Switching to cloth nappies for a big toddler

[merrily]

I'm going to switch to cloth nappies for my 15 month old and I wonder if anyone could offer any advice?

DD is a big girl - already 31lbs and lovely chunky legs! Ideally I would like to buy a set of nappies that I could keep and use for baby #2. Do you think this is practical? I have noticed that many of the "birth-to-potty" type nappies only go up to 35lbs. It seems likely that DD will be well over 35lbs by the time she potty-trains. In that case should I just go straight to the XL size toddler nappies? I suppose I could then sell these on when DD is finished with them and buy a new birth-to-potty set when #2 arrives. What do you think?

TIA

Well, I've been buying some BTP nappies for DS (2 1/2 yrs and roughly 30lbs) as I have the (notional) excuse that if I have another baby I can use them again (so sad but I am a nappyholic).

So, I found that the following work for DS (who is chunky thighed): Onelife (like Motherease only stretchier); Easy Peasy Harmony (he can wear this on the smallest setting still - it's very long); Wam-bamboo by Geobel (this too has a high rise and can be folded down); Growing Greens (not a great fit but very slim).

Otherwise I would suggest Toddle-ease as having loads of room - you could look for 2nd hand so that you're not spending loads and as you probably only need 5 nappies per day (at the v most) you'll not have to get too many.

Oh forgot to say, you will probably be able to go straight to XL wraps which should save you some money, ME Airflow are bombproof and Cotton Bottoms large (30lbs+) seem to come up alot on ebay at the mo (very often brand new)

Thanks vkone, that's helpful. Think I will try Wam-bamboo as I have seen a few people recommend these.

I was about to come on and blow the wam-bamboo trumpet, but you already seem convinced

(They go on my teeny nephew, and my 3 yr old DD - who is in age 4-5 knickers)

Thanks! Do you recommend the ones with velcro or without? I have never used a nappy nippa before!

I am a complete novice at all this so can I just check what exactly I will need to buy? If I buy one WamBamboo nappy to try it out - then I will also need to buy a wrap to go over the top (eg the MotherEase Airflow that vkone recommended), is that right? Do I need anything else?

I prefer nippa - they aare slimmer at the front and easier to fold down. Nappy nippas aren't as scary as they seem - one use and you will wonder what you were worried about.

You will need a wrap (airflow are great when you are starting out... as you get more addicted, try wool and fleece ), and liner of some sort - either disposable, or fleece.

I used to be a disposable girly, but have been converted to fleece - poo washes off really easily (I chuck any pooey nappies in a rinse wash on the machine), it is cheaper in the long run, and is much nicer against their bum.

I got nippa too and they are great BUT I would say if you are starting with a toddler it maybe worth going for one velcro first, it can take a while to get up to speed with changes and most toddlers won't sit around and wait for you to work out which way up the nippa goes .

Once you are both used to it, changing is as quick as a disposable which ever fastening you use.

personally, my choice would be totsbots size 3, and ME XL wrap. dd2 went into cloth at under a year old and was already over 30lb at that point. they lasted her till she potty trained at 2.5years old. they are pretty worn out now, but have kept them for night uses in case dd3 (teeny tiny thing at only 21lb at 17months) ever gets to taht size.

thanks everyone! lots to think about. I'm off to search ebay for some bargains!