Camp DB is our very special loyalty program created to reward your commitment to eco-friendly parenting and to celebrate our amazing Designer Bums community!

Log into your account and click on the the tent icon at the bottom of your screen to access Camp DB. This is where you can track your reward progress!

When you want to make a purchase make sure you are logged into your Camp DB account to ensure you get your Moon Miles.

As well as a special badge to honour your progress, in reaching a new checkpoint you will be lavished with rewards which may include vouchers, gifts, exclusive promotions, pre-sale access, and access to our Moon Box gift sets!

Find out more about Camp DB here

This is our very special loyalty program created to reward your commitment to eco-friendly parenting and to celebrate our amazing Designer Bums community.

All you need to do is create an account (here!) Already have an account? You’re already a member and on the Camp DB journey!

Log In to your account by clicking the account button at the top right of the homepage. Once logged in, click VIEW CAMP DB REWARDS.

No, our mailing list is different to our Camp DB loyalty program, so make sure you are signed up to both.

So we can give you a birthday reward! When signing up to Camp DB you’ll receive bonus MM points on your birthday - you never know, they may just be enough to get you up to the next level!

You must enter your birthday details at least one month prior to your birthday in order to receive your birthday Moon Miles. Please be patient and allow at least 48 hours after your birthday for the system to allocate your additional MM to your account. If after this time they are still not appearing, please contact info@designerbums.com.au

Yes, Moon Miles last for 12 months. You must make a purchase within a 12 month time period otherwise all Moon Miles earnt will expire. Your Camp DB level however will always remain the same.

Once you’ve reached a Camp DB level, you’ll never go back down again! So spend your rewards, enjoy new products and continue to make your way through the camp towards becoming the ultimate Star Gazer! Spending Moon Miles will not impact your Camp DB level.

Depending on your level, you will be rewarded with gift vouchers, exclusive promotions, pre-sale access, birthday points, DB ‘Moon Boxes' and so much more!

These are the loyalty program levels in Camp DB. There are seven checkpoints to progress through, and each level has access to a range of rewards. The further you get through the checkpoints, the more gifts and goodies you will receive! 

You will automatically be moved to the next checkpoint according to how many Moon Miles you have earned.

All vouchers have a minimum spend requirement, and a set validation period. Please read you voucher terms carefully to make sure you are aware of these requirements. Please also note vouchers can not be used in conjunction with other discounts and offers. If you are still having issues and believe your voucher is valid, please email customer service at info@designerbums.com.au

Moon Miles are the points used in Camp DB. The more Moon Miles you earn, the further you will travel and the more checkpoints you will reach (which means more gifts and goodies for you)! The amount of Moon Miles you earn for every $1 AUD spent will depend on which level you are on. There are some other ways to earn some sneaky extra Moon Miles - like following us on Facebook, Instagram or simply leaving a review! 

**You cannot earn Moon Miles on returned items.

***See Terms and Conditions for further exclusions to Moon Miles.

Your Moon Miles and Camp DB level are available to view through your rewards page. Log in to your account using the account icon on the top right of the homepage and select VIEW CAMP DB REWARDS.

No, so happy shopping!

Your vouchers are sent to you via email and can be redeemed at checkout by using the code provided.

If you have not received the voucher in your inbox, please ensure you have checked your junk/spam folder in your email. If you are still having trouble please send us an email at info@designerbums.com.au and we will sort this out for you as quickly as possible!

All vouchers are valid for 30 days from issue. The voucher must be used in one go, meaning that no voucher credit can be rolled over and any remaining amount will be void. You can only use one voucher code per order at checkout so they cannot be combined with other discounts. All vouchers have a minimum spend requirement.

If you have recently moved up a level, your voucher/reward should be awaiting you in your inbox. ‘Level up’ vouchers are sent via email, so you must be subscribed to the Designer Bums mailing list in order to receive them. If you are subscribed, and still haven’t received the email, please check your junk folder, wait 24 hours after moving up, and then contact support info@designerbums.com.au if you still cannot see it!

Yes, each voucher has a minimum spend that must be reached before you can use your voucher. The minimum spend will depend on the value being redeemed and is noted on the screen before you click to redeem your voucher.

All vouchers have a 30 day expiry, and Moon Miles have a 12 month period in which to be used. However once you have reached a level you will keep your status. 

