I have a couple of reusable nappy questions ... can anyone help?

[lollipopmother]

I am planning on using reusables but I don't really understand some of the terminology.

Firstly, I've used The Nappy Lady site and it's been suggested that I try the Bumble birth to potty nappy. I was wondering whether there really is a saving when buying these - do they realistically last for a couple of years, or will I want to buy some new ones after a year or so (ie when you would normally be buying the next size up and therefore be getting brand new nappies/material)?

Also - with the nappies that are fleece-lined I've seen that you don't put a paper insert in. Does this mean that you just scrape the poo straight into the loo instead of it being done in a flushable liner? And is this better or worse than using the liner?

I'm sure these are very easy questions but my brain is currently the consistency of custard and I can't make head nor tail of it! (I'm due at the start of Sept so I've got some time to get my head round it!!)

I would try out a few different nappies first to see what suits your baby best - some sites offer a selection pack. It's best not to buy all of the same kind. I used a motherease one size (same as a birth to potty) and it was ok, but not my favourite. I think I bought 2 of 4 different kinds to start off with.

I still use a paper liner even with fleece lined nappies - it's not so messy scraping poo off. You don't have to - it's whatever you prefer. Lots of paper liners are flushable.

no silly questions.
you'll have more I'm sure!

They do last well and the easy peasy range is a really canny range. I woul imagine they will last. Your tempatation to buy others depends on how controlled you are i suppose! I personally used 2 parters for ermmm about a week then swiftly discovered pockets where my love now lies. Yes just flip out the solids - any bf poo would just absorb in and can be chucked straight inthe washer. Liners are a personal choice - sometimes people find they just act like a channel to send up lo back but then i suppose again that depends on the quality of the paper liner. Another thing to forget imho.

Bumgenius are fab.....

Flame and I (me beig Nappyzone and Flame Bumfluff) are both listed in te small business ads on mumsnet and would both be happy to give oodles of free advice. If you want to drop me a line feel free ...

That's very good advice from both of you, thanks! Nappyzone, I expect you shall be hearing from me shortly!

Look fwd to it!!

I think two-parters are the best as well - they dry really quickly, which is a real advantage.

My advice would also be not to worry about reusables for the first few weeks, as you've got enough on your plate, and you won't know how big/small your baby is. The reusuables don't tend to fit newborns brilliantly, but by the time they're 6 weeks or so, you should be fine.
Liners - I only used them once my babies were weaned and the poos were a bit more solid. Milk poos are fine to go straight into the washing machine.

And I thought babykind was a great website/service. You can buy different types of nappies from them, use them, and then send 1 of each type back that you didn't like for a 70% refund. So you actually get to try them out!

Finally - washable wipes are also the best thing ever invented. You can clean a bum with just one washable wipe, rather than handfulls of cotton wool, or several baby wipes. Just pop them in the wash with the nappies. And you're also saving a heap of money on those too.

Good luck with everything!

Nibbs I've seen mention of those washable wipes - do you have to put lotion on them or are they essentially a flannel?

they're essentially a flannel (in fact I use flannels)
I just put water on them, no lotion, and don;t leave them soaking in special solutions like some do

yep - just like a little flannel. the ones I've got are fleecy and soft on one side and more like a flannel on the other (good for getting off dried-on poo, weetabix, snot etc!)
and yes, I just use water, it's really all you need. and better for baby's bottom too.

nappylady also recommended me Bumble birth to potty nappies which were just too huge to use on a newborn IMO.

Have you checked what reusable nappy subsidies/schemes your local council offer? Could be a good way to try some different types on the cheap?

Thanks for the tip on the schemes, I checked the internet and they don't make any mention of a scheme in my area but I am going to phone them to make sure.