FAQ and product care

MODERN CLOTH NAPPIES

How often should I change MCN's?

Nappies should be changed every two hours. This helps prevent leaks as cloth nappies can only hold so much liquid. However, a double up of inserts can allow you to get a longer wear. We recommend using a microfiber and bamboo insert in the pocket of the nappy. (Bamboo on the bottom as that tends to hold moisture for longer). If your child is a heavy wetter more inserts can be added. Cloth nappies are different for all babies so experimenting with the amount of inserts and types of inserts will be different for everyone.

How do I wash and care for my nappies?

We recommend that you follow 'clean cloth nappies' wash routine. You can find this by searching 'clean cloth nappies' in google. Below is a brief description taken from their website.

  1. Knock any solids into the toilet and then store the used nappy in a dry bucket until ready for the pre-wash. (Do not soak nappies in bucket as this will cause them to wear faster).
  2. PRE-WASH- Use the shortest cycle setting on your washing machine, with only half a scoop of detergent. This is usually a 30 min cycle. Store your pre-washed nappies in a dry pail (dry bucket) until you have done a couple of pre-wash loads to make enough for a main wash.
  3. MAIN WASH- Once you have got enough pre-washed nappies to fill a load, you can complete a main wash. Use the longest wash option on your machine (this is generally the cotton setting). Add the full recommended amount of detergent for a heavily soiled load (1 scoop). If your machine is not full you can add other small items of laundry in this main wash, there is no need for an extra rinse.
  4. You can tumble dry on a low heat or hang up to dry.

NOTE- never use a hot wash on any of your nappies. Only use a warm or cold wash.

*We use 'clean cloth nappies' web page for our wash routine

Washing 'night nappy' inserts.

Our night nappy inserts can hold a greater amount of urine compared to our day inserts. Therefore, an adequate pre-wash needs to happen as soon as the night nappy is removed to prevent the build-up of ammonia and smells.

We recommend doing your pre-wash in the morning with a warm and longer setting than mentioned above (around 60mins is adequate). Alternatively, you can hand wash your inserts with a little bit of detergent and hot water, followed by a spin in the washing machine and then dry pailed until main wash day.

*we follow the 'clean cloth nappies' wash routine

How many nappies do I need? 

We recommend at least 10 Three Little Bears AU nappies to get you started, however 20 day nappies and 4 night nappies are advised if you are planning on using our nappies full time. This is because newborns generally go through 7-10 nappies a day however this decreases to about 4-5 as your baby gets older. By purchasing 20 nappies it prevents the need to main wash everyday.

Should I wash my nappy/ inserts prior to use?

Yes, definitely. Think of the inserts as a towel, towels only start to soak up water after being washed. One wash should be enough however if you have a heavy wetter, a further two washes is recommended to increase absorbency.

What detergent should I use?

Any mainstream detergent is appropriate. However if you use a plant based, eco or sensitive detergent, increase the quantity of detergent to 1.5- 2 times the recommended amount, as these detergents are weaker than the normal detergent.

For more information on detergent quantities use the link below:

http://www.cleanclothnappies.com/detergent-index

Why are my nappies leaking?

Leakage can occur due to a number of reasons. Click the link to see our extensive video on this topic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxD9YmFY1i0&t=8s
The key points to leaking nappies are below. 
1- Not changing every 2-3 hours
2- Your nappy is not bulked (more than one insert is usually recommended)
3- The fit is not correct
4- You must wash before wear
5- Compression leaks
6- Build up of washing detergent on the inserts

    What do I do with the inserts?

    Inserts can be used three ways:

    1. Put the insert inside the pocket of the nappy. (Mama bear recommendation)
    2. Put the insert on the top of the suede lining (bamboo only), this can give you more use of the nappy as in some cases only a changing of a insert is needed.
    3. Double up (Mama Bear recommendation)- use our microfiber and bamboo insert together to get 3 plus hours of wear. You can place the inserts inside the pocket or on top of the suede (or one on each). Just be sure to make sure the microfiber is not directly on baby’s skin.

     

    How do I adjust the size?

    The length of the nappy is adjusted with the 3 rows of snaps at the front of the nappy (9 snaps in total)          

     +   +   +       row 1 

     +   +   +       row 2 

     +   +   +       row 3

    For the small length - fold the bottom row of snaps (row 3) up and clip them into row 1

    For the medium length - fold the middle row of snaps (row 2) up and clip them into row 1

    For the large length - leave all 3 rows unsnapped

    The other two rows of snaps at the top of the nappy, are used to adjust the size around the waist (very top row) and around the legs (second row from top)

    Do I need a cover/ piltcher?

    No, ‘Three Little Bears’ nappies have a waterproof outer shell, to help prevent  leakage 

    Sanitise your nappies

    A sanitise is where an extensive wash routine takes place to get your nappies and inserts back to brand new. This should only be done if your nappies have stains or smells which don’t disappear with the normal wash routine above. All details for a sanitise can be found on the website below.

    Clean cloth nappies down under- strip and sanitise.
    http://www.cleanclothnappies.com/strip-and-sanitise/

     

    SWIM NAPPIES

    How to fit?

    Our swim nappies are a one size fits most design (OSFM). They have adjustable press studs and can be fitted exactly like cloth nappies (Look at cloth nappy fitting guide above). Make sure that the leg gussests are very tight against bubs thighs this will prevent any type of leak from happening.

    Do swim nappies need inserts?

    Swim nappies do not need inserts, they should be worn as they come. They are like disposable swim nappies where they do not absorb any moisture (wee) and are there to primarily catch solids.

    How do I wash my swim nappy?


    Wash with like colours, no hotter than 30 degrees.

    Do I need to wear any other nappy under the swim nappy?

    No, these have been designed to go in all types of water with no leaks.

     

    NURSING PADS

    How do I wash my nursing pads?

    Nursing pads can be mixed with other laundry items. Remember to wash your nursing pads after purchase to increase their absorbency.

    How many pairs will I need?

    This really just depends on your flow. Start with our 5 pack and then you can always buy more as you need.

     

    SANITARY PADS

     How do they work?

    Our pads have an absorbing strip and then two wings on either side. Put the absorbing strip (cloth faced up) on the gusset of the underwear and fold the wings underneath, fastening them together with the little snap on the tip of the wings.

    How do I clean them?

    Run your sanitary pad under water and then squeeze out. Do this until water runs clear. You can then wash them with your cloth nappies or any other laundry you may have. Do not exceed 60 degrees.

    How often do I need to change my pad?

    Once your sanitary pad starts to feel wet against your skin it is time to change pads.

    What are they made of?

    Our sanitary pads are all made from three different layers. The layers vary in thickness depending on what type of pad you use. The most outer layer is made from our printed PUL material (waterproof). The middle layer is made from an absorbing microfiber. The top layer is made from a bamboo/ charcoal combination making it great for sensitive skin.