What's the best nappy? It's all soooo confusing.

[Belgianchocolates]

Right, I used cotton nappies with ds and dd now 7 & 5. I bought my nappies when ds was a baby and used them with dd too. Now we're having another lo in May and I'm looking around for some good nappies. It looks like the range of nappies available has increased enormously in that time and I can't find anywhere a simple list of pros and cons for each fabric (cotton/terry toweling/bamboo/microfibre/hemp), because I really don't know what to go for.
The review of nappies on mumsnet is OK, but full of conflicting comments: e.g. one person says bamboo dries quicker than cotton the other says it doesn't.
Finally I want to know if anyone has found an all in one nappy yet that lasts 2 children. Our kushies didn't really and I ended up buying some more with dd. I liked all in ones to take along to nursery etc... for people who aren't used to reusable nappies. I found that the nappy+wrap system confused the nursery staff.
I've still got loads of time to find the right nappies, but I thought I'd find out if anyone knows a good website/shop in the West Midlands that has good info.
Thanks

Hi, i know what you mean. I'm still looking even though i am using the mothercare smart nappy system at the mo along with some other additions - sandys, fluffles and terry squares. Smart system not perfect but it's good. I have been ordering from here and they are in tamworth which is local for me and they seem pretty good price wise and delivery times are good too. They also offer good advice and an advisor service. Hope thats useful

There's a general chat thread which has some people who really know their stuff. Try posting there and if nothing else, will get a good range of opinions....

If you can get hold of a local real nappy agent they will meet with you and talk you through all the different options and most have trial kits with a few different nappies in that you can buy or hire so that you can try them out and see what suits as not all babies suit all nappies.

for the all-in-one option, something like a bumgenius pocket nappy, or a modern baby pop-in would be good for nursery/grandparents/husbands as, once assembled, they go on just like a disposable.

hth a little bit

In a nutshell, the more absorbent a fabric is, the longer it takes to dry. For instance, bamboo can take a very long time to dry, but punches above its weight as far as aborbency. Conversely, microfibre is quick to dry, but can be problematic if one doesn't change a nappy frequently.

As you know, a nappy system has a nappy and a wrap, but more recently, the trend is to have an 'all in one' which doesn't require a separate wrap. It's just like a disposable like daisyofchristmas points out and quite popular with others changing the baby. The downside is that one has to change the whole thing rather then with a nappy/wrap, one can re use the wrap and just change the nappy.

Also, as far as all in one, most are velcro fastening. The Bum Genius has had problems with the velcro which has gotten quite worn. I don't know of any all in ones that aren't velcro.

My personal favorite is Motherease Sandy's Organic Cotton, and also Bum Genius for out and about and as a good night time nappy.

HTH

BelgianChocolate - my situation is identical to yours so I will be interested to see the replies.

I had Ella's House (didn't like), Kissaluvs, Nappy Nation, Tots Bots and Fuzzi Bunz. I really like Fuzzi Bunz because they are so slim fitting.

I don't like disposables because I find the gel that comes out of them very dubious...

second vote for Motherease sandys -

My friend tried loads out and told me to buy these ones - I found them to be fab.

She said to buy - x small and then medium and then training pants - you don't need to buy every size! She was right! I did get an extra liner for after swimming and night time when dd got a bit older and I found these helpful too!

I have mainly tots bots bamboozle and flexi tots and also some bumgenius.

I have tried other such as wonderoos/ kissaluvs/bambinex/kushies but i don't like them for various reasons. (which im happy to sell if you want to try [email protected])

The bamboozle do take a bit longer to dry but i dont mind, I think they are very convenient

I also prefer the velcro ones rather than te poppers one, less too fuss.

Thanks for all your messages. I think I might go looking for a local real nappy agent. It's difficult to make a choice on just looking at websites and reading reviews. I think I just need to be able to have a look and a feel of all nappies out there before I make up my mind.

XS Sandy's are brilliant for newborns, I don't know what I would've done without them.

I've had 2 big 8 pounders though, so I think I wont need tiny nappies.

I second the recommendation of a nappy agent - you get to SEE the nappies, and feel them. I bought mine off an agent for babykind - see if they have anyone in your area.

Belgianchocolates My DD was 8lb 2oz at birth and only lost 4oz so was back up to birth weight very quickly, I don't know how heavy she was when I started using the XS Sandy's though as I started 3 weeks in. DD is a tall skinny mini though, no chunk to her at all. I found the S Sandy's massive (still too big now at 13 weeks) but Tots Bots velcro and Kiwi Quick Flips fitted ok although were a bit bulky.