Re-usable nappies????

[soulem]

Can anyone here tell me about re-usable nappies?? I'm interested in using them this time around but have no idea about all the things I need to have. where to get them from or how much I am looking at spending.

Any info please!!!

 

[valentine]

Hi there,

Okay, so with reusuable nappies, you have basically 4 choices, the terminology takes a while to get your head round, especially since different manufacturers use different wording - but this is how I understand it:-

*Shaped nappies - look like disposables and are already shaped to fit the baby. These nappies always need a wrap. They are popular due to the flexibility that combinations of nappy and wrap provide (i.e. you don't have to buy a wrap and shaped nappy from the same manufacturer - different types should fit together). They are also very easy to use.

These are divided into two types of nappy, either 'sized' or 'birth to potty'. Birth to potty nappies are effectively 'one size' nappies that are suitable from birth right through to potty training - or 'sized', meaning you will have to buy 2 or possibly 3 sizes to get from birth to toddler. Size 0 is generally newborn to 10lb, Size 1 is 10lb-20lb (roughly 2-9 months) and Size 2 is 21lb up - but this does differ slightly between manufacturer. I think you get Size 3 too but I haven't really researched this. They tend to be fastened with either a nappy nippa (a safer option of the old nappy pin), aplix (velcro) or poppers.

*Pocket nappies - Basically these are a waterproof wrap lined with fleece or terry and have a pocket or pouch that you stuff with a absorbent material (a booster, folded terry nappy or muslin cloth for example). Suitable for long car journeys or nighttime use as they keep baby drier for longer (fleece draws away wetness from baby).

*flat nappies - Prefolds and terry squares. Prefolds are like square terry nappies that you fold in different ways and fit inside a special waterproof wrap. Bambino Mio are the big supplier of these (link below). I'm sure you know what terry squares are!

*All-in-ones - these are nappies that have several layers of fleece, terry or a combination and have a permanent waterproof cover that doesn't detach. They fasten with velcro/aplix or poppers. They are the easiest to use as they're pretty much the same as a disposable, but more expensive. Wonderoo have some lovely all-in-one nappies.

I know it's a bit of a pain, but the best way to get your head round it is to spend hours online researching all the options and working out what will work best for you.

Useful websites (most of the websites have really useful tips on what kind of nappy will be best for you, folding and other tips and a place for you to submit questions):-

http://www.makesachange.co.uk/cat--Bamb ... ppies.html
http://www.totsbots.com/
http://www.mother-ease.com/
http://www.bambinomio.com/
http://www.babykind.co.uk/wonderoosordercolours.htm
http://www.kittykins.co.uk/cloth-nappies/
http://www.littlelamb.co.uk/itemlist.ph ... r=products
http://www.nappiesbyminki.co.uk/
http://www.weenotions.wahmall.co.uk/traderplus/
http://www.bumbeano.co.uk/

What I went for:-

I don't know if it's useful and obviously I have limited experience so far (first baby) but this is what I bought and am currently using:-

*16 size 1 shaped nappies - tots bots bamboozles aplix (Size 1 fits 10lbs-20lbs) - http://www.totsbots.com/nappies/range/bamboozles/
*4 size 1 tots bots wraps - http://www.totsbots.com/nappies/range/tots-wraps/
*20 washable wipes - http://www.nappiesbyminki.co.uk/product ... cts_id=144 (not using these yet, just using cotton wool and water)
*various packets of eco friendly normal wet baby wipes, organic cotton wool etc (just using the cotton wool just now)
*3 boosters (useful for boosting at night)
*10 fleece liners (need more of these actually)
*300 paper disposable liners - http://www.kiddicare.com/invt/naponebio ... rimary&N=0 (think these are cr*p just now as break up on baby and stick to bum in bits)
*laundry mesh bag
*nappy soak (never used - I dry pail in mesh, then take approx 8 nappies at a time to wash - just wash without fab condt as makes nappy less absorbent at 40 degrees)
*nappy pail (in hindsight any old bucket with a lid would do)

I've also got a few stuffable fleecey pocket nappies for nighttime use (keep DD a bit drier over a 12/13 hour period)

When DD was first born, I used newborn size eco disposables and eco nappy sacks for the first month and moved onto the above when DD was above 10lbs.

Also - take a look at these previous threads on reusable nappies too:-

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=47235

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=47808

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=46917

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=12433

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=45527

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=45343

There's lots of reusable nappy users on here:- myself, natalie&jake, beanie, Minxy, tezzy, Fluffybunny, little*red and others - have a read of the threads above, then do some research and ask away!

Hope this helps!

Valentine xxx

 

[soulem]

WOW!! That was a brilliant answer!!!! I've just downloaded a "How to " pdf from the www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk and going to have a read of that. I'm going to have a look at those threads also.

Looks like a mammoth task just to decide, but at least it gives me something to do until May arrives!!!

Thanks for that!!!!!

 

[fothers]

Valentine- did you buy one of the tots bots multipacks?

 

[valentine]

No - I bought second hand ones - they were brand new, never been used (someone obviously bought them and then couldn't be fagged using them) - from a local NCT sale - £80 for 16.

Then I bought the wraps and everything else seperately.

It is a lot to get your head round Em, but it's fun finding out! I must admit I cheated a bit and copied and pasted lots of the above answer from an email I sent a friend re. reusable nappies ages ago!

