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Accessories
Are you bamboozled by which accessories to buy to go with your Real Nappies? Perhaps our simple guide can help!
You’ll definately need a few accessories to help make using Real Nappies that bit easier.
There are lots of different products out there (some more necessary than others!) But remember, Real Nappies are fun, easy, environmentally friendly, cost effective and highly addictive!!
Waterproof Wraps
If you are using any type of Real Nappy apart from all-in-ones or pocket nappies you will need to add a waterproof wrap. These are available in different styles and sizes. Most are sized to fit your baby as they grow but some are more adjustable. Wraps are most often made from a polyurethane laminated material which is available in many colours and patterns though some are also made from 100% wool or fleece. They usually fasten with Velcro or poppers or can be elasticated and in a pull-on style. As long as they’re not soiled, wraps can be reused with a new clean nappy meaning you don’t need as many wraps as nappies - usually 4 to 6 in each size.
Nappy Bucket
Many Real Nappy sellers also sell nappy buckets, or try your local hardware shop.A 14ltr bucket is more than adequate, but any size will do and as long as it has a lid you can be guaranteed to keep nasty smells at bay.
Depending on your home, you may wish to have 2 buckets: 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs.
Laundry Mesh
Lots of people like to line their nappy bucket with a laundry mesh which is placed inside the bucket like a liner, allowing all the nappies to be put into your washing machine in one go and making the washing process even easier!Nappy Liners
A liner is a great way to make the disposal of poo easier. Paper liners are flushable* and biodegradable and come in rolls of either 100 or 200 (only 1 liner per nappy is required). Place the liner on the top of the nappy before putting the nappy on. When changing, flush the poo and liner down the toilet before putting the dirty nappy in the bucket. You may find that you can cut paper liners in half before using for newborn or smaller babies. Liners should never be folded, if it's too big, tuck it in at the edges.
Reusable liners are available in fleece which acts as a fantastic stay-dry layer, or for a baby with extra sensitive skinand try silk, or even silver. Obviously you can’t flush reusable liners down the toilet, just shake the poo off and then wash with your nappies.
* See individual brands for specific information
Wipes
There are hundreds of different wet wipes on the market these days but the cheapest and ‘friendliest’ wipes available are ‘real’ ones. Most nappy companies sell handy ready cut packs or if preferred, you could cut up an old towel or cot sheet, or use flannels. When at home try using them with some warm water or make up your own wet wipe solution – click here for a recipe.
You can buy ready made carry bags/tubs for when you are out and about, or just take along a small bottle of water/solution and a handful of wipes. They are handy for everything and everyone in the family! Just add your dirty wipes to your nappy wash.
Wet Bags
Wet bags are great for when you are out and about, and just like your nappies, can be washed and used over and over again. A waterproof bag with either a pull string or zip is kept in your changing bag; you just add each dirty/wet nappy until you’re home and able to transfer to your bucket. Sanitiser
Most Real Nappy retailers will also sell nappy sanitiser but it is a personal preference whether you choose to use it or not. This is a product that you either use in a soaking solution or goes in alongside your non-bio washing detergent. There are many different brands and types on the market (fragranced, natural, chemical free etc.) but dosage is normally* 1 tablespoon per wash.
You don’t have to soak your nappies – a dry bucket is quite sufficient, and if you do choose a sanitiser please ensure it is bleach free otherwise your Velcro/poppers could be damaged.
* See individual brands for specific information
Boosters
Boosters provide an additional absorbent layer for your nappy. Most nappy brands will provide a booster with your initial purchase, or have matching ones for sale separately. Boosters come in a variety of fabrics and are ideal for adding to your nappies when you need a bit more absorbenct such as night time, etc. If you’ve got some muslin squares lying around at home, why not fold them into pads and use them as extra booster pads – they work just as well and won’t cost you anything extra!Click here to find them
Or to find a retailer close to you use our Nappy Finder
Real Nappies come in a range of fun and funky colours and patterns - before you know it, you'll be addicted!
