the basics of using reuseable nappies as am very confused!

[miarosemum]

am considering starting to use reuseables on my dd as is now 12 months and i dread to think how much money i have spent on disposables this 1st year (and the effect on the environment obviously!) very confused about all the different brands, what boosters are, what liners are all about, what are wraps? etc help me!

The information is overwhelming isn't it?

I remember feeling like this too.

2 suggestions:

Perhaps look at a website (but limit yourself to one or two or you may get more confused!) The nappylady is good.

See if you can get to a "Nappacino" or similar - your local NCT group may put you in touch with someone who does something like this. Basically a coffee morning run by someone who knows all about reusables and will bring samples and demonstrate to you.

thanks, do you think it is worth it in the long run saving money and are they as good as containing any poo's as disposables!

I think they are better than disposables for poo containment as the best type (imo) is a 2 part nappy - i.e the nappy and a wrap (basically the pants that go over the top).So if the poo leaks out of the nappy it still has the wrap containing it. You would probably want to use a flushable liner and if your dd poos you just flush the whole liner away.

Money wise if you buy brand new reusables with a 12 month old, the savings may not be great, (probably minimal) especially if you potty train fairly early. However if you buy some second hand (try wanted ads on here perhaps?) and go on to have other children then financially you will of course save more. I also save money buy using washable baby wipes most of the time. When you work out how much you probably spend on normal wipes there are big savings to be made!

I guess it depends on your beliefs about these issues - and your financial situation.(e.g. is the environmental issue more of a priority than financial for you?)

I have two dds and used reusables from 5 months the first time round. Just started using them on dd2 at around 6 weeks of age.

I'm off to bed soon but will check again tomorrow in case you have asked me anything else

have just been on 'the nappy lady' website as you said and have given my details so they can get hold of a local nappy expert who can come and do a demo for me apparently! thank you very much, it all makes a bit more sense now (i think!) but might bother you again to check which brands are best...

I would second reusables for the poo containment!

I am newish to reusables and they do take a bit of getting used to, but it does get easier. I would also recommend buyign some second hand to see if you get on with them, and I am still buying more as am still deciding the brand I prefer!
Good luck

Great advice from clur79.

I am not an expert and there are loads of types of nappies I know nothing about! (e.g "stuffable nappies.) Also I bought most of mine 3-4 years ago and there have been lots of developments since then. I think it will make a lot more sense to you when a real live person shows you the options. All the stuff on the internet can get a bit confusing.

Personally I would avoid an "all in one" type as they imo are less reliable and more prone to leaking.

I use Motherease shaped nappies which have a snap in booster for when the baby is bigger. I also have some Tots Bots (aplix fastening -aplix is like velcro). Tots Bots are gorgeous and very popular but can look a bit bulky and take a long time to dry. (of course if you dry with a tumble drier you spend more money on electricity). The wraps that suit my dds the best are the airflow Motherease - popper fastening. Personally I didn't get on so well with the Rikki Wraps (aplix).

i have been looking at the kushies as they are all in one and look a bit easier to use, but you say they may be prone to leaking, think i might buy some cheap on ebay or of classified on here, rather than spend loads of money 1st of and see how i get on. thank you clur79 and onepieceoflollipop(great name by the way!)

Much much better for poo containment.

My main advice is to get some tailored advice - either the nappy lady, or there are a few of us in the MN small business section who offer free advice.

If you can find someone local who will give you a demonstration then that is even better - you can see and feel the various nappies and get your head round which are best for you.

Our local council has just started hiring out sampler kits for free so it might be worth contacting yours in case they do the same.

I almost put 'taster' kits at first but then thought better of it!

oo how exciting - i 2nd all of the above and yes gettign your hands on some fluff is a big help but failing that some tailor made adivse of some of us lovely mumsnetter cloth advisors is always a help . Hang out here a while and you will soon get the hang of it all. Tis so much better than sposies imho, just this morning at 4am (i had been out) so dh put boy in a sposie for bed and he did a mega poo which leaked out allover his fleece pj's - combined with a big wee and the chemicals in the said offending garment i was positivly wretching! Im a big fan of pocket nappies which i find so easy and recommend you try a few different types as being older you could get away with a pocket system easily. Have fun!

I knew that others would come along with more up to date advice. e.g. nappyzone's advice and info from Flamesparrow. I didn't know there were mumsnet cloth advisors - that's brilliant.

Sympathy re the leaky nappy nappyzone btw. We had the same - all over a snazzy new babygro which I have washed by hand so the stains didn't set! Those of us that have been "converted" quickly realise that it is far preferable to wash a wrap than a whole outfit if there is a leakage.

you are all full of such fab advice to a newbie like me! what is a pocket nappy though nappyzone? also been looking on my local council website and i can apply for a £50 voucher through the 'london real nappy scheme'? never realised that all this support and help was out there

ooo im just applying there to be registered - saying that i dont expect it to happen overnight especially been as though the forms been on my desk for about 6 months lol! Pocket nappies go on like a sposie using aplix or poppers - go on as one piece then when its 'done' you remove the soaker or insert that goes in the pocket and wash - being two parts for washing they tend to dry quickly - then you restuff after washing and they are ready to go on again. There are oodles on my site if you want to see what i mean.

Intrigued... applying to be registered for what?

flamesparrow, if you live in london you can apply for a £50 voucher towards the cost of reuseables if you live in certain boroughs, i will go look now at the website name as can't remember, i have sent my details off today and should maybe get my voucher next week!

flamesparrow webside address is 'www.realnappiesforlondon.com' very helpful on there. although of course you ladies are the ones full of experience!

ooo flamey just saw this - drop me a line and i will fill you in...