What are the benefits of MCN's over disposables?
Environment: It's a scary statistic to consider that approximately 800 million disposable nappies are dumped into Australian landfills every year, with each nappy taking around 500 years to break down. The decomposing nappy material and human waste left in landfill generates methane gas and is therefore a major contributor to global warming.
Cost: While it can feel like a greater expense to purchase modern cloth nappies as it is a larger initial outlay, the reality is that you would spend far more on the cost of disposable nappies over the duration that your child is wearing nappies. Here's a conservative snapshot of the cost difference:
Research has shown that an average baby goes through 6,000 disposables, whereas for the average 2½ years a baby is in nappies each child requires approximately only 36 cloth nappies. So here are the comparative prices...
6000 disposable nappies at 40c per nappy = $2400
36 MCN's at $25 each = $900
Is there really any competition?
Comfort: Ok, so we're not actually the ones wearing the nappies, but human reasoning still has a place here... after all, what you would rather be wearing? If you've ever had a bikini wax or medical examination and been given those dreadful disposable knickers, then perhaps that's a clue for you! Cloth, especially super soft, high quality bamboo is much more pleasant against baby's skin than a disposable plastic nappy.
Furthermore we've actually asked many a toddler themselves what they'd prefer to be wearing and the answer is always the same... cloth is king!
They sound too good to be true, what's the catch?
MCN's are not infallible and even the most fabulous of products can have a trade off, but in the case of MCN's it's well worth it. So what is this trade off, you're asking? Simply that they need to be washed, rather than disposed of. But lets face it, you're already doing so much washing with small children anyway, what's another couple of loads when you consider all the benefits?
What's so great about bamboo?
Where to start? There are so many wonderful things about bamboo, so to name a few...
- Bamboo is the most sustainable plant in existence
- Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic
- Bamboo up to 80% more absorbent than cotton (and improves with washing!)
- Bamboo is incredibly soft and feels like heaven against your skin
- No harmful fertilisers or pesticides are required to grow bamboo
- Bamboo is the fastest growing wood available in the world today
What are the different types of Modern Cloth Nappies?
We've kept it pretty basic here at Fresh Buns as the choices of styles, colours and sizes on the market can be overwhelming. On our site, you'll find only our 'ALLSTAR' range which are all-in-ones, with a pocket for an optional booster if your child is a heavier wetter or for night time. We understand that different products suit different people though, so over time, we will add to our range to cater for all fresh bums! Here's a run down of the different MCN's on the market today:
All-in-Ones (AIO): As the name implies, All-In-One nappies have the benefit of not requiring the use of a cover. AIO's are secured with snaps or hook-and-loop, and may offer a booster flap or pocket booster for faster drying. The Fresh Buns ALLSTAR range includes a super absorbent sewn in liner featuring 4 layers of bamboo, along with a pocket and complimentary booster when that extra absorbency is required.
All-in-Twos (AI2): A similar product to the All-in-One is the All-in-Two nappy. Also not requiring a cover, the key difference with the AI2 is the use of a snap in or otherwise attached booster that can be removed to speed up drying time.
Fitted Nappies: These nappies are generally made of an absorbent fabric, often cotton (terry, flannelette, etc), hemp, bamboo or even a blend. Some fitted nappies also include pockets ("pocket-fitteds") where you can insert a booster for additional absorbency. Fitted nappies are generally secured with snaps, velcro or a hook-and-loop. A key consideration with fitted nappies is that they require the use of a cover.
Pocket Nappies: Pocket nappies generally consist of two parts - the main part of the nappy being the 'pocket', with a waterproof outer layer, and the insert for absorbency. Stuffers for pocket nappies may be specially made stuff-ins, cotton or hemp flats or prefolds, washcloths, bathmats, microfibre cloths, or a combination of these things.
Covers: The important element to a nappy cover is that it must be made of a waterproof or water resistant material. Most modern covers are made of PUL, wool or fleece.
How do I know which MCN is right for me?
With a growing range of MCN's becoming available on the market, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of which style to choose for your little bundle. Here are a few things to consider, including both pros and cons, when making your purchasing decision:
Convenience: If convenience is the name of the game for you then you will be best suited to our ALLSTAR range of All-in-One nappies. These tidy little bundles are designed with everything you need in the one nappy, with no need for separate covers or snap in boosters. They also come sized in small, medium and large to ensure your baby wears a snug fit all the way through. The downside is that drying takes a little longer.