Don’t worry, sometimes it can take a few hours for your account to update. If after 24 hours this still hasn’t updated please get in touch via email at info@designerbums.com.au

Yes, there is! We want you to share the DB love, so for every friend you refer that places an order, you will receive 800 Moon Miles and they will receive a $20 voucher as a thank you! Referral vouchers have an expiry of 6 months from issue. Use the Camp DB portal (bottom left of homepage) to find your unique referral link/url that you can share with as many friends as you like. 

To be valid referred customers must not have purchased from Designer Bums previously. Your referral Moon Miles will only be available after your friend has completed an online order with us.

Log in to your Rewards page and you will find your personal referral link under Refer A Friend. Send this to your friend and they will be prompted to sing u and create their own account.

To be valid referred customers must be new to Designer Bums. Your referral voucher will only be available after your friend has completed an online order with us, and will appear within your Rewards page.

Congratulations! The DB Moon Box is available for collection twice a year. We will send you an email once it is ready, so keep an eye out in your inbox for Designer Bums emails.

Once you level up to Star Gazer you will automatically qualify for the next moon box. To remain eligible for future Moon Boxes after this you will need to reach a minimum loyalty spend of $500 during each 6 month eligibility period. 

If you have moved up into Star Gazer since the last Moon Box cut off, the $500 minimum loyalty spend does not apply to you. You automatically qualify for the next Moon Box.

If you have not changed tiers since the last Moon Box cut off then you will need to reach a minimum loyalty spend of $500 to qualify for the next Moon Box.

**Minimum spend does not include returns, insurance or shipping costs.

If you qualified for the first Moon Box of 2024, you will receive an email shortly about redeeming it.

The next Moon Box Cut Off is now December 1st 2024. The qualifying date range is June 1st 2023 - November 30th 2024.

If you have reached Star Gazer level and are wondering when the next Moon Box will be available - keep an eye on your inbox as we will send an email when they are ready!

If you no longer wish to be a part of Camp DB, please contact us at info@designerbums.com.au and ask to leave the program. We'll unenroll you and you will lose any Moon Miles you have earned.

Just create a new account as you did the first time!

Please email our customer service team at info@designerbums.com.au

Designer Bums is Australia’s most awarded and reviewed nappy with over 6000+5 star genuine reviews from happy customers.

Designer Bums are known for our unique prints, premium fabrics and innovative product designs and are a pioneer within the Reusable Nappy community for our hand illustrated fun designer prints. We are proud to receive recognition and to be regularly awarded for our industry leading Cloth Nappies and Parenting Essentials. 

Designer Bums was voted GOLD as Australia’s favourite cloth nappy 5 years in a row for our One Size Fits Most (OSFM) Cloth Nappy. Recognition from families who use and love Cloth Nappies are the best testimonials we could receive and seeing our Nappies awarded as the Best Reusable Cloth Nappies in Australia as a result of real feedback is so rewarding.

View our range of Awards.

View our GOLD Award Winning Nappies.

See our range of 5-star Reviews for our Gold Award winning Reusable Cloth Nappies and Parenting Essentials.

'Modern Cloth Nappies' refer to reusable nappies made of fabric and are designed to replace single-use disposable nappies by washing and reusing over again, instead of throwing away after one use. The use of the term 'modern cloth' is to differentiate them from their older traditional nappy counterparts which were large and bulky Terry Toweling cloth squares which required intensive wash routines, safety pins, pilcher pants and more. Those routines are a thing of the past and you will be pleased to know that 'modern cloth nappies' are easy to use and care for.

Designer Bums Cloth Nappies are called an ‘All In Two’ style nappy which mean they consist of a water-resistant outer shell and inserts (two parts) and can be paired with a range of different sized bamboo inserts to suit your little one’s size and output. Designer Bums Cloth Nappies fasten with snaps on the front and can be adjusted to fit from birth to toilet training. The modern cloth nappy is designed in a trim shape that mimics underpants, providing you with a versatile option that will grow with your little one.

You may also want to check out A Beginners Guide to Reusable Nappies where we talk about how many Nappies you need for your stash, how to wash your Cloth Nappies, and how to construct your Cloth Nappies.

Or our article New to Cloth or Thinking About Converting, where we talk about how often you  change nappies, cost considerations with water and power, and nappy rash.

Congratulations on choosing Designer Bums, a premium, sustainable and stylish choice of reusable modern cloth nappies and parenting essentials.

First things first, wash your new nappy to remove any manufacturing residue.

