Travelling with a baby can be challenging, and if you're committed to using cloth nappies, you might wonder how feasible it is while on the go. The good news? It’s entirely possible! With a bit of planning and organisation, you can enjoy the benefits of cloth nappies even when away from home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make traveling with cloth nappies both manageable and stress-free.
Why Choose Cloth Nappies for Travel?
Cloth nappies have numerous advantages, even while traveling:
- Eco-friendly: Reduce your environmental impact by avoiding disposable nappies that take years to decompose.
- Cost-effective: Long trips can mean buying a lot of disposables. Cloth nappies help you save money, especially on extended vacations.
- Comfortable for babies: Cloth nappies are made from natural materials, which are gentler on your baby's skin compared to some disposables.
What to Pack: Essentials for Cloth Nappy Travel
Packing the right items will make a world of difference. Here's what you'll need:
- Enough cloth nappies: Depending on how often you want to wash them, plan to bring enough nappies to last 2-3 days. Pocket nappies, all-in-ones, and prefolds work well for travel as they are compact and easy to use.
- Wet bags: Invest in a high-quality, waterproof wet bag (or two) to store dirty nappies. These are leak-proof and odour-resistant, keeping your luggage fresh and clean.
- Liners: Disposable or reusable liners are great for dealing with solids and make cleaning the nappies easier while you’re on the go.
- Nappy sprayer or biodegradable wipes: If you don’t have access to a washing machine right away, use biodegradable wipes to clean up, or consider bringing a travel nappy sprayer that attaches to toilets.
- Detergent: Bring a small container of your preferred baby-safe detergent in case you need to hand wash. Some parents opt for laundry strips, which are lightweight and dissolve in water.
- Portable drying rack or clothesline: If you’re staying in one place for a few days, a compact drying rack or a simple travel clothesline can help air dry your nappies quickly.
How to Wash Cloth Nappies While Traveling
Depending on the length of your trip and your accommodation, your washing routine might vary. Here are some tips for different travel scenarios:
Short Trips (1-3 days):
- You can probably get away without washing during shorter trips. Pack enough nappies for the entire trip and store dirty nappies in wet bags until you return home to launder them.
Longer Trips (4+ days):
- Check for laundry facilities: If you're staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels, look for places with washing machines. Many vacation rentals have laundry facilities available, which makes it easy to stick to your usual washing routine.
- Hand washing: If a washing machine isn’t available, hand washing is a good alternative. Soak the nappies in warm soapy water, scrub them gently, and rinse thoroughly. While this might sound labor-intensive, it can be quick and efficient if you do small loads each day.
- Laundromats: If you're in a city, find a nearby laundromat. You can wash all your nappies at once, dry them, and be ready for the next few days.
Cloth Nappy Tips for Air Travel
Flying with cloth nappies requires a bit more thought but is still very doable:
- Pack extras in your carry-on: Always have a few nappies in your carry-on in case of delays. Wet bags are essential for storing dirty nappies until you reach your destination.
- Consider hybrids: If you’re worried about bulk, some brands offer hybrid nappies that allow you to switch between cloth inserts and disposable liners, providing a more compact, flexible option.
- Use family restrooms: Airports often have family-friendly restrooms with larger changing tables, giving you plenty of space to manage nappy changes in transit.
Hotel Stays vs. Camping: Adapting Your Routine
Your accommodation type can dictate how you manage cloth nappies:
- Hotels: Most hotels don’t have self-service laundry facilities, so you may need to find a laundromat or hand wash in the bathroom. If you're lucky enough to stay in a suite, larger bathrooms can offer more room for hand washing and drying.
- Camping: Cloth nappies might seem daunting if you're camping, but it’s possible. Use biodegradable liners for easier cleanup, bring extra wet bags for storage, and hand wash daily if needed. You can hang nappies to dry on a clothesline or the back of a backpack if you're hiking.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with cloth nappies doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a bit of planning, you can continue to enjoy all the benefits they offer, even on the road. Keep things simple by packing essentials, adjusting your routine as needed, and being flexible. Remember, the convenience of disposable nappies might be tempting, but sticking with cloth while traveling can save you money, reduce waste, and keep your baby comfortable.
Happy travels!