Overwhelmed! Can someone point me in the right direction? (Melbourne)

[tgreen]

Hi there! :wave:

After lurking for a little bit and trying to research as much as possible I am now offically overwhelmed with the options out there for cloth nappies!! How times have changed.
I am very interested in using MCN once bubs comes along in September but very confused about where I should start?

More particularly where are the best places to purchase in Melbourne or online? What should I be look for to use on a newborn and as they grow? Do's, don'ts, must haves etc.

As I am the first of my friends to have a child I do not have anyone else to ask about this so I am hoping some lovely people will point me in the right direction.

Sorry if this has been repeated so many times before.

Thanks again and hope everyone is doing well. :hugs:

Tgreen.

[Teegzie]

:wave: Hi!

I can't help you as far as places in Melbourne, but online there are some great starting points! Darlings Downunder and Nurture Nappies (just google the names to get links) are both wonderful shops to start off at because they stock a wide range of popular nappies and both offer advice on how to get started and the ins and outs of modern cloth.

We didn't start using cloth until DD was 6 months old so I can't really advise as far as newborn nappies, but most of the ladies on here prefer to go for prefolds (similar to the old terry squares but with extra boosting through the middle strip) and flats to start with. Some also use fitted MCNs (that require a cover to waterproof them) and then move into the all in ones etc later. With newborn poos you get the best protection with a flat/prefold/fitted and cover, and getting the perfect fit is easier with them on a tiny baby.

You've made a great choice going with cloth! The new style nappies are so easy, practical and cute! They take very little extra effort compared to sposies, and your bub will have a cuddly soft bum that you can't resist snuggling! :bee:

Check out some of the sticky links in this section for info on washing and care practices for MCNs.

[havealaugh]

[quote=tgreen;3749874]Hi there! :wave:

After lurking for a little bit and trying to research as much as possible I am now offically overwhelmed with the options out there for cloth nappies!!
:iagree:
I have found a website www.dialanappy.com.au (http://www.dialanappy.com.au), they are located in Northcote and are running Nappy Information sessions throughout the year....I'm quite tempted myself, despite the fact that we are still in the TTC stage!!!
Also there is a modern cloth nappy shop called Cotton Bottoms in Kew...it looks quite small, but then again I guess nappies don't need a lot of room!!!
Hope that info might help you a bit tgreen! Where abouts in Melbourne are you located, if you don't mind me asking!?!

[Harriet]

We used cloth from day 2 with DD....I was lucky enough to be given quite a few little fitteds (nappies that do up like a disposable but need a cover). Another brand we used from birth was Bumgenius - a pocket nappy (waterproof PUL on the outside with an insert in the pocket). I still use them now - DD is 5 months and they are meant to last until TT. I also used Baby Beehinds bamboo fitteds (require a cover) from newborn.

I also used a small BBH Magicall (a pocket with a sown in insert as well - so no cover required), but I found it didn't fit for long because she grew so fast.....in fact I would think carefully before buying some of the AIO nappies in newborn or small sizes, because you just won't get the wear out of them.

I could go on:ecomcity:

It is overwhelming at first, but you'll find your way. Best to try out a few first, than buy a whole stash of one kind....there are too many cute and gorgeous nappies out there to just have one kind IMO;)

You could even go for a few second-hand nappies to get an idea. Buy For Baby is a good place to have a look. I have bought a few there and so far pretty good condition, even some new.

[peanutbutter&jelly]

I can help a little in the newborn dept. But only because I've read a heck of a lot in the last few months, stressing over what to do with my 2nd - my first was in flats for the first few weeks, then in disposies, then back to MCN's at about 6 months.
The best bet seems to be the bamboo prefolds from booroi or other prefolds (mandy mac also does bamboo prefolds, they're on darlings downunder), as nappies are changed so frequently, with covers. Baby beehinds are good, from other forums mother eases are popular.
If you wanted a fitted nappy, the kissaluvs size 0's are adorable and apparently work well. They're on darlings downunder too.
After that, ifs mostly experience. If you get bamboo prefolds you'll be able to use them while they're in smalls too (i think so anyway), so you could order some trial packs to find out what you like & what works for your bub. Greenkids, itti bittis and baby beehinds are all quite popular here. I don't have any GK experience but itti's and BBH are great.
Pockets would probably be better for the weather in Melbourne I'd imagine, they dry faster than all in ones or even all in twos usually and def faster than fitteds.

And if you can, and choose to buy online, wait till the September nappy hunt for awesome bargains :D

[Harriet]

There's some 2nd-hand BG on B4B right now - not great condition but maybe good for a trial...

[macsum2]

You can find the cotton bottom shop at
97 Willsmere Road Kew


They have heaps of different brands of MCN's instock and are able to talk and walk you through everything from sizes to what each fabric does etc etc.. Honestly, they are awesome.. I personally havent been to their store :( However i have had friends who have and have told me about their awesomness!!

[tgreen]

Just me again :wave:

Thank you VERY much for your replies and assistance ladies :) I will have a google and look up the websites suggested and pop into the store in Kew sometime over the next few weeks to have a look - any excuse to shop! It will help to actually see and feel what different brands/types there are available.

I guess the best thing after reading the replies so far is to try/buy/test as many as possible as sizing and preference can only be known once bubs come along!
I just wanted to have some knowledge prior to heading out into the MCN world, every bit helps.

havealaugh: Thanks for the headsup on dialanappy, I might have a look into those sessions - again, everything helps for this 1st time mum. I live in the Point Cook area so travelling for me is not a problem, don't mind driving, just hate the traffic :p

Harriet: Thanks for letting me know about the B4B, I will check it out now.

Thanks again everyone, enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!!!!

:hugs: :flowerz:

[jag5000]

There's some 2nd-hand BG on B4B right now - not great condition but maybe good for a trial...


what's B4B? :confused:

[macsum2]

Buy for Baby... Its a website where you can buy and sell 2nd hand baby stuff, predominately MCN's and their accessories.. Ive got many a bargain from there!

[vickih]

has anyone mentioned one-size nappies yet? if not, that's another option- a one-size-fits-all/most (OSFA) nappy that will see you from newborn to toilet training. the advantages are you only need the one nappy as they have adjustable snaps depending on the size of our bub, so no need to buy different sizes, momst of the them are pockets so they dry quicker. downside is they are usually more expensive (as you just buy the one nappy) so initial costs are quite large, and they can be quite bulky. i have the Bumgenius 3.0 nappy and they are quite slim for a OSFA.

i started using my BG when bub was 5 weeks as i was also a first time mum and used disposables at first so i didn't have to bother about cloth/washing etc- i thought there were enough adjustments with a new baby i didn't want the hassle of worrying about nappies. but after about 5 weeks, i made the switch (and it wasn't really that much hassle!)

good luck:)