Can you tell me about reusables?

[Blueskythinker]

My DD is 3, and only uses nappies at night-time. I have never used reusables before, but was thinking of getting some for night-time.

What should I go for? How many would I need? What else do I need to know? If they are just wet, can I wash them in the machine with other clothes, or do they need a separate wash?

My DD currently uses size 6 pampers babydry.

Bump?

If they are just wet you can just wash them with your normal laundry but make sure you do not use softener or it will coat the nappies and reduce their absorbancy (a lot).

Do you have a tumble drier? Would you tumble dry your nappies? My night nappies are made from hemp which is the slowest drying nappy material. I have 3 nappies so that I do not run out and I do not tumble dry them. In short, 3 or 4 should be plenty just for night use.

Hard to say what you should go for - that depends on a lot of things tbh. How big is your DD and how absorbant do you need the nappies to be? Would she be happy to sit still long enough to have a two part nappy on (doesn't take that much longer for us but can feel like an age to a 3yo IME).

The nappies will seem very bulky to you both at first because you are used to thin disposables - most cloth night nappies are thick too cope with a lot of fluid. Some are thinner than others - bamboo is more absorbant than cotton so you can get away with a thinner fit.

Commonly used night nappies are

ellas house bumhuggers

minki huggle

and all these

many people just use their favourite nappy and put extra boosting inside for nights.

If you use a nappy that requires a wrap go for the Motherease Airflow - great for older children at night times and very reliable.

Bigbadmouse,
Thanks for this. I don't have a tumble dryer, so will bear drying times in mind. My DD is usually reasonably dry in the mornings, but probably too young to go for night-time training.

Off to do some research.

Minki huggles are fabulous for night time.

I have 4 and as they are the only nappy used I wash when I have 1 or 2 left so there is always a clean one airing.

If you don't have a tumble drier I would recommend you try the Minki Yoyo at the bottom of the last link. It will dry very quickly. You need an insert for it but that should also dry quickly (unless you use hemp).

A good night-time insert for these would be something bamboo - if you bought a bamboo terry square (about £3) and cut it in half, folded it up into a pad and put it inside the nappy you'd get 2 inserts with good absorbancy and softness and that is quick drying (as the bamboo can be hung out flat to dry like a towel).