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Thinking of going to reusables. Please don't laugh but how does it work...?

11 replies

ihavenewsockson · 03/11/2008 21:25

DS is 11mths and has his poo at same time every day. disposables cost a fortune and i'm trying to be green.

but i have no idea where to start with reusables!!

I've seen the starter packs at MC etc. Should i start off with that?

is it just like an outer nappy and then the inner one you throw away or do you wash all of them? do people still use the folding terry ones ? (they frighten me!)

Any advice would be much appreciated!

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mumblecrumble · 03/11/2008 22:39

Hi!

Resuables rock! Personally I wouldn;t spend loads on a starter pack untill you've tried a few perhaps.

We use terries and find them mega cheap, last from birth to potty and the wraps look fab.
I have (though collected over the last year mainly from ebay):

3 lidded buckets [approx fiver each]
5 laundry meshes [so you don't have to touch the mappies]
30 terry squares 9approx 1.50 each)
6 water proof wraps (personally like poppers nature baby ones like this
Nappy pins
a large wooden spoon for getting crap off nappies....

To put on:
fold nappy using a fold we found on tinternet thatsadjustable for all ages

put on lovely baby and pin on (much easier than it sounds after a little ppractise

pop over wrap that fastens like disposable

Make sure all terry bit is tucked in

Before washing:

Poo - jiggle over toilet till main soiling comes off and is flushed away. Put in one of buckets on water in bath away from dd. Jiggle with spoon and add tea tree or napisan. Drain off water in toilet before popping in washing machine...

Wee - pop in buckets lined with mesh next to changing mat (also use scraps of old clothes as resualble wipes that go in here too)

I find I fill 2 wee buckets and one poo bucket every 3 days. This is one load of washing. (though I usually bung in other towels too)

Washing:

Personally I use part ecover (friendly to environment) and part soda crystals (cheap as muck and make ecover extra good) on 60 degree wash (40 if just wee. No softener to keep them absorbant.

Bung in washing machine. To dry I personally hang on airer (they fit 26n nappies and 4 wraps on a normal airer....) then 20 minutes in tumble dryer in winter. They take about 2 days to dry in autumn with no tumbling.

I store mine in a pillow case that is tied onto cot and it beautifully matches the bedding....

Nusery: They pop nappies into little bags same as they would disposables except mine come home and are FREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Best of luck!!!! Maybe buy a couple and try one a day...?

mumblecrumble · 03/11/2008 22:44

oooooooh - a good website is twinkle

Ebay has wraps often at less than half rrp...

some good folds....... nappy lady

we like the jo fold - much easier than it looks!

ihavenewsockson · 03/11/2008 22:44

Thanks for getting back to me- you are right about trying a few. the coucil are offering a startter pack and i want to make sure i get on with them before buying a load.
DC2 due in feb so they will get lots of use!
have you used the motherease ones?

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ready4anotherCoffee · 04/11/2008 01:05

motherease are good, I used them on my first 2, and liked them. They are easy to put on, dry respectably quickly on lines or rads.

Then I discovered pockets....

A good place to look for 2nd hand is the used nappy co

mybabywakesupsinging · 04/11/2008 02:57

We also use flat nappies - use nappy nippas to hold them on they are much easier than sharp pins imo. Also like Jo fold not too bulky round the legs.
2 part systems - nappy and wrap over the top - are probably more adjustable.
Bamboo is great - very absorbent but does take longer to dry even if a flat square.
If you don't want to fold have a look at eco-bumbles from easypeasy they are very cheap and you can stuff them with whatever. We use them for convenience when out and as a night nappy stuffed with enormous amounts of cloth...
Fleece liners are great pre-weaning. You can cut out your own.
Paper liners are great post-weaning - save a yucky job - and you can put them through the machine and reuse them if you want.

Best wishes with dc2

ihavenewsockson · 04/11/2008 10:16

it all sounds so technical with liners and poppers and pockets!!
i'm going to get perhaps one or two of each and see how we get on.
i'm feeling all green

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Anglepoise · 04/11/2008 11:54

Might be some useful replies here

I use shaped nappies, which are just like disposables except you wash them and use them again!

moocowme · 04/11/2008 20:45

you can always make your own reusables

ihavenewsockson · 04/11/2008 22:41

the twinkle website is fantastic so much good advice.
thank you ladies! i will be scouring the for sale boards to try some out.

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Theladyevenstar · 05/11/2008 09:47

sorry to jump in here but I have a lot of nappies for sale if you are interested please mail me on

[email protected]

ihavenewsockson · 05/11/2008 10:02

have mailed you

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