You Opinions...... again

[Mummabear]

Hi all,

I know this has been done over and over, and I've just finished reading a whole heap of threads about different cloth brands and types but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind offering your opinions and experiences and recommendations once again.

I was using cloth on DS, but only for a short time. I was just using terry flats and doing the Jo Fold. I was also just using chux type liners and plastic pilchers. DS ended up with terrible nappy rash (due to us not knowing that they had to be changed more often, etc) and DH freaked out and banned cloth from the house :crying:.

Anyway, I'm now going to have 2 under 2 and the mere thought of the $$$$ we're going to waste on nappies is sending me into a tizzy. It's just pointless waste when there are so many other options out there.

I was talking to a Mum from our Mum's group today who's used cloth since her DS was born but I'd like some more info from you wonderful ladies. I'm figuring that I need the easiest option available (to appease DH) and also the most absorbent and cost efficient option. At the moment I'm thinking that hemp AIO's with hemp boosters that fit newborn to toddler would be the way to go. What are your thoughts? If I did this, what do you think would be the best nappies out there fitting this category? I'm planning on getting the hemp fabric and making the inserts/boosters myself so that's not an issue, but I'm not handy enough to make the nappies myself.

So, my questions are:

What are your thoughts/experiences on the 'one size' hemp AIO's?
What are the best brands in this type? (I would prefer to support a WAHM than a company, but at the same time I want what is best for DS).
Would I need to also use a PUL cover with the hemp AIO's? I don't want really bulky nappies, and I'd rather just put one item on bub's butt.
DS is 1 in a couple of weeks (:eek:) and is about 12kg - would the newborn to toddler nappies fit him now? Would I be able to use the same nappies on him and the new baby?

I'll be dry pailing again as that worked really well for me last time. Do you think I need to invest in a PUL bag or just stick with my nappy pail with a lid?

Any other tips, thoughts, suggestions would be great. DH is dead against me using cloth, but we've just bought a new house (:smiliedance:) and money is going to be tight so I want to do everything in my power to save money. I'm determined to go cloth so any tips you can give me on making it ultra easy in order to get DH to accept it would be appreciated. I've tried the financial argument and he says he doesn't care, he'd rather pay for sposies :banghead:

Thanks for your time and patience - I know this issue has been done over and over.

[Mamaduke]

we've just bought a new house (:smiliedance:)
Can't give you any advice on the nappies (as I'm struggling to decipher all of the codes...are you speaking English?:rolleyes: ) but...
Congratulations on buying a house!!!
I'm going to have to do up one of my special 'family home plates' for you!!!;)

[Mamaduke]

Oh my giddy aunt...I just realised you're waiting on a package from me...oops sorry!!!
And I'm not even pregnant!!!:eek:

[Mummabear]

Oh my giddy aunt...I just realised you're waiting on a package from me...oops sorry!!!
And I'm not even pregnant!!!:eek:

LOL :laughing: No rush. I'm not really even showing yet.

[draught]

I am not an expert by any means but after my research I have bought green nappies which are fitted pocket nappies with hemp inserts/boosters. They are meant to go from new born to toddler, and have the PUL outer so don't need anything else. I bought them with the idea that I could use them on my toddler now and the new baby when it arrives....but my toddler is 21 months old and I suspect would not appreciate the change - although I am going to try it one of these days:rolleyes: . If they work for the newborn they will certainly save us many $$ - and I got them on sale during nappy week so saved money that way too. I will be interested to watch the responses about the other things as I have not started using them yet so haven't worked out the details of what I need to do with them once I do! (Although I did change a few on Veve's son the day I minded him and she had a great bag for them!)

[sopolicha]

I started out with Baby Beehinds hemp fitted nappies. They go from birth to toilet training. They need a cover. They are not an AIO. Generally speaking AIO's take a lot longer to dry and cost a lot more.

I reckon they are the easiest to wash, dry and use, and you don't have to worry about different sizes. They come with two inserts, but you can always stuff them with more.

Some people prefer pocket nappies, no doubt the cavalry will be along soon!!

As for liners, you can always use polar fleece as a liner. I am pretty happy with the bucket and lid. Sounds like you are going to be washing pretty often anyway:) .

[Mummabear]

Thanks for your replies so far girls.

I'm going to keep chucking more questions in here as I think of them if that's okay...

