Cloth Nappies

[Angel_baby_1982]

I have been given around 4 dozen cloth nappies, we have liners and fasteners and everything and they are all useless to us!

Our bub does the hugest poops I have ever seen from a 12 week old, and he is breastfed so they are liquid and just go EVERYWHERE! We tried cloth nappies but the leak poop EVERY TIME!

We got a midwife to try to see if we were putting them on wrong, she put one on as securely as she could and sure enough, when he pooped it just poured out!

We're on a VERY low income, spending $50+ a fortnight (one third of our fortnightly grocery budget!) on nappies because he goes through so many disposables, I don't know how we can continue this! We've been going without meals because we can't afford nappies AND food!

BUT

I refuse to use cloth nappies because reguarless of the design (I've tried them all, trust me!) they leak and poop gets on everything. Besides that when we trialed cloth nappies our son got severe nappy rash, he NEVER gets it with disposables.

HELP!

[JanetF]

Hmm that's a hard one! I've only seen leaking very occasionally when using cloth or sposies. It sounds like you need something with a firm leg fastening to keep the poos in? If you're using cloth flats you might like weenees covers or perhaps bubbaj covers with elasticised legs? I've never had a leak with either of those and my son is 22 months now. Buying sposies does get pricey so at least when you buy covers you know you're going to be using them a long time, especially if you have more bubs. What covers and folds are you using with the terry flats?

[Mor]

Sorry you are having such a hard time!
A few questions:
What type of cloth nappies are you using? flannelette or terry? I suspect terry would be the best option for you.
What covers are you using? A good cover is the most important part of a good cloth nappy system. There are lots of great ones around, Motherease, BabyBeeHinds, BubbaJ, Bummis, off the top of my head... It is very important to have a snug fit around the legs. A lot of covers at supermarkets, kmart, etc. just don't give adequate fit or breathability.
What folds have you tried using? the nappylady.co.uk has a few different folds that a lot of people swear by, particularly the jo fold...

His poos will become less liquid the older he gets, and once he is on solids you will find that poo leaks practically disappear because the poos will be so much firmer. And smellier! :rolleyes:

Are you having the same problem with disposables? I have found that disposables leak more than cloth when the poos are explosive and runny.

[Angel_baby_1982]

have tried them all, ones i don't own i borrowed from friends to try, no go.

Huggies have never failed us (not yet anyway).

[JanetF]

So you don't really have a nappy problem then, if you have Huggies working for you. That's great! :D

[Angel_baby_1982]

yeah huggies work but like i said we can't afford food and nappies

[Harmony83]

I know how you feel! Nappies are so expensive, we use cloth through the day and disposables at night and when we go out... but our little man rarely leaks!

Have you tried a cheaper disposable, we use Snugglers and I find them to be excellent, never had leakage!! We got a box this week 105 for $23 which will last us at least 3 weeks maybe 4! Does he poop at around the same time everyday, coz if he did you could put him in a huggies nappie around that time, then use cloth the rest of the time... I'm not an expert on cloth nappies, but there would have to be a decent pilcher/nappy cover out there to stop nappy leakage, wouldn't there???
Sorry I'm not much help to you....
Hope you find a solution... :o

[SugarBlossom]

What liners are you using?
I tried the cheap woolies brand liners and they suck! Poo went everywhere for the first time ever, so I went back to j&j's liners, they soak up the liquid...i also heard chux cloths are good to use to.

I reuse the liners that have only pee on them and they last a couple of weeks, so the
$10 they cost is WAY cheaper that sposies.

Cloth nappies are great, you just to find the best way to use them.


Good Luck!

[waawa]

Angel_baby, I have to ask you where is this wondrous place you live? Your friends all have Motherease, BabyBeeHinds, BubbaJ, Bummis nappies/covers? Wow!

Lara

[Angel_baby_1982]

I live near sydney and grew up near melbourne, friends in melbourne seem to be able to get almost everything, and there's this wonderful new device called the internet where no matter where you are you can get these things :rolleyes:

[Mor]

Can you describe in a little more detail what you have tried?

