How To Use Your Nappy
Here's our simple guide to using your nappy
Fit
Adjust rise and waste snaps to fit baby. Ensure snug fit (no gaps around the legs) by pushing in gussets, to the underwear line. Some gap at the top of the nappy is fine. For fitting support join our support group on Facebook in the link below.
The nappy is on the smallest setting when the bottom snap buttons are fastened to the top.
Fit under the bottom of the baby/child just like a disposable nappy. Bring up the wings around the waist and secure to the top snap line on the nappy. This needs to be a firm fit but not tight. If you can put two fingers into the waist band of the nappy this is a good fit. Gently line up the lower snap to the second row of buttons to prevent the nappy slipping.
Check that the gussets of the nappy are sitting snug (not tight) against the legs and push into the ‘underwear’ line of the baby. This will prevent leaks. Readjust if needed.
Insert
Each nappy comes with two inserts. During the newborn stage you can use the small booster alone, or the folded trifold depending on the needs of your baby. Please see below for folding advice. The trifold comes with two adjustment snaps to secure to your shell. The dark purple snap is for larger babies or when the nappy is completely snapped out to the larger sizes. Use the fold lines to assist you. For extra boosting, wrap the smaller insert inside the trifold like a sausage and stuff into the nappy pocket together. Secure with snap and fit on baby/child. Or snap first. which can make stuffing even easier.
Newborn Adjustments
Your inserts can be used many ways. The dark purple snap can be used when the nappy is snapped out past the newborn setting. Using the fold lines as guides, expose the light purple snap and fold the insert so it becomes shorter. Secure this to the shell. There will be a whopping 12 layers at the front. Perfect for newborn flooding. Alternatively, the small booster can be used on its own at the newborn stage. Our trifold squares can also be used as a traditional nappy with a snappy and using the shell as a cover for tiny babies.
How to care for your nappies
It's easier than you think.
Rinse
Remove solid waste into toilet (sprayer, dedicated spatulas, or liners are useful). If baby is exclusively breastfed, waste is water soluble and can be rinsed in the sink or put straight into the washing machine – note that leaving poop inside the nappy for longer periods can result in staining.
Rinse nappies in cold water, store in dry pail with adequate ventilation/airflow until prewash. This is very important to prevent mould and ammonia build up.
Prewash every 1-2 days on short cycle with half detergent and return to pail.
To keep your nappies happy.
Cloth nappies work differently to their disposable cousins. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your nappies working for you.
Nappy Creams
Always use a liner when using conventional nappy creams. The ingredients in these can build up on your nappies and affect their life and absorbency. Ensure that cloth safe nappy creams are well rubbed in to prevent any build up in the lining of your nappies.
Detergents
Avoid detergents which contain fabric softener, optical brighteners or bleach as these can shorten the life of your nappies. Join our Facebook support group for the most up to date detergent recommendations.
Soaking
Avoid soaking nappies in any solution, unless advised by Vivilino. These include vanish or those soakers containing chlorine bleaching agents. Bleach should only be used on advice from the manufacturer and misuse will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Drying
Avoid excess UV (direct sunlight in the hottest hours of the day) as these will shorten the life of your nappies.
For help and support, plus loads of helpful resources, join our Facebook page and support group. Check out our mama friendly e-book guide to using cloth nappies, easy reading for busy mothers!
Our nappies are covered by a 6 month manufacturers warranty for workmanship faults and material. Please note this does not include misuse, accident or not following the wash guidelines of Vivilino.