New nappies only require a short rinse cycle with a small amount of detergent and can be used once dry. Our premium custom-milled bamboo is so absorbent it works right away and will continue to increase in absorbency with ongoing washes. Use a spin speed of 800 RPM or less when washing shells. High spins in the washing machine can stretch and damage elastics. Use a wash temperature of 60 degrees/ 140F (MAX) to avoid damage to your nappies. Hang to dry or dry inserts on a low heat in a tumble dryer. Avoid exposing to high drying temperatures as this may damage the nappy shells. 

Whilst you are washing and drying your new nappy please check out our handy fit guide by clicking here

You are now ready to fit your new nappy onto your child!

You may also want to check out A Beginners Guide to Reusable Nappies where we talk about how many Nappies you need for your stash, how to wash your Cloth Nappies, and how to construct your Cloth Nappies. 

Or our article New to Cloth or Thinking About Converting, where we talk about how often you change nappies, cost considerations with water and power, and nappy rash.

Our multi award-winning reusable cloth nappies are an All-In-Two style with three rise settings and are designed to fit most from newborn to toilet training. 

When using from birth you may find it easier to only use the snap-in insert and to add the anchor as your little one grows and output volume increases. Using a liner in the first few days will also make it easier to wash out their first meconium poo.

Please note 'flushable' liners are a hazard to plumbing and should be placed in rubbish or non-edible compost after solids are flushed.

One size fits most (OSFM) nappies fit most children but there are times when you may need something a little smaller or larger than what an OSFM provides. Premature babies are often just a little too tiny to fit into OSFM at first and this is where the little nappies come in. And for late toilet trainers or incontinence you may need a larger nappy to get you through the end of your cloth journey.

The Little range is designed to fit babies from 1.5 - 5kg. These are perfect for premature and newborn babies.

In some cases, especially in the case of preemie babies they may still be too tiny for the newborn setting on an OSFM nappy. Choosing to use the Designer Bums Little range means that in those early days you don’t need to fiddle around with the nappy getting it to the right size.

Our Little nappies are super soft and also have a convenient snap to leave room for the umbilical cord at the front for comfort.

Our Large nappies support older and larger children as they move out of OSFM. They are designed to fit children 15 - 23kg approx. The fit will depend on individual body shape.

Large nappies suit children who may be late to toilet training, for incontinence, and can be used as a night nappy where you may need more space for additional boosting.

Designer Bums is a leading and trusted brand of reusable cloth nappies and offer an easy-to-use premium cloth nappy for over a decade. Designer Bums reusable nappies are loved by thousands of families all over the world and well-known for the signature designer prints that people love to enjoy and collect.

Designer Bums Cloth Nappies have won multiple awards over the years and have many thousands of positive real customer reviews from happy customers you can read here:

Designer Bums Nappies Real Customer Reviews

Designer Bums reusable cloth nappies are an All-In-Two style that is One Size Fits Most (OSFM) and offer a signature trim fit like underpants, so Designer Bums cloth nappies are not bulky, however they are still extremely absorbent with very thirsty bamboo cotton inserts and effective at absorbing leaks and catching accidents.

Designer Bums offers a true birth to toilet training reusable cloth nappy that has three size settings to last the growing body from newborn to toddler.

The premium construction, fabrics and materials used by Designer Bums reusable cloth nappies means they last the test of time with your growing family and can be passed along to future children or sold later on, continuing to save you money and significant land-fill from the environment.

Designer Bums is a trim fitting, premium reusable cloth nappy that is very well made, aesthetically pleasing with beautiful designer and artists prints and offers superior performance while looking adorable on.

You may also want to check out A Beginners Guide to Reusable Nappies where we talk about how many Nappies you need for your stash, how to wash your Cloth Nappies, and how to construct your Cloth Nappies. 

Or our article New to Cloth or Thinking About Converting, where we talk about how often you  change nappies, cost considerations with water and power, and nappy rash.

Each nappy comes with 3 pieces - an outer shell, an anchor shaped insert, and a smaller snap-in insert, which is all you need to start your cloth nappy journey.

Before getting started you may want to familiarise yourself with the washing guidelines and fit guide found here:

Washing Guidelines: Designer Bums Care Instructions

Fit Guide: Cloth Nappy Fitting Guide

At Designer Bums we recommend 24-36 nappies for full daytime use, depending on washing cycles and dry times. Our nappies can be purchased as individually chosen nappies with the benefits of package prices.

