View Full Version : Disposables or Cloth?
Eternity
16-04-2006, 20:48
Just interested in hearing what all you mums prefer? CLOTH VERSES DISPOSABLE?
I am not sure what I’m going to use yet and am thinking about trying both at first.
My best friend swear by disposable and my family thinks its just being lazy and cloth should be used cause they are better for baby. What are you preferences?
Do you think it is really cheaper to use cloth once you add up all the washing products you go through?
How hard is it to get the staines out and keep the nappies looking nice?
Bub due 20/09/06
oooh ,... I'm not going to write a long post... :rolleyes: we have had MANY threads on this topic... I'll come back and post some links..
re: stains - on cloth nappies... all stains are removed by the bleach of the sun... no soaking... no chemical bleach... just a 1/2 day in the sun... ALL gone :)
btw - you dont have to use traditional flat cloth nappies if you dont want to ... there are now a range of modern fitted cloths you could use if you wanted.. check out the links for the internet addresses... make sure you at least have a look!!!
back soon with some links for you to read
:hugs:
terry flat folds -
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=17389&highlight=cloth
pocket nappies -
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=17407&highlight=cloth
dry pailing -
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=17511&highlight=cloth
different cloth websites-
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=16441&highlight=cloth
thats a few thread to start with - there are HEAPS on cloth nappies though... and you can always check out www.modernnappies.org site for a run down on what is out there!!
if you have any questions - dont be afraid to post!!
xx:hugs:
aardvark
16-04-2006, 21:01
I'm using cloth, and I'm not going through much laundry products.
I dry pail them in a closed nappy bucket with a well fitting lid, then cold rinse them in the machine before doing a hot wash with 1 teaspoon on Tri-Nature Alpha Plus laundry powder (the recommended amount for my front loader).
I've got close to 5 dozen nappies, and I put on a full load about every 4 days. It's not really impacting our water or power consumption at all.
I dry them on the line, or on a clothes horse over the ducted heat vents in the floor when the weather is cooler.
I buy biodegradable liners at Baby Bunting, but they are about $10 for 200, so no great expense. You can make cheap washable liners from microfleece, but DS reacts to the synthetic next to his bot.
If you want flat nappies, new flannelette nappies were $39.95 a couple of weeks back, towelling ones are under $30 per dozen.
DS, like my daughters before him reacts to being in disposables by developing a rash. I have no nappy rash problems using coth.
I'm also saving on wipes by using bulk cheap face washers soaked in chamomile tea instead of wipes. They jusIt get flung in the wash with the nappies.
While we do have a tonnes of passionate clothies here (I love yous all :) ), I have to say that I use disposables and that suits us all fine.
Cheers
MamaSage
16-04-2006, 21:28
Cloth wins hands down. I spent all up $200 on nappies for my two year old, and will spend a bit more than that on the next one. I have the Very Baby pattern and make my own.
As for washing, I did not even factor it in as it would cost so little. I dry pail, so no soaking agents and dry in the sun.
I would never consider using disposables, as cloth is so easy, xheaper and far better for baby and the environment.
Ana Gram
16-04-2006, 21:46
Disposables all the way for us!
madvoice
16-04-2006, 21:51
Disposables for me.
the nappies you choose are a very personal decision... YOU have to use them at 3am... 5am..etc etc - so make sure it is a decision made by YOU not your family or friends!!!
cost aside... if you are interested in the enviornmental impact that sposies has ... have a look at this page...
http://www.ecoaction.com.au/category.php?id=52
pretty big impact from one baby....
xx
Disposables. (and yes I empty solid contents into the bin!)
Have tried cloth. Had a nappy service for the first 3 months when I had the twins, but also this tiny baby with a huge bulky nappy, just didnt sit right with me, and fumbling around with pins at 2am wasnt my thing.
Try both, see how you go.
the_queen
16-04-2006, 23:07
Disposables. (and yes I empty solid contents into the bin!)
.
:eek: ...... you mean into the toilet, right?????
