Selecting a nappy system

Reason for selecting cloth nappies:-

Economy

If you feel confident using real nappies then the most economical solution is either the traditional terry square in either cotton or bamboo fabric plus the cheapest wraps to contain the moisture.

If you are new to cloth nappies and don't feel quite ready for the old fashioned ways then try one of the economy Diddy Diaper nappies from Nature Babies (starting at £4.99). These are the cheapest shaped cotton nappies and are so easy to fit. You will need to purchase wraps as well but as the wraps will last more than one nappy change you do not need as many. These nappies are fastened using pins or nappi nippas.

We recommend Tots Bots for larger babies or Nature Babies wraps for the smaller ones.

Use either disposable or fleece liners. Also consider investing in washable wipes to save even more money on disposable items such as wipes and cotton wool.

Environmental

Bamboozle from Tots Bots or Bamboo Lovable from Nature Babies are also an ecologically sound choice as the production of bamboo does not require the use of pesticides or fertilisers. It is unbelievably soft and luxurious. Many of the all in one or combination nappies have bamboo boosters.

Either use bio-degradable liners or fleece washable liners and washable wipes to reduce the waste generated by your household.

Kinder to skin

The Bamboo nappies are perfect as they are naturally anti-bacterial and super soft on the skin.  The fleece liners are also lovely and easy to use.  Finally a fleece wrap adds the extra level of softness that makes disposable nappies seem like a punishment for your precious baby.  Of course any of the washable nappies are kinder for your baby than the disposable options.  As they say... it's a no-brainer!

Sized or Birth to Potty

We usually recommend using sized or terry nappies for babies under 4 months but after then birth to potty nappies come into their own.  There are many types to choose from, either stuffable for quick drying such as the bumGenius or all in one such as the Easy Fit for ease of use or the hybrid such as the Itti Bitti Tutto which has removable stuffing if you want to or you can just use it like an all in one nappy.

If you do not have access to a tumble drier then the pocket nappies are the best way forward. Choose either the nappies that require a wrap like the Lovable by Nature Babies. Remember that wraps can be used 3 or 4 times before needing a wash (depending on leaks) so you do not need as many as the nappies. For a complete system choose the bumGenius or Nature Babies stuffable nappies which include the outer cover and therefore don't need a wrap

If you are just doing it for the fun factor then go wild and combine the best funky nappies from Tots Bots, Nature Babies, bumGenius or Itti Bitti. Your baby will look so cute there will be no going back!

How Many?

If you plan to wash every 2 days or so (average) then you will need around 12 - 15 nappies plus about 6 wraps as a minimum or 12-15 stuffable nappies.  If you choose to use disposables at night or days out then this should be sufficient.  It all depends on how soggy and messy your baby will get.  The number of nappy changes decreases as the baby grows but the absorbency becomes more important.  We always recommend that you start with no more than 10 nappies and 4 wraps or so and build up your collection according to your needs.  Most parents end up with a combination of 2 part nappies and birth to potty nappies. Try them and see which suits your baby.

If after all of this you are still unsure then please do give us a call or email . 

01559 360942 

Reviews

Check www.babycentre.co.uk  They have reviews of products as well as loads of info and recommendations from other mums in the bulletin boards.

Also www.mumsonline.net have started reviewing specific products although the information is quite sparse at the moment.

See also the useful links section