You may also want to check out A Beginners Guide to Reusable Nappies where we talk about how many Nappies you need for your stash, how to wash your Cloth Nappies, and how to construct your Cloth Nappies. 

Or our article New to Cloth or Thinking About Converting, where we talk about how often you  change nappies, cost considerations with water and power, and nappy rash.

According to an article published by ABC News in 2015, two billion disposable nappies go into landfill each year in Australia.​​ 5.6 million disposable nappies are used by Australians each day. That's a staggering two billion disposable nappies that go into landfill in Australia each year. By 2021 these figures are assumed to be even higher with population growth.

People choose to use cloth for many reasons and one of those may be to save money by washing and reusing their cloth nappies. Using cloth nappies on your child saves approximately $2000 - $3000 from birth to toilet training, rather  than purchasing disposables.

The savings then multiply if you use your cloth nappies for subsequent children. You can also save additional money by using cloth nappy wipes instead of disposable, which are usually plastic based and also bad for the environment and waterways.

Our nappies are designed to last between 2-4 hours. If you have a particularly heavy wetter it will probably be closer to 2 hours. We don't recommend leaving a nappy on your baby during the day for more than 4 hours at a time as wet nappies against the skin can cause nappy rash and irritation. For hygiene and comfort, any daytime nappy should be changed about every 3 hours.

Like any clothing item your cloth nappies do not have an infinite life, and these are items that have to withstand bodily fluids, heavy soil, and frequent washing. How well you look after your items and follow the care instructions will dictate the lifespan of the items.

Designer Bums is a leading brand of modern cloth nappies with over a decade of experience leading the way in the reusable nappy space. Designer Bums nappies are proudly made with all-premium and custom materials, so they are made to last with your growing family when cared for correctly.

The life of your nappies will depend on factors such as how often each nappy is being used and following a wash routine which prolongs the life of your nappy. We recommend 36-40 nappies for full time long term use to maximise rotation and allow for drying.

You may choose to cloth part time or full time and every family is different depending on their needs. When washing nappies it is recommended to have enough for a full load of washing which can make washing smaller collections a little more difficult. This may play into your decision as to whether you go full time in the long term.

If you aren’t ready to jump in with a full time collection of nappies we recommend purchasing at least enough for a full day’s use which is generally regarded as 6-9 nappies. 

You can check out our 3 nappy trial packs for a taste of Designer Bums or explore our range of larger value packs. 

Check out our Cloth Nappy Trial Packs Here

Or browse the full range of Designer Bums All-In-Two Nappies Here

You may also want to check out A Beginners Guide to Reusable Nappies where we talk about how many Nappies you need for your stash, how to wash your Cloth Nappies, and how to construct your Cloth Nappies. 

Or our article New to Cloth or Thinking About Converting, where we talk about how often you  change nappies, cost considerations with water and power, and nappy rash.

Your Designer Bums nappy comes with both a snap-in insert and an anchor insert, which is all you need to get started. You can also purchase tri fold inserts for additional boosting or to use in place of the standard inserts.

You can choose an insert combination that suits the size of your baby, their output, and boosting needs.

The snap in insert snaps into the two corresponding snaps inside the lining at the top of the shell. This one insert might be sufficient for younger infants, as you are changing more often.

For increased absorbency, fold the large anchor insert in half and place on top or under the snap-in insert as you prefer. The larger end works best pointing towards the back of the nappy, but all inserts can be changed and configured to suit your needs and preference. There is an optional pocket in the back of the shell where boosting can be placed instead of laying inside the shell or adding additional absorbency if needed. You may also wish to purchase our ultra-absorbent tri-fold inserts which can snap into the shell, be laid inside or stuffed in the pocket.

You’ll know when you need to add extra absorbency as the inserts will be soaked through at change time and the time between changes decreases.

For babies that need absorbency in specific parts of the nappy you can fold the long anchor insert into additional formations to bulk up where you need it.

You can check out our range of Cloth Nappy Inserts here

Just the same as you would at home, only once the nappy is removed you can pop a wet or soiled nappy straight into a Designer Bums wet bag rather than a disposable bag.

Each of our premium Designer Bums Wet Bags are made from a water-resistant PUL outer (polyurethane laminate) featuring our signature exclusive designer prints. Our stylish and super-functional Wet Bags are great for when you’re heading out and you need to store wet, dirty cloth nappies, swimming gear and cloth wipes or simply looking to reduce single-use plastic bags with a stylish reusable alternative. They come in a range of sizes to help transport dirty cloth nappies, clothes and anything else!

