Re-usable nappies - questions and advice

[Shinymac]

Although this is my 2nd pregnancy, I am older now, a bit more mature (I think?!), and as it is not twins this time, I'm not so concerned with trying to make things as easy as possible, regardless of what effect it may have on the environment etc.
So, I am seriously considering using washable nappies this time around.
However, I have no idea where to start! What do you need? Where do you get them from (best prices etc.). Do you have to wash everything yourself, or do you sling liners away. I just basically need someone to tell me exactly how you go about using them, and their experiences on the whole thing too, because right now, I am clueless!

Thanks


EDIT - just thought, I should've maybe posted this in Ask A Parent or something! Oops. Baby brain strikes again!

 

[Potbelijo]

I've bought the Terry Nappy Starter Set from Mothercare. I actually ended up with two sets, they seem to have everything you need to get you going. There are a few sites around which show different folds.

 

[Serendipity_]

I'm mature, but I still ain't using them

I'm sure there's some helper guides in the kids sections of the forum

 

[Shinymac]

Thanks potbelijo - I'll have a nosy around and weigh up the options.

Serendipity_! I'm not really mature, I'm just trying to convince myself I am somehow!

 

[valentine]

Hey,

I'm going to move this to the Ask a Mum section for you as its likely more real nappy users will see it there.

I use tots bots shaped nappies and tots bots shaped PUL wraps for daytime and Motherease PUL wraps for nighttime. When DD was first born we used eco-disposables for the first month, then swopped to reusables. We paid about 100 pounds all in for size 1 (up to 20lbs) and about the same for size 2 (up to 35lbs so hopefully up to potty training). They were second hand (from NCT sales, usednappies.co.uk website and my local real nappy co-operative) but in excellent condition. So its saved us a fortune in disposables I reckon!

Its quite difficult to understand about real nappies to begin with, so I'd advise you to do plenty of research and reading before making any purchase. You can get flat terry or bamboo nappies or shaped nappies in cotton or bamboo (& more) which both need wraps or you can get AIOs (all-in-ones) or stuffable nappies, which don't generally need a wrap. I think there's more kinds too but that really isn't my specialist subject.

I've stuck to what I know and gone for all shaped nappies, partly due to budget and partly as I know it could become a big addiction to buying lots of pretty colourful patterned nappies! Also, OH was unlikely to change them unless they were very straight-forward and all the same!

I hope this helps

Valentine Xxx

 

[sara36]

hi
i used washables last time and plan to do so again ,i used cotton bottoms which are basically rectangular pieces which you fold ( very easy to do even o/h mastered it !!)then you cover that with a waterproof wrap which is just velcro fastened ,simply bung in washing machine at 60 deg and the liner is bio-degradable so just goes own the loo .the only drawback i found is that you have to change them slightly more frequently than disposibles ,and that they give the baby a bit of a bigger bottom so you may need a size up in trousers !!
as for equipment you need the nappies and wraps in various sizes you can get new born to potty training and i found that by buying all in one go at the start i got quite a good discount ,also you need liners , a nappy bucket , and a waterproof bag to put them in when out ,thats it .many companies offer a sample pack that you can buy to see if it suits you before you commit , just google washable nappies and you will get loads to look at .although it may seem quite a big spend at this stage i definately found it a lot cheaper in the long run ,and this time round im using the same ones so its free !!
hope this helps
sara x

 

[Carley1985]

.

 

[Redshoes]

Personally I love Little Lambs nappies and wraps
When I first started I chose to buy lots of different kinds to try, as with all babies being different, different work better for different babies.. maybe look for used ones on here or ebay? There's also http://www.usednappies.co.uk/index.php