Where to start with re-usable nappies!!

[trixymalixy]

I'm due to have my first baby in january and I'm really keen to use re-usable nappies.

I have been reading through some of the threads and I'm really bamboozled with how complicated they seem to be and how many different brands/types/bits there are.

Is there a definitive guide anywhere that I can look at?

How do you choose which to try when you have no idea and don't want to make expensive mistakes?

Please help!

Twinkle just google 'terry nappies'....I have used twinkleontheweb (rather fitting for you eh?)plus a couple of others which I can't remember at this time of night! I do count Mothercare as a multinational as bet they are owned by some massive conglomerate....may do some fishing. They do have nice toilets tho.

Fairytale, I agree that flats or prefolds are good for newborns. I have just bought some Wambamboos size two which are meant to be a real birth to potty option and have my friend trialling them on her 3 week old....I'll post our findings after xmas!

OK Trixy - perhaps you needn't get the terries starter kit from Mothercare (though it was useful!). But I still recommend terries above anything else! Why spend more money than you have to? There are plenty of other expensive things that you DO need!

i have just discovered a box of large prefolds in the back of the wardrobe, and am using nippas on them, they are working well.

Ah yes - I forgot to say that I use nippas not nappy pins. Actually that Mothercare kit is sounding less useful by the second as that came with pins. And I bought a second nappy pail. [hmmm]

Or even !

I think the cheapest and best option is good old traditional tery nappies, with pins and plastic pants. What does your mother and/or mother-in-law think?

TALK TO FLAME
SHE IS THE BEST

I started using cloth at about 20 weeks. I learned from my friends who bought birth to potty packs who found a brand new first baby and lots of nappies to wash completly erwhelming.

I also knew I was having a C-section so that clinched it. By 20 weeks I felt much more in control. I also wanted to wait until my baby would fit a size 2 nappy. If you do try it from the outset and feel it is too much give yourself a break and go back to them in a few weeks - you have enough on your plate without feeling guilty about nappies - you have plently of time to make up for it!!

I did all my research here on mumsnet and built up my collection over a few months. At the start I only had enough nappies for 1 day cloth, 2 days disposable but I am now full time in cloth - day and night. It also helps to spread the cost. Most of the nappies website have free or very minimal postage so there is no real finanial penalty in buying in ones and twos which is what I would recommend.