Washable Nappies

gizmodo_2

I have a few minutes free as DD seems to be happily amusing herself in the baby gym.

We started using our washable nappies last week (on and off as I don't have enough yet for full time).

We've got 3 bumgenius one size 4.0 (aplix and poppers), 2 flips, 2 totsbots stretchies, 1 totsbot easyfit, 1 smartiepants and 1 wonderoo v2.

Not tried the stretchies (can't bring myself to come off disposables at night yet) or wonderoo. The wonderoo comes with 2 inserts and I'm not really sure what I should use...do you use both?

So far our favourites are the bumgenius aplix as it seems to fit round the legs much better than the popper one. And the totsbot easyfit (we did have poo leakage - but that's because OH didn't put it on tight enough). So I think we'll get more of those. And I think the flip is quite good, but I've not seen it in action with a big poo yet.

The smartiepants is the worst for us - but purely because it's just not fitting around her legs and leaving gaping holes for leakage. It might be better when she gets bigger (she's only 6 weeks).

Been using the fleece liners as I found the disposable liners stuck to her bum.

I keep forgetting to do an extra rinse on the washed nappies though. I remember the prewash. Also I've read about 'stripping' on other forums. What is this?

missiemog

Leopardlady wrote: »

A quick question, would anyone on here consider hiring nappies? This would reduce the costs and mean that if you found the ones you chose didn't work you could swap them. Does this sound silly or an idea that you may consider?

Thanks

for my nearly 4year old DS i used the Scottish Nappy Company, who delivered clean nappies every week and took the dirty ones away.

it was a tad more expensive than disposables, but he was out of them and toilet trained fairly quickly. he also had about 3 cases of bad rash - all due to teething/illness.

i also have a nearly 2year old DS and we decided to use disposables (kind of experiment - bless him) and he's nowhere near the same stage as DS1 at the same age. he's also had more rashes in disposables than DS1 (although this could be down to sensitive skin etc).

and yes, i realise no two children are the same, but i'd happily suggest using nappy companies.

hope this helps.

kind regards.

xx

Bunny

I'm using washable nappies for my 6 month old daughter, these aren't as expensive as the likes of bumgenius, but are birth to potty pocket nappies. The customer service is great too!

http://www.babaandboo.com/reusable_nappies_singles_shop

in the first instance we got a few types from an NCT sale and I got some terries off ebay with nappy nippas.

Nicki

Stripping is removing the build up of soap, usually done by washing with soda crystals then rinsing multiple times in the machine until the water is clear for the whole cycle. You will know you need to do this if your nappies start to smell of wee even when clean from the washing machine. I've never had to do it with mine though. If you look on the cloth tree nappy website there are descriptions of several different ways of doing it.

SwipernoSwiping

Scottish Nappy Company - very good company, highly recommend them. - and I live no where near.
How is everyone getting on? Sorry I haven't been around, baby madness here.
Some people use washing up liquid for stripping I wouldn't recommend it. If you live in a hard water area adding soda crystals helps with the limescale as well as reduces the need for stripping - so does wet soaking. (IE putting your nappies in a bucket full of water until you have enough to wash.

sparkle76

Thanks Shellie, I live in a hard water area so will keep that in mind. Hard to believe how much soda crystals have gone up by in last year... I still get them though as I mix them with my washing powder to save money and to help the washing machine inners, plus also for cleaning...

SmlSave

Hi everyone

I've bought some second hand nappies from an NCT sale and they feel a bit rough, do you know if there's a way to soften them up?

bexta

Giz - is the Wonderoo insert a fold out rectangle with poppers and a shaped bit? If so, the shaped bit is a booster, so it's optional as to when you use it.

SmlSave, I got told to wash the nappies, then as they were drying to rub the material together to help soften them. It did work a bit on some crunchy nappies I bought. They do soon soften up with regular use as well, so you won't be stuck with them forever.

Nicki

SmlSave wrote: »

Hi everyone

I've bought some second hand nappies from an NCT sale and they feel a bit rough, do you know if there's a way to soften them up?

The other thing to bear in mind is that baby's bottom is in contact with the liner not the nappy, which will be softer especially of you use fleece. And once baby wees they will be soft too!

If you look on cloth tree nappy forum there are some ideas to soften them up a bit, but not all are good for nappy fabric (eg soaking in vinegar mix). Tumbledrying will help but don't use fabric conditioner whatever you do as this affects absorbency.

SwipernoSwiping

If your line drying - or get crusty nappies like you have SmlSave, use white vinegar in your softer drawer (only a capful) that will help a little.

Also try washing them at 60 without any soap with an extra rinse.

Crusty nappies may be a sign (line drying will make them crusty regardless) of "using to much wash powder"- keep an eye on the machine as it goes through - there shouldn't be any suds.

If line drying, give a shake when taking them out the machine, and again on the line turn them about with a bit of a rub like Nikki suggests.
Can't recomend fleece enough, buy a fleece blanket from tescos for about £3 and cut it up.