Worth the money?

[oxcat1]

Expecting my first child, and prepared to shell out if nappies will work well and last!

Just wondering if Swaddlebees (particularly like the velour ones), Blueberries or Minkis are worth the money? They look nice, but I'm wondering if that's me assuming what I'd like to wear, rather than what will work best! Also, do these fleece nappies still work if bought second-hand?

Thanks.

I've had a second hand minki which was quite well used. It still worked as well as it always had I think but the shape didn't suit my LO so I sold it on again. The only thing I have noticed is that the aplix on them can go a bit curly after a while and not stick as well as a result. The fleece did it's job just as well - the fleece on the outside is just for show anyway - never understood that - just adds to the bulk, maybe I'm missing the point .

Haven't had a second hand velour swaddlebees but had a second hand, quite well used, pocket one which was fine.

I'm assuming you want your nappies to last more than one child - I would expect any nappy I bought new to last for at least one child (even if it was a birth to potty that got lots of use - after all that is what a btp should do).

Most wear IME seems to come from elastic stretched past it's limit or worn aplix. The elastic issue is going to be a problem with pocket nappies (and I think these tend to be the sort that have the shortest lifespan of all types). If the elastic goes with a pocket nappies you get leaks. My shaped nappies are thrid hand and all the elastic has 'gone' but they still work well and rarely leak onto the wrap - nothing gets past the wraps. I have heard some people say the bumgenius pocket nappies have a problem with the elastic going after time - new version out may have addressed this though. Tots bots will replace worn aplix for you. The PUL on pocket nappies can also deteriorate after time which could mean having to replace all your stash whereas, if you choose two part nappies, you only have to replace 4 wraps (or so) if your PUL deteriorates.

OK, prattling on now...will shut up

btw - have you thought of getting a nappy trial kit before you commit to one type? Also remember to check out if your local council gives a financial incentive to use cloth - many do.

hth

That should have said - bumgenius have had an issue with 'aplix' not 'elastic' going.

also totsbots will replace aplix on their nappies

sorry

blueberries are fantastic! I absolutely adore mine.
they seem better for absorbency and containment than my fuzzi bunz.
but apart from the cool colours and ease of use they aren't really any "better" than a regular terry square with a wrap over the top.
you're paying for a nappy that looks good and does its job well.
but you can get cheaper that will do the job as effectively

minkis I do like, though the sizing is HUGE on the standard ones and weirdly small on the slinki version. they are quite bulky, but make good nighttime nappies for older ones.

swaddlebees are nice, though a lot of people find the narrowness can be aprob, though we haven't had any leaks with heavy wetting ds2.

again though, you're really paying for what the nappy looks like.

motherease one size are fantastic IMO, as are sandys. you can chuck a booster in if you need more absorbency

Have to say I was so disappointed by the Swaddlebees. I bought loads - they look so pretty - but i've given up. DD isn't a heavy wetter but they leak round the leg. That velour just seems to spread out the wet - to the leg - and the inside fabric isn't fully covered by the covering. Also I've noticed wet pouring through the stitching - where the PUL fabric is attached to the velour lining. Just not happening for me at all.

LOVING the new Bumgenius....slinky, easy and great for out and about. Bit ££ but as another DC on the way - I just don't care No big bum issues - so all her clothes fit. But for home I have my 'workhorse' Motherease with a Nature Babies wrap - it's a winning combo for us. And I love the cute Nature Babies wrap designs and popper system. I make my own thin fleece liners - nicer than the paper - and it all goes in the bucket. So easy

I have just one (sized, popper fastening)blueberry, and it is fab; I'd get a load of them if I was starting from scratch. They seem incredibly comfy for the baby, never leave marks on the thighs. I bought it new, they are hard to find second-hand.
I have bought second-hand nappies though, and they are all grand. When I started out with washables, I never imagined I'd ever buy them second-hand, but you get into a re-usable mind-set and before you know it..
I have some organic cotton velour swaddlebees which I love, but the kind you need a wrap with, not the pockets. I seem to have gleaned anecdotally that the pockets can be leaky if your lo isn't exactly the right shape for them

I'd have to agree that bumgenius don't age so well. Mine were bought new, aren't very old and do look a tad shoddy around the velcro. Nothing beats fuzzis in that area imo

ahh yes, my swaddlebees aren't the pocket ones, they need a wrap.
love them

I had the pocket swaddlebees and found them such a pain to stuff because of the narrowness between the legs. And as soon as my ds grew and changed shape they didn't suit him as well and leaked.

Haven't tried blueberries. I had a slinki minki which was so cute, quite bulky so we only really used it at night but very cute and worked a treat. Kept his skin so nice and dry.