can't access websites - beginner's advice?

[MacMomo]

Am away from home until 3 weeks before birth due. Really want to go cloth, so trying to research.

All advice seems to be to go to websites such as nappyzone and the nappy lady, but every site I try is blocked by my work internet system (which is the only access I have); I'm lucky they haven't blocked mumsnet yet!

does anyone have an email address for either of those companies so that I can email them directly for advice? I really don't know where to begin except it seems I need to start with 25 nappies and try different ones, and that I will be better with a nappy and wrap system early on and I need a dry pail.

Getting a bit emotional about not being able to find a one-stop shop that says there are x number of options, here's a trial pack of different ones for x amount of money. Does anyone do mixed trial packs?

yes! www.thyenappyline.co.uk will make you up a trial pack of hwatever you want. Have a go at their free online consultation- it's great!

sorry - that should say www.thenappyline.co.uk - have linked it now

The Nappy Line [email protected]

The Nappy Lady [email protected]

Nappy Zone - their 'contact' link isn't working for me, sorry.

BabyKind [email protected] (really recommend them, they've been great for me)

Lollipop 01736 799512 / 01736 799513 (no email address given, just an online contact form to complete)

Will see if I can find more

Twinkle On The Web [email protected]

BabyBots [email protected] (Again, used them lots and Lynsey is v helpful)

Hope thats enough to get you started!

Just looked and BabyKind do a mixed starter set of nappies for around £33, their website says:

This kit was put together based on our experience of what works well for people wanting to have a go with cloth nappies for the first time. It is designed for those that want a very simple, easy to use and trim starting point. The kit contains what we consider to be leading examples of each of the two major types of nappy system. There is one "pocket nappy", which is just one piece to put on, and one "shaped two-part nappy" which comprises a nappy shaped to fit round baby and poppers into place and a separate waterproof cover. The nappies come complete with all the accessories you might need to use them for daytime use. All you will need is a plastic bag in which to store them (a carrier bag will do for emergencies! or you can buy one especially - click here for our range). The kit comprises:

• 1 shaped nappy complete with microterry insert and booster

• 1 shaped two-part nappy with booster and wrap

• 1 roll of flushable biodegradable nappy liners (100 sheets)

• Free with each starter kit: 2 washable wipes and a sample pack of gentle soap pieces for making washable wipes solution (worth £2.50)

You can view the specific items included in each size of kit below. Your kit will arrive 'put together' to help you work out what's what! All items will need to be washed once before use (or they will not work properly) and nappies made from natural fibres will take around three washes before they are fully absorbent. Your kit will be sent with full instructions for use and care.

Their telephone details are: 9am - 1.00pm and 1.30pm -4.00pm 0845 094 2275

Sorry, this is turning into an essay, just spotted that BabKind also do a nappy trial. Have pasted the info from their site below:

Our nappy trial options

Because every baby and family have different requirements, we offer three ways to try our washable nappies.

Moneyback trial option on your nappy choices
Buy a ready made trial kit
Hire a real nappy kit We have an experienced advisor who can help you put together a kit to suit your needs and support through the trial period.

1. Moneyback real nappy trial

Buy a selection of nappies and/or wraps of your choice (one of each). If you don't find them suitable return them for a 70% refund. By taking advantage of this option you really have very little to lose by giving washable nappies a go - give it a go with confidence!

The first nappy and wrap of each type you order is automatically on a trial basis. You simply order the nappy/wrap of your choice as usual. Try it a few times. If you like it keep it! If you do not like the nappy/wrap simply return it (within one month of receipt of the item, in good used condition*) and you will be refunded 70% of the price of the nappy. So, for example, the cost to you of trying a Fuzzi Bunz nappy will have been £3.90 (plus p&p to return it which will be around the price of a first class stamp)!

If you are also making use of our multi buy offers and are buying 6 or 10 of a nappy type, then you could consider just using one of them. If you are not happy you can get a 70% refund on the one trial nappy and a full refund for the unused ones.

Please note we can only accept one of each type back for a 70% refund.

1. Buy a ready made trial kit

We have designed some trial kits/starter packs which include a comprehensive range of nappies, wraps, inserts, boosters, nappy nippas, fleece & paper liners etc. - in fact everything you will need to try the nappies and find out what suits you and your baby. Available in a range of sizes for babies of different ages. Kits come with full instructions on using and caring for the kit.

1. Hire a real nappy trial kit

Try a range of real nappies and wraps for a very small 'hire' charge. See below for more details. We offer you the opportunity to try a selection of our nappies and/or wraps for two weeks. This option is designed for those who are unsure how they will get on with real nappies but want to give it a go without the commitment of buying them. Hiring a kit is also useful for those who are unsure what type of nappies will suit their needs best and would like to try a range thoroughly before they commit to buying. Parents who have hired a trial kit come out of the experience confident about what will suit their baby and what they will need and not need.

Don't worry about not getting sorted now. Most cloth users started with disposables for the first few weeks - becoming a parent for the very first time has enough challenges.

By all means research it, but cut yourself some slack if you do use disposables at the beginning. You will get your money's worth/I switched to cloth at 6 weeks and have been using the same nappies for 7 years!

Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy and all that follows.

(And for what its worth my tips are: 20 nappies will do, you can't beat motherease wraps, and make your own washable wipes)

Hope you find what you want. I envy you tbh, I LOVE nappy shopping. Bought ten recently though so probably not allowed to buy anymore for ages now.

thank you all so much for taking the time to help me out! I have sent off a load of emails, so there's a weight off my mind. Very much appreciated!

nappyzone, michelle.hobson @ nappyzone. co.uk

She does 10% discount for mumsnetters also as is "one of us"