The Lo-Down on Bamboo Nappies

Many people are still amazed to hear of bamboo fibre nappies (”Nappies?!….Made of Bamboo?!….”) Yet Bamboo as a fabric source has been growing in popularity of late largely because of its recognised sustainability, and many unique qualities.
Read on to learn all about bamboo nappies…

Bamboo Nappies

Many people are still amazed to hear of bamboo fibre nappies (”Nappies?!….Made of Bamboo?!….”) Yet Bamboo as a fabric source has been growing in popularity of late largely because of its recognised sustainability, and many unique qualities.

It is becoming a favourite fabric of choice for companies wanting to take an ethical standpoint as Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource with a fast growth cycle, and can be grown easily without the use of pesticides and fertilisers. It is also completely bio-degradable.

Reusable Nappy manufacturers quickly realised the multitude of benefits the bamboo fibre has which make it an ideal material for nappy use. Firstly, bamboo has many natural anti-bacterial qualities, and bamboo fibre is able to retain this, even through multiple washings. This is certainly a useful quality when it comes to nappy useage, and it also helps to reduce odour causing bacteria.  

Secondly, bamboo fibres are also natually smooth and round without chemical treatment, making it perfect for use next to the skin. In addition to this, many people who suffer allergic reactions from natural fibres such as hemp or wool do not report these same issues with bamboo.

Perhaps most importantly, the bamboo plant is highly water absorbent, and in textile form these absorbent properties are retained. Bamboo is approximately 60% more absorbent than cotton, and can hold up to 3 times its weight in water. This makes bamboo nappies highly functional, and especially perfect for night time use, older infants or heavy-wetters.

So, where can one find Bamboo Nappies? Well, fortunately you will not have to search high and low these days. Possibly the best known Bamboo Nappy here in the UK is the Tots Bots Bamboozle. The Bamboozle is a fitted nappy made from the finest East-Asian bamboo, that can be fastened with either poppers or aplix. The Bambooxle is a highly absorbent nappy consisting of 4 layers of bamboo fibre, yet remains very slim fitting. It is a silky soft nappy, that comes with a detachable booster layer that can be used when extra-absorbency is required. Bamboozles retail at RRP £9.25.

Another option is the Bambeasy bamboo nappy by Easy Peasy. It is a super soft bamboo fitted nappy that is designed to fit from birth to potty training. It has a fleece lined inside which helps to wick moisture away from the skin and into the nappy itself, and it also features a flap out booster layer to aid drying time. The Bambeasy retails at £10.

 A third option is the bamboo Lovable from Nature Babies. The Lovable comprises 2 layers of soft bamboo terry, with a pouch opening at the back allowing you to stuff the nappy with extra absorbency if required. The Lovables come with a 2 layer bamboo booster pad. The nappy fastens with Aplix and comes in 2 sizes. RRP £7.50

 All of these nappies require a nappy cover to fit over the top to provide a waterproof layer. These are far from the only bamboo nappies available on the market, and as well as fitted nappies, other styles of nappy can also utilise the benefits of bamboo- such as the Itti Biti D’Lish Nappies which comprise of a bamboo and cotton mix absorbent pad inside a waterproof laminated Minkee fabric shell. It is also possible to buy Bamboo Inserts for use in Pocket Nappy systems, and Bamboo Booster pads to provide extra absorbency in flat or fitted nappies.

Washing Bamboo Nappies

 Bamboo Nappies need to be washed before use to remove the natural oils which impact on its absorbency. Although they can be used after just a few washes, they won’t reach their optimum absorbency levels unti they have been washed around 8-10 times.

Bamboo Nappies are best washed at 40°, and follwed by a rinse cycle. Care should be taken to use only aroud 1/3 of a regular detergent amount, to prevent a build up on the nappies, and fabric conditioner should never be used as this will destroy the absorbency of the nappies.

They nappies can be tumble dried on a low-medium heat, or air dried. Being super absorbent, bamboo nappies do take longer to dry than some other types of nappy, whcih may mean that a few more are needed to keep a rotation going. Bamboo Nappies should never be placed directly on radiators, as this will ’scorch’ the fibre causing it to become flat. The same applies if the nappies are washed at a very high temperature.

Order Bamboo Nappies Today!