#startwithonenappy - Ask the Experts: Their One Tip for Making the Switch

#startwithonenappy is an educational campaign to help parents who are new to cloth nappies understand the impact that just one reusable nappy can have. Through this campaign we strive to equip parents with the information and resources they need to make a gentle, manageable and highly rewarding shift to reusable alternatives.

We know that making the switch to cloth nappies can seem a little daunting, but one of the beautiful things about this parenting choice is that you can go as slow or as fast as you want! You can switch to just one a day, or use cloth full time. You can use them just at home, or just during the day, or just for day care. Seriously – there’s no right or wrong way to make the transition to reusable nappies and once you’ve taken one small step, you’ll find the next one to be so much easier.

Sometimes it’s the idea that seems more difficult than the actual doing of a thing, and this is definitely the case with cloth nappies.

We asked some industry experts what their number one top tip would be for new parents considering making the change. This is what they said:

Erin from RAWr Nappies
“If you’ve decided to go to the trouble of trying a cloth nappy, make it a good one. Buy from a reputable retailer who offers after sale support and loves their product. You won’t regret buying quality when it comes to nappies.”

Renee from Cloth Nappies Down Under 
“You get what you pay for. If you buy cheap, you will get cheap. I learnt that myself when I first started cloth. I bought the cheapest ones I could find and they just didn’t work. They leaked, smelled and looked cheap, but when I bought quality brands they worked better then I could ever have dreamed! A small change makes a big difference in the long term!”

Fiona from Darlings Downunder
“Start small with a trial pack of a few different brands/styles so you can find out what suits your family best.
Start at home: don’t worry about going out with cloth yet.
Start a routine that works for you (eg. washing the evening/hang out in the morning; using cloth in the morning; using cloth on Wednesdays).
Adapt if necessary. Ask for help if you need it. Add to your stash as you feel more confident and as your budget allows.”

Vicky from Squiggles and Bubbles
“Try and see some in real life before you buy. Check out a local Get Into Cloth Kitor meet with some local cloth mums and check out their stash. Start with just switching at home. Find a good routine – once you’ve got your rhythm you won’t even notice the washing. Remember that it’s ok to drop the ball once in a while.”

Jannine from Nature’s Child
“Considering the average saving of $4000 per child when you use cloth instead of disposable nappies, how else would you like to spend that money?”

Cassandra from Mitch n Moo
“Take it one nappy at a time… there’s no failure in giving it a go. Don’t give yourself unrealistic expectations. Like anything, it takes time to get a routine and be comfortable.”

Brooke from EcoParents
“Start early. Newborns have 10-12 nappy changes a day. You’ll be well practiced in no time and you’ll get in the swing of a washing routine. Plus you’ll be saving disposables going to landfill from the onset.”

Vashti from Nest Nappies
“Don’t pressure yourself. If you do miss a few days, it’s ok! Just get back to it when you feel up to it. Washing doesn’t have to be an issue, give whatever nappies you have a rinse in the laundry sink and then wash them with your other laundry.
Try and touch and feel some different styles first. Seeing nappies in real life before you start using them gives you a better understanding of how they work. Find a friend who uses them, visit a retailer, go to an expo or book into a workshop. Most cloth users love to share their knowledge and experience.”