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Aqui

Terry nappies

I washed another load of terries yesterday. I put some white vinegar in as fabric softener. Some were dried outside, some inside (our line isn't big enough). They are a little bit hard and scratchy.

How can I make them soft and fluffy again? (we don't have a tumble drier),
Kathy

We use Bio D fabric softener Aqui, not sure how it would work on nappies but it works on our towels. Smile

http://ecotopia.co.uk/5l-biod-fab...k-buying-all-bulk-refill-products
kaz

It's so long since I washed nappies that I don't remember Embarassed I don't use fabric softener at all.
Svea

they dont recommend fabric softener as it reduces the absorbancy of the nappy.

have you checked on the nappylady website? i seem to remember she has a bit about what to do when nappies go a bit hard.
http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/

Quote:
If you live in a hard water area, nappies will gradually become hard because of the detergents that build up. This actually does not matter too much to your baby, because they will have a paper or washable liner over the nappy, so they will not be uncomfortable. It helps to run an 80 degree hot wash (no laundry, just a cup of white vinegar) on your machine occasionally, to keep it clean. The new Calgon tablets do the same thing, but it is debatable as to whether these are good for sensitive skin.


incidentally, what nappies have you chosen? i have been looking at tots bots fluffles - i know they are synthetic but they remain soft - which given the chalky london water we have might be a good thing - even over the cottn or bamboo options (havent got, and will not get, a tumble dryer either...)

edit: found this on another site:
Quote:
Unless you live in a soft water area, or have a water softener, you'll find your nappies will tend to go hard. However, you should not use fabric conditioners as these will coat the fibres of your nappies and significantly reduce their absorbency and thus cause leaks. Tumble-drying will leave your nappies soft and fluffy: even just a 10-minute burst will do. If you don't have a tumble dryer, a tablespoonful of white vinegar in the conditioner compartment of your washing machine will help remove lime-scale and detergent residues and make nappies softer. Giving laundered nappies a good shake and rub together when they are almost dry is also good for softness.
Kathy

I'm not a fan of fabric softeners either but the girls like it for some things. I never used it for nappies when the kids were babies, I used those napppy liner things, they never got bothered much with nappy rash even the though the nappies weren't that soft.
kaz

A neighbour of ours used to iron everything, including nappies Confused
Aqui

thanks all - i shock the last lot when they were drying and they do seem softer.

Svea - i've got the basic old fashioned square ones that you fold and pin. basically they were the only ones i could afford! i wish i bought some shaped ones too as putting the square ones on can be a bit tricky when i'm tired and he's squirmy!
Cabbagepatch

Aqui, I used ordinary square nappies for my two, I'm not sure you could buy shaped ones then!

Did they teach you the different ways of folding them at antinatal classes? One way for boys, another way for girls, bedtime nappy, toddling nappy etc.

I got a (very strange Rolling Eyes ) satisfaction from looking at a washing line full of lovely clean nappies drying in the fresh air, and then kept a pile already folded to use in the middle of the night when I didn't feel up to nappy origami!
Aqui

all they taught us in antenatal classes was about the birth - funding cutbacks, we only had a single two-hour session. Absolutely nothing on looking after baby. They showed me after he was born how to bathe and change a disposable, but that was it.

I'm off to do a bit of googling...
Svea

do you use pins or nappi nippas? they seem faster and safer (as no pokey bits).

i did see a few websites showing how to fold a terry square, lemme know if you have not been successful yourself.

oh, whaddya know?
http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/Advice/Instructions.asp?InstructionID=2
alison

Svea

That was the site I used with my youngest 2 when I was doing girl todler, and baby boy. We could all do them in our sleep, until the sizes changed, then you needed to learn the next fold.
Aqui

Thanks Svea - I found that page too. Must have a bit of a practice when I've woken up a bit more!

CP - there is something very nice about a line full of clean nappies fluttering in the breeze!

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