Valentine xxx

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

WOW! Top post valentine, I agree with everything you say!

Its definately worth trying a few different kinds of nappy as depending on the shape of your baby different nappies will suit. You can get trial packs of most types or see if you have a local cloth nappy advisor (ask your MW) who may lend you some. We got trial packs of motherease, tots bots bamboozle and bambino mio and went for the bamboozles as liked these the most.

Good luck!

 

[lisa&alex]

also you can get money off from your council..i think its called the real nappy campagn.. if your council does it mine doesnt!

 

[Kylie1007]

Valentine do you have any leakage with Bamboozles?

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

Valentine do you have any leakage with Bamboozles?

Hijack! I use bamboozles and find them great. I've only ever had a few leaks and they have been totally my fault when I've left it far too long to change her! I had a few problems as she was growing out of her size 1's (around 4/5months) when she leaked overnight but this was soon solved using boosters.

I think thet are great

Sorry valentine, don't know if you agree? lol

 

[valentine]

Sorry valentine, don't know if you agree? lol

No worries FB! I am the novice here!

I really really like bamboozles, very easy to use and even OH understands them (although has never washed any!). Re. leakage, we have had a few but they have been my fault again - not doing the wrap up tight enough etc - they are brilliant as they draw all the wetness away from the baby's bum and stay nice and soft after washing. I love them.

Valentine xxx

 

[Kylie1007]

Thanks! I like the look of Bamboozles but they're more expensive than Bambino Mio.

Does anyone have any experience of Bambino Mio?

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

Yep. We brought a trial pack of bambino mio and didn't like them. We found them really skinny in comparison to the bamboozles. The legs are cut higher and theres less material in general meaning more leakage unless you want to be changing much more often.

Try them before you buy a load and see what you think (do this with any reusables). I'm sure some people have them and love them!

 

[lisa&alex]

im yet to use mine.. but i think its a good idea to ask people what their best brands are..

ive got bambio mio prefolds, x16
a shaped terry,
3x fleece wraps with waterproof inner (pul)
kooshies all in ones (AIO's)x5, boots AIO's x3
5 motherease birth to potty shaped nappys (in post, thanks paradysso shes also got more)
stuffable pocket nappys x2 (you can put the prefolds inside the pocket)
1 nature baby wrap,
2 junior joy wrap and
2 cotton botton (another 2 in the post)

you can use the wraps with the prefolds, shapped nappies i would say most babies are averaging 7-8lbs at birth.. so personally i have gone for size 2 8lb+ nappies..so the newborn size's dont go to waste.. these last till babys about 17lb/5-6 months depending on how much of a pudding u get lol..ive bought 1 packet of disposable new born nappies..(hospital etc, 1st few poos!!!:S if baby is small etc)

and apparently velcro fastenings make the nappies/wraps last longer than poppers. i am also going to make my own boosters.

 

[fothers]

I think we are going to buy bamboozles- someone told me you can use size 2 right from the start and just turn the tops down- will that not mean they are really bulky and more likely to leak?

 

[Kylie1007]

I've just arranged to see our local nappy rep! Will be able to look at loads of brands there and have a feel!

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

someone told me you can use size 2 right from the start and just turn the tops down- will that not mean they are really bulky and more likely to leak?

Yes, you can! They will be a bit more bulky because of this but depends how you feel about it really. They do size 1's which you can use birth -approx 6months if you want a more compact bum!
To begin with you will probably need to use size 1 wraps with the size 2 nappies if you go straight for these. The smaller wraps will hold the nappy tighter and give a better seal around the legs and tum for less leakage.

 

[beanie]

The only bamboozles that are suitable as a birth to potty are the popper ones, not the aplix - you just turn the tops down and put them on the smallest setting, really easy. I don't think they are that much bulkier due to the nature of the bamboo, but anyway I like to see a baby with a big cloth bum, is the cutest thing ever.

I use all sorts of nappies, I took a photo of my stash somewhere but I have prefolds (used bambino mios and will use them again with new baby), shaoed (tots bots, little lambs, weenotions - too many to list in fact), all in ones and pockets. Each type has their pluses and minuses. I personally would see if there is someone in your area that will do a demo - look through your local council as then you can see the nappies and see what's best for you.

 

[valentine]

Does anyone think we should make this a sticky? There is a reusuable nappy sticky in General Discussion but its maybe a wee bit out of date and less informative (more chatty) than this one.

We get asked about reusable nappies a lot in this section by pregnant ladies, so this might help?

Your views?

Valentine xxx

 

[fothers]

I would find it very useful- it is a big money outlay so all the advice is welcome

 

[Minxy]

Does anyone think we should make this a sticky? There is a reusuable nappy sticky in General Discussion but its maybe a wee bit out of date and less informative (more chatty) than this one.

We get asked about reusable nappies a lot in this section by pregnant ladies, so this might help?

Your views?

Valentine xxx

TBH, we get like a gazillion threds asking the same questions so I'm not sure another sticky would help as it quickly turns into lots of pages and people can't be bothered to read it (anything more than 5 pages makes my head ache)

I love talking cloth so have no problems answering questions as and when they arrive but perhaps a LOCKED sticked could provide a reference starter guide so people could read before asking?

Valentine, I loved the answer you gave detailing the types, perhaps we can work on something like that to sticky?