You want to start using washable nappies (hooray!), but you wonder how many nappies you actually need. And what else is handy to have around the house if you want to use washable nappies? Washable nappy consultant Kirsten explains what you need for a relaxed start with washable nappies.
How many washable nappies do you need?
Many parents who want to use washable nappies for the first time wonder: how many nappies will I need? Unfortunately, there is no ready-made answer, as it depends on the type of washable nappies you use. This is because there are different washable nappy systems: some require you to wash the whole nappy every time, while others only require you to change the inner part and you can reuse the covers a few times before they go in the wash. If you don't yet know which system you want to use, read first this article where we explain you all about the different types of washable nappies.
Nappy quantity calculation example
Once you know what kind of washable nappies you want to use, you can decide how many nappies you need. Of course, this also depends on how often you change, wash and whether you use a dryer. To make it easier, we will assume the following:
- You use about six nappies a day and one or two nappies a night.
- You wash the nappies every two to three days. That's a good idea with washable nappies anyway - you know, because of bacteria and stuff. Do you wash every day? Then you probably need fewer nappies.
- You let the nappies dry on the line. If you use a dryer, you'll also need a bit fewer nappies. For the environment, your wallet and the preservation of your nappies, it is smarter to let them dry mainly on the line.
How many nappies do you need if you use All-in-One or pocket nappies?
If you use All-in-One or pocket nappies, you will need about 20 complete nappies for the day. These systems are less suitable for nighttime, as they leak through more quickly - and nobody wants a wet bed. We will tell you which nappies are great for nighttime in a minute.
How many nappies do you need if you use a two-piece system or Snap-in-One nappies?
If you use a two-piece or Snap-in-One system, you will need about four to five daytime pants and about 20 absorbent parts. These can be pre-shaped nappies, for example, but also prefolds, loose inserts or hydrophilic cloths.
How many washable nappies do you need at night?
At night, a two-piece system consisting of an overpants combined with a pre-shaped nappy is recommended, as this absorbs the most (often even more than a disposable nappy!). Normally, four to six pre-shaped nappies and two to three overpants will suffice.
Help, all the washable nappies are in the wash!
Failed to wash in time one time and all the nappies are dirty or wet? Don't panic! As long as you still have a clean pair of pants, you can improvise with something absorbent you still have at home. So it is especially handy to have enough pants at home. Everyone has something absorbent at home. How about a flannel, a small towel, a hydrophilic cloth or - in case of emergencies - even a tea towel? These all absorb well and are great to use as absorbent part of a washable nappy.
Photo left: inserts are very handy to catch the poo. Right: a laundry bag allows you to throw dirty nappies into the washing machine without touching them.
What else do you need when using washable nappies?
You have the nappies, but what else is handy to have around the house? We list that too:
- The question almost everyone asks about washable nappies: what do you do with the poo? Well, there are handy inserts for that. These catch the poo, so the nappy stays clean and you don't get poo in your washing machine. Read more about inserts in this article and find a handy DIY. By the way, did you know that breastfeeding poo is water-soluble? If your baby is fully breastfed, you don't actually need an insert and you can just put the dirty nappy in the washing machine.
- Something to keep the dirty nappies in. This can be an old bucket with a pillowcase, for example, but you can also special laundry bags for washable nappies use. For travelling, a smaller, waterproof pouch - aka wetbag mentioned - super handy.
- To make sure your nappies last long, remain absorbent and waterproof, it is important to use detergent suitable for washable nappies. In this article, you can read how best to wash nappies and which detergent to use. Also don't forget to clean your washing machine regularly. We have a handy article on that too: read how to clean your washing machine in an environmentally friendly way here.
- While you're at it, you might as well use washable wipes too. In this article, read all about zero waste-bill wipes. A washable changing mat is also very handy, by the way.
- As washable nappies often have a bit more volume than disposable nappies, a romper extender comes in handy. This way the rompers fit over the nappies more easily and you are less likely to need to buy a new one. Read all about romper extenders in this article.
Links: If you do use washable nappies, washable wipes are also a small effort. Right: With a romper extender, the rompers fit better over the washable nappies and last longer.
Ready to go with washable nappies
Now you know how many washable nappies you need and what else is handy. Of course, if you still have disposable nappies at home, you don't have to buy everything at once. You can also start with a few washable nappies and switch slowly. Don't be alarmed by the price tag of a full set of washable nappies. Do the math on what you will spend on disposable nappies until your child is potty-trained - chances are this amount is higher. Even if you include the cost of washing, washable nappies are usually cheaper - especially if you reuse them for another child or sell them. And washable nappies are also better for the planet when used normally and your baby's skin. So hop, put a nice washable nappy on your child!
Sources: Nappy's.nl, Kaatje Katoen, Waschbare Welt. Photo credits: Kirsten Schoner.