I've heard that the microfibre liners are really good for drawing the wee away from bubs bottom and that you can get this microfibre from the supermarket in the cleaning isle. I've looked and looked, but because I don't know what I'm looking for it's a rather futile exercies. What exactly is it that I'm looking for? Can I buy it anywhere else? What are your thoughts on using/not using it?

PUL covers. If I end up going with a nappy that still needs a PUL cover (which I would honestly prefer not to do) is there anything in particular that I need to look out for? My friend pulled her out today and showed me and after being on her bub's bottom for 1 wet nappy it STUNK. It didn't smell so much of wee but of a strong chemical smell coming from the elasitc section around the outside rim of the nappy. I wasn't really impressed with this. Was this just a bad cover or is it something that is pretty normal with PUL covers?

[Mummabear]

Is there a hemp nappy out there that has a PUL cover on the oustide so that you don't have to use a separate cover?

[LucyE]

What are your thoughts/experiences on the 'one size' hemp AIO's?
My personal opinion is that you're better off getting sized nappies so that you have a good fit during the whole nappying life. Those explosive bf poos were horrendous for us so a well fitting nappy during the early stage was very important. Having said that, I'm coming from a position of using cloth with a first child so that a large rotation still worked out cost effective because there would be enough wear still left in the nappy for subsequent children.

I'm also not a big fan of AIOs because they take so long to dry and if you get the PUL backed ones, they don't seem to wash as well (the water can't sluice through all the fabric layers as effectively). You also don't have the flexibility of adding or removing layers if you end up with a heavy wetter or if you want something trimmer. The only exception to my anti AIO stance are Cherub's Kiss' HoneyBoys. They are gorgeous but a bit expensive to have a full kit.

What are the best brands in this type? (I would prefer to support a WAHM than a company, but at the same time I want what is best for DS).
Of the hemp AIOs, I can reccommend HoneyBoys but other than that I don't use any others.

For other types of one size nappies, I think Baby Beehinds are pretty good. They have a new bamboo fabric one which is supposed to be incredibly soft and absorbant. They do fold down to make quite a trim young baby nappy but they just aren't a great fit for DS. Other people love them though.

For sized nappies, I like Tots Bots and Erica's. You probably won't get much wear out of small sizes but maybe using terry flats at home would help get you to the stage of mediums which babies tend to be in for the longest period.

Another option are pockets, which once pre-stuffed have the convenience of being just one thing to put on but has all the benefits of flexibility. You can stuff the pocket with as much absorbant material as you need (we use pockets overnight for 12 hours easily) or only have a minimal amount for trimness. Most have an inbuilt fleece layer which makes poo removal easy and provides that stay dry feel. PUL pockets are very trim and waterproof while fleece pockets are bulkier but also more breathable. Drying times are also much better with pockets because everything can be unfolded for faster drying. My fave brand is Sandra's Stuffables because they seem to fit DS the best (and I like the side snap option). Green Kids have a lot of fans here too :) If you choose to go with these, try and choose some plain PUL colours too (very hard for me with so many cute prints) because the cotton prints can tend to wick if over wet while the plain PUL colours are poly so won't absorb moisture.

Would I need to also use a PUL cover with the hemp AIO's? I don't want really bulky nappies, and I'd rather just put one item on bub's butt.
If it's an AIO then, no. If trimness is an issue, I'd steer away from fleece type covers because they are bulkier than PUL.

DS is 1 in a couple of weeks () and is about 12kg - would the newborn to toddler nappies fit him now?
Based on the Baby Beehind sizing, yes. DS is around 12-13kgs now and they would still fit him.

Would I be able to use the same nappies on him and the new baby?
yes. Just watch out if one of them has a fungal infection though...you'll need to make sure you are doing hot washes so that they don't infect each other (which you'd need to do anyway to prevent reinfection on one child). Or try those Detol/Canestan rinses.

I'll be dry pailing again as that worked really well for me last time. Do you think I need to invest in a PUL bag or just stick with my nappy pail with a lid?
We use a bucket and lid at home. I have a couple of various sized PUL bags for travelling. A small one for my nappy bag and short day trips right up to giant sized for holidays when I don't want to pack a rigid bucket. I used cloth on an o/s holiday last year and the PUL bag was handy. With the drawstring ones, if you twist the top, it honestly doesn't let out smells. I've found the zip ones to allow a bit of wicking and smells through.

