Please help with Cloth Nappy/Accessories Purchase

[SweetDreams]

I have been driving the very nice WAHM I'm planning to buy my AIOs from crazy with questions and am still unsure of what I'm doing. She sells AIOs in Newborn 2-5.5kgs, Small 3.5-8kgs, Medium 5.5-12kgs, Large 9.5-16kgs, X Large 13kgs +.

I already have 3 doz terries so was thinking that 15 smalls would be ample to start with.

What else will I need apart from AIOs and Terry Nappies (I have nothing else as yet in the way of nappies (and only terries at the moment - yet to purchase AIOs obviously!)!). :o

Sorry if these questions are stupid - I have a problem with numbers more than anything! This is the list I have tentatively made to send back to WAHM. My other big issue is that I have had no contact with babies (in the sense of looking after/changing nappies etc) in my whole entire life so I feel very overwhelmed!!

1. Small Nappies x 15
2. Pail pals x ?
3. Cloth Wipes x ?
4. Microfleece Liners x ? --> unsure of what situations to use these in!
5. Wetbags x 2 (?) --> is there a pul bag big enough for the bin at home instead of using plastic to protect inside of bin? That way I can take out the whole bag and replace with another (so obviously need at least 2 of these also) and throw the lot in the washing machine (after taking the nappies out of course). Just like the smalls bags you can buy from bras ‘n things etc.
6. Wool Covers x ? --> still unsure of what situations to use these in! Would I use these with the terries?
7. Snappis x 3 (?)
8. Nappy Buckets/Bin x 2 (since I will be dry pailing I am assuming these will need to have lids!). Do I need 2 (one for poo / pee) or do they all go into the same bucket/bin?
9. What else?!!!!


I just want to make sure I've covered as many bases as I possibly can before bubs arrives as I doubt very much I will have much time when he/she is here. I am already stressing about the next few months as I work full time and will be studying 4 subjects externally as well (plus driving to Rocky and flying to Bris every 3 weeks for lessons!).

Thanks in advance for any help!

SD :)

PS - I'm not trying to be offensive by calling the lady "WAHM" just trying to avoid advertising in any way!

[LilShenanigans]

hmm not sure, I don't use cloth nappies... But, I'm going to be helpful, I think...

I was given lots of cloth nappies ( just use them to wipe up drool now ), but I have HEAPS of clip things (the triangle ones that are much nicer and safer then those *ha* 'safety pins)
Um, cloth nappy covers? Basically they stop that business leaking out and what not.. sort of. I think.
I really should know more because my brothers are in them...
Um, some nappy liners... they look like chux cloths, very helpful apparently.

Basically, what I'm saying is with the mass that is DD's clothes and accesories, if you need any of these or maybe something else that I may have forgotten, do you want them? please, would you like to take them off my hands? lol
Admittedly most of the covers are in pink (I think), and not sure what size you want but they'd fit a growing body for sure.

I'll shup, I'm available on PM:D

[SweetDreams]

Thanks :)

I have pm'd you!

SD

[2littleprincesses]

Hello, I use cloth nappies, the terry squares. If you already have 3 dozen squares, you really don't need anymore nappies. It's just another expense that you really don't need.

My accessories list is this:

*3 snappis (they can snap, so helpful to have spares - keep one in your nappy bag when out.
*Nappisan or Sard Wonder Nappy - to soak those really nasty nappies.
*5 packs of pvc pilchers - people say they cause nappy rash by holding the wetness in, but I've never had a problem with them, as long as you keep bub clean. My eldest is 2+4m and never had a bad nappy rash.
*2 buckets. Yes you need lids, you say you want to dry pail, but you may need to soak dirty nappies. Wet and Dirty nappies can go in together.
*Nappy liners, I buy the pack of 100 Homebrand from Woollies for $2.62, just stick the wet liners back in the wash with the nappies and reuse. Dirty nappies are thrown in the bin. You can flush them, but I don't. 100 liners will last a long time this way. Also, I've found that the J&J liners are like chux but don't wash well.
*Don't know if you are buying a change table, if you're just going to use the bed to change bub on, buy a cheap mattress protector to lay down on the bed. My two girls had a habit of weeing as soon as the nappy comes off.
*I don't use baby wipes, just cotton wool and water. It is a hell of a lot cheaper, plus you aren't wiping bub's bottom with perfumes. These also can cause redness. (I know a lot of people will disagree with me here as they are very popular though)
*Oh I also use Curash powder after nappy changes, and Curash cream for any redness. Although Little Miss 6mo recently had thrush and we learnt that Daktozin is really good for clearing up rashes. It's a lot more expensive though, but will last you a long time.
*And a little bin in the girls' bedrooms to throw any rubbish in.