There certainly are covers that are pretty much leak prrof when the whole nappy is inside the elasticside back and legs, as I mentioned earlier.

[shanz]

I know i'm probably going to offend someone but my problem is even if the pilchers "catch" the poo so to speak wouldn't you still have to get them off and in transit end up with poo everywhere? Sorry i'm just starting investigating the whole cloth V disposable thing and i'm thinking disposable sounds far better. I myself could think of nothing worse than cleaning up poo that could have been contained better all day.

[Angel_baby_1982]

So I'm not the only one? Shanz just illustrated my point exactly!

Basically no matter which cloth nappy you use when it comes to poop, it's alot less messy to use disposables, and when your bub has a habit of dooing huge poops, as soon as that cover comes off poop goes everywhere! All over him, all over me, Every time he pooped I'd have to bath him and change my clothes coz we were both covered in poop. I got sick of changing my clothes half a dozen times a day.

[shanz]

So in fact using cloth would most likely cost more due to the fact you have to wash more clothing etc as well. my only advice would be to try a few cheaper brands. Do you buy huggies in the boxes as this is cheaper. A friend of mine uses snugglers and finds they are nearly as good and a little cheaper,another uses babylove for day time and huggies for night and we have babysat him a few times and never had any problems. Do huggies have a factory outlet or warehouse that you can buy from? not sure i'm sure someone will have an answer. I told hubby that if he wants to use cloth then they will be waiting in the laundry for him everyday when he gets home from work and he replied with "i'm sure we can manage disposables then!!"

[Oscar's mum]

Angelbaby

I have the opposite problem to you and we cannot use disposable nappies but I have around 20 disposables that are useless to us so if you wanted to swap a couple of cloth nappies in return for the disposables. Email me if you are interested

Amanda
speedwayatom@yahoo.com.au

PS Or if you are wanting to sell your fitted cloth nappies I would consider buying them off you.

[Angel_baby_1982]

LOL

We tried babylove and the woolies home brand and they both reacted badly with bub's skin. Have been scared to try other things but suppose we will have to try at least snugglers. Coles home brand are the cheapest but worried they will affect bub's skin too. Anyone had any experience + or - with these ones?

I'm resigned to the fact at least until his poops get less runny we will be stuck with disposables. Just need to find cheaper ones.

Thanx everyone.

[tickle]

Aldi nappies are great and cheap. I pay $15.99 for a pack of 56 (4-9kg). My guy has never had a problem with them, no nappy rash or anything. He has reacted badly to homebrand, snugglers and babylove.

[JenNT]

maybe try putting j&j liners on cheap disposibles so they dont irritate as much. Lather baby in curash nappy cream..trust me,nothing gets through that!

[Angel_baby_1982]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll try some of these, hopefuly we find something!

Thankyou all again

Take care :)

[LucyE]

As I see it your options are:
a) use Huggies and don't eat
b) use cheaper disposables and have DS suffer rashes
c) get help to fix the problems with cloth and save money

As you have said, continuing to use Huggies is not sustainable. You don't want to waste money trying cheaper disposables. So why not explain in more details: exactly which cloth nappies you have tried, what covers you have used, how you are fastening them (pins, snibs, snappis???) and how you washed them.

Most mothers (especially those breastfeeding) have all experienced the explosive runny newborn poo and have found solutions to contain it. I've found non-aplix Tots to be the best for this and would be very surprised if you tried these and still had leaks.

If you are using flat terries, what fold are you using? The Jo fold is great for containing poo and a little trick of 'rolling' in the fabric around the legs helps create a gusset to catch any 'accidents'.

