Cloth nappies, nappy-free, free-learning and seven children - Isabelle Jacot's life brings many threads together. She lives a conscious, natural life with her family and has been sharing her experiences and ideas in the cloth nappy community for many years. For Cloth Nappy Week 2025, she spoke to us about her everyday life, her journey to becoming a Flopi and her heart's desires for the future.
Isabelle, how did you originally get into cloth nappies?
In all honesty? In the beginning, it was mainly a practical decision. It was difficult to buy disposable nappies and, as a thrifty person, I quickly realised that cloth nappies were worth it. However, the turning point came with my nephew, who had severe colic. His mother tried nappy-free nappies, which made me curious. It worked wonderfully for my daughter at eleven months. With my second child, I stopped from the very beginning. Our midwife was open, we started with a small bowl - just tried it out. And it worked well right from the start, our son communicated very clearly as a newborn when he had a full bladder.
With the Flopi, you have developed your own latching aid. How did that come about?
I had a model from the USA, but it wasn't particularly practical. What was important to me was a pair of soft pants that could be folded up and, like a trainer, just catch the worst of it - because you're going to change straight away anyway. I wanted something thin and light that felt like waterproof pants, could be used from birth and could be changed quickly. The Flopi is more of a backup than a classic nappy - almost like training pants for babies. The Velcro strap system makes them super practical. I got started after my third child, tried out a lot and that's how the Flopi came about.
How did your role at topffit.ch develop?
I took over the shop from my sister around ten years ago. Initially, I was in charge of the website. Sewing came later - my mother and grandmother were both skilled with the sewing machine. I grew into it very self-taught. Today, I develop the products myself and look after the whole shop. My mother still sews for Topffit today - for example, potty covers, nappy-free clothing and woollen leggings.
What fulfils me? Every time I send a parcel, I imagine how another baby will benefit from it. That it can lie dry, that its needs are recognised. I'm not a born saleswoman, but I'm happy when the babies are doing well.
You are a long-standing member of the cloth nappy association. What does this network mean to you?
Very much. Especially in a niche topic like cloth nappies, the exchange is incredibly valuable. Not everything is always encouraging online, but I meet like-minded people in the association. It's good to know: I'm not alone with my questions and challenges. As an entrepreneur, I think it's great that we can support each other, inform advisors and pass on recommendations.
What tips do you have for parents who want to start with cloth nappies?
Above all: Be open-minded! Wet trousers are not the end of the world. Just start without expecting too much. Find a nappy that suits your child. Obtain information and seek advice. And also question routines: Why do we do it the way we do it? Have confidence in yourself - and your child too. The industry often suggests that there is only one way. But that's not true.
You and your family live very consciously - with free learning, self-sufficiency, without a lot of waste. How do cloth nappies fit into this?
For us, cloth nappies are simply a matter of course. Just like washing up after a meal. Nobody asks why we don't use disposable crockery - cloth nappies are just as natural. It hardly matters. Our washing machine makes a lot of things easier. It takes a lot more effort to keep buying nappies. Our waste is minimal, despite having nine people in the household - most of it is compost.
What has changed in the perception of cloth nappies in recent years?
They have become more visible again, thankfully! Parents are now more aware that cloth nappies exist. But many prejudices persist. Sometimes curiosity is immediately followed by excessive demands. There is often a lack of knowledge and role models. That's why I think the cloth nappy association is so important - to educate and encourage.
What do you wish for the future of the cloth nappy movement?
I hope that cloth nappies will become the norm again. That we take the needs of our babies seriously - right from the start. That parents feel: I am gaining through this path - more connection, more joy, less stress. With topffit.ch, I want to help ensure that families have practical, lovingly designed products that make everyday life easier.
Thank you very much for the interview, Isabelle!
An interview by Victoria Raffaele from freudenkind with Isabelle Jacot from topffit.ch about Cloth Nappy Week 2025