboo Night Boosters. You can also set up your nappy as a pocket nappy so the soft wicking suede layer sits next to bubs’ skin to keep them dry and comfy overnight.
Inserts and boosters are a great addition to your cloth nappy stash. Not only do they increase absorbency, they make your cloth nappy stash even more versatile. For example, you can reuse the cover if it’s still dry and simply change the inserts. If bubs’ nappies are leaking or not lasting through the night, boosters are your new best friend.
Oftentimes, diapers leak when the fit isn’t quite right. Go back and watch our diaper fitting video for instructions on how to achieve the perfect fit here. If it’s not a fit issue, nappies can leak when they haven’t been changed often enough, or if the absorption isn’t quite right. Find the remedy for your cloth diaper leaks.
Please see our EcoNaps Washing Guide for comprehensive instructions on maintaining your EcoNaps nappies. Crafted from eco-conscious materials such as recycled plastic bottles and bamboo fibres, our nappies stand apart from mainstream brands. Tailored specifically for our nappies and their eco materials, our EcoNaps Washing Guide ensures optimal care. Deviating from our care guidelines to follow those of another brand or alternative source may impact your nappy's longevity, and any such action is undertaken at your own discretion.
We also offer this printable guide to hang up in your laundry room: EcoNaps Printable Washing/Care Guide
No, using bleach (fully concentrated and diluted) on EcoNaps nappies is not recommended due to several important reasons.
First and foremost, as a company committed to ecological responsibility, we prioritise the preservation of the environment. Although bleach can be effective for cleaning, its indiscriminate use can harm the environment. Chlorine, a component of bleach, poses risks to both human and animal health when released into the air or waterways. Additionally, bleach can contribute to global warming by emitting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.
Another crucial reason for avoiding bleach in your EcoNaps cloth nappy care routine is the composition of our nappies. EcoNaps nappies are manufactured from eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottles and bamboo. These materials are not compatible with bleach, which can compromise their integrity, effectiveness, and the overall lifespan of the product.
We do not endorse any guidelines provided by exterior sources or other brands that recommend the use of bleach. While this approach might be suitable for some brands or customers, it is not compatible with EcoNaps nappies.
Adding bleach to your washing routine (fully concentrated and diluted) is not part of the EcoNaps Washing Guide. Not only does bleach degrade the recycled plastic bottle PUL (polyurethane laminate) used in our nappies, but it also accelerates the degradation of the spandex in our leg elastics. Despite utilising the highest quality elastics and materials in our eco nappies, we have observed that customers who deviate from our specified care guidelines, opting instead to follow guidelines from alternative sources, often experience premature deterioration of their nappies.
It's important to note that following any guidelines other than those provided on the care label and our website's care instructions will nullify our manufacturer warranty. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your EcoNaps nappies, we strongly advise adhering strictly to our recommended care instructions.
Many daycare centers are happy to use cloth diapers on your little one. Just as you would at home, prepare each diaper as if you’re about to fit it to bubs, then pack enough for a days use (we recommend 6-8 for a day at daycare). You will also need to pack two large wet bags; one for clean and one for soiled diapers. It’s also a good idea to offer your childcare centre a demo or print out instructions for them.
Our covers can easily be reused for multiple diaper changes, provided they aren’t soiled or wet. Simply air the covers for 2-3 hours before using again.
Why do some families reuse covers? Reusing covers can make cloth diapers more economical because you can buy fewer full diaper sets and instead buy additional boosters. Some babies have more sensitive skin than others, so if you notice any form of irritation on baby’s skin, return to using a fresh diaper cover at every change.
Our customer care team will be happy to provide you with an emailed copy of your order invoice to use for council rebate purposes. Please email our customer care team here with your order number and any specifics your local council may require outside of our typical order invoice.
swim nappies
Reusable swim diapers offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution compared to disposables. They are specially crafted to contain solid waste effectively. Constructed from lightweight fabric, these diapers facilitate easy flow of water and urine, preventing them from weighing your baby down during swimming sessions.
