The MuslinZ range of Cloth Nappies is so simple to use. Why not make the swap and change to reusables.
The range can be used from New Born to Potty Training:
What you need – Newborn
A newborn requires changing approx every 2 hours night and day. One system can therefore be used – you do not need a separate night and day system at this stage.
Enough for 8-10 changes a day – first ask yourself how often you will be washing – daily or everyother day (more usual). How are you going to dry your stash ? naturally – perhaps overnight on a drier or tumble. From this you can calculate how many inserts and wraps you will require for Full Time or Part Time use. For Full Time we recommend 24 changes – 8 in use, 8 in the wash, 8 in the drawer/drying.
What are the Options:
For a newborn you can use 70cms Muslin Squares or Muslin Prefolds. Muslin Squares are just that, squares of muslin that you can fold with traditional terry folds and put on baby with a fastener (nappy nippa) and put a wrap over or padfold into a retangle and lay in the wrap. Muslin Prefolds are used in the same way but are already part folded for you with 4-6-4 layers of muslin sewn together.
How to use them:
First you prewash any new items. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares them for use, creating the absorbency. See wash instructions below.
You either put your absorbency (muslin square or prefold) on Baby and fasten (See various simple folds below) or place padfolded inside the flaps of the MuslinZ wrap. The wrap whould be fitted on baby to be just above the cheeks at the back and just below the belly buttoon at the front – this is lower than you would normally fit a disposable. Also the double gusset elastics should sit in the knickerline (crease between the body and legs) for a good snug leak proof fit and for baby to be able to move freely. Popper so the legs are fitting well with room for one finger so not too tight and two fingers at the tummy area. Ensure none of the muslin or prefold is visable and all is inside the wrap. It is normally possible to use the wrap for 2-3 changes – just changing the absorbency – if the wrap is not soiled. If you need a little more absorbency add a 20cms MuslinZ terry wipe folded in half for the perfect little booster.
What you need – +3 months to Potty Training
For a baby +3 months you can continue with muslin squares or prefolds as above and/or you can use 60cms Terry Squares – these can be used from newborn but are a more bulky option for smaller babies. The same method applies as above. Terries can be folded in lots of various ways for a perfect fit from a small baby right up to a toddler. MuslinZ has a size 2 cover that will fit from approx 6m to potty training to use over terries or with the larger prefolds. The muslin squares and newborn prefolds also make great boosters to put inside your terries for extra asborbency as your baby grows. Your baby will need less changing as they get older and start to sleep through the night. At this point you may need more absorbency at night than in the day. You can boost (add more layers) for more absorbency at night.
Care and washing your products
All new items need to be “prewashed” once before you start using them. This removes any manufacturing residue and creates the absorbency (which will increase over 2/4 washes). These items are new and clean – therefore you only need to wash them on a short/gentle 30/40c cycle with mid spin speed. Naturally dry if you can. These gets your products ready to use and reduces any shrinkage (there will always be a little). Most cloth nappy users find powder cleans better than liquid and rinses out better. Do not use any fabric conditioners as this reduces absorbency.
Once using your products they can be washed at 40-60c. We suggest that you dry pail when used until washed – i.e. store without soaking in a bucket or wash bag. If any solids can be shaken off into the toilet first that helps. Either rinse or use the rinse cycle on your machine first. Then a full wash cycle with the drum 3/4 full – add towels etc to bulk out if necessary. Ensure that there are no bubbles left on the last spin. If there are do another rinse and reduce your powder amount next time. Remember if your little one is fully breast fed – breast poop is totally water soluable so can go straight into the machine without the need to rinse first. With bottle fed babies and when on solids it is better to remove as much solids into the toilet at possible before pailing/washing. We do not advise the use of bleaches or any other harsh substances or extreme high temps as this will reduce the life of your products. Drying can be natural or low heat tumble. 100% cotton items can be tumbled at higher temps and put on direct heat i.e. radiators.