everything i'll need for flats

[bronny-jane]

:D yep you got it im cheap:p

so i know i need nappies, snappies.....but what else?
and do i have to buy a nappy bucket....or can i use a big plastic container i have.....and any other tips in general would be very very welcome:yes:

[AimeeB]

:) I use flats-always have and I have tried the modern cloth but I like my flats better.I just have a nappy bucket and sit it in the laundry tub,nappies,snappies and liners.I use disposable liners sometimes but I made my own polar fleece ones(really thick)and find they work great-everything slides right off.I am only using them for Avalon at the moment and wash every second day so I have about 20 nappies-that gets me through,although shes 13 months and doesn't need as much changing anymore.I will have to buy another pack once this new bub comes though as they will both be in nappies(Avvy will only be 16 months)you just need to make sure you have enough but you will work out how many you need-trial and error.:thumbsup:

[Rainbowbrite]

Hey BJ,

I use flats most of the time. All i have is

Flats :p
Snappies
Liners (cheap coles ones are great or get some thin fleece & cut it to fit, lasts forever)
Covers - again, i'm cheap & use PVC ones ($1.50 for 3) or fluffies ($5 each)

I dont use a nappy bucket, i use a bullet bin that i leave in the laundry or throw them straight into the machine after rinsing if they need it :thumbsup:

Welcome to the dark side :laughing:

[dragonflyblu]

Hi, Our bub hasnt be born yet but we are getting ready for cloth. I just bought a whole heap of flushable liners for our cloths which I suspoect would be really useful for flats as well to make washing easier.

[FourAngelKisses]

I use terry flats all the time, love them!!! (Dye them pink and they look so cool!!)

You wont need a bucket, I've never used one. I just toss them in the laundry tub, then move them into the machine a couple of days later.

Liners, snappy nappy, I use Dymples pilchers from Big W....$1.70 for a pack of 3....get 3 packs just to be safe. And plastic bags/nappy bags for when you are out and about.

[bronny-jane]

thanks....i just told my mum im switching, she said "you'll be sorry":confused: ....i thought she'd think it was great

[bronny-jane]

oh what about over night...zoe sleeps through, so do i have to do anything extra to avoid leaks?

and what is the best fold

[FourAngelKisses]

Honestly...it isn't that much work. You have 3 kids so I'm guessing you do 2-3 loads of washing a day already?? You will only be doing an extra 1 load every 2-3 days. And folding them takes no time at all.

I use disposables overnight, but I used to use cloth....I'd just put 2 on them instead of 1.

[bronny-jane]

i do wash every day so i cant see it being a hassle........im just excited about changing over, it only took a few minutes to convince dh.....he was worried about having to wash nappies till i pointed out that he doesnt wash anything anyway:D

[FourAngelKisses]

DH was happy to use cloth on our first two kids, but wanted to use disposables on Matthew. I convinced him when I said we'd only be spending $16 on nappies every 2mths instead of $20 or so every week.
Ask your mum if she will buy the disposables if she doesn't want you to use cloth, lol.

[AimeeB]

:) At night I just use old face washers folded in thirds to absorb more,can't be to bad as Avvy sleeps all night.I find the fluffies pilchers a great but not really for nights as they can get abit damp.I just use the old style pvc pants at night or woolies and Bigw make nice ones that are pvc inside and printed fabric outside.Idid use the dymples ones with velcro when they were really little but found that the around the legs would get abit damp.My kids have always had eczema to and I have never had probs with using the plastic pants and them causing any irritation.Target sell some nice wool covers that velcro,they are good for no leaks I just fold the inside legs over once as I do the nappy up so no pooh leaks out.

[pookiesossige]

Hi BJ, sorry, I probably shouldn't post because these days I use MCN, but when I was using terry flats I found that my big lidded bucket was great- it's practically airtight and so no stinky laundry. I sit it up in the trough. The pvc piltchers did not agree with Ronan's skin, but are fine for most, so try them first. If they don't work (ie get too hot/steamy/rashy) then you can get a p.u.l wrap/cover which is similar but breathable- They cost more (about 15-18$ each- but I only need 2) last for yonks, soft leg and waist binding and they come in the cutest colours and prints (the Tots Bots and Bummis ones are great). But like I said, zoe might be fine with the pvc :thumbsup:

I noticed at the supermarket the other day that you can get hot pink and lime green terry flats!! And apparently the colours don't run either.