There are many reasons for red bottoms:
True nappy rash is the reaction between faeces and urine against the skin. This is easily fixed by changing the nappy immediately after a poo and the use of cloth or disposables won't make a difference.
The wet rash is where a baby is left in a wet nappy for too long. Using fleece liners in cloth nappies helps to create a stay dry effect. More frequent changes and cornflour can help too.
A contact rash is where bub's skin is sensitive to any chemicals in the nappy. This can be in a disposable or to the washing detergent used in cloth nappies. You can do much with disposables but with cloth you can adjust your washing methods. A gentler washing detergent, less detergent than recommended, no napisan, extra rinses etc can all help.
And I found DS reacted to foods that I ate. Acid foods like tomatoes, citrus, chilli etc all caused DS to get a red bottom around his anus. A chammomile tea wipe solution and cutting those foods out of my diet made a big difference for us.

From your replies in another thread, it seems like you are just anti cloth. If you are happy using Huggies that's great but what 'help' are you seeking by beginning this thread? You are doing a great disservice to other parents by not fully sharing your experiences and explaining which cloth nappies you have actually tried. There are literally hundreds of different modern cloth nappies available these days and different ones suit different babies better. There is usually a simple solution to problems of cloth leaks and rashes if you are willing to get help and make changes.

shanz The pilchers create a second barrier of defence against poo leaks onto clothing. You don't rely upon it to prevent leaks alone. A good quality, well fitting cloth nappy usually prevents any leakages without needing to rely on the cover. If it does leak onto the cover, cleaning up is no different to cleaning up a dirty nappy. You just 'fold' it back under the baby until you have cleaned them up and then remove the cover and nappy and replace with clean ones. Disposables won't contain better and infact many people use cloth covers over disposable nappies because they don't have a second barrier.

I have used Huggies and find cloth to be much more reliable (and not to mention better health wise). I was doing more washing while using disposables than compared to having to regularly wash cloth nappies. There is nothing worse than having to change a baby's clothes and bedding in the middle of the night because of a nappy leak.

[Angel_baby_1982]

in my case i'm going cheaper sposies because the snugglers DON'T give him nappy rash and are cheap enough for us to manage.

You can keep your cloth nappies, if 3 midwifes couldn't figure it out i doubt you can :rolleyes: Thanks but no thanks.

I agree cloth nappies would be better if I could find a way to make them work for my son, but in my opinion, and the opinions of 3 midwifes, we're better off sticking to sposies. They just suit our situation. Hopefuly next baby won't have the same problems because i'd rather use cloth if i could.

Sorry if i sounded "anti-cloth" I'm just frustrated that clothies don't work for me and I needed a cheaper brand of sposies that wouldn't irritate his skin. Snugglers is it.

[waawa]

What on earth makes you think that midwives have a comprehensive education in modern cloth nappies? Not one midwife I met knew the first thing about anything not found in a supermarket. In antenatal classes they're still teaching pins & Napisan. Some think they're terribly modern because they know what a Snappi is. (No offence to any cloth-educated midwives here - you're well and truly in the minority). Most nappy products have only become available in Australia in the past two to two-and-a-half years, and there is no ongoing Continuing Midwife Education requirement in nappies.

So far a number of people in this thread have asked a few basic questions about your nappy experience in an effort to help you out, all of which you've pointedly ignored or dismissed. You started this thread with a plea for "HELP!" but have demonstrated no inclination to accept any of the help offered to you in good faith.

If you're genuine, I'm sorry you had a difficult start, but the way you've gone on in this thread I can't help but wonder about your motivations?

[JenNT]

wow i came back in here to suggest something but it seems its really hit the wall......how ffs...its just nappies crikeys!

Anyway Angel, i bought the new Woolies 'Select" box of nappies and they are fantastic. The newborn ones are soft, have extra width across the tummy so in turn help fit around the leg better. They also have a thin flat waist that sits flush with the skin and a cut out for the umbilical cord! The box, regardless of size, is $19.95 compared to near $40 for huggies.

Hope this helps,
Cheers Jen

[LucyE]

Angel_baby_1982, I'm glad you've found a solution that is workable for you :)

Although they are just nappies when they don't work as it should, it can really take over your day - constant changing, cleaning, washing. Having a good 'system' means that you don't need to even think about them and have more time to spend and enjoy your precious new baby.

