Cloth Bum Diaries!

Around six months ago I decided that I would try using Cloth nappies.   My friend had just recently tried it out, although gave up after a week because she was getting leaks with them.  However, seeing her pretty nappies did give me the inspiration to give them a go myself.

I didn't fancy spending a huge amount on re-usable nappies to start with, my son was already 14 months old, and I didn't know if I would get on with them or not.  So I got on the look out for some cheap/free pre-loved cloth nappies.   I was so incredibly lucky, because after placing a "wanted" advert on Freecycle, I had a reply from a lovely lady who had 15 "Wonderoo" pocket nappies she wanted to give away.   At this stage, being new to the whole world of cloth I didn't know if these were good nappies, or if they were just a cheap brand. It turned out that the were a fairly good brand, and although the were the "Version 2" so slightly out of date, to buy their "Version 3" nappies, they'd have been about £14 each.

I was a bit nervous about getting second hand nappies - but I thought I'd collect the nappies, and just see what they were like.  I was delighted!  There were no stinks or stains, and they seemed in excellent condition, hardly used.  I washed them at 60 degree's and then I used a laundry sanitiser too.  After I washed them they were so fresh and clean, I really didn't feel worried at all about using these pre-loved nappies at all.  Besides, I use a fleece liner & a disposable liner on top anyway.

I also got some "Cheapie" Little bloom nappies from some one (I paid for these but not much).   So with now a "Stash" of 25 cloth nappies I was ready to go!

I found much support on Cloth bum facebook groups such as:

Cloth Bum Mums - Fluffy Chat and Advice

I never experienced any problems with leaks.  The nappies I had so far were pocket nappies.  It's basically a nappy shell with waterproof material on outside, with a fleece inner which opens up at the back of the nappy.  You then stuff absorbent boosters inside.  You can get various different types of material boosters such as Microfibre, Bamboo & Hemp.  The wonderoo's came with a bamboo tri-fold (Which is like a square piece of material that you fold in three for multi layered absorbency), they also came with a microfibre insert that you can conveniently popper together.   

The "Cheapie" nappies like "little bloom" are a great way to get into cloth for many, as they are so affordable!  They are about £3.99 for a nappy and booster.  Some people swear by them, others don't get on, but definitely worth a try! 

The other type of nappies I have are called "all in ones".  I like a brand called "Mio Solo".   They are similar to pocket nappies in my opinion, however the absorbent booster is attached at one end to the nappy, so its not in two parts. These fasten with velcro rather than poppers.  They have just started to sell these Mio Solo nappies in supermarkets such as Waitrose (only 75 stores nationwide) and Morisons, and even sainsbury's.  I am so glad the are trying to make cloth more main stream.

I also have some "All in Two" nappies.  These are "Fitted Nappies", that you put a "Waterproof Wrap" around the outside.   The fitted nappy part is fully made of the absorbent material such as bamboo or microfibre.  There are some gorgeous patterned wraps available to buy.  Blueberry ones are lovely.  Motherease Rikki, seem to work really well, but not so attractive.

I always thought that there'd be no way that I would use reusable nappies.  My sister even tried 7 years ago with her daughter, and did not get on with them sadly.  When I had my second son she offered me all her nappies, which I stuck my nose up at, and declined!  They really are easy to use!  It's so nice not to have to go out and buy nappies.  (although I do still I am afraid, because I don't use cloth for my son when he goes to nursery three days a week, and I also currently use disposables at night time).

As I mentioned previously I use a disposable liner, so when my son does a poo, you just scoop in up in the liner, and dispose of.  I then pop the wet nappy in the nappy bin (dry, not to soak).  No, it doesn't smell!  Then every two to three days its wash day.  I LOVE wash day - seeing all those pretty nappies on the line!  I have way too many nappies really (Not as many as some - some people get very addicted and have stashes of over 100 or even more!).  I have about 45.   I don't get through them really.   I think I could definitely get away with having 20 ish.

If you haven't ever thought about trying cloth - I'd really recommend it, and urge you to try.   I have even started using cloth wipes now - but's thats for another day :)