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 or possibly the Paddy T from Easy Peasy (starting at £3.95) 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. Another economy nappy is the Bimble from Easy Peasy (starting at £5.95).

We recommend Tots Bots aplix wrap or Nature Babies popper wrap.

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

Harmony Hemp nappy from Easy Peasy (birth to potty) made from hemp and organic cotton (price £9.50). Production of hemp uses far less pesticides than cotton so this is an ideal organic solution.

Bamboozle from Tots Bots, Bamboo Lovable from Nature Babies, Bamboo nappies from Babaloo or Bambeasy from Easy Peasy 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 (prices from £8.25).

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!

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 Bimble from Easy Peasy or the Dizzy Diaper from Nature Babies. For a complete system choose the Nature Babies Stuffable lite nappy which includes the outer cover and therefore doesn't need a wrap.  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.

If you are just doing it for the fun factor then go wild and combine the best funky wraps from Nature Babies or Tots Bots. 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.  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.

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