We also created a handy guide showing how often you main wash your nappies vs how old your baby is. Given New Zealand is a damp climate, the estimate takes into consideration two more days worth of nappies at each stage to allow for washing and drying days (you need nappies to wear whilst the first lot are drying). The numbers can seem a bit scary so you can start with less shells and get more inserts (shells dry quickly) or adjust once you know how long your wash is taking.
To see our handy guide check out "How many do I need?" in our journal!
Aren't disposables cheaper, washing uses detergent, power etc?
The short answer is...they work out much cheaper than disposables even when you factor in washing costs and detergent! They are cheaper than the cheapest disposables on the market and you can bring the cost down even more significantly by buying only what you need. They also have a resale value so once you're finished or a style doesn't suit, you can on sell easily.
Here is a great comparison chart "Cost of Nappies" to give you an idea of what's available in New Zealand.
Likewise our journal article of "How many nappies end up in Landfill" might also be of interest.
I am getting leaks, what's going on?
Leaks can be cause by multiple different things. Below are a few hints that might help, otherwise feel free to email us or pop onto Facebook/Instagram with some photos so we can help.
First, check that clothing hasn't gotten caught up in the underwear line. This is a common cause as bodysuits are great at wicking.
Second, check the fit of the nappy. There should be no gaps around the legs with the elastics snuggly hugging, but not too tight. Often the waist is done up too tight, and legs are too loose (not enough rise snaps done up). We are very happy to help so send us an email with photos and a description of where the leak is happening - hello@kekoa.co.nz
Thirdly, certain fabrics compress like a sponge when saturated and cause leaks. Microfiber wicks pee away quickly but it's important to use something like a bamboo terry or bamboo cotton insert behind so any liquid squished out of the microfibre has somewhere to go.
If you find you are using two natural fibre inserts and they are soaked end to end within an hour or two, you likely have a heavier wetting baby and are going to need some backup. If using microfibre, swap out for two bamboo terry or two bamboo cotton inserts. If you are already using bamboo cotton, consider adding hemp cotton beneath your bamboo cotton as this absorbs the slowest but holds the most.
Generally the easiest thing to remember is bamboo terry, bamboo/cotton, hemp/cotton, or bamboo/hemp/cotton are going to last longer and hold more when compared to microfibre, bamboo/charcoal (essentially microfibre), or any fabric with a high polyester/synthetic amount.