Any other tips, thoughts, suggestions would be great.
My thoughts are to get some sized nappies with the bulk of them being medium. A few smalls are handy to have when going out but if you are happy to use terry flats at home then that will help balance out the costs. Your needs with nappies will change as bub grows so maybe a system where you start off with fitted + cover in the early days (to give you a double layer protection from explosive poos) and then switching to pockets as bub grows a bit. Most of the sizings overlap so you'll find you can start using mediums before they are out of smalls.


DH is dead against me using cloth, but we've just bought a new house () and money is going to be tight so I want to do everything in my power to save money. I'm determined to go cloth so any tips you can give me on making it ultra easy in order to get DH to accept it would be appreciated.
Congrats on the new house :yelclap: If you are the main caregiver and will change most of the nappies then I reckon you get more of a say LOL That's what I told DH before DS was born. Once he tries some of the modern nappies, he might realise that they are much better than the 'ole terry square and pins. A prestuffed pocket or AIO is as easy to change as a disposable (especially if you get the ones with velcro like fastenings). Just don't confuse him with too many options lol eg. before we built up a full stash of pockets, I'd save the 'easy' nappies for DH to use (and always had them in the same place so he would know where to look) and would do the fitted + cover thing during the day myself.

I've heard that the microfibre liners are really good for drawing the wee away from bubs bottom and that you can get this microfibre from the supermarket in the cleaning isle.
Sounds like you've confused microfibre and microfleece. Microfibre is an absorbant synthetic fabric which will hold several times it own weight in liquid. It is great as a booster or stuffer for pockets. I prefer the Mother of Eden brand microfibre boosters (from www.theweewuns.au.com) because they are already sewn into a pad so less folding for me and they seem more absorbant than the generic ones I have. I have heard others like the Black and Gold supermarket brand ones which I think works out to be cheaper.

Microfleece is like tracksuit material and you can find it at most fabric stores or online. You just buy a metre or two and cut to size yourself, no hemming necessary. I used to do fancy shaped ones but in the end, plain rectangles were easier. Because it is non absorbant, it allows moisture to pass to an area that is (hopefully the nappy) so will leave the skin feeling dry. If the nappy is totally saturated, the moisture will go back towards the skin because there's nowhere else for it to go. It also makes poo disposale easier because solids ones tend to just roll off and sticky ones means you only have to Little Squirt the fleece not the whole nappy. I found the cheapest and best was to get microfleece from Lincraft at the end of winter when they were selling it very cheaply. I tried polarfleece from Spotlight but found it got bobbly and went out of shape after about 2 months. The microfleece has lasted much longer and you don't have to worry about right or wrong sides. Just make sure whatever you buy is 100% polyester (no cotton content) or else it won't feel dry.

If I end up going with a nappy that still needs a PUL cover (which I would honestly prefer not to do) is there anything in particular that I need to look out for?
Firstly, there are other options for covers other than PUL - you can get wool or fleece too. They are much more breathable but are a bit bulkier. Wool sounds like more work but really ends up being less because you don't have to wash them after each use.
For PUL covers, it's personal preference what you get. The type of nappy you use underneath will determine the brand you should get eg. if you are using terry flats, then I'd recommend Motherease Airflows because they are lower cut so will cover more of the nappy area than say a Tots Bots PUL. I like sidesnaps because it's more difficult for little hands to undo than aplix and doesn't go scratchy over time. PUL also comes in different thicknesses and I prefer the thicker 2mm Motherease ones because they just feel like they are more robust. No proof, just my preference :)
It didn't smell so much of wee but of a strong chemical smell coming from the elasitc section around the outside rim of the nappy. I wasn't really impressed with this. Was this just a bad cover or is it something that is pretty normal with PUL covers?
Doesn't sound normal to me. Nappies which have a PUL cover over them will smell more than one with wool or fleece because it doesn't breathe as well but shouldn't be stinkier than a disposable. If it wasn't a concentrated urine smell, then maybe it's a reaction with her washing detergent - too much maybe which is leaving a residue???


