non-disposable nappies: what else do I need?

[lazyemma]

Hello

I'm planning to use non-disposable nappies during the day, and possibly disposable nappies for the night-time. So far, I have purchased (from littlegreenearthlets.co.uk):

20 motherease one-size cloth nappies (a friend recommended them)
4 small wraps (6 - 12lb) - obv I'll need bigger ones later but I thought I'd go with these to start with
3 rolls of ultra-biodegradable nappy liners (100 to a roll)
1 wet nappy bag
1 nappy bucket
1 nappy mesh

does that sound sensible? Are there any other things I need? I've never done this before - I've never changed a nappy in my puff - so I'm kind of in the dark here.

how old is you dc? I would ma be ahve more wraps but everything looks great, looks like you ahve it covered. Having said that, I'm new to reusables so don't take my word for it

This will at least act as a bump till someone who knows what they are talking about comes along

that should be fine - washable nappy liners are good too and cheaper in the long run.

Just be adamant and start using them straight away. Have you set up a nappy change area where you have everything to hand easily - barrier cream, pot of water for cleaning, roll of cotton wool, wipes to get meconium or very yucky poo off?

hey trinity - I don't have a dc yet but I will (hopefully!) after 7th April.

That's a good idea about the nappy changing area, buffy'smum - I hadn't thought of that but it does make sense to get organised sooner rather than later.

Minki huggle for night time. Why spoil your good day time work but using disp at night?

Washable wipes.

Yes it makes a big difference - cot top changers are good or changing unit and then somewhere nearby to put the stuff and I recommend a foot pedal bin - one for the nappies and one for the rubbish. If you breastfeed I'd try fleece liners as you breast poo smells ok and doesn't need to be flushed off down the loo. Once you get to the flushing off stage I kept my nappy bin in the bathroom so wet and dirty cold be dropped in together. I also have only ever dry pailed.

NAB - the only reason I was thinking of using disposables at night is because I'd heard they are less likely to leak and also that they're better at wicking moisture away from your baby's bum (thus ensuring your baby sleeps better) but I don't know how true that is. Or do you have any tips for using non-disposables for night-time?

buffy'smum - I will be bottle-feeding as I've had breast surgery and won't be able to breastfeed. Does this mean my baby's poo will smell worse? Also, what's dry pailing? (see, I really do know NOTHING)

dry pailing is when you just leave the used nappies in a nappy bucket/bin until you wash them - don't soak them in anything that kind of thing - just stick them straight in the washing machine.

Formula poo is more solid and does smell worse TBH! Breast poo is much more liquid with bits in it IYSWIM. Anyway flushable liners probably the best until you wean when it gets even more solid then fleece is good for flushing off!

thanks - this is all v. helpful stuff.

All I'd say is buy one pack of disposables to use in hospital and until all the meconium is out (it's horrible stuff!) then use your washables, treat yourself to one disposable at night until they've gone! Use washables straight away so you're not tempted to not bother IYSWIM.

It just becomes part of life if you use them straight away rather than switching to them weeks later.

MEOS are quite big on a newborn but you get used to it.

May be for the first couple of weeks you will have to use disposables. I know I did as I didn't have any nappies small enough but at night I just used my regular nappies. boosted, and moved to minki huggles once the baby got bigger. They are bomb proof. Mine cuurently has holes in it but still doesn't leak!!

another question, NABS: what's "boosting"?

boosting is adding padding to a nappy (a folded terry or you can buy boosters) for added absorbancy.
If you find nappies too big on a newborn use muslin squares folded like a terry under your wraps.

excellent: thank you!

Hello ,
i started using re-useables and they are fab, dont know if i have just been lucky, but no nappy rash yet, have jsut been v. brave and purchased a wet-bag (yes i know all you old hands are chortling behind your non plastic bags) so when we go out for the day or stay at grandmas we still use the re-usables. You will be amazed how much money you save cfed to disposables!

I'd definately recommend Bambineos for overnight - bamboo is far more absorbant than mother-ease cotton.

Also, if you buy the size 1s they fit really nicely from birth so are easier to change overnight than ME.

Definately get washable wipes, or tear up an old towel. You use plain water on them, then throw them in with the nappies so they take no more time or effort.

Emma

Robbosmum - there is no difference in the incidence of nappy rash in babies in sposies v cloth.

Scientifically proven fact

Emma

cheers m'a'c' im glad we havent got it (yet)
but it is soo much nicer thinking you have lovely natural fibres against skin rather than plastic (goes all sentimental emocion)

absolutely. As I always say - if you wouldn't wear plastic pants yourself, don't make your child wear them.

Emma

mmmm trying to think of someting witty about platic pants...... will log off i think

Platic pants? That's funny

Would deff say washable wipes, not only will you save a fortune your baby's bum will appreciate the lack of harsh chemicals. I would also go for a wool or fleece wrap for night use with a slightly more absorbant nappy.

fleece liners are much better than flush away liners.Only £3.oo for 10,and washable.well worth it

Another vote here for Minki Huggles at night! So cute! Mind you, we mainly used/use MEOS boosted at night. Use a stay-dry or fleece nappy or liner to help wicking moisture away from your baby's bum, or hemp or bamboo to absorb all the moisture. And trust us all, baby will sleep, or not, if they want to, wet or dirty!!!

Also, whilst I think MEOS are fabby ? they were rather large on my itty-itty 5lb ½ oz baby!!!! Hve you considered that for when baby arrives?

MEOS is a lazy way of saying Motherease One Size

And I only had 4 wraps to begin with too!