contemplating cloth nappies

[DMH]

Hiya

Have read through some of the conversations/messages you have all written & it seems quite a lot of you are using them so I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice? I'm 4 mths pregnant with my first baby, I'd like to take the environmentally sound option and use cloth nappies but I also want my baby to be comfortable, & don't want to make my like any harder than i need to! I've been told you can buy starter packs, I've been told you can use firms that supply the cloth nappies, pick up used ones & deliver clean ones & you just buy the liners or I guess you can do it yourself?
Any advice &/or apinions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I use Bambino Mios (same set for both children,and have been used by other babies too so really got my money's worth.)
I used Moltex disposables initially (when I was getting sorted,then into cloth at about 5-6 wks)and still do at night (although don't have to.

Everyone lies different sorts,but i know you can get a trial pack of Bambinos,so that you don't fork out lots straight up.

Good for you btw!

I don't find it remotely a hassle btw.

nappy lady. do google.

we use terry squares, nippas and tots bots fleecy wraps, but we are hard.

I used a nappy laundry service before we had a washing machine and it was great, but washing them myself is no great hassle. You could visit a good nappy shop for advice and to see a range - if you're near Bath or Bristol, I recommend Born. You will probably become a fanatic, though - most real nappy users seem to be!

Thanks. Do you use a firm to clean them or do it yourself? Are they easy to clean?
I think it might be a good idea to do what you did & start with disposables when new born & then change. My friend said she was forever changing nappies when her little boy was very young!
Cloth nappies being a less expensive option is also a def. bonus!

I actually used them from birth. I didn't find them hugely more difficult especially as I made dh do the laundry.

I also liked that they were very nice and soft. Dd's first nappy was cloth.

they're easy to clean. you put them in a bucket when they're dirty then chucl them in the machine. 40 C will actually get out virtually all stains, with an occasional 60 C to sterilise...I think...we only do 40 C. Our nappies are on their second child and are fine.

Not living in near bristol but my mum does, I'm up in Scotalnd but I'm sure there's somewhere near me that has them. My husband thinks I'm mad & that it'll be extra hassel & very smelly!! :o
Will look into it somemore tho.

Hello again!

If you try plushpants or the nappy lady (can't remember how to do links but you can google) both offer free trials - pack of assorted nappies to try & return.

I find totsbots the best personally - only thing is, they are bulky relative to disposables so it slightly limits your choice of trousers etc, & things like babygros may need to be a size up. We also use stuffables from www.bearbehinds.com - easier for babysitters as more like a disposable, & easier to get on to an active toddler!

Tbh the best thing is probably to try a few different kinds out via a free trial, & then buy the minimum you can manage with of the type you like best. You can then supplement them with second hand buys off eBay as it's handy to have a few of different types for different circumstances or as your child grows bigger. Oh & don't spent a fortune on tiny sizes, you'll barely use them unless your baby is v small.

there will be somewhere. get in touch with the nappy lady. she will send you a questionaire and then tailor the nappy to your lifestyle.

but seriously, don't worry yourself too much about different types! basically, they're a bit of cloth to catch the poo and wee. Theres not a huge amount of scope for customisation there. And if you make a really bad mistake, most nappies, terries aside, have great resale value. Which I find suprising really.

I'll goggle a few sites, thanks gals!
The fact that you can sell them on is quite suprising, I wouldn't think anyone would want 2nd hand nappies!! :)

yes i have to say it suprises me.

but not for any rational reason.

dd wears ds's nappies

and actually, ds wore his now best friend's older sister's nappies (friend is 6 months older, very very useful )

I don't find them remotely a hassle honestly - I recommend buying a few secondhand to try out from ebay - don't go mad a buy a whole set too soon, I like different nappies for different 'reasons' some are slimmer/different shape than others. Also recommend dungarees for wearing over them!

The only problem with the nappy lady questionairre is that it is based on the nappies that she sells, so if kissaluvs would suit your needs best, you'd never know.

Quite a few sites do mix n match starter type sets.

\link{http://www.washabums.co.uk\here} is a cloth nappy forum that night help.

Beware - addiction is very very likely It sounds mad before you have them (how can anyone get addicted to nappies), but this weird passion takes over!

Hi there, firstly, congratulations!!! Big post follows so I hope you find something in there to help.
there are a number of factors involved when you buy cloth. Consider what your drying facilities will be, as thicker nappies take longer to dry, the fastest being muslins, terries and prefolds. Pocket nappies are very fast to dry, but not everyone gets on with them (leaks, too hot or too synthetic).
The number of times you want to wash them per week will dictate the number you will need to buy, fewer washes will require greater numbers of nappies.
Obviously your budget is important and the size and shape of your baby both at birth and later when you need the next size up.
Later it may transpire that your baby is a heavy wetter, or has giant thighs or a tiny bum, all of which might affect the fit.
Basically I would buy some small nappies for the first six months and then sell them on to fund some larger nappies, depending on your baby's needs.
There is a great second hand market for many nappies so often buying 20 odd little nappies will raise enough second hand to almost cover the purchase of the next size up (when you will need fewer)
Obviously, you could save a bit of cash by buying second hand, try forums like UKParents the Nappy Lady Classifieds and Ebay. They really are pretty straightforward and there are lots of nappy mad cloth users on UKParents who will be happy to add to the excellent information you will get here on Mumsnet.
There are quite a few nappies out there, but for little nappies some of the most popular are the diddy diaper, the bimble, Sandy's extra small and kissaluvs. I think kissaluvs aren't the most absorbent. For a newborn I reckon some muslins and terries or prefolds will come in handy, cheap and fast drying.
You might like to buy a few really cute, fancy nappies to show off, like Poochies or newborn Cuddlebums.
I have a nappy review blog \link{http://www.clothnappyreview.blogspot.com\here} where lots of cloth users have left reviews for cloth nappies they have tried, perhaps the information might help you to choose.
FWIW, I have one velcro/aplix totsbots, which my ds seldoms wears because he has so many other nappies that work just as well, but are far less bulky.
Hope that helps.

you could also try Twinkle's \link{www.chooseanappy.co.uk\Choose a Nappy}, the questionnaire is all online and they stock a very wide range, so suggestions should be varied at least

blast, link didn't work....
\link{http://www.chooseanappy.co.uk}

also you could hire a kit at Plushpants or Eco-babes for 2 weeks to find out which you like best.

here you go - \link{http://www.chooseanappy.co.uk\www.chooseanappy.co.uk}

I was just checking the buy and sell on UKParents, or rather, not checking it. It seems to have disappeared ... Anyone know why that is?