choices and systems

[plooper]

Can you please help me.

I need to have more info on nappy systems.

Firstly.

I have no tumble dryer.
I am very busy.
Cost is not so much an issue, but it does factor (like not majorly expensive)

I could end up with a c-section and tend to have large babies.

Could anyone tell me what they use, what parts they need and how frequent they need sizing up.

And how do you clean them what stages do you go through.

I am a complete novice.

Thanks

Oooh yay, a nappy advice thread

Ok, personally I prefer 2-part nappies (where you use a fitted nappy and a waterproof wrap). I find them more reliable than pockets.

If you don't have a tumble drier then you should avoid bamboo nappies as they take a long time to dry. I also find hemp slow to dry too. So if i was you I'd stick to cotton or microfibre.

Microfibre nappies like fluffles and bambinex teddies will dry really quickly (though they aren't natural fibres). It would be handy to have a couple.

I'd also suggest you had a few bamboo nappies for overnight as they are more absorbant then any others IME. (number you'd need would depend on how often you'll wash them)

For the cheap-ish option I'd suggest using muslin squares or terry squares when your baby is first born, there's many folds you can use and you can fasten them with nappy nippas. Then I'd go on to a size 2 nappy (some of these can be folded over when the baby is small and they still work well or you could have a look at birth to potty nappies, tho they can be complicated at first)

For wraps I'd recommend the motherease rikki and airflow wraps (not the prettiest but by far the best)

As for how I wash etc. Depends really, sometimes I dry pail the nappies (basically chuck them in a nappy bucket then into the washer, do a rinse cycle then a proper wash at 40. Other times I wet pail then just do A WASH. (oops sorry for caps)

\have to admit i tend to use the tumble drier at the mo, line dry in summer.

I use fleece liner (buy a cheap fleece blanket e.g. from ikea and chop it to the size of the inside of the nappies iyswim)

Also use washable wipes (chopped up towels) with a spray bottle containing cooled camomile tea.

HTH

also use half the recommended amount of washing powder and no softener.

er......exactly what nappymadmummy said .

If you don't want to be messing about with different nappies and finding some don't suit just stick with the two parters - you really can't go wrong with them plus a motherease wrap, the wrap is important.

Avoid hemp if you don't have a tumble drier. Bamboo is slow to dry but stays soft very nicely without any tumble drying, terry can crisp up a bit if you have hard water and no tumbler (but not really bad usually). I would say if cost is not a huge issue and you like bamboo nappies then just buy a few more than you would cotton to allow for some to be drying. Microfibre comes out of the wash almost dry but can be bulky in some nappies.

Good two part nappy suppliers include Totsbots (used by many), Little Lamb (just as good but cheaper and only velcro closing), Easy Peasy (cheap too and good quality), Lollipop. Motherease also do a two part nappy - I'm not a big fan think they aren;t absorbant enough if you have a heavyish wetter.

Totsbots - do what nappymadmummy said - go for squares then stright to size 2
Little Lamb - Two sizes change at about 9 months
Easy Peasy Bumbles - Birth to potty so only need to buy the one. These are really good IMO
Lollipop - Two sizes change at about 9 months
MOtherease - Birth to potty.

Look and see what financial incentives your local council offer you and see if you have a local nappy project who can lend you nappies to trial before you go out and buy (no pressure to buy), they also give impartial advice on what is best for you. Lollipop nappies have agents all over the UK and will do demonstrations too.

Lots of nappy advisors on here too, me, flame and nappyzone plus others probably too- look in the classifieds section to find their shops or email for more detailed advice

essay over...sorry

Go for terries! You won't et anything cheaper or more flexible than a good old terry. The bamboo ones are the slimest fitting things around and ou can still get some good old funky nappies in there with a few bright bots! They also dry very quickly. I don't own a tumble drier.

Motherease wraps are def the best (and the only thing you will need different sizes of though you only need 4 in each size)

I used cotton nappies from "Schmidt natural clothing". Nappies are all one size. Outers come in different sizes but I only used one size. I bought 2 of them, which was enough. I don't have a tumble dryer, and managed fine by putting them on a pulley rack overnight in winter; on the washing line in a day in summer.

Thanks ladies.