Modern Cloth Nappies- advice for newbies

[SalTheGal]

I wondered if it might be good to start a thread for everyone to post their great advice to new cloth users. :)

What is something you would have liked to know when you started out?

I know when I started out (and I am still learning SO much) I had heaps of questions, and I have learnt heaps just in the last few months.

SO what is you advice to newbies to MCN world? :detective:

[SalTheGal]

My greatest piece of advice would be to majorly UNDERESTIMATE the amount of detergents you use.

I had great trouble early on with leakages due to using too much detergent. It is easy to think you need more with dirty nappies- but you really don't! :thumbsup:

And hemp and bamboo really does work better with more washes- so wash as often as you can to begin with. :yes:

[kymmy]

Just trial a few at a time and go for the popular types first. They are easier to onsell. The popular ones didn't work for us but we only bought a few of each. Its a lot to do with trail and error so be patient. :thumbsup:

[KarniF00l]

I agree with Kymmy, try a few different types before making big purchases.

Oh and be very sceptical of the nappies on ebay unless it's a well known brand. Read the feedback and reviews.

[OJandMe]

Don't by only Bamboo fitteds! As they take ages to dry so you end up short.

Invest in some good pocket nappies. I love the BumGenius... and they are DH proof, MIL proof and Childcare proof as well.

And don't be scared to use terry flats as well!!

[pookiesossige]

So many people new to cloth go for AIOs to begin with, but keep in mind that a stuffed pocket nappy is just the same as an AIO- just as easy to put on your you or family or a carer! Except that it comes apart for faster drying and you can add more 'stuffing' to it should you need it to last longer :yes:

[pookiesossige]

DON'T use oily nappy creams such as Sudocreme, Daktozin, zinc and castor oil ect. It doesn't wash out properly and destroys the inner layer of your nappy so that it repels wee instead of absorbing it.

If you do need to use a nappy cream (Ariene has some Daktozin on tonight) then use a flushable or disposable liner to protect your nappies.

There are some great zinc-based powders available, such as Curash powder, and apparently cornstarch, talc-free powders are a great alternative :thumbsup:

[OJandMe]

Oh.. and more about AIO's, I find that if you have a child who has a favourite 'poo' nappy... if it's an AIO it tends to hold smells a bit more. So needs hotter washes and more sun!