reusable or disposable?

[MummyToToby]

just wondered who used what

I wash pockets in the evening and they (and stuffing) are dry the next morning. Fluffles dry incredibly quickly (about 3 hours or so) while some of the more absorbant terry nappies can take well over 24 hours. AIOs will be similar or probably a bit longer than the absorbant terries, I'd think.

BTW, I would never tell anyone to use cloth (if anyone asks me I'll tell them about it but I don't evangelise at people) but I don't get why cloth would be 'not a financial possibility' when it's cheaper than disposables (ranges from 'cheaper' to 'much much much cheaper' depending on what variety of cloth you use, even taking washing costs into account). I'm not getting at you there, expat, because in your situation with all the factors you have to deal with I think I probably wouldn't use cloth either.

I agree that there isn't a smell if they are dry-pailed (and they still come up perfectly clean) and they don't smell when/after washing. If they do smell it can actually be a sign of using too much detergent and getting a buildup (I've got a reference bookmarked somewhere about that that I can try to look out if anyone is interested).

which are more absorbant - all in ones or 2 parts?

MummytoToby - have a look \link{http://www.allaboutnappies.com/understanding.php#nappy\here} as it gives you a rundown on the basics.

had a look but still a bit baffled on the different types of fastenings. which is best - velcro, poppers or nippas for containment of leaks etc?

I don't think it's the fastenings that influence leaks but the edging to the legs iyswim. I've never had a problem with motherease one size or totsbots (used with airflow wraps). If you have a nappy agent in your area then that is a really good way of getting to see all the different types of nappy without buying. I bought through a Lollipop agent (that is 5 years ago now though!) and that really helped me. At the time I remember feeling completely bewildered by all the choices when I searched on the internet and there must be loads more different products and websites now!

i have a variety of fastenings and don't find any one to be better than others tbh.

i prefer poppers... but that's only because i think the velcro/aplix strips are quite wide and stiff which can be uncomfy (i think) and nippas are a faff to do with a 13 month old who just wants to get away! lol

Found the tots bots size 1 nippa great when Ds was small, but when he grew out of those found motherease much better and easier to put on him. Have always used motherease wraps with poppers. know people who have found the velco's ones good to but can rub on more mobile baby/toddler. The nappies don't tend to smell when out, not like disposibles where the chemicals react with the poo. Also if use disposible liners can just flush or bin that bit.I live in a third floor small flat and have no drier and rarely have a nappy shortage (DH is very good at washing nappies too though and hanging them out too)

[whispers] Is this a Smug Thread???!

oh right. i read on one site that poppers didn't give as good a fit as velcro round the legs so maybe prone to leaks, but then on another one it said poppers or nippas gave a better fit!!
what is a smug thread?

well velcro is more adjustable... but i've never had a problem with poppers

Whispers back to SleepyJess

I think so.

I use disposables because I can't be ar$d washing cloth ones.

yes, it's so smug to say you use cotton nappies isn't it? such mothers should keep their mouths shut in case they make anyone feel bad. I'm sure that's the only reason they do it anyway.

M2T have you visited the nappylady + filled out a questionaire? Her advice is generally spot on. I am still emailing my advisor 3 yrs on!

Although (insert smug emotion) my preference is now for the terry squares with nappy nippas. They are completely adjustable, dry quickly, and can be used as wipes in an emergency. About 1/4 price, too. The nappy addict in me dislikes them but I have to admit they're the best all rounders. If leakage becomes a problem you can always double them up.

M2T have you visited the nappylady + filled out a questionaire? Her advice is generally spot on. I am still emailing my advisor 3 yrs on!

Although (insert smug emotion) my preference is now for the terry squares with nappy nippas. They are completely adjustable, dry quickly, and can be used as wipes in an emergency. About 1/4 price, too. The nappy addict in me dislikes them but I have to admit they're the best all rounders. If leakage becomes a problem you can always double them up.

absolutely
smugness was at the top of my list when I decided to use cloth
please

Ds 5m and have always use OneLife nappies. Personally think they are great. Didn't shop around because they were sold in a maternity wear boutique and while I was trying on outfits, my Dh and MIL were looking at the nappies... MIL decided to buy a sort of starter pack as she knew I was leaning towards washables rather than disp. Rather glad she did too.

\link{http://www.onelifeworld.co.uk\OneLife}

hana, if that "please" was directed at me, my comment was deeply sarcastic. It's difficult to convey that in writing sometimes.

thought you were being sarcastic sp!
but yes, the written word - hard to interpret sometimes

DS has been able to undo velcro from a very early age the few velcro-fastening things we have he only gets to wear under multiple layers of clothes now. I like either nippas or poppers no real preference although poppers are easier for clueless relatives.

Clueless relatives! Lol

We use disposables, tried cloth, it wasn't for us. About the environment, I was told that part of the problem was that most nappies are in a nappy sack and that has to break down before it breaks down the nappy. So we use the nappy pail with a carrier bag inside and all nappies go in together.

(I don't know the tech. term for break down - but anyway this is what we do

I think the real problem you're thinking of (I could be wrong here) is that in order to breakdown, everything requires oxygen. But in landfill, it is stored anaerobically, ie it is sealed (for obvious hygiene reasons) without oxygen. This is why it won't break down in landfill.

I'm sure individual nappysacks also restrict oxygen - but because landfill is filled and not left open to rot, it doesn't really make much difference.

Disposables