Edited to add that no I don't think midwives in general are experts on cloth nappy-ing. The midwife running our antenatal classes only knew 3 basic nappy folds (bat, kite and another one) all of which I believe were no good for newborns. She didn't have a clue about breathable PUL covers and was still recommending PVC pilchers. She was amazed with the Jo Fold I demonstrated and marvelled at how all the padding was at the front where needed and the back was only two layers thick. In hospital after having DS, I had a constant stream of midwives comming in to see my 'strange' fitted cloth nappies. They are just as easy as disposables to use(my hospital provided Huggies for free), contain better, and are healthier for my DS. My pead was bamboozed when he saw a cloth nappy on DS and didn't realise that such things existed. Our CHN was amazed the first time we saw her because she didn't realize DS was wearing cloth because he didn't have a big bum. My GP is amazed with how much cloth nappies have changed since she had her children (the youngest of whom is 8yrs old).

My point is, all these 'baby experts' who I trust with my son's health and wellbeing, don't have a clue about modern cloth nappies. Just because they deal with babies all day doesn't make them experts on nappy-ing.

[veve]

hey :)

I thought I would brighten this thread with a bit of positve babble... I didn't realise nappies could start such serious discussion!!!!

Yesterday I washed all my nappies (in preparation for bubs arrival ... I am going to try cloth- and see what happens... if I dont cope - disposables are always a back up !) - they looked SO cute on the clothes line ( I am positive the novelty will wear off soon :D)

Today I have just been so excited (I have to fess up- I dont really have a life!!) - and I have been practicing two different folds - thanks mostly to you Lucy E, I hadn't heard of the Jo Fold before!!! - no bulk at the back!! - you are obviously very passionate about your cloths!!!

I have now mastered the Jo fold - and the basic newborn fold :) hopefully one of them will suit bubs !!!! and my nappy hanger is full of beautifully folded nappies!!!

YAY :D

xxxxx

[waawa]

Yesterday I washed all my nappies (in preparation for bubs arrival ... I am going to try cloth- and see what happens... if I dont cope - disposables are always a back up !) - they looked SO cute on the clothes line ( I am positive the novelty will wear off soon :D)

Good for you veve/Jenny :) Do you have some good covers/wraps?

Lara

[hayleylea]

I am expecting my first in around 3 days and i plan on using cloth nappies. I have your ordinary terry towelling nappies and a few fitted ones aswell. I was just wondering what you guys use? The snappis or pins.....is one better then the other? :o

[waawa]

I am expecting my first in around 3 days and i plan on using cloth nappies. I have your ordinary terry towelling nappies and a few fitted ones aswell. I was just wondering what you guys use? The snappis or pins.....is one better then the other? :o

No one is particularly better - I used Snappis with our prefolds because I'm a bit of a klutz with sharp things when I'm sleepy. Quality wraps are most likely to determine your success, though - supermarket PVC and velcro pilchers are appalling, you can't buy good wraps in the shop. Also - you know about drypailing and minimising chemical use, yes?

Check out the faq and links at ozclothnappies dot org , and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Lara

[veve]

Hey :)

I am DEFINATELY planning on using snappy nappys I cant stand the idea of pins!!!! - I actually have 5 of them from my baby shower :D - I guess you can never have too many!!!!

can you give us a basic run down of drypailing (I probably know what it is - but have never heard it called that??)

as far a chemical use goes - I was planning on using napisan ... but someone told me today that you can use vinegar?? or salt??? please fill me in!!!!!!


xxxxx

[waawa]

Hey :) I am DEFINATELY planning on using snappy nappys I cant stand the idea of pins!!!! - I actually have 5 of them from my baby shower :D - I guess you can never have too many!!!!

There are also fitted nappies, pockets, all-in-ones, etc where you need no separate fastener at all. Some people just fold a flat or prefold into a good snug wrap, I found I didn't have enough poo containment that way (had to wash covers more often), but each to their own!



can you give us a basic run down of drypailing (I probably know what it is - but have never heard it called that??)

as far a chemical use goes - I was planning on using napisan ... but someone told me today that you can use vinegar?? or salt??? please fill me in!!!!!!

