How many cloth nappies will I need?
The Yoyo Hire Kit, with 12 newborn naps and inserts, is an excellent way to start. I also add a few covers and prefolds and bamboo fleece nappies to give you a chance to try out the different systems. After the 8 or more, weeks hire period, I suggest a progression to 12 medium adjustables( ONE SIZE FITS ALL), if you wash your nappies daily or 16 medium adjustable (ONE SIZE FITS ALL), if you wash every 2nd day. It is up to the individual household depending on how often you do your washing to have clean nappies ready to use in the nursery. You will be changing baby 8 to 10 times daily in the first few months and as baby grows older, the number of changes naturally decreases. Flushable nappy liners, which I sell by the roll , are also a great help in the management of soiled nappies for the first 6 months. The flushable liners can be washed at least 3 times to get maximum use from them. This will make a roll of 100 last a long time. If you’d rather not take advantage of the hire kit, A Yoyo One Size Fits All Pocket Nappy or Covers will fit your baby from 4kg upwards to toilet training. I also make small size and large size for those who prefer size appropriate nappies.
Do I need more than one insert per nappy?
Inserts are essential to cloth nappies. It is best to have two inserts per nappy. Microfibre absorbs 8 times its weight and dries quickly after washing. Two microfibre inserts will fit into your pocket nappy and last 3 or so hours. Hemp inserts are very thirsty and have great antibacterial qualities. One hemp insert and one microfibre insert will absorb over a 12 hour period so proves to be a good combination for overnight. Hemp inserts take longer to dry after washing. Bamboo inserts absorb the best. Just like the plant, it has the ability to absorb lots of liquid. Having a double layer bamboo inserts with a microfibre is the maximum needed for overnight. Two single layer bamboo inserts work the same but dry quicker. Another good combination is one microfibre insert and one doubler for daytime sleeps and two inserts and a doubler for night time.
Which is most absorbent, Bamboo, Hemp, or Micro Fibre?
Micro fibre has an absorbency of 8 times its weight. It soaks up well but Hemp holds liquid better than micro fibre. Bamboo is more absorbent than hemp but takes longer to dry after washing. The ultimate soaker is a mix of one hemp or bamboo insert with one microfibre insert used together in a pocket nappy or a cover. Microfibre soaks up quickly and the hemp or bamboo hold onto the liquid for long periods.
My son is a heavy wetter .. what do you suggest?
The combinations of MICROFIBRE and HEMP inserts, or MICROFIBRE and BAMBOO inserts will ensure you get maximum absorbancy in your nappy. Using a DOUBLER or ZORBA next to baby, with inserts in the pocket also helps with absorbency. The design feature of the Yoyo nappy allows you to add layers of absorbency without altering the leg fit. The gusset on the leg is extra security for leaking. Every baby is different with their intake and out take. I am happy to answer any questions to help you if you happen to have a heavy wetter, It can be done. The Zorba has two layers fo bamboo with a layer of microfibre sandwiched in the middle. It fits in the pocket nappy or cover and helps with heavy wetting and tummy sleepers.
How can I get the maximum use out of one size fits most?
Having snaps to adjust the rise on the nappy , you can make the nappy grow with your baby. The smallest setting on a medium adjustable nappy with fit a 4kg baby. It will extend to fit a toddler. The tabs crossover at the waist and this will give you all the adjustment you will need to cover a wide range of sizes. My sizes are quite generous compared with other brands ensuring your baby enjoys a snug fit for longer. Having the extra length in the nappy means the Yoyo will fit thru to toilet training. Some brands are low riders and don’t last the distance.
Why are my hemp inserts not absorbing so well?
Hemp needs at least 6 hot washes before becoming really effective. Once the natural oils are washed out , you will notice a big difference in its ability to absorb. You can use the hemp between washes. Lets not make more work for ourselves. I have preshrunk the hemp with one hot wash so it is ready to use. Bamboo towelling doesn’t need the hot washes to absorb well. It is like a new towel and will fluff up after the first wash.
Will my nappies leak?
Once you get the right combination with your inserts for the length of time between changes, your nappy wont leak. After sewing the nappy, I have sealed the sewing holes so they wont leak. If you have any issues with leaking, a hot wash might help. I don’t recommend using a clothes dryer for PUL as they dry very quickly over a drying rack, or clothes line. Care labels say to only use low heat. Inserts need the high heat and too often the PUL cloth nappies and covers are put in on high heat. Try to sun dry whenever possible. The nappy will last much longer and the natural drying process is the most effective sanitizer you can use.
