Disposable Nappy Cost Calculation       
Size    Time in size    Changes / day    # of nappies    Average cost    Total cost       
1            12 weeks                   12                            1,008          R2.31                        R2328.48      
2            12 weeks                   10                              840           R2.71                        R2276.40      
3            12 weeks                     8                              672           R2.60                        R1747.20    
4            16 weeks                     6                              672           R2.88                        R1935.36      
5            24 weeks                     6                           1,008           R3.67                        R3699.36      
6            28 weeks                     6                           1,176           R4.22                        R4962.72      
Total Cost                                                                                                                R16949.52

 

This is an average obtained from various supermarkets.

  

 

• Suitable for babies and toddlers 3kg-15kg (a rough guide for reference only)

• One size fits all – you can adjust it to your desired size (S, M or L) by snapping onto different rows of buttons on the nappy

• Washable, waterproof and breathable.

• Comfortable elastic legging area to prevent leaking.

 

Materials

Outer layer: waterproof and breathable PUL
Inner layer: microfleece that does not hold moisture itself . The moisture get drawn away to the insert to keep your baby dry
Insert: three layers of super absorbent microfibre terry cloth, and a 4 layer babmoo insert which is for boosting the nappy if you have a heavy wetter.
 

Pockets are very popular nappies, once the insert has been put into the pocket, they are essentially a one-piece nappy.

The absorbent capacity and drying time is highly dependent on the fabrics used for the insert/s and how many layers can be inserted inside the pocket without distorting the fit around the leg and waist of the baby. Over stuffing could cause the nappy to leak.

Tip: If your inserts are not dry you can use any absorbent fabrics inside the pocket, such as bamboo face cloths or receiving blankets folded up and stuffed in the pocket.

 

Cloth Nappy Basics

 

From baby to toddler you will spend an average of R20 000.00 on Nappies, you will be using around 4000 to 6000 nappies in the baby years.

 

Nappy – The Absorbent bit

This makes up the absorbent part of the nappy. These layers absorb the wee and may be made from a range of absorbent fabrics like: Cotton, Bamboo, Microfiber, Hemp, Minky etc...
 

The Waterproof bit

This is the outermost layer of the nappy system. This is what does the containing and keeps all of the wetness in but allows skin to breath

 

The Liner – Catches the POOP

Flushable – Simply flush the liner and any solids down the toilet…How convenient!!

 

The Booster – Adds absorbency

You use a booster when you want to add absorbency to your nappy because an absorbency booster allows the nappy to hold more liquid. Great for heavy wetter’s and night time use They are made from multiple layers of absorbent fabrics, you can use bamboo face clothes as well as receiving blankets folded up.
 

What will you need?

Newborns are generally changed 7-10 times per day but as the baby gets older, the changes will become less frequent so you will need less nappies. A 10 or 20 pack is all you would need to start your cloth journey.

Absorbent Fabrics

 

Microfibre - Quick dry, stay soft

A purely synthetic man made material, microfiber has one of the highest liquid retention capacities around. Due to the unique way in which it is constructed, micro fibre dries incredibly quickly. It also stays completely soft even after washing in hard water. It pays to use a natural fabric with microfiber when possible as microfiber may have a high liquid retention capacity but if you put pressure on the fabric it cant hold liquid in where as a natural fabric can. Micro fibre is great for hard water areas.

 

Bamboo - Slim fit, Anti-Bacterial and silky soft

One of a new breed of man-made cellulose fibers. It is an incredibly soft fabric with a feeling akin to cashmere/silk and has natural antibacterial properties. Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource, which grows without the need for agrochemicals and has a very short growth cycle. Because of the way the bamboo absorbs into the fibers, it takes a longer time to dry than cotton but bamboo fabric makes very trim nappies and absorbs liquid very quickly.

Often using a combination of different absorbent fabrics in a cloth gives the best overall performance.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *