real nappies vs disposables

[Holly290505]

My dp (despite not yet experiencing the reality of nappy changing!) is very keen on using real nappies when our first baby is born. I have had experience of them briefly as a nanny a while ago and it was a pain. I know where he's coming from on the eco-front but is it practical? And if so how does one go about getting the right system going etc? All debate greatefully read!

What do you need for cloth nappies?
I know you need liners, and then people recommend the nappies eg totsbots but whats a wrap for?

catgirl- yes, i have only found one other place on the web that sells nappy nation, which could be why they aren't so popular.

lunavix- the wrap is a thinnish, waterproof outer layer that stops the nappy from leaking.
Some nappies are all-in-one which means they have the wrap attached, so you don't need separate layers.

Thanks everyone - have read with interest! The whole idea of all the different systems is mind-boggling but am very excited to find out there is such a thing as an eco-disposable nappy! Have ordered come free samples from spirit of nature to see what we (esp DP!) think! They have wipes and nappy sacks too which is great :-)

Pootlepod - I am only 24 - my nannying days were only a few short years ago (although it feels like a lifetime...ohmygodi'mgoingtohaveababy-thisyear!!)

holly- I am 24 too! I feel far too young to be having a baby and being all responsible!
do you find a lot of people are really surprised when you say you're considering using cloth nappies?

starlover/holly - I'm 21! Everytime people talked about cloth nappies I thought it was so old fashioned lol now here I am

good for you lunavix! it's expensive to start with, but the savings you make in the long run are huge!

our local council are doing £30 cashback for people who use cloth nappies, and just before christmas they started giving out starter packs worth £100, but your baby already had to be born.
Mine is due on tuesday so hoping they still have some left!

you should check and see if your council are running anything similar

That's a good idea... I'll ask

I should have said, I am in West Sussex... so if you're round here then you're in luck! LOL

Holly,
I am a sad, sad, nappy bore as my dh, dm and anyone else who hears me will testify.
And No, there is no real nappy clique as I saw suggesetd very recently on this site!!
I think you will find that there are many who LOVE their real nappies and I don't think you will find anyone who really loves their disposable nappies. This really says something.
I was advised, and I think this was sensible, that it may be difficult to get used to real nappies and a baby at first as give yourself a chance and wait atleast 6 weeks until everything settles down.
Also please don't start with pre-folds (cotton bottoms), it is saddening the amount of people that give up with real nappies because they don't get on with them.
I use totsbots and bumbles, try them!
Goodluck

I Pamper my baby, and am very happy with my choice.

Waswondering

but do you luuurve Pampers like we love our Tots? ?

I used Nappy Nations, too, but found that dd grew out of her size 2s much quicker than her Tots. We can still get a Tots2 on her at 3 (but she is v. skinny!).

We changed over to cloth when ds was 16 months and haven't looked back. We use totsbots and ME wraps.

One of the things I LOVE is washable wipes. Ds didn't get on well with wipes (and they cost a fortune). We'd use them when out and about, but they did tend to make his skin red and sore so we generally used cotton wool and lotion/water which was such a hassle. When I changed over to washables, I used face cloths and water for wipes which is fine because I've got the nappy bucket to toss them into afterwards. Much easier than cotton wool.

One of the things I HATE is changing a dirty cloth nappy out and about as ideally you want changing surface, loo and sink near each other and this doesn't always happen. You also end up with a huge stinky nappy to cart home with you...

Kushies during the day... tesco's own at night. never looked back.....

Starlover - haven't really discussed it anywhere else as I don't know anyone my age having babies (my friends still think we're far too young (dp will be 34 and I will be 25 just after baby is born!!)
MIL thinks real nappies are a daft idea but I guess she had to put up with the old fashioned ones! Really loving idea of eco-disposables though.

starlover - I still FEEL too young though! But I bet you do at any age really!

when's baby due holly?

29th May :-) I think it'll be late though because dp's b'day is 6th June and Mine is 16th. Have a funny feeling we'll all be close together (although 29th May is quite close) Three geminis - does that mean they'll be six of us in this family?!

aww, that's cool. although, gets very expensive having so many birthdays so close!
mine is due next tuesday (25th).. but hoping it'll come sooner!

Hi sorry to but in - i'm 24 in Feb and i have two babes. Was 21 when dd was born although nearer to 22. Our bdays are close to gether - best that way dfet them all over and done with (incl xmas) then rst of year to save. My dh is 10/01/53, ds is 12/01/05, dd is 02/02/03 and mine 19/02/81! So two capricorns 1 aquarian and one best bits of aquarius and best bit of pices(thats me!) Sorry for interupting I'll go hide in a hole now....

No miss print btw dh really is 28years older than me !

Hippi -feel free! And congrats on your new ds :-)