OS nappies

maryb

do a google search for The nappy lady - lots of ways to fold nappies. the Jo fold is perfect for newborns

Elise1

I have been using Tots Bots shaped nappies for my little boy for the last 2 years . No problems with leaks . You can use a device called a Nappy Nipper for nappies without velcro fastening as an alternative to nappy pins . I also use Imse Vimse Bumpy Wraps over the Tots bots - more breathable than the polyester type wraps . Twinkle on the Web stock all these prducts .

Zziggi

Sorry if this sounds a thick question..

I've been using dispoables with my eldest so i'm not familiar with real nappies. When i;ve looked at real nappies on websites i;ve been overwhelmed with the variety and didn't know which to go for.

Also different types have different descriptions so they didn;t make much sense to me. So for real nappies you have the nappy (shapped or folded terry toweling?) and then a cover (plastic or just an outside cover?)

Can someone enlighten me please?

Lillibet_2

Zziggi wrote:

Sorry if this sounds a thick question..

I've been using dispoables with my eldest so i'm not familiar with real nappies. When i;ve looked at real nappies on websites i;ve been overwhelmed with the variety and didn't know which to go for.

Also different types have different descriptions so they didn;t make much sense to me. So for real nappies you have the nappy (shapped or folded terry toweling?) and then a cover (plastic or just an outside cover?)

Can someone enlighten me please?

For terries (either ready shaped or squares which need folding to suit) you have the towling nappy part & an outer "wrapper", used to be plastic pants but I don't think many people us ethese now most people use a "wrap" which looks like pants but has poppers/velcro at the sides so you wrap it around the nappy rather than pull it up. The "wrap" stops the leaks through the towling nappy. You can also use a liner which catches the soilds s & can just be flushed away so is a bit less icky than washing a poo-filled nappy:p

All-in-ones have the towling (or similar) "absorbent nappy" part built into the waterproof outer & are just one peice which does up with poppers or velcro, just like a disposable. You can also use a liner in these to catch the solids.

I have bought both kinds & will see how I get on. According to my research pros & cons seem to be :

Terries :
Cons
Faffy, especially with a wriggly baby
Perceived to be old fashioned.

Pros :
Cheap
Quick & easy to wash & dry (although not as easy as disposables, whcih you just thorw away!) Sturdy & stand upto lots of washing
Environmentally friendly
Loads of uses for terry towels after baby has been potty trained


All-in-Ones :
Cons
More expensive than terries, can cost more than a lifetimes disposables but you're an MSE'r & we wont let that happen to you:D
Slow to dry, extensive washing can wear some brands out before baby has done with them
More prone to leakage

Pros
Easy to use (just like a disposable)
Better for the environment than disposables


HTH & maybe someone more experienced than I can comment??

fizzel81

i have just been given a selection of washable nappies all sizes some new some used im pretty clueless when it comes to the cleaning etc of them(i have got some all in ones but never really got round to using them all the time), are they hard to keep up with as such if all go's well im hopeing to use them on my 8 month old son and the baby when he is born(july) is there going to be much more washing involved as at present the only benefits i can reall see are the saving from not buying disposables

Rebob

I would search round locally as here in Barnsley there is a real nappy service. A pile of clean nappies are delivered once a week and then collected at the end off the week for around £7 per week. I know this is not saving much in money but it is little work and better for the enviroment and would also let you get into real nappies without the extra washing.

ViksB

Hi I started using real nappies on my 3 month old baby a few weeks ago and I am finding everything pretty easy.
The important bit is washing them. Always use a non bio powder and don't use fabric conditioner as it reduces the absorbancy of the nappies. With the washing powder use half the amount or less than you would usually use and give them a good rinse. I line dry mine if I can as they are much softer than on radiators.
If you use a disposable liner than even the poo bit is easy.
If you baby is used to disposables as mine was I found she started to get nappy rash, but I was recomended cold calmolie tea to wipe her bottom with and she has fine now. I still use disposables at night as it absorbs so much more.
Hope this helps
Vikki

sunnth

I used a wide variety of reusables on my twins (now 4), for the first couple of years. One of the easier things with having two in nappies is that you can put a load on every night, that way it is easy to get into a routine and there are no nappies piling up for days until you have enough to wash. I found it easier to tumble dry my nappies to make them fuffy, even 15 mins tumble drying then on the line makes them softer. They are both cheaper to use and better for the environment however do take into consideration any downsides too. I wore out the bearings on my washing mashine in under 2 years and it wasn't covered by my extended garantee. Even so with two in nappies it worked out better than disposibles in the long run. There are some great parenting sites that will give you lots of advice and forums on using reusables and I found them invaluable.

Baileys_Babe

I find one of the main advantages of washable nappies is no having to remembering to buy more. We are using a combination of systems. Instead of disposable liners we are using fleece liners(made from a fleece blanket). We use flannels instead of wipes. We only wash when we have a full load at 60c about every 5 days.

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

Zed42

I use a variety of washable nappies for dd with fleece liners and washable wipes with water. I use them day and night, when we stay in and when we go out.

At night I use wool wraps.

We've been to the US, Ireland, I.O.M. and all over the UK with them, and never had any hassle whatsoever.

She has never had nappy rash. If her bottom has looked a little red I have used kamillosan.

I use non-bio liquid for the wash, vinegar or tea tree oil for the final rinse. Wash mainly at 40 deg, with a 60 deg now and again.

I find that the advantages far outweigh the "inconvenience" of washing. Especially the couple of times we've all been brought down with a stomach bug, we would have never been in a fit state to go to the shops and buy nappies.

I never liked the idea of my dd having chemicals next to her skin nor having to spend so much money on them!

Washable nappies also have an incredibly good re-sale value. Also, some councils will give you money towards them, as obviously it saves on their landfill costs.
Any info, yell!!! (Oh and congrats on your forthcoming baby!)