Re-useable nappy wipes

[MrsVik]

Hi!

My partner and I have decided that we don't want to use disposable baby wipes - although we will be using disposable nappies.

My mum thinks we're mad to consider anything re-usable - she recommends cotton wool and water. However, we were interested in using those little baby flannels as re-usable wipes.

If you're familiar with these things, can you tell me how many we'll need and how you go about washing them? I can't imagine they'd fill even 1/10th of a washing machine if you washed them each day! Or do you put them in with other things???

Thanks in advance!

[happynappies]

I use reusable wipes - and wash them with my reusable nappies... I don't think you'd want to put them in with other washing as you'd probably want to wash them on a higher temp., so not sure what to advise... I bought about 20 or so from the Nappy Lady website, and have been using them for three years now. I make up a small bottle of water/olive oil/baby bath which I use to soak the wipes, and replace this every few days, although tbh plain water works just fine when you're out and about... unless you've got a major clean-up operation on your hands. Would you consider using reusable nappies too?

[PurpleCrazyHorse]

I'm trialling some reusable nappies and got ten of these thrown in to trial too. They're flannel on one side and fleecy on the other.

TBH I only use the fleecy side to dry after using baby wipes (for convenience). But if I did use them wet for cleaning, I'd drop them in the nappy bucket after use and wash with the rest of the laundry. If we've got poo-y nappies I do a rinse in the washing machine first, so you might want to put the wipes in for a rinse, then add your other washing after. Not sure how many you'll need but the ten I've got would only last a day so I suspect you'll want double.

Have you considered reusable nappies too, they're not much more hassle if you're considering reusable wipes?

[domesticslattern]

I use them for pees but not for poos. Have saved a fortune. Just put them in with the regular laundry, though would probably need a different system if we used them for poos.

ps. Your mum will think you are mad about many of your choices, better get used to it now.

[Indith]

You could do them with towels, dish cloths etc, anything that you would put on a hotter wash. We just wet ours with water, sometimes in a fit of organisation I do a couple of tubs of nice solution (one upstairs, one downstairs) but it never lasts long!

[MrsVik]

happynappies we decided against reusable nappies, although now I'm not sure. DH is pretty much totally against the idea though, so I think it's disposables for us. Thanks for the tip on the olive oil etc.

PurpleCrazyHorse that's a REALLY good idea about doing a quick rinse wash first and then popping the rest of the wash in. I was getting all het-up about washing poo-y cloths with normal things, whilst at the same time worrying about putting only a few cloths into a washing machine for a full cycle.

domesticslattern that's another really good idea! We could use cotton wool to clean up poos and these flannel things for the rest! I think you're right about my mum by the way! She's not an interfering type, but with some things she just can't see any other way than the one she's used to!

Indith another good tip! So far, I'll be rinsing them first, then bunging in with other 'hot wash' stuff. Sounds like a plan!

[smackapacka]

We use disposable nappies but use flannels instead of disposable wipes. We just got a load from Woolworths (RIP) and stick them in a bucket once used, then wash them every 3 days or so. We didn't get on with re-usable nappies but can't use disposable wipes due to DD's really sensitive skin. Oh we dry her bum with a muslin after washing with flannel.

We used to soak the flannels in chamomile tea and olive oil so they were in a box ready to go. Now we just fill a tub of warm water and use a flannel.

Works really well for us.

[MrsVik]

Thanks, smackapacke - do you mind if I ask - after soaking them in a bucket, do you wash them on their own in the machine, or do you put them in with other things?

[MrsVik]

oops, I meant smackapacka !! Sorry!

[smackapacka]

Oh we don't soak them, they just sit in there (with a good lid) until ready to wash.

We then wash them on their own in the machine. Usually on a short 60 degree wash. The only other things I put in with them are dog towels.

I used to pre-soak the flannels in the bucket and then do a long boil wash etc but 2 years on and this is as good as it gets! Seems to work though!

[aendr]

I use reusable wipes but disposable nappies. We use 2 or 3 per nappy change. We have a small lidded bin which we use to store the wet ones in, and (since my son has been over 6 months) wash them in a hot wash with our underwear. We have a pot of water which we dip the flannels in, changing it occasionally but not every time - if he's lucky, he gets warm water!

[Mcdreamy]

I use reusable wipes and wash them with the rest of the washing. If they are pooey they get a pre wash first. Think they are brilliant and have saved me a fortune. I also think they are nicer on the skin than the disposable wipes.

[MrsVik]

smackapacka Thanks - I mis-understood you the first time, sorry!

aendr - thanks - that's all useful.

Feeling a bit better about this now

[Mcdreamy]

I use disposable nappies btw and just use water when using the wipes.

[fernie3]

I use cloth nappies and for wipes use a mix of disposable (for really nasty poos!) or wipes I have just made at home for the not so bad ones. I just cut any old material into largish squares, they all go on hot wash together.

[aendr]

Oh, and the dirty wipes bin is out of reach of baby but in reach of us standing at the changing table. That's /very/ important once the baby starts to get inquisitive and mobile .

(I use disposable wipes out and about or for the worst poos, like fernie.)

[MrsVik]

Thanks Mcdreamy - that's why we were interested in using them, because of the 'kinder on the skin' thing. I think we'll be going down your route!

Hehe aendr - good tip! I can imagine the mess!!

fernie - we'll probably do something like that for the really nasty nappies! Maybe disposable or cotton wool or something

Thanks again everyone!

[sasamaxx]

I use them for pees and not poos, although sometimes just use them for poos too.
The bumgenius flannels are really strong and soft, wash great and are a good size. The terry or fleece backed ones are fine too.

I quite fancy cheeky wipes but not sure if they are ridiculously expensive for what they are....