Cheeky Little Monkey
16-04-2006, 23:16
the nappies you choose are a very personal decision... YOU have to use them at 3am... 5am..etc etc - so make sure it is a decision made by YOU not your family or friends!!!
cost aside... if you are interested in the enviornmental impact that sposies has ... have a look at this page...
http://www.ecoaction.com.au/category.php?id=52
pretty big impact from one baby....
xx
Thanks Veve, I looked at the link you posted and was shocked to see the actual mass of disposables one baby uses. I knew it was a lot, but to actually see it was mind blowing. I showed DH who was also shocked. He until tonight seemed a little reluctant to switch to cloth full time, but after seeing that web link seems to be PRO Cloth :thumbsup:
the_queen
16-04-2006, 23:27
(OFF-TOPIC)
CLM, i nominate you for cutest avatar (excluding children and babies) EVER :thumbsup:
Cheeky Little Monkey
16-04-2006, 23:37
Why thank you your Royal Highness, I think it rather cute too. :D
Cloth here, and you don't have to spend a fortune - although some Mum's like too. :smiliedance: We used terry flats and pilchers and shock horror pins for 2 of ours, and then a mix of sposies (given to us), terry flats and then found fitted cloth and were totally converted. New bub will be 100% cloth. Terry flats and good covers to start and then fitteds. I would expect that over 4 children, we will have spent
9 dozen terry flats $225
Pilchers and Covers $100
Pins and Snappis $30
Fitted Cloth so far $250
Fabric for making fitted cloth $250
So a total of roughly $855 for 3 children, I expect I'll probably spend a bit more this time, maybe $400 or $500, so let just round it up to $1500.
As opposed to say at the bottom end $15 per week for 2 1/2 years per child $7800.
And in the minimum amount of time to chuck in the wash and hang on the line, I'm way ahead, but as Veve said, it is totally your decision, you have to do what works for you and your family.
Oh and if we get given disposables again this time - hello Ebay :D for selling them, and woo hoo gorgeous fitted cloth coming this way.
Cheers
Oscar's mum
17-04-2006, 16:54
I definately prefer cloth! They look cuter too!
MummyCharmzy
17-04-2006, 18:21
clothies here!
I find them HEAPS cheaper. I use flats and AIO's. To be really cheap.... if i just used my flats the cost would be laughable:
I paid $16.50 total for 3pkts of 8 neon coloured Big softies end of line
then $2 for 2 brand new snappi nappis at an opshop
$4.50 for plastics
and $3 for 9 cloth liners from local baby shop
$26 for everything u need + homebrand napisan is around $3 and lasts AGES (a month easy)
Thats around 2 weeks worth of cheap disposables for one child... and I have two in nappies, soon to have three!
reAllytee
17-04-2006, 18:52
We are clothie users !!! :smiliedance:
We used disposies until i found the modern cloth nappies & there is no going back so all future bubs will be in them too !
We have spent a lot on the start up costs because we chose to go for the modern pocket style nappies from Green Kids ( man veve & i soooo need royalties for pluggin them so much LOL ! ) so we now have 50 microfibre inserts with 14 nappies & i also have another 2 pocket styles from Baby Bloomers off ebay & they are great too. We have just added 4 eenees to our stash with about 6 hemp inserts for nite or if we are going out for the day.
I wash every second day & also dry pail.
We have been doing this now for approx 3mths or so & have already noticed a difference because not only are we spending all that money on disposies but we also swapped from nappy wipes to face washers so we arent buying another extra. Our water usage hasnt changed because im not washing every day because i dont have a vomitting newborn now LOL so its just every second day that im doing an extra load so to speak. Ive only used the dryer on the nappies the last few times because we were staying overnite at my mums so i needed them all done & because i was lazy one day LOL otherwise they are either out on the line in the morning & in by lunchtime with the hemp needing a little longer but if its raining i use our airer indoors.
All in all its not much of a difference & its easy as pie !
