just got reusables (Bumgenius), is there anything I should know?

[tasmaniandevilchaser]

hi, just got some Bumgenius with my voucher, don't really know what I'm doing. E.g. just saw on a thread that you shouldn't use a barrier cream with them, would never have known that. Is there anything I else I should know?

Also what temp should I wash them at? (dd is 8 mths) a) if they're just wet and b) if soiled. It says 60 degrees, but does everyone do that if they're just wet?

Sorry if these are really basic questions, it's all new to me

Well you'll probbaly be washin wet and soiled ones together. I wash at 40 with Clean and Fresh sanitiser, but 60 is prob fine too. Separate inners from outers before putting in bucket.

Don't soak - drypail.

Use only 1/3 to 1/2 recommended amount of detergent.

Don't use any fabric condiioner / softener.

Don't bother with paper liners - they just wrinkle up between the baby's legs!

Definitley no cream of any sort.

There's probabbly loads more, but this is what I've thought off the topof my head.

Don't use barrier cream unless you use a separate liner (fleece or disposible liners)

Don't use fabric conditioner (Bold 2-in 1 is ok though as it is a clay based softener)

Fine to wash at 40 at wet or soiled (Some recommend was at 60 if baby is under about 3mths or using on more than 1 baby to kill any bugs)

You don't need to soak in any nappy cleansers, some can actually damage waterproofing and elastic over time.

Paper liners not needed with breastmilk poo, however highly recommended for weaning poo. Mio liners are flushable and help a lot.

40 is enough, sunlight gets out the nastiest stains, and you can use white vinegar for softening purposes, but you actually don't need to in my experience.

Store them dry in a wet bag until you need to wash - no need for a bucket unless you soak - which you don't with BG.

Fold back the tabs on the velcro when washing to protect them.

You can boost the microfibre inserts supplied with them by adding other inserts.

I found my Bumgenius were prone to leaking with just the microfibre inserts so I added a bamboo booster too. The combination works very well.

this is all great stuff, thanks!

One more (probably dimwitted) question - do I need to wash them before first use? I am in the habit of doing this with all her clothes, not even sure why, my Mum told me to do it

Yes at least one pre-wash is needed to make them absorbent and fluff up the fibres.

Washing stuff before first use also gets rid of factor residue.

I don't think vinegar is great for pockets and I'm pretty sure BG advise no vinegar - in fact, I think using it invalidates your guarantee.

Which setting do you use to tumble dry the nappies and inserts?

LO is due in Feb and I will not be able to line dry them for a while or to be able to dry them into the house as it's far too damp.

Many thanks for your wise advices

Meant to say factory back then of course.

BumGenius advise you to line dry but I do tumble my inserts once in a blue moon. Don't do the outers though - they dry very quickly and the heat will kill the laminate very quickly. Advice from BG here.