If you want to ask any more qs, I'm available.
Good luck-2littleprincesses

[Oscar's mum]

Okay first of all can I ask what brand of fitted nappies you are buying? Pocket, hemp etc, do they need a cover, or is the cover part of the nappy?

I found the best way to find if you like the nappies is to buy one second hand and try it out before buying a heap of them then discovering they don't work for you!

Do you realise that you can buy fitted nappies that go from newborn to toddler? They would be my recommendation, as that way you don't have to worry about buying the next size up etc. (Examples of these nappies are Zappy nappies, Baby Beehinds etc). These nappies still need a cover to keep them from leaking.

If you have alot of the terry flat nappies already may I suggest you use the Eenee nappies, I have a few of them and all you do is place a folded nappy into a pad shape and put inside the cover, that way when baby is wet all you do is take out the wet nappy and put a new one inside the cover. I find these ones fantastic.

With the dry pailing the nappies both the pooey and wee nappies can go into the same bucket, I use 2 buckets but only because we go through alot of nappies in a day and it just saves me having to do a washing load just because the bucket is full. I also find that 2 buckets of dry pailed nappies = a load of washing.

The cloth wipes have you thought about using perhaps face washers? I use cute character (winnie the pooh) washers, and have a bottle of demineralized (ironing water) water under the change table and wet the washer to use as a wipe. I find it very cheap to do it this way.

You mentioned Pail Pals, what is that? I am guessing perhaps they are something to stop the pail from smelling? Try bicarb sprinkled in the bottom of the pail with a few drops of essential oil.

Microfleece liners are great, you put them into the nappy, they are a long rectangle shape and when bub poo's it catches it so all you have to do rinse the poo off the liner not the nappy, they also take away the moisture from baby's bum which helps to avoid nappy rash.

Wetbags? I don't know what that is sorry.

The wool covers are for putting over the top of the baby's nappy to stop them leaking. I have used them but I didn't find them too good, if the nappy you are using needs a cover you can buy breathable plastic covers which will do the trick instead of the wool (the breathable plastic ones fit under bubs clothes easier too). I would never use the cheap plastic pilchers you can buy in the supermarket as they don't breath at all.

I would probably only buy 2 snappi's, that way you have one on hand in case the other breaks. You will only need the snappi's for the flat nappies not the fitted as most fitted nappies don't need a fastner as they have velcro or snaps etc.

I just noticed that you said you travel to Brisbane occasionally, I live in Brisbane and would be happy to lend you a few nappies of all different types to see which ones you liked the best! Let me know and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

[SweetDreams]

Okay first of all can I ask what brand of fitted nappies you are buying? Pocket, hemp etc, do they need a cover, or is the cover part of the nappy?

I believe they are hemp and they don't need a cover.

I found the best way to find if you like the nappies is to buy one second hand and try it out before buying a heap of them then discovering they don't work for you!

How do I try them out before bubs is here? Do you mean just see how they operate?

Do you realise that you can buy fitted nappies that go from newborn to toddler? They would be my recommendation, as that way you don't have to worry about buying the next size up etc. (Examples of these nappies are Zappy nappies, Baby Beehinds etc). These nappies still need a cover to keep them from leaking.

Yes I think there's also tots as well isn't there but they are size 0-2 (could be wrong!)?

If you have alot of the terry flat nappies already may I suggest you use the Eenee nappies, I have a few of them and all you do is place a folded nappy into a pad shape and put inside the cover, that way when baby is wet all you do is take out the wet nappy and put a new one inside the cover. I find these ones fantastic.

My MIL has bought me 4 Eenees but wasn't quite sure how to use them... I think you just cleared it up! I was confused because they had plastic and nothing else! I have 1 x newborn "weenees", 3 x 2-4 "weenees". She also got me one but it doesn't have a brand name on it... I still am unsure how to use it! I think maybe the person MIL bought them from made one themselves but then the inside is actual material and the outside is kind of like plastic-type material. Bit confusing! I also have 1 x newborn bubblebubs and 1 x small bubblebubs and the 3 doz terries.

