Reusable nappies

[Nc1468]

Hiya
My DS is 5 months and we've just decided to give reusable nappies a try. I wondered if anyone could give me any idea on how many I should get? I've ordered 8 but no idea if this is enough! Any advice would be great!

I have 5 which is enough for a day but then I have a day when I am washing/drying them, so am aiming to build my stash to between 10 and 12 at whcih point I should be able to use cloth full time.

I probably have about 15 and spare pads as the pads can take longer to dry and I double them up at night.

It's a start. I'd try a nappy library or a Facebook group selling 'preloved' ones so you can try various styles and see what suits best. I found I could get about 15 in a load, so two-three days and a few to use while that lot dried, but every washable used is one less in landfill, so if sometimes you run out, so be it.

If you do a small load every day it might be enough - and until they're on solids can just mix with normal laundry (can after that, too, unless there's a really icky pooey one).

Part of the consideration of having ‘enough’ is how you’re going to wash them. If you have a high efficiency machine, then the machine depends on being reasonably full in order to effectively clean the clothes. So you can’t just wash a small load of nappies. You would either have to add in non nappy items to make up a full load (and some people don’t like the idea of mixing normal clothes with dirty nappies), or you’d have to have enough nappies to make up the full load

I have 20 day nappies and 5 night and that’s good for alternative day washing. I could possibly managed on 15 day.

I’d recommend trying a few types though and doing The Nappy Lady questionnaire as that will suggest best ones for your baby and circumstances.
www.thenappylady.co.uk/advice-questionnaire.html

I’d also agree with a pp to try a few different types and brands. I thought I wanted a ai2, but in fact now have a strong preference for aio’s after using cloth nappies for 3 years

Different nappies will suit different babies based on body type. Plus you’ll just naturally find some easier to use compared to others.

Don't order any more until you've tested those ones for a while (just use your current disposables when they are in the wash). I had to try countless types and brands to find what worked for my super pee-er! In hindsight, though, I wish I'd gone with terry squares with some decent wraps from the start, if that helps you at all! I tried all manner of all-in-ones but only one brand really worked for us and it was one of the most expensive (an American import) so I mostly bought them second hand. I never did find anything that worked great at night despite trying for a LONG time, so after putting myself through hell of many needless night time wake ups and sheet changes, I ended up using reusables all day (except at nursery when I went back to work part-time) and disposables at night. You'll need to find out what works for you. They are great though and can be sold on afterwards or used again if you have another. Still using the reusable wipes with my pre-schooler.

Good start is any local nappy library where you can try various types or The nappy lady questionnaire which according to your personal circumstances gives you an idea of what sort of nappies will suit you and your household and how many you will need.
We have around 20 day nappies and 5 night nappies with wraps for night time and wash every other day.
We have mix of pockets, all in two and all in one and they all work for us. There is a few fb groups for buying and selling preloved nappies too which is very helpful if on budget and want to try various brands.
Well done for giving it a try, we moved to reusables 6 months ago and never looked back.