Our swim nappies are available in four sizes: small (4-7kg), medium (7-11kg), large (11kg-13kg), and extra-large (13kg+). Each size features multiple snap options, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for your little one.
Depending on how often you frequent the pool or beach, you will probably only need 2 or 3. Our nappies feature a quick-dry mesh liner making them easy to reuse. Simply rinse or wash in cool water after each swim, hang up to dry, and they’ll be ready again in no time.
No. Swim nappies are designed to catch solids while letting liquid flow through to ensure the safety and comfort of bubs while swimming.
Simply wash in cool water with similar colours and line dry in the shade. To keep your swim nappy in the best possible condition avoid contact with suntan lotions and rough surfaces. Additionally, as with all of our modern cloth nappies, do not soak, bleach, tumble dry, dry clean or iron.
wet bags
A wet bag is an accessory no cloth nappy addict can live without! Wet bags help you transport your dry and wet cloth nappies with ease when you’re out of the home. They help contain odours and liquids. They’re reusable, water resistant, smell proof and can be tossed in the wash with nappies after use. EcoNaps offer four different sizes to suit every need imaginable. Shop them all here.
You'll find having at least 1 or 2 wet bags essential for everyday use, such as quick trips to the shops or walks with the pram. However, many families opt for multiple wet bags due to their versatile nature. Besides cloth diapers, wet bags can serve various purposes. For instance, if your child attends daycare regularly, having around 6 wet bags ensures you always have clean ones ready to go each day. Shop our Wet Bag range here.
Just toss the wet bag into the wash along with your regular laundry or cloth nappy load (ensuring the temperature doesn't exceed 60 degrees). Turn the wet bag inside out before hanging it to dry. And remember, as with all our products, avoid soaking, bleaching, tumble drying, dry cleaning, or ironing.
Reusable cloth wipes
Reusable cloth wipes offer an environmentally friendly substitute for disposable wipes. Our Reusable Bamboo Cloth Wipes are crafted from soft and absorbent bamboo fibers, ideal for gently cleansing your baby's sensitive skin. Beyond diaper changes, cloth wipes are versatile and perfect for cleaning little hands and faces on the go. Keep a stash in the kitchen, bathroom, and nappy bag for convenient use anytime, anywhere.
To ready your wipes for use, just dampen them with a water solution and wipe. Keep water handy in a spray bottle (any type of bottle works) near the changing table or wherever you use them. Wet the wipes as needed for convenience.
Carry a spray bottle, a thermos, or any reusable water bottle to dampen your wipes on the go. Alternatively, pre-wet a few wipes before you head off and keep them in a water-resistant wet bag until you need them.
For some nappy changes you’ll only need one wipe, for others you’ll use 2-3. We recommend having at least 25 on hand so you have enough to use and wash every second day. Add more if you love using them at bath time and in the kitchen too.
Good old fashioned water will do the trick. However, some families make their own simple homemade water solution by adding a touch of mild baby-friendly soap.
Wash your reusable wipes in the same way you’d wash cloth nappies. Simply rinse off any solids, wash in a pre-wash cycle, then a main-wash cycle, and hang to try. A wash bag or delicates bag is not needed for wipes.
Compostable Mess-Free Bamboo Nappy Liners
Made from durable and soft bamboo fiber, these liners take the hassle out of dealing with number twos. Simply place the soft liner on top of your cloth diaper inner, and fit the cloth diaper as usual. Solids will be caught while liquid flows through. You can read more about our Compostable Mess Free Bamboo Nappy Liners here.
Our rolls come with 100x individual liners, so that’s 100 diaper changes.
Once the liner is soiled, remove the liner and discard thoughtfully—never flush liners down the loo (this advice is based on council regulations)! Best practice is to remove and dispose of wet liners in your home or garden compost, while soiled liners should be discarded in your regular rubbish bin inside of a compostable bag. (Do not use in compost for food gardens.)
EcoNaps ones are fully biodegradable and take around 14 days to break down in a home compost system.