With the dry pailing the nappies both the pooey and wee nappies can go into the same bucket, I use 2 buckets but only because we go through alot of nappies in a day and it just saves me having to do a washing load just because the bucket is full. I also find that 2 buckets of dry pailed nappies = a load of washing.

I think that will be the way to go. Are you talking like normal sized laundry bucket or bigger?

The cloth wipes have you thought about using perhaps face washers? I use cute character (winnie the pooh) washers, and have a bottle of demineralized (ironing water) water under the change table and wet the washer to use as a wipe. I find it very cheap to do it this way.

I had heard you could use face washers and think that might be the better/easier way to go!

You mentioned Pail Pals, what is that? I am guessing perhaps they are something to stop the pail from smelling? Try bicarb sprinkled in the bottom of the pail with a few drops of essential oil.

Yes you're right - they're basically paper infused with essential oil.

Microfleece liners are great, you put them into the nappy, they are a long rectangle shape and when bub poo's it catches it so all you have to do rinse the poo off the liner not the nappy, they also take away the moisture from baby's bum which helps to avoid nappy rash.

So you put the in the nappy the same as a pad? A couple of the nappies I have have like this little rectangular flap thing sewn in... what is that?!

Wetbags? I don't know what that is sorry.

Wetbags - instead of putting the dirty nappies straight in the bucket I just mean to get a bag that I can insert into the bucket first then when I go to wash the nappies I take the whole bag out (like disposing of rubbish) only the bag can be washed with the nappies.

The wool covers are for putting over the top of the baby's nappy to stop them leaking. I have used them but I didn't find them too good, if the nappy you are using needs a cover you can buy breathable plastic covers which will do the trick instead of the wool (the breathable plastic ones fit under bubs clothes easier too). I would never use the cheap plastic pilchers you can buy in the supermarket as they don't breath at all.

If the nappy's an all-in-one do you still need a cover?

I would probably only buy 2 snappi's, that way you have one on hand in case the other breaks. You will only need the snappi's for the flat nappies not the fitted as most fitted nappies don't need a fastner as they have velcro or snaps etc.

Thank you - I wasn't sure how many I should buy!

I just noticed that you said you travel to Brisbane occasionally, I live in Brisbane and would be happy to lend you a few nappies of all different types to see which ones you liked the best! Let me know and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

Yep - have to love lessons! Every 3 weeks although of course I'm on a break at the moment until mid-Jan! There are so many more chioces than disposable it's mindboggling and then of course most of the different sorts are so cute!!!

If you don't mind I may PM you later with more questions! Let me know if that's okay. :)

[Oscar's mum]

I liked the way you responded to my post, it makes it very easy to read so I will just do it the same way.

I believe they are hemp and they don't need a cover.

In that case you will not need the wool covers to go over the top of the fitted nappies.


How do I try them out before bubs is here? Do you mean just see how they operate?

Well you can see them before bub is here, and then when bub is here because you have alot of the flat nappies you can use them along with a few fitted nappies before purchasing lots of one kind. Because you have so many flat nappies you could make do with just trialing the fitted ones on bub before purchasing lots of the fitted. Does that make sense?



Yes I think there's also tots as well isn't there but they are size 0-2 (could be wrong!)?

Yep Tot's Bot's are from newborn to toilet training, there are lots of those types on the market, I named only 2 because that is all I could come up with off the top of my head.


My MIL has bought me 4 Eenees but wasn't quite sure how to use them... I think you just cleared it up! I was confused because they had plastic and nothing else! I have 1 x newborn "weenees", 3 x 2-4 "weenees". She also got me one but it doesn't have a brand name on it... I still am unsure how to use it! I think maybe the person MIL bought them from made one themselves but then the inside is actual material and the outside is kind of like plastic-type material. Bit confusing! I also have 1 x newborn bubblebubs and 1 x small bubblebubs and the 3 doz terries.

With the newborn 'weenees' and the 'eenees' you can buy disposable pads that go inside the nappies too and they are biodegradeable (sp)?. With the newborn ones though you wont be able to use a full sized flat nappy folded into them perhaps try nappy boosters or extra thick washers.


I think that will be the way to go. Are you talking like normal sized laundry bucket or bigger?