Check out some of our Regular Wet Bags here

Winter temperatures will vary depending on where you live and those in colder climates may experience longer drying times. Ensuring that you have enough nappies in your collection to see you through your drying times is an important consideration. We generally recommend a collection of between 36-40 nappies for optimal rotation and drying times.

If you want to use a tumble dryer you can do so on LOW. Do not exceed LOW and do not expose your nappy shells to high levels of heat as this may lead to damage.

Your Designer Bums Cloth Nappy comes with everything you need - the shell and two thirsty inserts.

To compliment your Designer Bums nappy stash you may want to purchase our handy fitted change pad covers, or change mat for out and about. We also stock a variety of wet bags in different shapes and sizes. You can also purchase additional inserts such as trifolds if you wish to have extra on hand.

Our favourite baby skincare essential is the top-selling Weleda Nappy Change Cream that is incredibly healing, smells amazing and is so gentle on the most delicate skin where it is needed the most, even for newborn babies. Weleda Nappy Change cream washes out of Designer Bums cloth nappy inserts perfectly with our recommended wash routine. A must-have nappy change item.

Cloth wipes are also a great accessory for nappy changes and can be washed and reused many times to save money, reduce chemical exposure and reduce waste.

Designer Bums All-In-Two style nappy is not a dedicated night nappy, but many of our customers use them successfully at night with extra boosting. Our Large Nappies are an ideal choice for night time use.

You are able to boost your Designer Bums nappy by inserting additional inserts such as our trifolds into the pocket in addition to using the inserts that your nappy comes with. 

If using as a nighttime nappy it is essential that you rinse out your nappy in the morning to reduce the soiling load in the nappy prior to dry pailing. Night nappies will contain a higher load of soiling than a daytime nappy as they are often on your little one for a lot longer. If left unrinsed you increase the chances of ammonia developing which can cause smells, rashes, and degrade your nappy materials. 

Check out our full range of additional Cloth Nappy Inserts here

You can do this by either placing it onto a 60 minute machine cycle with a small amount of detergent or by hand. If rinsing by hand you can use a small amount of detergent in a bucket of warm water. Allow the inserts to sit for several minutes up to 30mins maximum and then rinse under a running tap. Wring out and place into your dry pail.

Some families like to reduce their water usage by doing it in combination with their morning shower.

Please note that we do not recommend extended soaking as this will degrade your nappies.

Nappy leaks can be the result of incorrect insert placement and fit, not enough boosting, or a full nappy. 

Check out our Designer Bums Nappy Fitting Guide to ensure that you are getting an optimal fit. Sometimes making some small tweaks is all you need.

Leaks can also be the result of not enough boosting where it’s needed. When taking the nappy off, check whether all of the inserts are saturated, or is a particular section of the inserts wet? 

Saturated inserts indicate that the nappy is full and cannot absorb any more. We recommend changing more frequently or adding additional boosting to the nappy. If you are already using both inserts you may choose to insert another one into the pocket. 

If only a small section of the inserts are wet and you have checked your fit against the fitting guide this could indicate that you may need to adjust where your inserts are placed. Ensure you are using both inserts and you can add additional folds to provide further layers in the area which requires boosting.

Check out our additional Cloth Nappy Inserts here

Refer to our handy Designer Bums Cloth Fitting Guide here

Saturated inserts indicate that the nappy is full and cannot absorb anymore. We recommend changing more frequently or adding additional boosting to the nappy. If you are already using both inserts you may choose to insert another one into the pocket. Our handy trifolds are great for this as you can fold them to provide boosting where it’s most needed. Designer Bums Trifiold inserts are perfect for heavy wetters as they are slimline but ultra absorbent where you need it the most.

If only a small section of the inserts are wet and you have checked your fit against the fitting guide this could indicate that you may need to adjust where your inserts are placed. Ensure you are using both inserts and you can add additional folds to provide further layers in the area which requires boosting. You can also use an additional insert in the pocket and place it where the absorbency is needed most.

Check out our range of additional Cloth Nappy Inserts here

Before washing we recommend carefully unsnapping all inserts and separate parts. Genuine KAM snaps are very strong so you will want to unsnap by holding the snaps. Avoid pulling on the nappy to unsnap as this may damage the fabrics.

We recommend the use of a ‘dry pail’ (see FAQ on what is a dry pail for more information).

Place solids into the toilet and give your shells and inserts a brief rinse under the laundry tap to dilute residue. Wring the materials to remove maximum liquid, then store nappies in a dry-pail between washes for up to 2 days.

Following this routine will prolong the lifespan of your nappies, and help to avoid mould, ammonia, and waste build up in the nappies, plus limit smells. Do not leave longer than 2 days particularly in hot climates or summer.

Check our our full Care Instructions here 

When needed you can use a barrier cream with your Designer Bums Cloth Nappy.

If using a barrier cream you will want to use a hot wash (no higher than 60C/140F) to remove the residues from the oil and zinc to avoid build up in your nappy.

If using a barrier cream we recommend also using a nappy liner.

Note: if using a nappy liner first dispose of any solids in your toilet. Reusable liners can then be dry pailed and washed with nappies. "Flushable" liners will need to be disposed of in your rubbish as they can easily block drains if flushed.

Our choice of nappy cream is the Weleda Nappy Change Cream. This washes out of Designer Bums cloth nappy inserts perfectly with our recommended wash routine. A must-have nappy change item.

Check out the Weleda Skincare Range here

Check out our 3 Nappy Trial Pack for a taste of Designer Bums or explore our range of larger Value Packs. We generally recommend 6-8 nappies for a full day’s use and this can be a great starting point for gifts. 
Alternatively, a new mum may be delighted to receive a gift voucher so they can choose a gift of their own liking.

Please see our Designer Bums Gift Vouchers here

Check out Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Trial Packs here

Explore the full range of Designer Bums Cloth Nappies here

Both the anchor and snap-in inserts feature a suede cloth topping to help wick moisture away from your little one's skin so a nappy liner is not necessary for dryness.

We recommend using a liner with nappy creams and some families choose to use either a reusable microfleece or disposable liner in their nappies to make disposing of #2s a little easier.

If using a nappy liner first dispose of any solids in your toilet. Reusable liners can then be dry pailed and washed with nappies. "Flushable" liners will need to be disposed of in your rubbish as they can easily block drains if flushed.

Your tax receipt can be found by clicking the link on your confirmation email.

If you are unable to find your confirmation email or have shopped via our expo stand we are happy to send you one. Simply contact us at info@designerbums.com.au

To keep your Designer Bums products in the best condition, please carefully read the care and washing instructions prior to use.

View the Designer Bums Care Instructions here

Pre-washing is when you run your shortest wash cycle with the aim to remove the bulk of the soiling from your nappies. Your pre wash should be your shortest machine cycle with half the amount of good quality detergent recommended for your washing machine size and soiling level. We recommend you use a warm or hot wash up to 60C/140F for your pre wash.

Pre-washing is recommended to remove the bulk of the soiling and allows your main wash to clean your nappies properly. It can be done at the end of the day before dry pailing your nappies or every 1-2 days before your main wash. Do not exceed 2 days as leaving soiled nappies for prolonged periods can result in mould and ammonia build up which can shorten the life of your nappy and cause irritation to your little ones skin.

Your pre-wash should be your shortest machine cycle with half the amount of good quality detergent recommended for your washing machine size and soiling level. Use a wash temperature up to 60C/140F.

It is recommended to pre-wash your shells as well as inserts. 

Not all soiling is visible and urine can degrade the life of your elastics if left too long without washing. Although the inside of the nappy shell is not absorbent, it is lined with material which can also become soiled.

In between washes it is recommended to store your soiled nappies in a basket with a high amount of airflow. Choosing a washing basket with a lot of holes will achieve this. Airflow is important to prevent the development of ammonia which will cause smells and degrade your nappies. A closed storage container will create an environment where ammonia thrives and smells develop.

Traditional cloth nappies required wet pailing in bleach. This method of pailing/storage is no longer recommended. The wet pails pose a drowning risk for little ones, and the materials used in modern cloth nappies may degrade if soaked for extended periods.

Pre-washing is recommended at the end of the day before dry pailing your nappies or every 1-2 days before your main wash. Do not exceed 2 days for your main wash as leaving soiled nappies for prolonged periods can result in mould and ammonia build up which can shorten the life of your nappy and cause irritation to your little ones skin.

Detergent choice is very personal and you will want to take a number of things into consideration when making your choice. Things like your machine type, water temperature, environmental factors, personal preference, skin conditions, water type, and more may be factors. 

Our recommendation is to choose a good quality mainstream detergent. Mainstream detergents are designed for modern washing machines and to wash out of items without leaving harmful residues behind. Leaving your nappies deeply clean, smell free, and ready for use.