Anyways i could go on all nite but i wont cause yeah well i know im nuts LOL :o
Im a convert & love it !!!!!
we chose to go for the modern pocket style nappies from Green Kids ( man veve & i soooo need royalties for pluggin them so much LOL ! )
yeah well i know im nuts LOL
awww we are BOTH nuts then allyoo :laughing: - I agree though... where ARE our royalties!!!! :laughing: I have other nappies... but honestly - none I love as much as my greens!!!!
xxx
Jackson84
17-04-2006, 22:33
cloth addict here!
i love modern fitteds, but atm we only have flats. when i have my next bubba, i am soooooooo buying more fitteds! :D
whilst pg i did an assignment for uni comparing cloth and single-use nappys. cloth comes up trumps every time!
choice magazine recocomends cloth nappies as the cheapest, cleanest and most baby-friendly nappy, over single-use nappies.
incidents of nappy rash are not necessarily linked with the type of nappy you use, but they have found that in the US the most severe nappy rashes occur with single-use nappies.
i have yet to meet a clothy that uses 'plastic pants', i have, however, met single-use nappiers that do! go figure...
cloth nappies are like children - you don't understand them until you have tried them! LOL
RaryGirl
17-04-2006, 22:43
Hi all clothie lovers - I need to ask you a really dumb question.
It's been quite awhile since I needed nappies, when I last used cloth nappies we had to swap because I hated that "wet bum print" on my lap, the plastic pilchers made DD sweat and she got a lovely rash all the time.
Have things changed now? Do these new fitted cloth nappies come with an outer plastic cover or do you still just use pilchers over the top to stop the "wet bum print"?
Nicole :confused:
jarrahsmumma
17-04-2006, 22:52
I use wool covers for my son ...no wet print here:) they are actually knitted shorts/pants (PM me for more info) but you can also use fleece covers, like the fleece you would have for a jumper (sort of) these repel the wetness back into the cloth.
also as a side thing cloth costs around $1000 to set up and maintian (washing power etc) and $3000 for a disposable system. For subsequent children it is $200 for clothies and $3000 again for disposables.
did you know... in a year the amount of disposables used in Australia can fill the mCG 3 times!!!!
hmm poo for thought there
Jackson84
17-04-2006, 23:00
Hi all clothie lovers - I need to ask you a really dumb question.
It's been quite awhile since I needed nappies, when I last used cloth nappies we had to swap because I hated that "wet bum print" on my lap, the plastic pilchers made DD sweat and she got a lovely rash all the time.
Have things changed now? Do these new fitted cloth nappies come with an outer plastic cover or do you still just use pilchers over the top to stop the "wet bum print"?
Nicole :confused:
DS is a heavy, heavy wetter, and i use PUL covers. they are fantastic, and so breathable. :)
nic 71 - check out these threads that were discussed on bubhub a few months ago ... (I posted them at the start of the thread... but here they are again)
this one is about pocket nappies - which most of the time have a waterproof outer layer
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=17407&highlight=cloth
this one is about different websites - if you want a basic diagram about pocket nappies... check out www.greennappies.com
http://bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=16441&highlight=cloth
xxx
Eternity
22-04-2006, 20:50
Thanks for all your help
I've used just about every thing by now :)
Flat terrys with covers are definately the cheapest but I got sick of the bulkiness and folding and treading on lost snappis at night. (we used these with my first for 18m until we when traveling)
With disposables I tried lots of different types but ended up with Huggies each time.
Currently we use Pocket nappies which I love - I use them about 80-90% of the time with Huggies for the babysitter and night use.
If I had another bub I'd probably go with some little fitteds for the first few months until the bub grew big enough for the pockets. I don't think I'd go back to full time disposables. Too much money too much waste.
I use a combination of both, depending on how my day's going.
DS is a super piddle pot, so if I use clothies I need to be prepared to change him every 1.5-2hrs. And then they're saturated through, and I usually have to change his clothes too. If I've got time that's fine.
Otherwise it's sposies - the Aldi Mamia brand are the best value for money for me, as they are cheap and are the only ones that haven't leaked.
Because I work from home (about 10hrs a week contracting admin work, and another 10hrs a week teaching singing), I need to weigh up value for time. Using cloth when I have time saves a bit of $$, but using disposables when I'm busy and working saves me time to be able to earn more money than the disposables actually cost.
If that all makes sense. Sorry if confusing...
We use a combination of both. fitted cloth for home and sposies when going out and overnight... but i'm going to get some terry flats over the next few days too, just so i can use more cloth at home. shortly i'm going to invest in some more fitted cloths but i have just convinced DH to let me buy a new pram(phil and teds e3!!YAY) so i will wait a few weeks before buying the extra fitteds... just til he forgets about the cost of the pram:laughing:
all you can do is try both and see how you go and see what suits you... some weeks we don't end up even using cloth because we are out all the time:rolleyes: but hopefully we'll be staying home a bit more now - dd needs her sleep and sleeps better at home
better go... i'm :ecomcity: :ecomcity:
Cost of using Cloth
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=10207
Cloth vs Disposable
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=11076
Cloth vs Disposable
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=2794
Disposable Nappies all the way!!!
Tried cloths (flat, fitted and pocket ones), spent a fortune trying them only to decide they were a complete waste of time, money and effort!!!
Funkychicken
06-05-2006, 20:55
Gotta love my clothies!!:D
Rainbowbrite
06-05-2006, 21:01
I'm a clothie convert :yelclap: Just love that extra $$ in my purse everyweek :smiliedance:
stilldreaming
06-05-2006, 21:50
I am a clothie convert too, although we still use huggies for Cooper's morning at daycare and at night time.
I use pockets and tots bots/baby beehinds during the day.:thumbsup:
jembelina
06-05-2006, 22:23
Jsut wanted to add that if you do go with disposables adn you are feeling teh environmental guilt there is a service available where you can get your used nappies picked up and recycled once a fortnihgt for a small cost. I'm pretty sure this is avavilable inmost areas. The people to contact are My Planet.
Ana Gram
07-05-2006, 01:24
Jsut wanted to add that if you do go with disposables adn you are feeling teh environmental guilt there is a service available where you can get your used nappies picked up and recycled once a fortnihgt for a small cost. I'm pretty sure this is avavilable inmost areas. The people to contact are My Planet.
I use this service and think it's great! Although when mentioning it before on this site I have been shot down on several occasions.
I use this service and think it's great! Although when mentioning it before on this site I have been shot down on several occasions.
really?? thats harsh... :shame:
I personally hate disposables .. but I'm impressed by anyone using them IF they do the right thing (put poo in toilet... or recycle the nappy) .. so I just want to say :yelclap: chellegoth!!
I'm curious though - what do they recycle them into??? :detective:
xx
jessgray
07-05-2006, 09:35
we use fitted cloth at home during the day and at night we use disposables till we get some AIO's :D i prefer using cloth as our bin doesnt get as full of stinky :laughing: and shockingly coming from someone who dislikes every part of housework except doing the washing i love hanging out the fitted nappies :D
we use disposables when we go out as well coz im yet to get off my bum and make or buy a wet bag :laughing:
FourAngelKisses
07-05-2006, 10:04
I use cloth during the day and disposables at night, I even had my older 2 in cloth at the same time. People thought I was crazy doing that, but changing them at the same time instead of one now and another one 2hrs later saved time and effort.
As for having to do that "extra" load of washing, I already do 2-3 loads a day, what's one more load every couple of days?? I just toss them all in the laundry tub and when I have reached the bottom of the laundry basket, I throw them in the machine with a bit of Napisan and leave them to soak overnight. If they do get stained, I soak them in bleach, rinse them then wash them in Napisan. I dry them on the line, but because it gets down to 0 degrees during the day here in winter, I use the dryer in winter and spring (it never warms up to more than 10 degrees till November).
