Dummy's guide to reusable nappies - help!

[Firsttime86]

Hi,
I have been doing lots of research on reusable nappies and I am totally confused, I don't understand what all the bits are and need a really simple guide. Every site I go on seems to be different, so if anyone can help me that would be great!
Thank you
Em

Try this one, www.croydonrealnappies.org.uk/faqs-links/

It’s much easier than you might think, honestly! I was totally overwhelmed at the start of my pregnancy but by 30 weeks had worked it all out, purchased and prewashed everything I needed! I’m just waiting for baby to appear now! I’d thouroughly reccomend joining some cloth nappy Facebook groups and using thenappylady website as a guide.

What is it that you are struggling with?

I used them with my three DC (they were all in nappies at the same time so it saved me a FORTUNE) and will be doing this time.

Personally I love the brand Tots Bots, they are my favourite. It’s an ‘all in one’ system so you don’t need to add anything additional (unless you have a heavy wetter then you can stuff them with a booster). They’re the easiest kind and also have really cute patterns. I also like the brands Bambino Mio and Bumgenius for the same reasons.

There are ‘two part systems’ which are either a terry nappy (usually have Velcro now instead of a pin) and a waterproof wrap on the outside or sometimes people use a Muslin cloth tied with a nappy pin and put a waterproof wrap on the outside. I did try these when mine were tiny babies but they were faffy.

I used disposable liners at first (Boots and also tots bots sell these) because newborn poops are not flushable 😷 so would bin the liner. When they weaned and their poops became solid, I switched to reusable liners (from ebay) and would simply tip the poo down the loo.

I had about 15 nappies per child and washed every other day. Just washed with regular non-bio powder but NO SOFTENER as it ruins them. Air dried on a clothes horse, the Tots Bots ones dry almost instantly.

HTH .

I love out reusable nappies but you're right there are so many kinds! And different ones suit different children. There's a website called babipur that sell loads of types and also have written some guides on their blog

So -
Reusable nappies need an absorbent bit and a waterproof cover.
There are All in Ones (AIO) and 2 part nappies.
All in ones are as they sound - the absorbent bit and waterproof cover are all one piece. They come with velcro tabs, and are similar to a disposable nappy to use.

With 2 part nappies, the absorbent bit (inner) and the waterproof outer (wraps) are separate and you can mix and match brands. They can be cheaper than AIOs because you don't need as many outers as inner. You can mix and match brands to some extent too. The inners could be a whole "disposable" shape nappy, or could be a pad that fits into a pocket on the outer. These are called pocket nappies.

I used Tots Bots 2 part nappies to with DS. Then I sold them because we weren't going to have any more children. Then I used Tots Bots AIOs with DD, because we changed out minds about more children and Mothercare were selling off the AIOs really cheap (50% off and 3 for 2).

TBH I preferred the convenience of AIOs, but 2 parters dry more quickly when you wash them.

On top of all this, there are liners (to lift out poo and flush away), which are either flushable or fleece. Using them or not is a personal choice.

Lost of great advice and products at The Nappy Lady.

Good luck and have fun.

If you're not sure about reusable nappies, or like a bargain, google and see if there are any NCT Nearly New sales coming up near you, The Autumn ones will be coming in Sept/Oct, and they always seem to have barely used cloth nappies. Also check your local authority website, some do (or at least used to) do grants for cloth nappies.

I did the same as Mousefunky. Used all in ones with disposable liners when they were little. Stuffed with extra boosters overnight. Tots bots etc are great but I also had some eBay cheapies which were fine.

I would get a few different sorts to start with and see what you get on with best.

Hi, sorry for the delay I couldn't find this post for ages. Thank you so much for all of your advice.
I've been told by some people that they smell constantly no matter how much you wash them, is that true?
Also I'm a bit worried about the whole get a few to try thing as I was hoping to have it all sorted for when they get here instead of trying to sort it when they have arrived! That probably sounds really weird I know.