Reusable/washable/cloth nappies

fernliebee

I would agree with using mother ease wraps. I tried to be MSE and for the first 4 months I used cottom bottoms wraps and junior joy wraps, I was getting quite a few leaks and people were telling me it was because I was using prefolds. I bought some motherease wraps and haven't looked back! They are great. It may be down to the shape of my baby? Not sure but they are great for us!

I also had 12 wraps for newborn size- I bought them on e-bay for £3.50 each so could afford to have a few, I also asked close family to buy them as baby presents, as a few of them offered to buy me disposable nappies as a useful present, so as I wouldn't have used them, I asked for wraps. Now she is 8 months we have 4 wraps and could prob even get away with 3!

I was soooo lucky and got given 15 brand new sandy nappies, so we use these now- even though they say from 35lbs and my daughter is only 20lbs? And next time I would prob buy some birth to potty motherease shaped nappies as now I have used them I realise what a faff prefolds are! ha ha! Though at the time they were fine, it's only now I'm spoilt!

Blue_Fairy_3

If you look at www.kittykins.co.uk, they have a calculator that asks you a few questions about how you will wash and dry your nappies, then tells you how many you are likely to need.

I found you tend to need a lot more wraps than the cloth nappy retailers tell you you'll need. They usually say 3-4 in each size, think I had at least 6.

I second others' advice about not stockpiling one brand. It's handy to have a mix of different brands/types, eg. big thick nappies at night for extra absorbancy, slimmer fitting ones for day, a few quick-drying terry squares which can also double as bibs and changing mats!
I have heard it said that babies are different shapes so one brand won't necessarily fit all either, I found the above website very useful as they have reviews of the nappies which says if they fit best on long skinny or chubbier babies.

Oh and an MSE tip- Real Nappy Week is in April sometime, many cloth nappy retailers offer discounts or special offers during this time!

chickalicious

I have twins and as they are still in size 1's they have lasted longer than average (almost10mths). I have 20 + 3 really rubbish ones for when i get coaught short, and i have 7 wraps as you can just wipe these clean with a bit of tea tree oil to disinfect between changes. I wash every other day. So for my initial 125 quid not doing too badly.
Am also planning on investing in some coolababy of ebay as they are one size and around £60 for 8. plus i've not heard a ba word about them. How many nappies you buy depends on how often you plan on washing.

shirlgirl2004

On average you will need 18 nappies. If you use them from birth you will need to wash every day for the first few weeks and then after that every other day. If you buy the nappies new then as long as you only wash a few then you will usually be able to return any unused nappies that don't suit your baby.

I can recommend the Nappy Lady website too as thy will send you free personal advice which is written by an experienced cloth user and not something recommended by a computer program. Also if you buy your nappies from them they will give you help and advice for the whole time your child is in nappies.

Maybeanotherday

Hi just wondering if anyone can help?

I need a few tips I bought some tots bots size 1 for my little man, Ive been using disposables for the past two weeks but now feel ready to start with the washable (plus my washing basket is nearly empty).

I used re-usable with my little girl towards the end of her lifespan with disposables but found they stank of amonia when left in the bucket. Some people suggest leaving them dry in the bucket other people say to put tea tree or this special soaking powder.

I have also heard some people say that they use a disposable on a nighttime to keep baby happy and dry...

Has anyone got any tips for the above? any help would be appreciated!

jha

have a look at this link re:care of totsbots nappies - http://www.totsbots.com/nappies/care/

SkintGypsy

Hi Skellett,

I used Tots Bots for my little girl, she's now 3.5, and didn't really find any way of avoiding the smell. I had enough nappies to have a days worth washing and drying and another set for use, so they were never in the bucket for more than a day. I tried tea tree, and lavender oil I think, but realistically, old wee smells! Sorry.

With the nappy nippas they are as easy to use as disposables, I found them just as good for nighttime as day. I did play around with liners, as the more kitchen papery ones felt wet against the skin. Boots make their own liners (they feel like tumble dryer sheets) which keeps the moisture away from the skin. My baby didn't suffer from nappy rash with these, and I rarely had to use a barrier cream.

I loved mine, and my baby had the cutest, plumpest bottom of all her friends. Still does. :rotfl:

Kezzapee_2

Hi Skellett,

I have been lurking on this website for about a year but your post prompted me to finally register so that I could offer you my advice on real nappies

I used Tots Bots for my 3 year old (both sizes) and loved them and I am now reusing them on my 2 month old.

I never soak them, just put them straight in the bucket, but do rinse them through if they are soiled (power shower v handy for this!) I don't really get any smells because the bucket lid fits tightly and they are only in there for a day at most. I find the fleece liners really good but the paper ones are handy if you think a poo may be imminent!

Don't worry about waiting to wash them seperately, I just put mine in with the other baby washing (take them out before adding the fabric conditioner) and hang them in the airing cupboard to dry.

Personally, I prefer to use disposables at night because they are more absorbent. I also use disposables when I am out and about, staying with friends/relatives or just haven't got around to the laundry.

I think a mixture of the two is the best bet - find what works for you and you are more likely to stick with them. I am particularly enjoying using them the second time around - very MSE!

Ooooh I'm off now to see if I can post a reply anywhere else - addictive!

Js_Other_Half

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1323795&highlight=washable+nappies

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1047835&highlight=cloth+nappies

Maybeanotherday

Thanks alot guys for your helpful tips Make me feel a little more ready to take the dive Just remember that I'll also have to look for bigger pants for little man as that used to be a problem for me...getting the little one pants that fit with the bulky nappy that is