Some things that may help you decide:

If using a plant based, sensitive, or eco detergent you will get the best results when using at 60C/140F. 

For ‘mainstream’ detergents we recommend washing at 60C/140F. 

Do not exceed 60C/140F as this may damage your nappies and will void your warranty.

We recommend that for your pre-wash you use half the recommended amount of good quality mainstream detergent for your load and machine size and soiling level.  For your main wash we recommend that you use the full amount of good quality mainstream detergent for your load size, soiling level, and machine size.

You may want to check out the detergent information over at Clean Cloth Nappies which talks through the factors to take into consideration: https://cleanclothnappies.com/detergent-index/ 

Absolutely. Detergent helps to remove the soiling from your nappies and is an essential part of the washing process. 

We recommend that for pre-wash you use half the recommended amount of detergent for your load size, soiling level, and machine size.  

For your main wash we recommend that you use the full amount of detergent for your load size, soiling level, and machine size.

We don’t recommend adding liquid fabric softeners to your wash. These can build up in multilayered products such as pads and nappies and reduce absorbency. If they are used for whatever reason, there is no need to panic. Just use a warm wash (no higher than 60C/140F) and avoid using it consecutively.

Following a good wash routine is essential to reducing the occurrence of stains on your inserts and shells. With a good wash routine your nappies should come out of your main wash stain free.

Load size: if using a front loader is your load ⅔ full. This allows for the items to rub against each other to clean (which is how front loaders work). If using a top loader ensure that your water level matches your load size so that the items are being agitated adequately.

Detergent amount: do you have enough or too much detergent for your load size and soiling level? Volume of detergent is important as it is directly related to how much soiling can be pulled from the nappy. Too little and you will not remove all of the soiling. Too much detergent can result in excess suds which can cushion your nappies and stop them agitating properly.

Wash temperature: Hot (60C/140F) is recommended for long term removal of soiling. Heat breaks down soiling and stains so washing up to 60C/140F is recommended (do not exceed 60C/140F). 

If you are still experiencing stains after revisiting your wash routine you can check out Clean Cloth Nappies for additional troubleshooting for your specific routine and washing machine.

During teething you may experience more concentrated urine which can increase the chance of ammonia formation. Doing a daily pre-wash up to a maximum of 60C/140F can help to reduce ammonia formation. 

You may also want to change your little one's nappy more frequently during this time.

We recommend washing your shells and inserts together to ensure you have an optimal load with items of similar size. You can use a temperature up to 60C/140F (max). Hot (60C/140F) is recommended for long term removal of soiling. Do not exceed 60C/140F as this may degrade your shells and will void your warranty.

Hot washes (60C/140F) are recommended for long term removal of soiling. Heat breaks down soiling and stains so washing up to 60C/140F is recommended (do not exceed 60C/140F). Cold washing is usually not adequate for long term avoidance of stains and smells.

If you do not have a hot tap connected to your front loader you may need to investigate whether yur machine heats its own water. If you do not have a hop tap connected to your top loader you may be able to add hot water with your kettle - being careful not to pour boiled water directly onto your shells and not exceeding 60C/140F.

We do not recomend soaking your Designer Bums Cloth Nappies for extended periods.

Traditional cloth nappies required wet pailing in bleach. This method of pailing/storage is no longer recommended. The wet pails pose a drowning risk for little ones, and the materials used in modern cloth nappies may degrade if soaked for extended periods. 

Soaking nappies also provides a breeding ground for bacteria which will degrade the materials your nappy is made from and shorten its life, and may also cause skin irritation in your little one.

Smelly nappies are often the result of ammonia. It can happen when you have low airflow in your dry pail, extended dry pailing, or a poor wash routine. It can also crop up in nappies that have a higher urine load around teething time or in nappies used overnight. 

It is important that if you are using bleach that you do so in the right ratio of bleach to water in order to ensure that you have enough bleach to sanitize effectively without causing damage to the materials.

We recommend using the bleach calculator via Clean Cloth Nappies to ensure correct dilution: https://cleanclothnappies.com/sanitise/chlorine-bleach-sanitise/ 

After resolving the smells you will also want to do an audit of your wash routine to ensure that they do not develop again in future.

If you are experiencing smells it is worth revisiting your wash routine and checking:

Storage: does your dry pail have enough air flow. The less airflow that you have, the higher the rate of ammonia conversion. 