These days with our better washing machines, there's no need to go overboard on soaking etc- same as mcn- you can just 'drypail' in a lidded bucket (no water- and no more stinky then soaking is) then wash with only 1/2 the recommended amount of powder (reduces build-up that decreases absorbancy) and no bleach or softener- apparently this also stops them working as effectivley as they could. any marks left behind are bleached out by the sun before your eyes, and UV light is the most effective sanitizer known to man. I'm lazy, so this method suits me just fine! But do whatever suits you! :D :yes:

[MummyCharmzy]

If you still need plastics/target nappy covers/snibs/snappis plz pm me as I have a whole heap u can have that are sitting here waiting for me to get rid of them :D

[susiehomemaker]

Hi :-D I have just discovered woolen soakers for over night. DD is a heavy wetter and sleeps through and as long as her nappy has an extra booster the soaker has stopped any side leakage! Just brilliant. You only have to wash them about once a month and re-lanolise when they start getting smelly (thats when you know it needs re-lanolising) If you want to use them during the day, probably get 2 (so one can air out while the other is on bub) but if you only want them for night time 1 would be enough. They are more cost wise than the other covers but they breath naturally and can absorb about 40% of their weight before soaking through. And they are super cute too. I wasnt entirely convinced that they would work- but they are the best ever! DD cant wear the pvc pilchers (too hot and no exposed elastic for dd- allergic to it) so these have been a godsend. Those an PUL covers as the others have suggested. Cost more but you wont need anything over the top if you get a pretty one! (so there is a saving in itself) and they last really well and you dont need many. If you have any questions feel free to PM me, I have tried just about everything out there lately!

[LucyE]

I think everyone's got it covered...I only wanted to add a Little Squirt. They are very handy and makes life much easier but not a necessity.

I also found flushable liners to not be that great. They are handy when travelling and I didn't have access to my Little Squirt but they feel papery and not as nice as fleece. I also found with the explosive poos, they didn't really catch well so I'd end up with poo over the nappy anyway. And fleece is the only liner that will give that stay dry feel so bub won't feel wet if you don't change right away after each wee.

Also, make sure you get decent covers. They are more expensive in the beginning but they will last a lot longer and you don't need that many - 4 or if you are really scroogy maybe start with 2 but be prepared to handwash incase of poopy accidents. You can use the same one all day and just throw it in with your washing at night. They dry in no time but if you have to speed it up, just roll up in a dry towel. I'd recommend MotherEase Airflow covers over terry flats because they are lower cut so you won't have bits of nappy sticking out. Wool is fantastic, especially for night but maybe just start out with PUL (like the ME ones) first as you settle into your cloth routine.

For folds - check out http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/Advice/Instructions.asp?InstructionID=2
I liked the Jo fold the best because it is so adjustable, only has two layers of fabric at the back and the best poo catching fold that I have tried. The trick is to 'roll' the fabric in around the thighs when doing them up to create a gusset like effect.

For night nappies - depending on how big a wetter you child is, you might need some boosters to last through the night. You can use anything absorbant and just lay it between the nappy and the cover between the crotch. Bulk becames and issue for a lot of people so they will choose more absorbant materials like microfibre, hemp or bamboo for boosters. You won't need many, just enough for the number of nights you plan to go between washes. Another idea if you have a heavy wetter, is to just invest in one quality night time fitted nappy so you can have a trim-ish nighttime option. BabyBeehinds Bamboo have great feedback and are relatively easy to get.

Hope you enjoy the conversion :)

[kymmy]

I like my flats! I have to say covers are more important than the nappies. If you can splurge on a couple of covers or even knit a few covers all the better. Wool is the most effective cover imo esp for night.

[Seekrit]

Has anyone suggest some microfleece for liners? Just buy some from spotlight and chop it up - you don't even need to hem the edges :D