Choosing to use reusable nappies instead of disposable ones is now a brave choice that can be frightening but at the same time fills those who embrace it with pride.

           

Saying no to disposable nappies means making a conscious choice in favour of the environment and also of our baby.

           

In fact, if the first perceived advantage is that of reducing the amount of rubbish produced, the second obvious benefit is for the baby's skin, which will always be in contact with natural materials, avoiding annoying nappy irritations.

           

If you have read this post, you are probably already familiar with or informed about the world of washable nappies, so you will know that the washable nappy kits on the market are normally made up of an outer cover made of waterproof material (in a pattern that babies like!) and a series of inserts that are inserted into the nappy to absorb liquids.

           

How many covers and inserts to buy is one of the most frequent doubts...

           

Twenty or so covers might be the right number for not washing every day but every 2-3 days, especially at the beginning.

           

Usually if you buy a kit, each cover corresponds to an insert, but this may not be enough because our baby needs two inserts, especially at night and because it is often sufficient to replace the insert at each change and keep the same cover clean if the insert is placed in contact with the baby's bottom.

           

Hence the need to share this very short tutorial: can we make the inserts for washable nappies ourselves? Absolutely!

           

Washable nappy inserts are standard-sized rectangular strips (approx. 33 x 13 cm) made of microfibre, microfleece or bamboo fibre. , fabrics that can be easily found in fabric shops and online.

Remember, opt for natural or light colours because they do not contain dyes, and always check that the fabrics are certified as suitable for children's skin (e.g. Oeko-Tex certification).

           

In addition a folded cotton muslin cloth of about 30 x 40 cm is often added between the insert and the baby's bottom. . The same cloth is used in prefold nappies.

           

I bought everything online:

- to make 28 inserts I bought 2m of bamboo terry fabric (total 29€)

- to make 20 liners I bought 2m of cotton muslin (total 8€)

           

I made more inserts than liners because muslin dries very quickly while bamboo sponge absorbs much more, so it takes longer to dry once it comes out of the washing machine.

           

           

Let's take a look at the procedure for making the muslin liners, which is the same as for making the insert (obviously varying the measurements).

           

1. Cut out 30 x 40 cm rectangles from cotton muslin.
2. Join two rectangles, right sides together and fix them with clips or pins.

3. Sew all around at 0.5 cm from the edge, leaving an opening on one side
4. Finishing the corners with a 45° cut

5. Now turn over and push out the corners.
6. Close the open part with clips or pins.

7. Make a topstitching seam all around which allows us to close the remaining opening.
8. Fold in 3 to fit between baby's bottom and nappy

           

For the inserts, the procedure is the same, but we cut rectangles of approximately 33 x 13 cm and chamfer the corners immediately, giving them a rounded shape.

           

           

Assembly of the nappy: muslin + bamboo insert + cover.