Just got a message from a friend to say that her hubby bought 200 Huggies for 24 Euro. Could cloth nappies beat that, she asked. That's 12 cent each. I know she uses 6-8 nappies a day, so lets say 8 nappies times 12 cent = 96 cent a day. Round it up to 1 euro. That's 365 euro a year. Potty trained by, let's say, 2.5 years = 912.5 euro. Not bad, I suppose. I think the average cost of a disposable nappy is 20cent. That works out at 1460 euro for 2.5 years. So, her hubby's saved nearly 550 euro. But can you rely on finding a bargain like that every week? And where do you store 200 nappies? But you need to add in cost of dispoable nappy bags, if using them, plus waste charges. I wonder how much a full nappy weighs? Never mind the money you have to spend on petrol to shops to buy giant boxes of nappies. Or ever worry about running out. Also, I suppose she'd be using disposable wipes?
You can buy a basic, budget Birth-to-Potty nappy system for around 200 euro. Or spend up to 600 for a mega luxurious pocket nappy system. Or anything in-between. Washing costs around 50 euro per year, so 125 extra for washing. Throw in a few washable wipes, made from a fleece blanket bought in Penneys for around 5 euro. So, 330 euro plus 5 mins work a day switching on the washing machine. Plus no waste charges. You dont need to be Eddie Hobbs to spot which (disposable vs washable) saves you money! You can save even more if you buy secondhand nappies. These often cost only half the price of new ones. Plus you can use them on more than one baby. And when you're finished with nappies altogether, you can resell them.
For a UK cost Comparison, obviously written by someone who has done more research on this than me, check out http://www.clothnappytree.com/info.php?article=6
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
How Smart am I?
I've written before about not giving up on a nappy just because it didn't work out the first time round. I've just been reminded how true this it! When I first tried the Mothercare Smart nappy, I hated it. Major leaks every time, even after only an hour. Good in theory, I thought, but useless in real life.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the Smart nappy consists of a wrap with a waterproof 'pouch', into which you can place either reusable or special disposable pads. The idea is that this gives you the flexibility of both washable and disposable nappies. The disposable pads are 'environmentally friendlier' although I'm not sure what's in them. They dont seem plasticy, and certainly dont have any of that awful gel-stuff normal disposables have. The washable pads are made of panels of microfibre and cotton that are folded before being inserted into the pouch. If you like, you can top it all with a paper or fleece liner. You can put the nappies together beforehand, so they're ready and waiting for husbands, grannies etc. Unlike a pocket nappy, however, you dont need to wash the wrap every time. Only if soiled or really wet. So more like a traditional two-part wrap. Basically, its a way of using a prefold system, with the prefold held securely in place.
Anyway, back to my story. Keen to give the Smart nappy a second chance, I decided to see if I could figure out what the problem was. So, I examined what I was doing in great detail. And then it came to me. I found the washable pad ( I hadn't tried the disposable pads at that stage) was too narow and was becoming bunched between the legs. So, all of the pee was bipassing the pad and flowing straight out of the wrap! And the solution? I widened the padded area by using two pads, one wrapped around the other. Or I used muslins or pre-folds which I could fold into a wider pad. Or used the wider inserts that come with many pocket nappies. Problem solved!
I recently went away for a week, and brought a set of Smart nappies with me. I didn't bring many washable inserts, and just threw them in with whatever washing I had on (luckily I was staying somewhere with a washing machine), and I used the disposable pads the rest of the time. These, I found, were the correct fit and really handy. I even used them at night, with no leaks!
In fact, I now love my Smart nappies! I can use the washable pads, muslins, prefolds, inserts, whatever, in them. So versatile! And sometimes I use just one washable insert, making sure to smooth it out well so it doesn't bunch up. And because its from Mothercare, its very easy to get hold of, and I dont have to pay for delivery as I live near a Mothercare store.
