Preston Real Nappy Network

If you intend to use cloth nappies full time you will need between 16 and 24 nappies, 3-4 covers (wraps) in each size liners and extra boosting for night time wear.16 nappies should last a newborn for 2 days based on an average of 8 changes a day. If  you intend to wash less often you will need more nappies.Wraps do not need to be changed every time you change the nappy.

A bin full of disposable nappies is far smellier than a bucket full of cloth nappies.Make sure your bucket has a properly fitting lid. A few drops of Tea Tree oil will help neutralise any odour.

A waterproof nappy bag is the ideal way to store soiled nappies when out and about. Make sure you empty any solid waste down the toilet. Most waterproof bags are machine washable - I have used one for years and have never had a problem with unwelcome smells!

Studies have shown that a baby is no more likely to get nappy rash wearing cloth nappies than in disposables. Some mothers whose babies have sensitive skin may find that their childs skin fares better in cloth that with the superabsorbers found in disposables.

Babies can wake at night for all kinds of reasons. I have had three children in cloth and not one of them has had a problem with a wet nappy during the night. If you are unsure about the idea of using cloth at night make sure you are putting plenty of extra padding in the nappy and try using a fleece liner which will keep your child's skin nice and dry.

No. Our own parents had to use terry nappies on us, I certainly don't have a problem and my mum still tells people that I walked at 18 months! Babies with 'clicky hips' are often put into terries because the nappy holds their hip joints at the correct angle.