beepbeep: we used the Cotton Bottoms nappies (pre-folds with wraps) - got the birth to potty pack which was pretty good value as it did see us through to 2 years (we bought a few extra wraps and the very useful face/bum cloth packs). We found the flat nappies dried very quickly (the toweline ones like Motherease are easier to put on but take ages to dry without a dryer) and are so useful for mopping up all kinds of spills (even now, when 'potty training').
I found you had to change them every 2-3 hours. Unlike a paper nappy you have to change them, but this helped cut down on the checklist of reasons why the baby might be upset. If your friend is using pre-folds and is getting leaks around the legs they either need to:
- put the wrap on more securely (I was scared of stopping the circulation at first, but you can always have a peek to check a red line isn't forming - and toes not going blue!)
- move up to a bigger size nappy inside the wrap
I had a lot of problems with leaks at the beginning, but eventually you've changed so many blinking nappies you get the hang of it.
We eventually ignored the weight recommendations on the nappies and wraps. dd was in the Large wraps from 6 months. When her nappy started leaking sooner than I thought I would move her up to the next size nappy.
Also, on the plus side for pre-folds, once they start to poo, and inevitably miss the flushable liner, it really is a lot easier to clean up a smooth prefold than a toweline shaped nappy.
Also - we used a Popolino nappy + wrap (from \link{http://www.borndirect.com/Born} for nights - we needed 3 nappies + wraps to allow for drying time)
Can hear activity upstairs. Better go investigate....