Size: If you're keen to fit your baby in the perfect sized nappy all the way through, then the sized ALLSTAR range is best for you. An All-in-One, this nappy is conveniently bundled altogether for ease of use and washing without having to assemble extra snap ins or covers. The downside to this nappy is that they will take a little longer to dry.
Budget: If budget is a consideration for you, then you may find that the SUPERSTAR 'one size' nappies are most suitable for you as you only need to purchase the one style to last your baby through from newborn to potty training. The downside to this is simply that in the early stages, the fit won't be as snug as a sized nappy and the one size may seem a little bulky on your newborn.
Drying: Drying time may be of concern to you if you only have enough nappies to get you through a day or two without washing, which may also be a budget consideration. In this case, you may want to consider the DOUBLE DELIGHT All-in-Two's, for faster drying time. The downside is naturally that there's the extra step of re-assembling your nappies after each wash.
How does the sizing work?
To get the best fit for your babies buns the optimum nappy will be sized, varying over time with their weight as follows:
Small: 4-7kg
Medium: 6-11kg
Large: 10-16kg
Alternatively, if budget is a factor, you may want to consider our one size option, however naturally a consideration is that they may not be quite as snug a fit as the sized options above:
One Size Fits Most: fits newborn to toddler
How many MCN's will I need?
This really depends on what's more important to you: keeping cost down or the convenience of washing less frequently? Here's a guide though so you can make an informed decision on what's best for your circumstances:
Newborns will generally need changing around 10 - 12 times a day
Older babies and toddlers require changing approximately 6 - 8 times a day
By this calculation, 24 nappies would last you two days before you needed to do a wash for a newborn baby, where you could go 3 or 4 days for an older baby or toddler. Naturally if every couple of days feels too frequent for you, buying more nappies may be the better option to last longer between washes.
How do I wash Modern Cloth Nappies?
First Use: For maximum absorbency it is recommended that Fresh Buns nappies are washed 3 - 8 times before first use. This can be using a top or front loading washing machine and drying in between is not necessary. Half a scoop of detergent is recommended only in the first wash, and then using no detergent in these subsequent washes is necessary.
After Use: Empty poo-ey bits into the toilet. This may not be necessary for younger or breastfed babies who's poo will still be very watery. Then simply store nappies in a 'dry pail' (see below) bucket until washing day then run your nappies through a cold rinse cycle. Once the rinse cycle has completed, simply add in detergent (less is more - only half a scoop is plenty) and run through a normal cycle, whether it be using cold, warm or hot water.
Drying: Fresh Buns MCN's can be line or tumble dried on warm (not hot), however consistent tumble drying may shorten the lifespan of the nappy. Please consider the environment when drying your nappies and use line drying where possible to use less energy.
Dry Pailing: The days of soaking nappies in a bucket of bleaches or water are a thing of the past as dry pailing emerges as the weapon of choice with modern cloth nappies. All this means is placing soiled nappies into a dry nappy bucket until wash time - ensuring that all poo has been properly disposed of in the toilet first.
You will find that dry pailing using a well sealed bucket should omit minimal odour, however should you find there is an unpleasant smell finding it's way out, there are options on how to handle it (courtesy of www.ozclothnappies.org):
"One easy and inexpensive way is to tape a piece of absorbent material to the inside of the lid - a coffee filter, square of fabric, or similar - and put a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice onto this. This reduces smells while avoiding the essential oil contacting your nappies. There are commercial fragrance-impregnated products you can buy if you prefer not to DIY. Some people sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into their drypail. Please check with your nappy manufacturer before using this."
How do I become a distributer of Fresh Buns MCN's?
Love Fresh Buns nappies as much as we do? If you're interested in stocking or distributing any of the Fresh Buns range, we'd love to hear from you. Simply contact us with your interest and it would be our pleasure to get back to you and discuss what options are available to you.
Resources
For more information about Modern Cloth Nappies, we recommend the following websites:
www.ozclothnappies.org
www.nappynetwork.org.au
www.nappycino.com.au
