eco nappys, do any moms, dads use them here?

[babushkamama]

Hi im new to the group, I have a new grandson in my care, he is 6 months old, my son and i have custody of him, mom is still around. I never used disposables when my kids were born, just the regular cloth naps, we are useing eco naps made in germany, they are supposed to rot completely, I hope they do. Does anyone else use these. They dont irritate him at all, are more expensive, a brownish colour, people look at us strangely and ask about them in the changing rooms. I would like to get the cloth naps, the modern ones that are shaped like a disposable. They are quite expensive to set a baby up with, but I would be happier with them. Does anyone use them? I would be interested in your opinion on them. Babushkamama[/i][/u]

[Annpan]

My girl is 6 months and I have been using mostly nature babycare with her. They are 70% biodegradeable and cost about the same as the big brands, they also have less chemicals in them and are gentle to tiny bums.

I have a few tots bots reusable nappies that I am trying to get into the habit of using, I have heard that they are quite a good make, they come in 3 parts
a nappy - terry bit that goes on like a disposable
a liner - fleece sheet that keeps wets off babies skin
a wrap - waterproof pants for over the top, they come in fleece too.

I think that most of the modern types are a bit like this but I have seen people using different types

At the moment I only have 3 nappies, which means that I don't even get a full load for the washing machine... hmm not very eco-friendly

Try this site for links and info.

Of course, you can still get terry squares they are cheaper than the new-fangled ones, and dry quicker. Better still try e-bay or your local freecycle group to see if you can get some second hand ones (they are more absorbant the older they are anyway )

good-luck and let us know what you decide

edit to say, just noticed that you are in New Zealand , the links should still help you but some are british, I am sure that most of these things will also be available to you, just google them .

[circlecross]

sounds like you are using moltex - I love them but they are pricey. I use proraps and prefold naps ( folded nap like a big sani pad in a waterproof wrap) and tots for night. Also use nature baby for emergency or travelling and have ordered some tendercare to trial. Agree with Annpan - there may be nappy advisors in your area, don't know how works in NZ - do you have local councils you could approach about incentives? Also, try bulk buying, again don't know about postage, but Boots online for Nature baby, Soorganic.co.uk for others, or, indeed, google it.

good luck!
Susan

[Magpie]

I just used the square cloths, folded to shape. They dry way quicker than the shaped cloth ones, and were, in my opinion, equally effective. And way cheaper. And now make great cleaning cloths.

[revdode]

We used prefolds with my daughter and they worked pretty well but were a lot of work, and if you don;t have a nappy service the energy needed to wash them reduces the environmental benefits. I'm afraid we fell off the wagon when my son came along and resorted to disposables, partly because he had the bottom from hell complete with some nasty bugs.
BTW if you settle on re-usables and cut piece of thermal fleece used as a liner works wonders to keep them dry, it also clean easily.

[abingdonboy]

I would agree with Susan, squares with a grippa are almost as easy as fitted nappies, and they dry much quicker...

We picked up 20 squares and two covers at a nearly new sale the other day for £5, and they're new!!! Wish we have been to a sale before our DD came along, we paid £3 each for the first lot from a local shop....

Regards,

AB.

[Hawthorn]

I just used the square cloths, folded to shape. They dry way quicker than the shaped cloth ones, and were, in my opinion, equally effective. And way cheaper. And now make great cleaning cloths.

The only problem I found with square terries is that they are a lot bulkier than the shaped ones.
I used tots bots, and they were wonderful, however they do have down sides compared to terry squares.
They tend to stain where the legs are gathered for the elastic.
If you use the applix type, the applix tends to discolour
They take a lot longer to dry.....particularly around the leg elastics.

One way to make it easier with terries, is to fold them all in one go, and put a fleece liner on top of each one.....then keep a stack in the room you change the nappy in.
This way, they're not much more difficult than disposables....you just pick one up and use it.
As you're folding them all at one time too, you get quite speedy at it.
Also, if you need extra absorbency for a night, folding a muslin up and putting in the most heavily soiled area will prevent baby getting too wet.
Wool wraps are also very useful, particularly if baby has problems with nappy rash.

[pamplemousse]

Hi there
The nappies you are currently using are the most biodegradeable available I believe.
I have used cloth nappies form the beginning with my baby and they can be more expensive to set yourself up with ,but save you loads in the long run.
A good site for advice is http://www.bumfluff.mumzmall.co.uk/ or www.ecobean.co.uk is great too, and asks your needs before advising. Ebay have a good range of secondhand washables. Or many companies do trial packs so you can give them a go and see what you think.
Not sure what kind of availability you have of the brands I know here in the UK, but I have just put 'washable nappies' into google.co.nz and got loads of possible helpful info....
Hope that helps you