Washable cloth sanitary pads

[DoctorNicoleWatterson]

Wasn't sure which section to post this in, so plumped for chat.

Inspired by a thread discussing shortage of sanitary towels in supermarkets thought I'd look in to buying some re-usable pads. I've heard they're absorbent, comfortable and obviously better for the environment.

I doubt I could use a mooncup due to a very tilted cervix, I find tampons hard to fit comfortably.

Does anybody have any recommendations of which to get? Also, what do you do with them if you need to change whilst out and about, do they have a special storage bag I thought they might be good for Dd1, but she might be a bit funny about carrying used towels around all day.

I've seen a website called cheekywipes, anybody have any experience with them?

I bought some cheap ones off amazon first to see how I found them. I love them! I'm looking to invest in some more expensive ones now and expand my set with different sizes etc. They feel so much more comfortable than disposable ones. Out and about I've just been putting them in a nappy bag atm but there's probably something better out there.

The one that I bought folds over into itself in a neat square with it's poppers when it's not in use.

Honour Your Flow do nice ones and sell a starter pack that’s good but it’s not particularly cheap.

Do you remember the make Oldraver?

GenericHamster, I don't mind paying a bit more, figure it'll be cheaper than buying disposable pads every month in the long run. I'll have a look at those.

Have a look on ebay. There are lots of hand made ones in fantastic patterns.

pads

storage bag - i have 2, one for clean pads and one for dirty

Try Etsy, they have loads of different sellers. Most will fold up and close with poppers after use. Can buy a wet bag on eBay to keep them in before or after use. I have a small make up bag I keep one in my handbag in when I'm expecting my period.

usernamenamename, what do you think more expensive ones might have that you amazon ones don't? Tempted to try cheap myself first to see if I like them.

I have Charlie Banana ones and like them. They really are very comfy. But I find they shift around a lot and leak at night. I used disposables on holiday recently and found them much more reliable; so much so that I'm tempted to go back.

Have a look on Etsy- I brought mine from ‘Dexy and the wolf’ and they’re fab

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername, I've just been reading through reviews on various sites, and a fair few seem to say they move around, that would annoy me!

I use a brand called imsevimse imsevimse.co.uk/ they are good and even coped well with post partum bleeding after the first day! they are much more comftable then disposable and fold in on themselves with the wee wings that secure them.
Hard to explain best just checking out the website. Aslong as they arn't flooded wouldnt need to use a small wet bag with them but it might be a good idea to have one if using them in school or work.

I have some fleece backed ones and they stay still even when I'm on a run. My other ones shift around though so go for fleece backed

How about period pants? www.shethinx.com

I fobs them so much better than disposables ones. The shifting can be a bit annoying but it doesn't happen when I wear tighter undies so it's probably my own fault. I also got them from Amazon.

I've also found that my periods are getting lighter since i started using them.

Find not fobs!

I used to use them years ago, but they developed a smell that didn't come out with washing and line drying in the sun. I can't justify the cost now as I'd need a dozen to last 5 days and disposable pads are only 66p a pack.

I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials and made a set of 12 two years ago, in different sizes and 'togs', using outgrown baby clothes. Best thing ever. If you have even the most basic sewing machine skills you would be able to do it. So comfortable and reliable, and incredibly satisfying not to be contributing to san-pro landfill.
Initially, I thought I would make some 'testers', so decided not to bother with flaps and poppers, just to trial the concept as a whole. To my surprise I found that, when backed (as suggested in aforementioned tutorials) with minky, or microfleece, the pads did not slip on a cotton gusset, but stayed absolutely put, snug and secure, despite not having flaps or poppers to secure them. So I have made my whole set popper free, meaning it is even easier to DIY.
After use I rinse them out and pop them in an old icecream tub in waiting for wash day, and if I'm out I have a tiny tupperware pot in my handbag which I fold it into until I get home.
They wash well and remain fresh indefinitely, it seems.
Good luck!

I've used them for 2 years and love them. Had to use disposables recently and hated it. Couldn't wait to have my cloth back!

I have a double sided zipped pouch for when out and about. I've never leaked and as long as use wear tight fighting full undies they don't move.

I don't have any old clothes that we are not still using to make pads with, or a sewing machine, though I could borrow one. My sewing supplies are made up of elastic, iron on mending tape, needles and thread. I need poppers anyway, some of the smaller pads I had before didn't have them and they kept ending up in the toilet as I couldn't remember I was wearing them.

I'm thinking of buying some washable pads off eBay from China as they are not too expensive. It's difficult when it all costs more as it does add up. I have bought some bamboo toothbrushes but they were £2 each, when plastic ones are 5 for £1.

Ha ha, yes Cachailleacha , that's the only time I wished I'd bothered with the poppers, having a pad slip into the toilet when sitting down in a hurry and forgetting.

I use the Planetwise wet and dry bags, which have a section for clean and dirty pads and are small enough to fit in a handbag.
www.babipur.co.uk/reusable-menstrual-cups-pads/planet-wise-waterproof-travel-bag.html

OP sorry mines not made anymore though would think others brands are made the same.

AdultHuman I have used a flannel folded in three before and have been surprised how they stay in place without any need for poppers.

I've also used the removable boosters from DS's old cloth nappies and yes have had to fish the odd one out the loo

I've bought a pack of six and a wet pack for £7 something on eBay. I haven't tried them yet but they look like they will be fine for days 3 to 5. I'm not sure about days 1 and 2, but I would need another six to cover the full 5 days, so I'm just going to try these for now.