Tell me the difference between Tommee Tippie/Cotton Bottoms and mothercare smart nappies

[missmama]

I like the idea of the cotton bottoms but the mothercare smart nappies are the only ones I can physically get my hands on to play with in the shop, so they are the one that I have a working knowledge of IYSWIM.
Anything else I would have to buy online so would not get a chance to play with them first.

This will be my third baby, I am only 14wks but am trying to plan ahead as I used disposables with my other two, now 8 and 10.

Will probably buy on ebay so will not be able to return any for refund so I need to stick to the decision once it is made.

Cotton bottoms are a prefold and a wrap. Prefolds are flat rectangles that have extra layers in the middle for absorbancy. The wrap is made from polyurethane laminate (PUL) which is waterproof and fastens with velcro. You can fold the nappy in thirds and place it in the wrap and put the whole thing on like a disposable or you can fold the nappy into a fitted shape, fasten it with pins or a nippa onto the baby and then put the wrap over it. This works better for newborn poos IMO. You don't have to wash the wraps if there's no poo on them, just dry them out, so you would have something like 36 nappies and 6 wraps for a newborn.

Some ways to fold a prefold nappy: www.dy-dee.com/html/Folding/folding.html

Mothercare smart nappies are similar, but the mothercare wraps have a little hammock in so that you just fold the nappy in thirds and place it in the hammock. The wrap is softer than the CB wraps but I don't think it would hold poos in very well, you would end up changing the wrap every time. Also, the mothercare nappies have microfiber or something which I find hard to wash properly. Cotton bottoms wash nicer.

The Mothercare ones are attractive but I would go for a dozen CBs and 2 or 3 small wraps to see how you like them. If you don't use them as nappies they make great burp cloths, changing mats, wipes...

Sorry to be so long winded, hope that helps!

look here to see if you have a local nappy trial scheme or advisor. There are ways to get your hands on other brands before you buy and it is a good idea to do so. There is a cash incentive to go for cloth in your area - details are listing on this link too.

Why will you probably buy on ebay? There are far better sites for cloth nappy purchasing -some who will give you a refund if the nappy doesn't suit.

Smart nappies are prone to leaking IME and cotton bottoms are OK until your DC starts moving about.

Thanks all.
Haven't got time at the mo to go through it all, but you both look as though you have been thorough with me and I just wanted you to know I was still here and grateful for any info at all.

If you are after cotton bottoms then lots of sellers have the tommee tippee wraps very cheap on ebay atm. There are many brands of prefold nappy that you can buy cheaply to fit in the wraps.