The MuslinZ range of Cloth Reusable Nappies are so simple to use. Why not make the swap and change to reusables?
The range can be used from newborn to potty training:
What Do I Need – Newborn Baby
A newborn requires changing approximately every two-three hours, night and day. One system can therefore be used – you do not need a separate night and day system at this stage.
We recommend that you purchase enough for eight-ten changes a day. However, firstly, you need to ask yourself how often you will be washing – daily or every other day (more usual)? Additionally, how are you going to dry your nappies? You could dry them naturally overnight on a clothes horse or opt for the quicker, but more expensive option, of tumble-drying. From this, you can calculate how many inserts and wraps you will require for full-time or part-time use: the slower, more natural, drying method will inherently require more nappies, so that you always have a fresh pair available. For full-time, we recommend 24 changes – eight in use, eight in the wash, eight in the drawer/drying.
What Are The MuslinZ Options:
For a newborn you can use 70cms MuslinZ Muslin Squares or MuslinZ Prefolds or 50cms MuslinZ Terry Squares. Muslin Squares and 50cms Terry Squares are just that: squares of cloth 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 rectangle and lay in the wrap. Muslin Prefolds are used in the same way, but are already part folded for you with four-six-four layers of muslin sewn together.
How Do I Use The MuslinZ Reusable Nappy System:
First, you prewash any new items – a short 30°C wash and dry naturally if you can. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares them for use, creating the absorbency (see wash instructions below).
You can either put your absorbency (muslin square or prefold) on the baby and fasten (again, see below), or place padfolded inside the flaps of the MuslinZ wrap.
The wrap would be fitted on baby to be just above the bottom cheeks at the back and just below the belly button 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), rather than around the leg for comfort. When fitting, as you lift the front part of the nappy, squeeze it in to sit in the body crease for a good, snug, leak-proof fit and for the baby to be able to move his/her legs freely. Fasten the poppers, so the nappy fits well around the legs area with room for one finger to determine if it’s too tight and a two fingers’ gap at the front tummy area.
Ensure none of the insert, muslin or prefold is visable and all is inside the wrap. It is normally possible to use the wrap for two-three changes by just changing the insert if the wrap is not soiled.
If you need a little more absorbency, add a 20cms MuslinZ Terry Wipe folded in half to make a perfect little booster. Alternatively, you could use a MuslinZ Cotton Booster.
What Do I Need – >Three Months To Potty Training
For a baby three months or older, you can continue with muslin squares, prefolds or terries as above and/or you can move onto a larger 60cms Terry Square or a size 2 prefold – 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 approximately six months 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 absorbency as your baby grows into a toddler. 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). If items are new, you only need to wash them on a short/gentle 30/40°c cycle with mid-spin speed. Dry naturally if you can. This allows your products to be 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 your baby has started using your new products, they can be washed at 40-60°c. We suggest that you dry pail when used until washed – i.e. store without soaking in a bucket or wash bag. It helps if any solids can be shaken off into the toilet first. Then, either rinse or use the rinse cycle on your machine first. Afterwards, follow with 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 – breastmilk poop is totally water soluble, so can go straight into the machine without the need to remove the poop first. With bottle-fed babies and when on solids, it is better to remove as many solids into the toilet at possible before pailing/washing. Just hold tightly and flush in the toilet. We do not advise the use of bleaches, other harsh substances nor extreme high temperatures, as this will reduce the life of your products. Drying can be done effectively either naturally or on a low-heat tumble. 100% cotton items can be tumble dried at higher temperatures and placed on direct heat sources, such as radiators.