Disposables for us..I am over cloth nappies (I was a nanny to 3 kids who used them) lol
I looked into them and thought eghhh not worth it for me that is I can't bear the thought of washing poo off,, dry pailing and all the work...I am very enivronmentally friendly etc and thought yes massive landfill etc but when you think about washing machines an electricty and detergents and the impact they have on the enivronment kinda goes both ways in the end.
But not to say I have ruled them out completly there are some very cute ones out there, I have met Cosmic and she showed me some very fancy lol
Tea Lady
07-05-2006, 11:10
I'm curious though - what do they recycle them into???
I think from memory chelle said something about making chairs? Or was that a dream I had? It was something useful anyway. I say good on ppl who recycle their disposables :thumbsup:
FourAngelKisses
07-05-2006, 11:13
I thought they recycled them into toilet paper or something?
Jackson84
07-05-2006, 11:16
Disposables for us..I am over cloth nappies (I was a nanny to 3 kids who used them) lol
I looked into them and thought eghhh not worth it for me that is I can't bear the thought of washing poo off,, dry pailing and all the work...I am very enivronmentally friendly etc and thought yes massive landfill etc but when you think about washing machines an electricty and detergents and the impact they have on the enivronment kinda goes both ways in the end.
But not to say I have ruled them out completly there are some very cute ones out there, I have met Cosmic and she showed me some very fancy lol
classic disposables argument for you there...
nevermind the fact that 99% of the time it is unnecessary to bleach nappies (who uses chlorine bleach these days? oxygen bleach is all you need), and pretty much every laundry detergent out there is biodegradable, and washing machines are so damn efficient etc etc
of course, none of that even comes close to comparing with the chemicals used to produce the disposable nappies - plastic (from oil!), bleached pulp (from trees), chemical gel crystals (from a lab) for absorption.
it really irks me when people dont do their research.
chellegoth - I didn't shoot you down ;) I was just sharing the facts with everyone. The fact is, recycling is not that great for the environment despite all the greenwashing to the contrary.
Recycling uses a lot of resources (such as energy, water and chemcial inputs) to turn poopy plastic nappies into low grade plastics (eg. soles for shoes, parts of park benches etc). If you look at it practically, it would take less resources if they made those items directly.
The major benefit to recycling nappies is that it reduces landfill. However, in a country like Australia where that is not a huge issue (as compared to Europe where they literally have nowhere to dump rubbish and incinerate regularly) then the benefits do not outweigh the costs, in my mind.
There have been a number of government sponsored trials of this program in the US and they have come to the same conclusion - that the costs of recycling isn't justified. They are not able to recycle 100% of the nappy and therefore there are still byproducts of the process that gets dumped into landfill. The only good thing about this process is that they separate the human waste into the sewage system to be dealt with as it should be.
For me, modern cloth nappies is the most environmentally friendly nappy option. I use a frontloading washing machine which is very water efficient (47L per full load and I only do a 1/2 load every 2 days). It is also very energy efficient (I worked out that it costs approx $20 per year in electricity to wash nappies). I line dry. I do not use Napisan or other bleach type products. I use half the recommended amount of OMOmatic because we are now on rainwater which is loverly and soft. I have worked out that toilet training my son actually uses more water because he needs to flush the toilet each time (12L per half flush).
I understand that it's a personal choice what we use to cover our babies' bottoms with and am not trying to convert everyone to cloth. What I am saying is that, whatever your choice, don't delude yourself that you are doing something for the environment when you actually are not.
classic disposables argument for you there...
nevermind the fact that 99% of the time it is unnecessary to bleach nappies (who uses chlorine bleach these days? oxygen bleach is all you need), and pretty much every laundry detergent out there is biodegradable, and washing machines are so damn efficient etc etc
of course, none of that even comes close to comparing with the chemicals used to produce the disposable nappies - plastic (from oil!), bleached pulp (from trees), chemical gel crystals (from a lab) for absorption.
it really irks me when people dont do their research.