So now I'm keen to try the other 'pouch'-style nappies out there. For example, the makers of BumGenius have just launched the 'Flip', which seems really similar to the Smart. I read the composition of their disposable pads somewhere, and not a plastic in sight. Eeenees also do something similar, with a snap-in pouch. And their disposable pads are meant to be compostable.
Once I get my hands on some, I'll add them to The Collection. Until then, try the Smart!
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the Smart nappy consists of a wrap with a waterproof 'pouch', into which you can place either reusable or special disposable pads. The idea is that this gives you the flexibility of both washable and disposable nappies. The disposable pads are 'environmentally friendlier' although I'm not sure what's in them. They dont seem plasticy, and certainly dont have any of that awful gel-stuff normal disposables have. The washable pads are made of panels of microfibre and cotton that are folded before being inserted into the pouch. If you like, you can top it all with a paper or fleece liner. You can put the nappies together beforehand, so they're ready and waiting for husbands, grannies etc. Unlike a pocket nappy, however, you dont need to wash the wrap every time. Only if soiled or really wet. So more like a traditional two-part wrap. Basically, its a way of using a prefold system, with the prefold held securely in place.
Anyway, back to my story. Keen to give the Smart nappy a second chance, I decided to see if I could figure out what the problem was. So, I examined what I was doing in great detail. And then it came to me. I found the washable pad ( I hadn't tried the disposable pads at that stage) was too narow and was becoming bunched between the legs. So, all of the pee was bipassing the pad and flowing straight out of the wrap! And the solution? I widened the padded area by using two pads, one wrapped around the other. Or I used muslins or pre-folds which I could fold into a wider pad. Or used the wider inserts that come with many pocket nappies. Problem solved!
I recently went away for a week, and brought a set of Smart nappies with me. I didn't bring many washable inserts, and just threw them in with whatever washing I had on (luckily I was staying somewhere with a washing machine), and I used the disposable pads the rest of the time. These, I found, were the correct fit and really handy. I even used them at night, with no leaks!
In fact, I now love my Smart nappies! I can use the washable pads, muslins, prefolds, inserts, whatever, in them. So versatile! And sometimes I use just one washable insert, making sure to smooth it out well so it doesn't bunch up. And because its from Mothercare, its very easy to get hold of, and I dont have to pay for delivery as I live near a Mothercare store.
So now I'm keen to try the other 'pouch'-style nappies out there. For example, the makers of BumGenius have just launched the 'Flip', which seems really similar to the Smart. I read the composition of their disposable pads somewhere, and not a plastic in sight. Eeenees also do something similar, with a snap-in pouch. And their disposable pads are meant to be compostable.
Once I get my hands on some, I'll add them to The Collection. Until then, try the Smart!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Velcro, nippas or poppers? There IS another way (and it's not pins!)
The days of fastening cloth nappies with pins is long gone. But what has replaced them? There are several options, actually, and each have their followers.
The Nappi Nippa or Snappi is a Y-shaped plastic gadget that allows you to fasten a variety of shaped nappies, terries and muslins. It allows a great deal of flexibility in adjusting nappies to fit and nappies that require them are usually budget-options. They are sold in most cloth-nappy shops, usually in packs of three. Which is good because I find them very easy to lose! While much safer than pins, they can be a bit fiddly to use initially, and rarely they can prick your fingers! Also, not the easiest when dealing with a wriggling toddler.
Velcro fasteners usually come in a variety called Aplix. This is a soft velcro which is sown into the nappy. Many All-In-Ones and pocket nappies use these, which makes them even more similar to disposables. They can be quite adjustible, especially if they have cross-over tabs. However, they can be quite easy for toddlers (even my 9-month old!) to undo. Also, something that drives me nuts, is that the velcro tends to stick to everything in the wash, which can damage other nappies and fill the velcro with fluff. Easy to pick out with a pin, but who has the time? Laundry tabs are provided on many, unfortunately not all, of these nappies, but these dont always work very well.
One more problem can be that the loop-part of the velcro on the front of some brands of nappies can roll inwards and scratch sensitive baby-tummies.
