Frequently Asked Questions
CLOTH NAPPies
Price remains an important factor for families when it comes to choosing baby products. So what is the price difference of disposable diapers vs cloth diapers? We’ve whipped out the calculator to do the math. In short, cloth diapers will save you hundreds of dollars over the course of bubs’ diaper wearing years.
Your baby will go through approx. 2,200 diapers in their first year of life alone (wild right?!). If you use disposable nappies until your baby toilet trains (around two and a half years old), you’re looking at spending at least $1085 on the cheapest disposable diapers for those first 2.5 years.
Cloth diapers on the other hand are reusable, so once you buy your stash you’ve got them for bubs’ entire diaper wearing life. Most families who use cloth diapers full-time will have around 18-24 diapers in their stash. So let’s assume you purchase 20 reusable cloth diapers, this will cost you $559 upfront. Cloth diapers are easily the most cost effective in the long run.
Did you know that it will take up to 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose? And some parts never disappear! With 450,000 tonnes of waste being dumped in Australian landfill each year as a result of disposable diapers, wipes, pads and tampons. By choosing cloth diapers over disposables, you are diverting over 2000 nappies from landfill and significantly reducing your single-use plastic consumption.
Whether you want to start using cloth diapers part-time or full-time, here’s how many diapers you’ll need to begin.
Part-time use: 8 to 10 cloth diapers is enough for part-time use of 2-3 per day.
Full-time day use: 12 to 18 cloth diapers is enough for full-time day use of 4-6 per day.
Full-time day and night use: 24 to 28 cloth diapers.
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 from tiny newborn right through to energetic toddler, approx 7.7 to 35lbs.
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.
While it may feel overwhelming at first, cleaning cloth nappies is easy—no soaking, scrubbing, or special detergents required. Follow our simple 4-step washing guide to achieve perfectly clean cloth nappies every time.
Step 1: Remove solids
Drop poo in the loo and store the used cloth nappy in a dry pail.
Step 2: Pre-wash cycle
Run a pre-wash cycle 40-60 degrees with detergent every 1-2 days. This removes the majority of soiling and gets your nappies ready for the main-wash. Store nappy in a dry pail until the main wash.
Step 3: Main-wash cycle
Run a long main-wash cycle 40-60 degrees with detergent every 2-3 days.
Step 4: Hang to dry
Air dry nappies or use a clothes/tumble dryer.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLOTH NAPPY DRYING TIPS AND TEMPERATURES HERE
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.
swim nappies
Reusable swim diapers are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposables. They are specifically designed to catch numbers twos. The lightweight fabric allows water and wee to easily flow through the fabric so the diaper won’t weigh bubs down.
Our swim nappies come in three sizes; small (4-7kg), medium (7-11kg) and large (11kg+). Each size also has multiple snap options so you can get the perfect fit for bub.
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. And 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, leak resistant, smell proof and can be tossed in the wash with nappies after use. EcoNaps offer four different sizes to suit every need imaginable.
You’re going to want at least 1 or 2 for everyday use (e.g. popping out of home to the shops or for a walk with the pram), but we know families that have many many more. That’s because you can use wet bags for so much more than cloth diapers. If your little one goes to daycare most days, you’ll want approx. 6 so you always have clean ones ready to go each day.
Simply toss in the wash with a regular washing load or your cloth nappy load (make sure it’s no hotter than 60 degrees). Turn the wet bag inside-out and hang to dry. And as with all of our products, do not soak, bleach, tumble dry, dry clean or iron.
Reusable cloth wipes
Reusable cloth wipes are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes. Our eco-friendly wipes are made from soft and absorbent bamboo fibres and gentle on bubs' sensitive skin. Cloth wipes are great not only great for little bottoms at change time, they’re also great for washing little hands and faces anywhere. Keep some in the kitchen, the bathroom, and in your nappy bag.
To prepare your wipes for use, simply moisten with a water solution and wipe. Water can be kept in a spray bottle (but seriously any bottle will do) near the change table or wherever you need to use them. Simply wet wipes as 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.
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 waterproof wet bag until you need them.
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.
Disposable 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.
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 liners into a diaper bin lined with a compostable bag.
EcoNaps ones are fully biodegradable and take around 14 days to break down in a home compost system.