Can I Use Cloth Nappies After Vaccinations?

When my daughter was a newborn and cloth nappies were new to us, I frequented many a Mum forum and Facebook page learning everything I needed too know. I noticed that many Mum’s worrying whether or not they could use their cloth nappies after a live vaccine. Many had been given confusing advice from health care workers, some being asked to use disposables, some, like me being told that cloth was fine. So who was right?

Cloth nappies can still be used after vaccinations. However, small amounts of live virus such as the Rotavirus can be shed in babies poo. This is only considered a problem if you are immuno-compromise. Otherwise just make sure you practice good hand hygiene and wash at 60 degrees.

You are no more likely to pick up shed virus from a cloth nappy than a disposable nappy. Even if you did, the shed virus is considered a weakened stain and not something to worry about unless you have at risk immune system. Either way, practicing good hand hygiene around nappy changing time is always important.

Hygiene after vaccines with cloth nappies.

Please note there has been no official study examining the laundry practices and the risks of cloth nappies after live vaccines. However, it is known that washing at higher temperatures (60 degrees) is more effective at removing any virus. There is no need to use extra laundry cleansers such as Detol, these have no effects on virus's, and could damage your nappies.

If you do not usually wash at 60 degrees it is recommended to do this for 1-2 weeks after your child has received a live vaccine. Plus making sure you washing your hands after touching any pooey nappies, but of course you do that anyway.

How much could rotavirus shed in babies poo?

In a study of 360 infants 9% of them were found to shed small amount of Rotavirus but only after the first dose. Infants in the UK are given 2 doses of Rotaviris at 8 and 12 weeks of age.

The most effective, hygienic way to wash nappies.

There so much advice out there on how to wash your nappies, trying to keep it “simple” not wanting to scare anyone with complicated wash routines but I have found this one to be the most effective. Find my complete wash routine here. Even if you have a simpler wash routine normally, I would recommend this one after vaccines to kill any bugs that may lurk.

1. Touch as little as possible.

Washing more often in the week after your baby receives vaccines if needs be.

2. Wash nappies on a pre-wash.

My washing machine does a short 30 minute wash as 30 degrees. Use half the amount of detergent you would normally use for this wash.

3. Wash on a long wash at 60 degrees.

I use a 3 hour intensive setting on my washing machine at 60 degrees with the a FULL dose of detergent. This is kill any bacteria left on nappies.

4. Air dry in the sun.

What if you are immuno-compromised?

If you or anyone your child is in regular contact with someone who is immuno-compromised you may want to switch to disposable nappies for a week or two if you feel necessary. Your still going to have to be vigilant with hand washing and taking the bins out that contain dirty nappies as often as possible. All the same rules apply whether using cloth nappies or disposables.

Can Calpol stain my cloth nappies?

After my babies vaccinations I was advised to give her Calpol immediately after and 3 doses after that 4 hours between to keep any temperatures done. Even if your not advised to do this its likely you will if they seem unwell.

If your using cloth nappies be aware that you may well get big purple stains in your cloth nappies when baby poos after receiving Calpol. It will come out over time and a lot of sunning. To avoid this altogether add some fleece liners to your babies nappy for a few days after giving them Calpol or any other paracetamol based liquid medicine.