I use just the normal nappy buckets.:)


So you put the in the nappy the same as a pad? A couple of the nappies I have have like this little rectangular flap thing sewn in... what is that?!

That is a liner, it will help the nappies to dry quicker too, as welll as making it easier to clean the poo off of.


Wetbags - instead of putting the dirty nappies straight in the bucket I just mean to get a bag that I can insert into the bucket first then when I go to wash the nappies I take the whole bag out (like disposing of rubbish) only the bag can be washed with the nappies.

Try perhaps the cheap stores for a bathtub net bag. I got one of these bags which could be good for that for $2 I think!


If the nappy's an all-in-one do you still need a cover?

Yes, if it doesn't have th pul already built into it. However hemp is very absorbant and if you change the nappy frequently enough you can get away without a cover. I seldom use covers myself and don't really have many problems with leaks.

Yep - have to love lessons! Every 3 weeks although of course I'm on a break at the moment until mid-Jan! There are so many more chioces than disposable it's mindboggling and then of course most of the different sorts are so cute!!!

There are heaps of adorable ones on the market isn't their.

If you don't mind I may PM you later with more questions! Let me know if that's okay.


Feel free to PM me anytime

[JanetF]

I've just skimmed this huge amount of info so excuse me if it's covered :) I bought a big pile of really really cheap face washers and use those on pooey bums. One with cleanser, one for rinsing, sometimes 2 for special poos. Very cheap! I think they were 69c each from one of those warehouse cheapy places.

Also, I use largely terry flats with super cheap fleece covers made by a lovely WAHM. I mean under 10 bucks cheap!!!

In my pockets/stuffables (our night nappies) I use an old bunny rug and a microfibre cloth - buy them really cheaply from the cleaning section in your supermarket. You can stuff a nappy with almost anything absorbent so you don't need to use anything special :)

I use cloth to save money (plus the other good stuff but initially the money aspect) so I do it as cheaply as possible. I'm going halves in some newborn nappies with my sister (her bub is due about 2 months before mine) and that's reducing the cost significantly. I also buy secondhand ones from mamas I know on forums. We have a great stash! My terry covers fit babies from 4kg to at least 13kgs so lots of ways to use those.

[LucyE]

What you need will depend on a) how often you intend on washing and b) your budget

Number of Nappies:
For washing every day, I would budget for at least 1.5 times the number of nappies you need per day because you need to factor in drying times as well. With DS I found that we had approx 12 changes per day for the first 4 months
Then approx 8 changes per day until 8 months
And I wouldn't do less than 6 changes per day which averages about one change every 4 hours (even if using disposables)

Sizes:
I like a nice trim bottom so have invested in sized nappies (with the theory that I can use them on a second child :p ). This has meant that I've spent more upfront but because all the nappies have been used on a high rotation, they are less worn so will last longer. The advantage of sized nappies is that they also fit better so are less likely to produce leaks. I washed daily in the begining because I didn't have enough nappies but as DS got older and needed fewer changes, I have been able to stretch it out between washes. I could have saved money by buying less in the larger sizes but I've developed a cloth nappy addiction LOL If you wanted to save money you could buy One Size Fits All (OSFA) or stick to terry flats.

Now, my personal opinion is that for a newborn with runny explosive poo, the best system is a fitted nappy + cover because it gives you a double barrier protection against leaks. As they get older and the poo becomes firmer but more urine is produced, something like a pocket nappy works well because you can adjust the stuffing to be trim yet absorbant. I'm not a fan of AIOs (unless it's one of Lesley's Honey Boys) because they tend to take forever and a day to dry. Because they have the 'waterproof' layer, it also means that they're harder to clean and needs more agitating in the machine to 'sluice' through all those layers.


Sorry if these questions are stupid There's no such thing ;)

My other big issue is that I have had no contact with babies (in the sense of looking after/changing nappies etc) in my whole entire life so I feel very overwhelmed!! LOL That was me 20 months ago before DS arrived and I was trying to get my head around all these cloth nappy options. It really is quite simple when you see it in action and after 2 weeks of what feels like constant nappy changes, you'll be a pro :D

1. Small Nappies x 15
That's about right if you wash daily or less frequently if you use the terries as back up. I would recommend trying a few different brands in the small size so that when you go up a size you know what suits you and your bub. I always recommend getting at least 8 Tots Bots non aplix (snappi-able) size 1's because they are the most reliable over the widest range of body types.