I wasn't evangelising anything, it's just a personal preference..like I said I haven't ruled them out, so no need to jump down my throat.
nemosmum
07-05-2006, 14:29
I admit to being an evil planet killing disposable loving mumma:eek: :o
But i have to say once I checked these gorgeous clothies out www.cheekybutts.com.au I almost converted, checkout the Aboriginal print ones......awww soooo cute:p
Now that DS is toilet training(and wearing undies 80% of the day) I dont feel so evil:devil6:
we use disposables when we go out as well coz im yet to get off my bum and make or buy a wet bag :laughing:
Just to let you know that at bubbaearth they have really cheap ready to make wet bag kits... they come with a free pail pal too !!!! have a look!
xx
Ana Gram
07-05-2006, 20:20
LucyE, really don't want to get into this again. You have done your research and I have done mine and we have come to different conclusions. Trust me I have no delusions about what I am doing.
SugarBlossom
07-05-2006, 20:36
I noticed that someone (won't name here) earlier in the thread said they put the full nappy in the bin
:shame: that is totally disgusting and ILLEGAL
Yes I'm a clothie.....and damn proud of it!:smiliedance:
:laughing: I converted someone today, from cloth to disposeable! :laughing:
A friend needed to use some of my huggies nappies all day because she left her nappy bag in the train, and she went and bought 2 boxes at the end of the day and said she's fed up with clothies and swore never to use another one! :o Whoops!:D
:laughing: I converted someone today, from cloth to disposeable! :laughing:
can I ask TB .. what kind of cloth was she using??? just out of curiousity?? (I'd wait a few months after she has bought a few hundred dollars worth of sposies... she might change back :rolleyes: )
xx
nemosmum
08-05-2006, 06:56
:laughing: I converted someone today, from cloth to disposeable! :laughing:
OMGosh too funny:D :thumbsup:
Okay Jen, I thought I was the only silly person to be up before 6am!!
Hugs
I'm interested to know what happens if SEQld tightens the water restrictions. I use fitted cloth during the day (Fluffies - I know they aren't the "best" out there but they go good for me), and usually do a wash every second day. Since baby came along, I find myself doing up to 3 loads every second day - what impact is this having on our water reserves?!?! I'd feel better if we had the spare cash to install a grey water outlet (at least the garden will get a nice water) but setting that up seems more trouble and money than it's worth. As for water tanks, what's the use of having them if it doesn't rain!! :)
I'm interested in learning how much water is used in making disposable and how much is used washing cloth?
Okay Jen, I thought I was the only silly person to be up before 6am!!
Hugs
well... it wasn't really MY idea.. (Jack and I have had MANY discussions about it :laughing: )
xxx
can I ask TB .. what kind of cloth was she using??? just out of curiousity?? (I'd wait a few months after she has bought a few hundred dollars worth of sposies... she might change back :rolleyes: )
xx
Just the flat white towling squares, I offered her some of my swanky pocket and fitted ones back when I lost patience with them and she wasn't interested. :laughing: I can't see her changing back, she reckons it's worth the $$$ and she's not in the slightest bit interested in environmental issues :rolleyes:
MamaSage
08-05-2006, 11:01
I'm interested in learning how much water is used in making disposable and how much is used washing cloth?
I'll try and find figures, but basically it takes gallons and gallons of water to bleach the wood pulp white, not to mention the chemicals and bleach itself which all contain water, and then in the process of refining the pulp into a nappy. Disposables use waaay more water than cloth. Even taking into consideration washing them. I have read the figures, will try and find.
one of my main problems is here in the southern highlands in winter even my flats took 3-5 days to dry! :no:
FourAngelKisses
08-05-2006, 11:07
I washed nappies last night and I'm not even going to attempt to dry them on the clothesline today. It's 2 degrees out there ATM so I would be able to make paper planes out of them as they will be frozen solid.
I'm interested in learning how much water is used in making disposable and how much is used washing cloth?
The table at the Royal Women's website might help:
http://www.rwh.org.au/wellwomens/whic.cfm?doc_id=7691
Single-use nappies have 2.3 times the water-waste impact. (3.5x for energy, 8.3x for non-renewable raw materials, 90x for renewable raw materials, 60x for domestic solid waste, 4-30x for land for raw materials.) And I don't believe that this takes into account more environmentally-friendly fabrics such as hemp and bamboo.
For scale, washing nappies for one child with an efficient machine (filling the machine once every two days - though you might get away with stretching to three), consumes about as much water as about one toilet-trained person flushing the toilet five times per day - or, if you're on "let it mellow" restrictions, about one flush plus one two-minute shower per day.
http://www.gippswater.com.au/education/conservation.asp
Lara
I'm interested to know what happens if SEQld tightens the water restrictions.
I live in an area that has had level 5 restrictions for well over a year. It doesn't effect household use of water.
I have a vague memory of something like it requires 9L of water per disposable to be manufactured (check out www.ozclothnappies.org for more links to info). Cloth requires far less than this to be made (and this includes water to grow the cotton which is no longer the preferred fabric of modern cloth) and the amount of ongoing water used to wash it depends on your individual machine. eg. My frontloader uses 47L per full load. I only run a 1/2 load every second day so that's 23.5L to wash approx 15 nappies plus wipes and our bath mats (they somehow get very grotty). That's approx 1.57L per nappy.
We are on tank water and I find it more water efficient to use cloth nappies than having to wash extra loads of clothes and linen due to nappy leaks. Some people have no probs with disposables so it really is an individual choice.
Wow, I would love to convert to cloth, but I'm a SAHM married to an old fogie.....
He is just not interested in forking out the initial outlay for cloth nappies, and with the money he gives me a fortnight, there is no way I can do it myself, I already run out of cash a few days before he refills my account! It was hard enough convincing him to let me pay to have a private midwife! Even now he cant see the point, and wishes I'd just go to hospital for free! He really is a brick wall on these issues, and if I start a conversation his eyes glaze over and he changes the subject :banghead: I am about to give birth to his 6th child (he has 2 from prev relationship) and in the beginning he and his now-ex used cloth with his 1st child (she is now 17)....so he sees going to cloth as a step backwards, since he has experienced both.....so thinks I'm foolish for wanting to supposedly 'go backwards'.....
I have a teensie compromise though, I dont buy baby wipes. I use chux cloths with chamomile tea - saves me about $15.00 a week......though I know I could be saving more if I used cloth!
Could you start with what's around you becca74? Pin on a flanny receiving blanket, cut up some old sheets, sew bum jumpers from old jumpers or run up a fleece cover from a fleece throw blanket or jacket (from the op shop if you don't have any). You don't need a sewing machine, it's fairly quick and easy to hand-sew bum jumpers or pull-up fleece covers, no notions like elastic or hook & loop needed either. You'll be saving enough money to buy flats in no time, then on from there with your savings.
Lara
FourAngelKisses
09-05-2006, 12:43
I use chux cloths with chamomile tea - saves me about $15.00 a week......
Yikes, I only spend $3 a week on wipes, I couldn't imagine spending $15 a week on them.
Try second hand shops, they usually have a lot of terry towelling nappies.
Tea Lady
09-05-2006, 17:20
Ebay has lots of (new) terry flats that are very cheap too. Could you do the sums and show your DH what you'd save in even a month? That would have to be pretty convincing :)
Thanks for the ideas everyone :thumbsup:
I might just get a few to start and at least practice....for the next approx 7 weeks they are just being used on my 2 year old, and he is beginning toilet training.....
My husband thought I was weird about the chux cloths, the 'savings' are my reason I give to him, so he doesnt mention it now (he maybe changes a nappy once a month, so it really shouldnt be an issue to him what kind of nappy is being worn!), but I find the chamomile is so gentle on my boys bum! Also, again, I assume it's better for the environment as I use about 4-5 per poo - he does huge ones a few times a day!
My husband is very verbal in his opinions on things to do with the kids, as he sees himself as some kind of expert, having had 2 kids before I did.....(I think this is typical for most 2nd wives, so I've gathered!). I have converted him on many things, slowly over time, I guess I will just have to slip this in slowly too.....
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.9 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.