Drypailing means not soaking. You just dump any solids in the loo(not breastfed poo, but once there are real solids), optionally rinse (some people use a Little Squirt, I have a good washing machine so I never really bothered much), and put into an empty nappy bucket or PUL bag until washing day. Dump them in the machine, do a brief prewash if you want if there are ickies, then do an ordinary wash with a small amount of detergent. I use about a quarter of the recommended amount of Omo Sensitive - I got slack and started using a bit more than that recently, and within a couple of weeks the nappies started to smell a little bit when wet. I strip washed (a wash in hot water only) and the smell went away - it was caused by detergent buildup. No fabric softener, it is allergenic and coats the fabric fibres which reduces absorbency. There is no need for Napisan or any other kind of bleach; detergent, heat and sunlight are all adequately antibacterial (pick any two, if you want to be extra sure!).

Be careful with vinegar - it's fine on cotton flats, but it can compromise some covers and cause them to leak. Bicarbonate of soda can cause trouble too, I believe it causes elastic to lose its resilience. No need for salt, I've never heard of that being useful.

It's amazing how many cloth issues are cause by too many chemicals and an excessively complicated routine.

Lara

[LucyE]

hayleylea I use snappis because pins scare me a bit :eek: Most of my nappies don't require either though because they are either snap fastening or aplix (velcro like) fastening. I do have some flat terry nappies but I prefer my pocket nappies these days.

veve drypailing just means you store your nappies in a dry bucket ie. no soaking in water/napisan etc so there's no drowning risk if you also have a toddler around.
Basically what I do is: change nappy, dump poo in toilet (we have a little squirt if it won't roll off the fleece liner), place nappy in bucket. I wash every second night (it's my before bed routine :p ) and just toss all the nappies and wipes into the machine and wash with our normal detergent (OMOmatic) on warm. I use the recommended amount of detergent but some people find that 1/2 the amount is enough. Also some people like to use vinegar in the fabric softener compartment because it's a natural fabric softener and also helps get rid of any excess detergent residue. I find it doesn't work for us because we have very hard water so just rinse in plain water. I then line dry. I've found any stains (when we stay with mum who only washes in cold) come out after drying in the sun thanks to all those uv rays. Occassionally (maybe once every 6 months) I do a hot wash with a vinegar prerinse cycle if the nappies are starting to get a little smelly.

[waawa]

Basically what I do is: change nappy, dump poo in toilet (we have a little squirt if it won't roll off the fleece liner), place nappy in bucket. I wash every second night (it's my before bed routine :p ) and just toss all the nappies and wipes into the machine and wash with our normal detergent (OMOmatic) on warm. I use the recommended amount of detergent but some people find that 1/2 the amount is enough.

Heh. Re-reading these posts, I've realised it's much quicker for me to do it than to actually type it out... I can whack on a load of washing much faster than I can carry a rubbish bag out to the wheelie bin!

Cloth, for the lazy mum...

Lara

[veve]

wow!!

thanks for all the info guys- I am SURE I will have more questions when bubs actually comes home!!!

I guess it all comes down to the routine you get set in!!! Thank goodness for washing machines (that can wash nappies while mummies sleep!!!! :D )

xxxxxx

[jarrahsmumma]

my sugestion for all cloth and fitted nappy questions go to
http://www.forum.nappycino.com/
the best website for all nappy questions

you can also compare the many types of fitted nappies/pocket nappies/all-in-ones
this site has saved me going to expensive disposables

peace

[Elisa]

Hi there have you tried a fleece liner in the cloth nappies???? I think you will find the fleece liner will help with your problem or if you don't want to use cloth try a fleece liner in your disposables so you are not using as many dispossables. I personally don't like disp, Jake is in cloth 24 hrs a day it is sooooooo much cheaper and he poos 3-4 times a day and he pees lots. I hope this has help you.