I bought them with the idea that I could use them on my toddler now and the new baby when it arrives....but my toddler is 21 months old and I suspect would not appreciate the change - although I am going to try it one of these days
Try getting some pockets with cute prints on them - like Nemo, Winnie the Pooh etc - that convinced my 2, nearly 3 year old nephew who's been in disposables all his life that he wanted cloth nappies LOL

[Mummabear]

WOW - thanks Lucy. You've certainly given me some more stuff to consider and research :idea:.

This new bubba is going to be a summer baby - I'm presuming that the wool pilchers are cool in summer? A natural fibre like wool sounds like a good idea to me.

I just get so bamboozled the more that I read about cloth. There are just so many options out there. I really wanted to get all stocked up before bubs arrives, but do you think it's better to get one or two of a couple of different brands and then order once I've tried them out? I'm so darn impatient though - I know I'm going to want everything there and ready to go from day one :laughing: :laughing:

Now, please excuse my ignorance - if I was using a pocket nappy (that's the same as a stuffable isn't it?) I would put the hemp booster and the microfibre booster on the inside of the pocket and the microfleece liner on the inside of the nappy against bubs bottom - is that right?? I could still use a microfleece liner with an AIO nappy too couldn't I - and I could also use boosters with AIO's for overnight, just not with the microfibre against bubs skin as it draws the natural oils away from their skin. Am I getting my head around this stuff?? :confused:

[reAllytee]

Sorry im going to be rude & help out now :p


This new bubba is going to be a summer baby - I'm presuming that the wool pilchers are cool in summer? A natural fibre like wool sounds like a good idea to me.

Yep much better for bubs bum & will be good for Oz if he is prone to a rash plus you can even make them up yourself if your good with knitting ... Im going to get my mum to make me up some hehehe.


I just get so bamboozled the more that I read about cloth. There are just so many options out there. I really wanted to get all stocked up before bubs arrives, but do you think it's better to get one or two of a couple of different brands and then order once I've tried them out? I'm so darn impatient though - I know I'm going to want everything there and ready to go from day one

It is a better idea because every bub is different in how they wee etc some are heavy wetters & some arent plus girls need different boosting to boys also ! So many things to consider hey ! But you can always try out a few on Oz for now & get a feel for what you like as well as what works.
Id maybe go some Sandra Stuffables as most speak highly of her nappies & with hers you can get them with snaps which is a good idea now that your little man will soon be working out the wonders of taking his nappy off ( this is such a great stage ! ) otherwise another option is Baby Bloomers they arent as "pretty" as say your Greens etc & you dont have a great range of colours but i have found them to be great especially with explosive poos. They are also a little roomier in the pocket so can be stuffed a lot easier. They are also a good price & so is her hemp. !


Now, please excuse my ignorance - if I was using a pocket nappy (that's the same as a stuffable isn't it?) I would put the hemp booster and the microfibre booster on the inside of the pocket and the microfleece liner on the inside of the nappy against bubs bottom - is that right??

This is correct although you may find depending on how either of your bubs wet you might not even need that much in your pockets. I use just a microfibre insert through the day unless we are going out & need to make sure we have no leaks & that lasts approx 4hrs. For nites i use what you have stated above & this lasts us a good 10-13hrs in a fleece nappy which are another idea for nites as they breath which is good to help with rashes ( Sandra makes these ).
I dont need to use a liner on the inside of my pockets because the fleece is already against bubs skin in the nappy & the poo will roll off. The only time i do use a liner is if we have explosive poos from teething this just saves me the grief of trying to get icky stuff off.


I could still use a microfleece liner with an AIO nappy too couldn't I - and I could also use boosters with AIO's for overnight, just not with the microfibre against bubs skin as it draws the natural oils away from their skin. Am I getting my head around this stuff??

This is correct ! See your already getting the hang of it hehehehe.
You may find you need the liner in the AIO as it will help keep bubs bum dry which will help again with any rash & keeps them comfy.

Your doing well Riss it takes time to sort out what works & what doesnt if you want to try any nappies out just let me know & i can send one your way for a trial & maybe you could see if anyone else can help you in this way too !

