When choosing to use reusable nappies instead of disposable ones, the most common question is how many you need to do the washing without having to buy too many. In reality, the answer depends on several factors, including the frequency of changing, the age of the child, the capacity of the washing machine and the availability of space to lay the nappies out to dry.
How many reusable nappies to buy?
In general, it is advisable to have at least 20 nappies in order to be able to manage washing efficiently; this number is indicative and may vary according to the specific needs of the family, but it is a good starting point. On our website you can find Kolo reusable nappies to buy in kit form to guarantee your children top quality products at a competitive price.
If the baby is a newborn and is changed about every 2-3 hours, then 8-10 nappies per day can be used. This means that with at least 20 nappies you can manage washing every 2-3 days; if the baby is older and is changed less frequently, then obviously the number of nappies needed will decrease.
An important thing to bear in mind is that these products take a little longer to be ready for use than disposable ones. After use, they should be rinsed to remove any residue and then washed in the washing machine on a suitable programme. Once washed, nappies must be dried completely before they can be used again.
For this reason, it is important to have enough to do the washing machine without having to depend on the availability of dry ones; if you have a tumble-dryer, the drying process will be much faster, but it is always advisable to have a sufficiently large number on hand.
How much time per week does it take to wash reusable nappies?
The time needed for washing reusable nappies depends on several factors, such as the amount of nappies used, the size of the washing machine and the washing method chosen. On average, it is recommended to spend at least one hour per week washing nappies, including preparation and drying.
You should know that this is an estimate that can vary according to the needs of the family; some prefer a daily wash or every other day to avoid the accumulation of dirt and unpleasant odours, while others prefer to wait until they have a sufficient quantity of nappies to do one complete wash. Clearly, this type of choice affects the quantity of washable nappies to be purchased.
When can you start using washable nappies?
In general, washable nappies can be used from the first days of a baby’s life, however, many families start using them when the baby is about 4-6 weeks old; this is because babies need to be changed frequently and parents may not have the time or energy to devote to cleaning washable nappies properly.
How absorbent is a reusable nappy?
The absorbency capacity of nappies can vary depending on the type, brand and weight of the baby. The most modern ones are designed to absorb a large amount of liquid and keep the baby’s skin dry for an extended period of time. Clearly, the absorbency capacity may also depend on the frequency of changing; if not changed frequently, even a highly absorbent nappy may not be able to hold a large amount of liquid.