2. Pail pals x ?
I wouldn't bother with these at all because they are usually made from bicarb which will deteriorate your nappies esp elastic. A bucket with a well fitting lid won't allow any smells to escape and I find the smell of cloth nappies to be less offensive than disposables.

3. Cloth Wipes x ?
I use cheap face washers (they cost about $1 each). I would get approx 20 of them because they just come in so handy. There are many opinions on what's best but for us, I find the thin terry ones work best because the terry 'loops' seem to catch everything. I've never needed more than 1 of these wipes per change as opposed to disposables where for a messy change I'd need around 4 or 5 because they are so thin and small. I used to make a chammomile solution but these days I just store them dry in the bathroom and wet them under the tap as needed.

4. Microfleece Liners x ? --> unsure of what situations to use these in!
They provide a stay dry feel and as already mentioned makes cleaning up easier. Some nappies already have it built in so you may not need a separate one. I purchased some from Lincraft and just cut them into rectangles (no sewing or hemming required). You just lay it in the nappy between the nappy and the bottom.

5. Wetbags x 2 (?) --> is there a pul bag big enough for the bin at home instead of using plastic to protect inside of bin?
Bummis large PUL bags are pretty big (from the WeeWuns). I prefer this brand over other well known brands and also have one in a small size for going out. I'm not sure why you want to line the bucket with this...some people find using a large delicates bag works better because then you don't have the touch the nappies at all. I don't have an issue with loading the machine and rinsing the nappy bucket out with warm water. I do find the large PUL bag handy when travelling (away from home for a few days) and I don't want to lug a rigid nappy bucket around. I have just one nappy bucket from a baby store (Roger Armstrong??) and find that's big enough for our needs.

6. Wool Covers x ? --> still unsure of what situations to use these in! Would I use these with the terries?
You would use a cover with any nappy that didn't have it's own 'waterproof' layer like flat terries or a fitted (eg Baby Beehinds, Tots Bots etc). AIO's and pockets like FuzziBunz or Honey Boys don't need a separate cover. I like the breathability of wool but you can use PUL covers too. I would avoid the PVC covers available in stores at all costs because they are not breathable and create a 'sauna' like effect - yuk!

7. Snappis x 3 (?)
Depends on what sort of nappies you have...a minimum of two and you can buy more if you need to at a later stage.

8. Nappy Buckets/Bin x 2 (since I will be dry pailing I am assuming these will need to have lids!). Do I need 2 (one for poo / pee) or do they all go into the same bucket/bin?
I chuck them all in the same bucket after dumping the poo into the toilet.

9. What else?!!!!
A Little Squirt is invaluable. It's a high pressure hose that attaches to the toilet and makes cleaning nappies so much easier - no need to touch poo at all!

Flushable liners are also handy. There's only two brands I know of that are actually flushable (Eenees and a New Zealand cotton one). The other disposable ones available in supermarkets are a bit of a waste of time in my opinion because you have to throw them into the bin which defeats the purpose of disposing of poo into the toilet.

If you plan on using flat terries, I highly recommend the Jo fold. It has only two layers of fabric at the back and more in the front where needed.

I can't think of anything else right now. Sorry if this is a bit of a disjointed ramble because I've been distracted with DS as I've been typing this. Hope this helps :)

Edited to add the rectangular bit sewn in is normally what's known as a 'sewn in booster'. By having it as a flap, it cuts down on drying times.
Microfibre cloths - the best I've found is the commercial nappy stuffers from MOE. If you are buying supermarket ones, look for the terry weave ones because they will absorb more than ones made for cleaning (I think it's the Black and Gold brand??).

[Mumoffour]

I would also recommend a little squirt attatchment to blast the poo off the nappies into the loo.
i use terry squares and j&j liners (you can wash and reuse them if they are only wet).
I have two buckets which i wipe out with essential oil to stop the smell- i dry pail the nappies and wash them in hot water- no napisan needed.
I have about 5 snappis as i am always leaving them around and then cant find one when im changing bubs.
I use the velcro/polarfleece pilchers that you can buy from kmart/big W.
For going out we use the weenies which are great- we get the pad things home delivered from a place in Stafford (nthside Bris) and the covers get washed and reused.
We also use face washers and a little bucket of water for washing her tush- whole lot cheaper than wipes.
hope this helps:)