[LucyE]

I'm presuming that the wool pilchers are cool in summer?
Yes! They are the most breathable so will allow the most evaporation which will cool little bubba's tush :)

There are just so many options out there.
It's confusing at first but all the options means that everyone can find the perfect system that suits them. Just takes a while for it all to sink in LOL

I really wanted to get all stocked up before bubs arrives, but do you think it's better to get one or two of a couple of different brands and then order once I've tried them out? I'm so darn impatient though - I know I'm going to want everything there and ready to go from day one
I understand and can sympathise with you in wanting everything all ready from day one. I was like that too but also didn't want to risk buying things that wouldn't suit us. Getting a few of each brand you like is a good idea until you work out what you like best. However, one of the risks of WAHM made to order stuff is that there could be a lengthy delay if you want to get more, say, Cherub's Kiss or Erica nappies (these are very popular). It's just a matter of deciding what matters more to you. Do you have a back up in mind while you are sorting out what you like (maybe terry flats) or are you prepared to say, buy a whole set of a nappy and resell if they don't suit you? If you plan the later, then stick to the really popular brands which have a good resale value like BabyBeehinds or Erica's.

if I was using a pocket nappy (that's the same as a stuffable isn't it?) I would put the hemp booster and the microfibre booster on the inside of the pocket and the microfleece liner on the inside of the nappy against bubs bottom - is that right??
Yup. For daytime wear around the house, I just use the microfibre insert/booster/stuffer/whatever you want to call it because it's nice and trim. For going out when I want a bit more security, I add a thin hemp booster. At night, I use the microfibre with a thick hemp booster. You won't need an extra microfleece liner with most pockets because they are built in.

I could still use a microfleece liner with an AIO nappy too couldn't I
Usually it will be built in hence the 'all in one' aspect of the nappy. Two layers of microfleece against each other will cause it to repel moisture rather than allowing it through to the absorbant material.

and I could also use boosters with AIO's for overnight
Generally not because it will have a waterproof outer so that moisture won't be able to reach the booster. If you try to add the booster to the inside of the nappy, there will then be between the liner between the booster and the body of the nappy so it will slow down absorption (if not totally hinder it) and you will then need a seperate line on top of the booster to stop bub from sitting against wet fabric for too long. Too much work in my opinion. Much easier to stick to a fitted + cover option or pockets.

just not with the microfibre against bubs skin as it draws the natural oils away from their skin
There was a discussion about this on www.ozclothnapies.org (the yahoogroups part of it) about whether this is an urban myth or not. There's been no scientific evidence to prove this so it comes down to personal choice. I don't like DS sitting next to any wet fabric so it has never been an issue with us because we've always had fleece liners of some sort.

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it :)

[Mummabear]

Thanks for all your help Lucy & Ally.

At this early stage I'm thinking that I'll grab a couple of Baby Beehinds Bamboo nappies and a couple of Greens Pocket Nappies as they are both 'one size' nappies so I can try them out on DS and get the hang of them first. Then I think I might also get one or two of the Sandra Suffables and Tots Bots and then take it from there.

After initially saying that I wanted AIO's the more I find out the more I'm leaning towards bamboo/hemp fitteds with a wool cover as they seem like the most comfy option for bubbas. We're planning on having this baby plus one or two more so we'll get our money's worth out of them.

I figure a couple of AIO's for going out would be handy to have, but pre stuffed pockets would be just as easy too.

My Mum is going to knit some woolen pilchers for me - does anyone know if you can actually buy patterns for pilchers anymore (I wondered if this was a bit of an outdated thing to knit) or does anyone have any patterns for knitted pilchers that the wouldn't mind sharing??

[reAllytee]

My Mum is going to knit some woolen pilchers for me - does anyone know if you can actually buy patterns for pilchers anymore (I wondered if this was a bit of an outdated thing to knit) or does anyone have any patterns for knitted pilchers that the wouldn't mind sharing??


Riss im sure Lucy could be of more help in this regards but if you google wool nappy covers im sure you will find many ! Some you need to pay for the pattern but many are free. I would give you the ones i have but i dont want to get into trouble for having them here as there may be an issue with the person who has them online. Again im sure Lucy will help out much more than i can :D

[waawa]

We have a whole pile of wool nappy cover pattern links here:
http://tinyurl.com/hzu9v
includes knitted, sewn from woollen jumpers, and crocheted.

Enjoy

Lara

[LucyE]

I can't sew or knit so can't really help with the patterns :)

I'm not sure if I've already mentioned it, but also check out www.ozclothnappies.org for some really comprehensive info on cloth nappies. There's also links to many reputable nappy sellers as well as patterns for making your own nappy and covers if you are so inclined.