Night Nappies: Are you rinsing these out in the morning before dry pailing? See our FAQ on how to rinse out your night nappy.

Load size: if using a front loader is your load ⅔ full. This allows for the items to rub against each other to clean (which is how front loaders work). If using a top loader does your water level match your load size so that the items are getting a optimal agitation.

Detergent amount: do you have enough or too much detergent for your load size and soiling level? Volume of detergent is important as it is directly related to how much soiling can be pulled from the nappy. Too little and you will not remove all of the soiling. Too much detergent can result in excess suds which can cushion your nappies and stop them agitating properly.

Wash temperature: Hot washing (60C/140F) is recommended for long term removal of soiling. Heat breaks down soiling and stains so washing up to 60C/140F is recommended (do not exceed 60C/140F). 

One of the first signs of ammonia will be the smell, followed by holes in your nappies. The smell will range from a dirty toilet smell through to a sharp cat urine/hair dye smell. Ammonia is colourless so smell is your best and first indicator that your nappies may not be getting entirely clean each wash. You may notice that the nappy smells clean out of the wash but smells as soon as it is soiled. Or you may notice your nappies smell when you are drying and folding them. 

Ammonia can develop when your nappies have been stored away in a closed environment or your wash routine is not removing all of the urine. If not resolved your nappies will start to develop small holes which get bigger with time. Once small holes develop, the integrity of the material has been compromised and you may find that even if the ammonia build up is resolved that your nappy continues to degrade. 

The best defence against ammonia is a good wash routine. The second best defence is resolving the cause of ammonia as soon as you notice it and cleaning your nappies to reset them.

If you follow a good wash routine you should never need to strip wash your nappies. Stripping refers to a practice of a specific routine to lift out soiling in the deeper layers of your nappies. This can occur when following a storage and wash routine that is not optimal. 

A good wash routine using water 60C/140F using the right amount of detergent for your machine, load size, and soiling level will ensure that you are thoroughly cleaning your nappies each time.

If you are following a good wash and storage routine you may never need to sanitise your nappies as your nappies will come out of their usual wash nice and clean. We only recommend sanitising your nappies in rare circumstances when absolutely necessary.

Cases where you may consider sanitisation are for ammonia build up (smells), medical conditions such as fungal growth, rashes, redness, and mould. When you have purchased second hand nappies and are unsure if they have been cleaned adequately. In these cases we recommend sanitising your inserts with dilute bleach. 

In cases where you also need to sanitise your shells it is recommended that you do so carefully so as not to damage the patterns on the outer shells. If sanitising shells you must ensure that you mix in the bleach with the water prior to submerging shells and when shells are added to the mixture they are fully submerged and covered with a towel to ensure they are not exposed to air during the soaking process.

It is important that if you are using bleach that you do so in the right ratio of bleach to water in order to ensure that you have enough bleach to sanitise effectively without damaging your nappy. We recommend checking out Clean Cloth Nappies for information on bleach dilutions. Dilution and amounts will depend on the type of bleach you are using as well as the size of the tub you are sanitising in: https://cleanclothnappies.com

Anti-bacterial treatments such as Canesten or Dettol rinse can be used if needed. We do not recommend regular use of these products. 

These products contain Benzalkonium Chloride which can cause skin irritation and cannot be used with septic systems. These products also have an environmental impact as they do not break down naturally.When using an anti-bacterial treatment, it is important to ensure the item is thoroughly washed to minimise the potential for skin irritation.

We recommend Line drying or a LOW tumble dry. Do not exceed LOW and do not expose your nappy shells to high levels of heat as this may lead to damage.

For ease of use once clean you will want to assemble your nappies using the best insert configuration for your little one. Assembling the nappies will make change times faster and allow others to more easily change bums if needed. 

There are many ways to store your nappies once assembled and these range from creative to practical. How you store them is personal preference but you will want to ensure that the area is dry and close to your change station.

Yes, Designer Bums offers a Reusable Cloth Nappy Trial Pack that includes THREE of our multi-award-winning, premium cloth nappies for you to sample at a discounted price.

Trial Packs can be found here Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Trial Pack

Yes, Designer Bums has a handy and printable reusable cloth nappy fitting guide with helpful visual diagrams that you can print here Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Fitting Guide.

Pilling is a natural part of washing due to the agitation needed to clean your items and does not impact the function of your item. It can be exacerbated and accelerated by washing with things like towelling, wipes, jeans or tea towels but can occur eventually even without other items.