Advice on converting to reusables

[LouisaS]

To all reusable nappy users
I'm currently thinking about converting to reusable nappies for 13 month old ds after becoming disgusted with myself with the bagfuls of disposables I have be throwing out every week. The only thing that is putting me off is the bulkiness of them.
Can anybody reccomend slimmer fitting brands that will just supply the size that I need and not a birth to potty pack. Also they need to go up to a very large size as ds weighs just over 30 lbs.

Thanks

Tots bots bamboozles are definitely slimmer under clothes - not sure about sizing though.

You could go for pockets (Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heinys, Nature Babies) as these can be v slim BUT they are not as long lasting as 2 part nappies IMO.

Hemp or bamboo nappies are generally slimmer. I switched at 11 mths and didn't find the bulky bum too much of a bother, boys trousers tend to be bigger in the bum anyway. I think the hardest time is around 3-9 mths when babies are v tubby and not moving around yet.

I use Fuzzis, but also Tots Bots, Onelife (quite slim) and Toddle-ease (maybe what you need as they are quite slim and are 30lbs+).

If you google hemp nappies, you are bound to find loads. The downside with hemp is the drying time so you could mix some bulkier but quick drying nappies for when you are at home.

Thanks for the advice. I will check them out.
How did you find the transition to reusable?
I'm a bit worried that I will be all over the place and will run out.

ME sandys are good... the largest size they call toddler ease but its the same nappy.

They arnt as thin as birth to potty nappies (which are very thin) but are thinner than normal tots.

motherease one size are quite slim
fuzzi bunz nappies are very slim, but not as reliable IMO

my v. active 13 month old uses mainly the motherease and we LOVE them!

keep some disposables on hand while you get used to using them, just in case they all end up in the wash!

Thanks all.
I will let you know how it goes and if the one I choose turns out to be a good one.:)

Kissaluvs are quite slim and v.absorbent.

Have just discovered Bumgenius which is a pocket nappy and although birth to potty is not bulky. It's a gorgeous nappy actually and is very easy - has stretchy aplix (velcro) tabs just like a disposable.

Oh- btw, I wouldn't invest in just one type if I were you, try a few different ones to see what suits you best. You'll find that different nappies suit different babies (and parents!) and what one person loves, you might hate!

You're dead right about trying different ones. The only problem is that they are quite expensive to buy 1 trial nappy, and what happens if the one that I buy isn't quite right.
Do some companies offer free trials?
I have ordered a Motherease Toddler ease to try first, but when I had ordered the nappy, booster, liner and wrap, it came to £23!!

There's two companies I know of who do trials www.plushpants.co.uk and www.nappytrialservice.co.uk With these you can hire a huge range of different nappies and then buy those you like.

Alternatively, www.babykind.co.uk will refund 70% of any one nappy you try but don't like so you can buy one of each. I found the buy and sell at UKParents and the Nappy LAdy a great help for trying - you buy 2nd hand to try and if you don't like them sell them for free on the same sites

Oh and forgot to mention is at \link{http://www.theecologist.org/offer3.asp\the Ecologist} - 3 nappies and a wrap for £24

www.babykind.co.uk do nappy trials, where you can hire a variety of nappies for a couple of weeks at areasonable price i think. Also, you can buy single nappies, try them out a few times, and return them in good condition for a 70 % refund. They have good info on sizes and will help you choose if you're not sure what you want.

sorry just noticed I'm repeating what vkone said.

That's sounds fantastic. I have never heard of any of those.
I am going to check them all out right now while ds is asleep.
Thank you all so much.
:)

Ellas House hemp nappies, kissaluvs, minki waffles and modern baby nappies are all very slim (EH esp.).
I have one of each except the waffles (have two of these) which also double up as night time nappies when I am behind with the washing. I use them when we go out and she has fluffles for everyday, at home use (medium bulk on her shape).

Kittykins.co.uk are very good, they ahve stars next to each nappy, rating absorbency, ease of use and slim fitting.
HTH Sarah x

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