Popper-fastened nappies are also quite common. They dont have the disadvantages of sticking to your laundry or scratching little tummies that Aplix has. However, they are less adjustable as you can only tighten them to where the poppers allow. Also, although toddlers less likely to undo them, they can be harder to close on a wriggling toddler.
I used to think that was it as far a nappy-fasteners went. Until I discovered Wahmies. These birth-to-potty pocket nappies use a fastening system which seems to be unique to them. Its a hook-and-loop system which offers huge adjustability without any of the drawbacks of Aplix. I admit it takes some practise before you get used to it, but once you've got the knack its very easy. Probably not the best on a wriggling toddler, but on the plus side I'd say it would be impossible for a child to undo. And possibly easy enough to pull on and off for toilet training.
So, there you have it. Many different options and not a pin in sight!
The Nappi Nippa or Snappi is a Y-shaped plastic gadget that allows you to fasten a variety of shaped nappies, terries and muslins. It allows a great deal of flexibility in adjusting nappies to fit and nappies that require them are usually budget-options. They are sold in most cloth-nappy shops, usually in packs of three. Which is good because I find them very easy to lose! While much safer than pins, they can be a bit fiddly to use initially, and rarely they can prick your fingers! Also, not the easiest when dealing with a wriggling toddler.
Velcro fasteners usually come in a variety called Aplix. This is a soft velcro which is sown into the nappy. Many All-In-Ones and pocket nappies use these, which makes them even more similar to disposables. They can be quite adjustible, especially if they have cross-over tabs. However, they can be quite easy for toddlers (even my 9-month old!) to undo. Also, something that drives me nuts, is that the velcro tends to stick to everything in the wash, which can damage other nappies and fill the velcro with fluff. Easy to pick out with a pin, but who has the time? Laundry tabs are provided on many, unfortunately not all, of these nappies, but these dont always work very well.
One more problem can be that the loop-part of the velcro on the front of some brands of nappies can roll inwards and scratch sensitive baby-tummies.
Popper-fastened nappies are also quite common. They dont have the disadvantages of sticking to your laundry or scratching little tummies that Aplix has. However, they are less adjustable as you can only tighten them to where the poppers allow. Also, although toddlers less likely to undo them, they can be harder to close on a wriggling toddler.
I used to think that was it as far a nappy-fasteners went. Until I discovered Wahmies. These birth-to-potty pocket nappies use a fastening system which seems to be unique to them. Its a hook-and-loop system which offers huge adjustability without any of the drawbacks of Aplix. I admit it takes some practise before you get used to it, but once you've got the knack its very easy. Probably not the best on a wriggling toddler, but on the plus side I'd say it would be impossible for a child to undo. And possibly easy enough to pull on and off for toilet training.
So, there you have it. Many different options and not a pin in sight!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Every cloud has a Silver lining
Baby Angel overdosed on Weetabix the other day. What has this to do with nappies, you ask? Well, first she threw up, then a few hours later the signs of a reaction were visible at the other end. Yup, runny poo. Not breastfed-runny but foul, smelly runny. And the worst rash I've ever seen. Open wounds that bled when washed!
What to do? Cloth nappies dont generally mix well with nappy creams. You can use them, but you need to make sure none goes on the nappy, so use a paper liner every time. I rubbed in some "Bum Bum Balm" (available at www.thebabyorchard.com) before she went to bed, put a paper liner on top of her normal night-time arrangement, and held my breath. Amazed to find it nearly all healed in the morning! Fastest results I've ever seen in a nappy cream. I'd been using it on my dry skin patched and as a lip balm for myself (yummy lavender!) but hadn't needed it for her until now.
So, why the emphasis on silver in the title? Well, I recently got a silver liner and a silk liner from Ecobrats (www.ecobrats.ie). Silver is known to be antibacterial. So, tonight I've put that on top of the night-nappy. Hopefully it'll clear of the one remaining patch of red, without using creams. Because, although the balm is incredible, I hate using paper liners. Not only do you have to keep buying new ones, the papers seems scratchy IMO and my plumbing not up to dealing with them anyway. Useful when out though.
Will try the silk liner tomorrow. It feels lovely and soft. My only concern is that it's hand-wash only. Fine if it's just wet, a quick rinse and its good to go. But handwashing and poo not a good mix!
Ususally, I use fleece liners, which prevent napies from staining too much, and the poo just 'rolls' off. Can be washed alongside the nappies. I make my own, by cutting up fleece baby blankets, which are really cheap to buy. They make great washable baby-wipes too. Another money-saving tip brought to you by the ClothNappyAngel!
What to do? Cloth nappies dont generally mix well with nappy creams. You can use them, but you need to make sure none goes on the nappy, so use a paper liner every time. I rubbed in some "Bum Bum Balm" (available at www.thebabyorchard.com) before she went to bed, put a paper liner on top of her normal night-time arrangement, and held my breath. Amazed to find it nearly all healed in the morning! Fastest results I've ever seen in a nappy cream. I'd been using it on my dry skin patched and as a lip balm for myself (yummy lavender!) but hadn't needed it for her until now.
So, why the emphasis on silver in the title? Well, I recently got a silver liner and a silk liner from Ecobrats (www.ecobrats.ie). Silver is known to be antibacterial. So, tonight I've put that on top of the night-nappy. Hopefully it'll clear of the one remaining patch of red, without using creams. Because, although the balm is incredible, I hate using paper liners. Not only do you have to keep buying new ones, the papers seems scratchy IMO and my plumbing not up to dealing with them anyway. Useful when out though.
Will try the silk liner tomorrow. It feels lovely and soft. My only concern is that it's hand-wash only. Fine if it's just wet, a quick rinse and its good to go. But handwashing and poo not a good mix!
Ususally, I use fleece liners, which prevent napies from staining too much, and the poo just 'rolls' off. Can be washed alongside the nappies. I make my own, by cutting up fleece baby blankets, which are really cheap to buy. They make great washable baby-wipes too. Another money-saving tip brought to you by the ClothNappyAngel!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Why size matters...
I was thinking some more about night-time leaks, and leaks in general. It's not just the material or abosorbancy that's important. It's the size and fit. This is especially important for Pocket nappies and All-in-Ones. It can be pretty confusing when chosing the correct size for your baby. Not all sizes are the same! For example, what may be labelled a "Medium" in one, may be closer to a "Large" in another. There can be a great variety in sizing across brands, and also vaying degrees of overlap. For example, a size 1 in Totsbots is up to 18lbs, while a size 1 Little Lamb is up to 20lbs (in theory at least!). Also, the choice of closure is important. Nippa closing nappies usually offer more flexibility in sizing. For example, a size 2 Totsbots Fluffle, Nippa closing, can easily be folded to fit a newborn and so act as a one-size nappy.
On the subject of one-size nappies, these are often advertised as fitting from "Birth-to-Potty". But often they are too big for a small newborn and too small for a large toddler. You can, however, buy Nappy Extenders, to increase the size range of certain nappies.
I found my tiny babies too small when newborn for any of the one-size options. Recently, however, I came across Wahmies nappies. These close with hooks rather than poppers or aplix and seem to fit a huge range of sizes. They may possibly be a true "Birth-to-Potty" nappy and are even advertised as fitting preemies!
Fit can be as important as size. Babies with extra skinny or chubby thighs often have trouble finding pocket nappies that dont leak. Some nappies are cut in unusual shapes, such as Wonderoos (which seem extra wide) or Swaddlebees ( which seem extra narrow).
Again, it usually comes down to a process of trial and error. What fits one baby like a glove, may gape horribly on another. Another great reason to use my nappy rental service and "try before you buy"!
On the subject of one-size nappies, these are often advertised as fitting from "Birth-to-Potty". But often they are too big for a small newborn and too small for a large toddler. You can, however, buy Nappy Extenders, to increase the size range of certain nappies.
I found my tiny babies too small when newborn for any of the one-size options. Recently, however, I came across Wahmies nappies. These close with hooks rather than poppers or aplix and seem to fit a huge range of sizes. They may possibly be a true "Birth-to-Potty" nappy and are even advertised as fitting preemies!
Fit can be as important as size. Babies with extra skinny or chubby thighs often have trouble finding pocket nappies that dont leak. Some nappies are cut in unusual shapes, such as Wonderoos (which seem extra wide) or Swaddlebees ( which seem extra narrow).
Again, it usually comes down to a process of trial and error. What fits one baby like a glove, may gape horribly on another. Another great reason to use my nappy rental service and "try before you buy"!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Night time solutions
I recently got a Slinki Minki nappy to try. As I'm a big fan of the Classic Minki pocket nappies for using at night, I thought I'd test the Slinki for night-time use. I duly stuffed it with the Minki insert it came with (slimmer than the standard Minki insert), plus two bamboo boosters. Cue one soaking wet baby at 3am. So, it seems the Classic Minki is the only pocket nappy I've used that's good for nights.
During the 3am nappy-change, I decided on another trial. This time the 'Easy' Nappy by Petits Dessous. This is a French All-in-Two that I've wanted to try out for ages. 3am last night was not the time! I stuffed the pocket with a Petits Dessous Bamboo insert and put it on my now wide-awake baby. Cue one soaking wet baby at 7am.
So, most pocket and AIO nappies aren't meant for night. What's the alternative? Lots of mommies use the same two-part nappies and wraps that they use during the day, but with a booster or two added. But I'm not the biggest fan of PUL wraps at night. Too sweaty! The other options for night-time wraps are fleece and wool. Fleece wraps are great. Easy to wash, quick-drying and mega-breathable. Not strictly waterproof, they may be a little damp in the morning, but never soaking.
Even better, in my mind, is wool. Again, not waterproof, but the kindest fabric for your baby. Wool wraps dont need much washing, only gentle airing if damp. In fact, I rarely wash mine. Maybe once a month. And the Bumpy wool wrap I use is machine-washable! You do need to treat wool wraps with lanolin every now and again, but this is easy to do. Some women even knit their own wool wraps, something which I keep saying I'll do. There are loads of free patterns on the internet.
And what to put inside the wrap? I find it depends on the wrap I'm using. I read somewhere that you should only use natural fibres under wool wraps, so I usually use a bamboo or hemp nappy, with about 3 bamboo or hemp boosters. I find the Little Comfort One-size excellent when used with it's two boosters. Added bonus is the boosters are fleece-lined. Although sometimes I'll use a cotton nappy if the bamboo and hemp are still drying. And just increase the boosters. If I'm using fleece, then I like to use my Fluffles, with their snap-in booster. But that's mainly because they're too bulky for daytime but I love them and want an excuse to use them.
To be honest, I used disposables at night for my son when I first started using cloth nappies. I reckoned that one disposable at night meant that I used one pack a month, instead of one a week. I dont regret that decision, but I'm so glad I decided to try to crack the night-time problem this time round. And, except for last night, I no longer have to deal with a soaking-wet baby in the middle of the night.
During the 3am nappy-change, I decided on another trial. This time the 'Easy' Nappy by Petits Dessous. This is a French All-in-Two that I've wanted to try out for ages. 3am last night was not the time! I stuffed the pocket with a Petits Dessous Bamboo insert and put it on my now wide-awake baby. Cue one soaking wet baby at 7am.
So, most pocket and AIO nappies aren't meant for night. What's the alternative? Lots of mommies use the same two-part nappies and wraps that they use during the day, but with a booster or two added. But I'm not the biggest fan of PUL wraps at night. Too sweaty! The other options for night-time wraps are fleece and wool. Fleece wraps are great. Easy to wash, quick-drying and mega-breathable. Not strictly waterproof, they may be a little damp in the morning, but never soaking.
