Starting out with Cloth

[MyGuys]

Thinking seriously about using cloth for #2 due in June. Any advice on what types to use, where to get them, and what I'll need to buy to get started will be most appreciated.

[mel]

hey,
also wanting to start using cloth but have no idea....
#2 due july, #1 is 16 months.
my mum bought me a whole bunch of cloth squares for fold em your self type, but have seen ready made cloth and they look heaps easier :) have just moved and now on town water :smiliedance: so am able to do lots of washing so thought lets go cloth. any help would also be appreciated, i was looking in another cloth section but what are soakers? i really am in the dark on this issue :p

[jade21887]

Have a look at some websites for modern cloth (a google search should get you a few). I can pm you some if u cant find that many.

Im new at this too, so forgive me if i get anything wrong, or if I dont tell you everything!

There are a few different types of nappies:

Pockets - these are like a casing if you like, that you stuff with absorbant inserts - hemp/bamboo/terry cloth etc

AIO (All in One) - these are absorbant, so dont need stuffing.

Theres more, cant remember atm lol.

Search for ozclothnappies, they have a huge amount of info as well as a heap of sites.

Depending on the material of the nappies, some need a cover - which can be a soaker (woolen kn itted thing that goes over the top to keep the kids dry) and there are a few others.

I hope I have been of some help!!

[mel]

will go googling right now, thanks!

[popchex]

AIOs great for trips out, as they're quick and easy. Downside - normally take longer to dry as they're thicker. There are some all in twos, or some such that come apart for quicker drying.

Pockets - waterproof outside, soft flow-through material inside to keep bub dry, not stitched together at the top in back so you can insert.
The actual pocket will dry quickly while the stuffers will probably take a while longer, so you can have double the inserts, and you could possibly use the pocket twice a day if you're willing to handwash and hang out a wee'd on one - which I've been doing a bit. lol
Depending on what you use to stuff, can be quite trim and is adjustable for day/night depending on how much and what you stuff with.

Downside - stuffing! lol and removing the inserts at laundry time. Dedicate a pair of gloves to that job. *nods*

Same goes for covers with fitteds. I use the same covers through the day - a quick swish and rinse off and hang to dry. It's what saved me when he outgrew his other covers!

Fitteds go on like 'sposies, then a moisture resistant cover over them. I use one-sized bamboo (and some hemp) fitteds as Ben was a heavy wetter and it is wonderful.

Downside - they're thick and I can't get clothes over him in them. lol

Covers:
I currently use fleece covers as they are breathable. I'm trying to get some woolen ones as well. Wool repels the moisture, both allow it to evaporate (keeping bub dryer at night) and you don't have to wash wool often - but you do have to lanolise it every so often. When you buy them, the supplier should tell you, or you can look around here, I'm sure they have info. SOMETIMES if you leave it too long you can have compression leaking, but I've never had it. It's when something is pressing against it and the moisture gets pushed through.

PUL is less breathable but better than plastic or 'sposies! lol It's also thinner, in my experience, so it's good to go under clothes.

Ozclothnappies is a good resource but it can get very confusing, and it took me 8 months to decide what to do...then I chucked them all and started over after he was born. hahah

My advice is buy a few of each and find out what works for you before you commit to an idea. :)

[KaM]

Welcome and congrats on the decision!!

Soakers are knitted or crochets nappy covers that are lanoilised (made waterproof basicallly) but are a lot breathable then the plastic sorts.

Here are some links to some of the threads with the exact questions you've got. And remember .. you only have to ask!!

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=59788

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=58039

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=57839

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=57728

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=46973

[kymmy]

Good luck with your bubs DJs mummy and mel.
My recommendation is to use flats or prefolds in the early days as there is many changes in the first few weeks. Well that is my plan with my next bub as a newborn.
I prefer fitteds and wool (soakers are great). They are the most effective for us. Everyone has their own preference.
Any questions ask away. :thumbsup:

[MyGuys]

Thanks ladies for all your information and advice. I see there is a lot of reading/research to be done so had better get onto it straight away.

[mel]

i never knew you could fold a square of terry towelling so many ways, some of them look like you need a degree in oragami! but i'll give it a go!

[jade21887]

And be careful - its addictive!!! Ive spent $750 in the last week lol. But still its cheaper than disposables!! And they are nowhere near as fun!

[Percy]

And be careful - its addictive!!! Ive spent $750 in the last week lol. But still its cheaper than disposables!! And they are nowhere near as fun!

I second that!! Very addictive:laughing:

Its just a matter of trial and error i think. Once you have found something your happy with, my advice is to stick with it!:thumbsup: