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!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Getting started!
Often people say to me "I'd love to use cloth nappies, but don't know where to start. My baby is due in (insert month)". And that got me thinking about how I started on this epic journey that has ended here, writing a blog about cloth nappies. I think I asked a friend where she got hers. She recommended The Baby Orchard and so I ordered a catalogue.
I duly ordered a nappy trial kit, the delux one I think, and waited eagerly for the post. Heavily pregnant, I washed the tiny nappies when they arrived. How cute they were! I tried them on a teddy bear. I tried to imagine using them. I placed the bucket in the bathroom. Though, I had to buy a pack of pampers for the hospital...
And then came the time to bring home my little bundle. Tiny bundle, to be precise. The nappies, so carefully ordered, washed, folded, were all too big! Boy was I glad for the pampers. It would be another 4 weeks before he reached the 7lbs which seemed to be the minimum size for the nappies I had. What an anticlimax! I felt like I'd failed before I'd even started. It all seemed so confusing and difficult on a screaming newborn. He hated getting his nappy changed, and I hated changing him. I was exhausted, hormonal and felt it was all going horribly wrong.
But then, something clicked. A little voice seemed to say "hold your horses! What's the rush"? I decided to try again on "good" days, and also to forget about nights. Part-time cloth nappies was the compromise.
So I say to all you pregnant mummies wanting to start using cloth nappies, hold your horses! There's no need to jump right into bucketfulls of nappies. Especially if you're a first-timer. It's hard enough to handle the breastfeeding, crying, lack of sleep, mountains of laundry etc. Take your time. You need to meet your baby, and see what your needs are, before you can really decide which nappies are best for you.
So, by all means, do your research. Look at the sites. Learn the lingo. But if you're heavily pregnant and reading this, relax! Put your feet up. Take it easy. You dont have to jump straight into cloth nappies on Day One. Keep a pack of disposables on hand for the stressful first weeks. And if you approach it when you're ready, not when you think you "should", you'll be smiling at your fluffy-bottomed baby before you know it!
I duly ordered a nappy trial kit, the delux one I think, and waited eagerly for the post. Heavily pregnant, I washed the tiny nappies when they arrived. How cute they were! I tried them on a teddy bear. I tried to imagine using them. I placed the bucket in the bathroom. Though, I had to buy a pack of pampers for the hospital...
And then came the time to bring home my little bundle. Tiny bundle, to be precise. The nappies, so carefully ordered, washed, folded, were all too big! Boy was I glad for the pampers. It would be another 4 weeks before he reached the 7lbs which seemed to be the minimum size for the nappies I had. What an anticlimax! I felt like I'd failed before I'd even started. It all seemed so confusing and difficult on a screaming newborn. He hated getting his nappy changed, and I hated changing him. I was exhausted, hormonal and felt it was all going horribly wrong.
But then, something clicked. A little voice seemed to say "hold your horses! What's the rush"? I decided to try again on "good" days, and also to forget about nights. Part-time cloth nappies was the compromise.
So I say to all you pregnant mummies wanting to start using cloth nappies, hold your horses! There's no need to jump right into bucketfulls of nappies. Especially if you're a first-timer. It's hard enough to handle the breastfeeding, crying, lack of sleep, mountains of laundry etc. Take your time. You need to meet your baby, and see what your needs are, before you can really decide which nappies are best for you.
So, by all means, do your research. Look at the sites. Learn the lingo. But if you're heavily pregnant and reading this, relax! Put your feet up. Take it easy. You dont have to jump straight into cloth nappies on Day One. Keep a pack of disposables on hand for the stressful first weeks. And if you approach it when you're ready, not when you think you "should", you'll be smiling at your fluffy-bottomed baby before you know it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)