Even better, in my mind, is wool. Again, not waterproof, but the kindest fabric for your baby. Wool wraps dont need much washing, only gentle airing if damp. In fact, I rarely wash mine. Maybe once a month. And the Bumpy wool wrap I use is machine-washable! You do need to treat wool wraps with lanolin every now and again, but this is easy to do. Some women even knit their own wool wraps, something which I keep saying I'll do. There are loads of free patterns on the internet.
And what to put inside the wrap? I find it depends on the wrap I'm using. I read somewhere that you should only use natural fibres under wool wraps, so I usually use a bamboo or hemp nappy, with about 3 bamboo or hemp boosters. I find the Little Comfort One-size excellent when used with it's two boosters. Added bonus is the boosters are fleece-lined. Although sometimes I'll use a cotton nappy if the bamboo and hemp are still drying. And just increase the boosters. If I'm using fleece, then I like to use my Fluffles, with their snap-in booster. But that's mainly because they're too bulky for daytime but I love them and want an excuse to use them.
To be honest, I used disposables at night for my son when I first started using cloth nappies. I reckoned that one disposable at night meant that I used one pack a month, instead of one a week. I dont regret that decision, but I'm so glad I decided to try to crack the night-time problem this time round. And, except for last night, I no longer have to deal with a soaking-wet baby in the middle of the night.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Third time lucky
I was chatting to my sister today. She had a baby in May. Forgetting my own advice to take things slow, (see previous blog) I had descended on her when said baby was a week old. I brought with me a veritable sack of cloth nappies. Prefolds, muslins, shaped, one-size, two-size, pockets, fleece wraps, wool wraps, poppers, aplix... you name it. Using my own screaming five-month old as a model, I ranted at her about washing, wicking, airing, soaking, lining... you get the picture. Then, like a mad whirlwind I was gone. No wonder the poor girl gave up after a full day of leaky nappies and gave me back my nappies.
Undeterred, I sent her 12 Kushies Ultra All-In-Ones, via my mom. She tried those, but her little heavy-wetter just got soaked. I told her to hang on to them "till the next time you see me."
And now, to my utter delight, she decided to give them another go. And, third time around, success! The thing is, at 5 months old, they fit him better. All to do with skinny thighs versus chubby thighs. Following my advice, she uses home-made fleece liners. And that's it. She went to Dublin yesterday and used disposables for the trick. She said they leaked more than the Kushies. Yay! So, today's message is, dont give up! Keep trying and you'll find something to suit you. Kushies suit my sister and her baby. Easy to use, they fit right, no nappy rash and they look cute! I've just popped another 6 in the post for her, because she line-dries and the weather these days is awful! Lucky she has such a caring big sister!
So, if you bought a pile of nappies, with high hopes and good intentions, and they just leaked everywhere, don't throw them out just yet. Your baby might just need to grow into them. Put them away for a few weeks and try them again when you're feeling braver. You might just fall in love with them. And if you don't, I guarantee there's a nappy out there that will be perfect.
Undeterred, I sent her 12 Kushies Ultra All-In-Ones, via my mom. She tried those, but her little heavy-wetter just got soaked. I told her to hang on to them "till the next time you see me."
And now, to my utter delight, she decided to give them another go. And, third time around, success! The thing is, at 5 months old, they fit him better. All to do with skinny thighs versus chubby thighs. Following my advice, she uses home-made fleece liners. And that's it. She went to Dublin yesterday and used disposables for the trick. She said they leaked more than the Kushies. Yay! So, today's message is, dont give up! Keep trying and you'll find something to suit you. Kushies suit my sister and her baby. Easy to use, they fit right, no nappy rash and they look cute! I've just popped another 6 in the post for her, because she line-dries and the weather these days is awful! Lucky she has such a caring big sister!
So, if you bought a pile of nappies, with high hopes and good intentions, and they just leaked everywhere, don't throw them out just yet. Your baby might just need to grow into them. Put them away for a few weeks and try them again when you're feeling braver. You might just fall in love with them. And if you don't, I guarantee there's a nappy out there that will be perfect.
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