Pyrrhic
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I have several different types of nappy in my 'stash', so thought I would write a review on how I find them.
I'll be reviewing:
Mothercare Smart Nappies
Bambino Mio
Tot Bot Bamboozles
Blueberry One Size
Mothercare Smart Nappies ****
https://www.mothercare.com/Motherca...ing=UTF8&m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&n=42764041&mcb=core
These nappies are in several parts. You have the waterproof outer cover, then inside you place a reusable or disposable inner, and then on top of that you place a papery liner.
These are the only nappies I know of, that you can use a disposable inner (thus not having to use a liner). This is brilliant if you are out and about and just want to carry a couple of inners with you, as when they're done you can just bin them.
The outer cover for these nappies are quite plasticky, as they are waterproof. However the inner is very soft against babies bum. I ten to rarely use a liner unless I know she's going to have a poo as I prefer the soft cotton inner against her skin.
Absorbency: This nappy is brilliant. The inner is designed so that ALL the moisture wicks away from the baby bum, leaving the upper part bone dry and the nappy soaking underneath. I'm always amazed at how much this nappy holds, without it touching my baby's skin. I have only had this nappy leak once, when it was my own fault for doing it up wrong.
Ease of Use: Anyone can use this nappy. In fact, it's my OHs favorite nappy to use. I however much prefer my other nappies. This is pretty much because I'm a bit lazy. This nappy requires that you put an inner in the nappy and then a liner on top. With my fully cloth ones, they're all ready to go. No folding required.
Another point, is that these nappies are better soaked(though you don't have to). So a nappy pail is needed. However, it's very easy. Just keep a pail next to your changing table with some nappy soak in it, and empty into the washing machine when you're ready. It then goes on a rinse cycle.
These nappies can also be tumble dried on a low heat, as well as line drying and neither has any ill effects on the nappy.
Value for money: Fantastic value for money. I paid about £40 for 3 outers and 8 reusable inners. Liners are about £2.50 for 200. You can get a trial pack for about £9.00, which will give you a good idea of how the nappy works and if you're going to get on with it.
Design: You can tell that Mothercare have looked around the market and looked at what they can improve before making their own nappies. The fact you can use a disposable inner is just great, it really means that you can swap between a resuable or disposable nappy at will, without forgoing comfort for your baby. The only element I was a bit put out by, was the fact that all these nappies are white. No funky designs or colours to choose from.
All in all, a nappy I would recommend if you want to use reusables, but not necessarily cloth. Very easy to use, and very comfortable for baby. I think if you are just starting out then you should really consider these.
Bambino Mios ***
I only have a trial pack of these, so can't really review in depth. They are a very popular brand though, so if you ask around on BnB I'm sure someone will be able to give you more information.
The Bambino Mios are again, a two part nappy system. You have a waterproof outer, a piece of cotton fabric which you fold into an inner and then liners. These nappies have won quite a lot of awards, and come highly recommended.
Absorbency: These nappies are very absorbent, and like the Smart Nappies wick away moisture from babies skin. However, if you don't fold up the inner correctly then expect leaks to happen. The inner is not prefolded either, but in the instructions are different ways to fold it. I did find it an extra faff to be honest. I also found the mio liners to be quite hard and probably uncomfortable against babies skin so invested in some other liners. There isn't any need to buy mio liners, as long as they fit.
Ease of Use: Although they are two part nappies like the smart nappies, I don't find them as easy to use. Worth the smart nappies the inner are prefolded, whereas you have to fold the Mio inner. Not really a great hardship, but you notice the difference I feel. The Mio has aplix(velcro) fastening, which makes it easy to fit to a variety of baby body shapes. However, I found that the Mio wasn't shaped like my other nappies and leaks invariably happened.
I didn't really get on with the Mio at all, but know people who have. If you're thinking about the Mio then I would recommend looking at the smart nappies, as mothercare seems to have addressed some of the issues the Mio has. However, I do prefer my cloth nappies to my reusables.
Tots Bots Bamboozles ****
https://www.totsbots.com
Tots bots are very simple. The nappy is in once piece, with a clot inner on poppers. You can fold the inner if you like, and use a liner if you like (I never do). As the nappy is just one whole piece, you simply put it on. However, these nappies do require a waterproof outer cover, which you can buy separately. These nappies are known as 'two piece nappies'. The bonus to these nappies though is that they come in a range of very funky designs and colours and require no soaking.
The Bamboozles are the newer nappies, which are made from organic bamboo and have a higher level of absorbancy than cotton.
Absorbency: These nappies are very absorbent. However, unlike the Smart Nappies the moisture does not wick away from your babies skin as much (unless you're using a liner). So changes are required more frequently. These nappies must be used with a waterproof outer cover, or else your baby will end up soaked! However I have never, ever had one of these nappies leak, even though my outers are a bit too big for my LO.
Ease of Use: So incredibly easy. Put the nappy on and your done. No faffing with folding inner or using liners if you don't want. No worrying about washing the nappy and inners seperatly. No soaking, nada. Just put the nappy on, put on the waterproof outer cover and you're done. When you change baby, just put the whole thing in the wash. You can also line dry these, or tumble dry on a low heat. I actually find if I tumble dry them they come out lovely and fluffy.
You can also get these nappies in a range of fastenings. Aplix(velcro), poppers or nippas (modern safety pins). I much prefer the aplix fastening, though the poppers are very easy to use too. The fact there is such a selection of fastenings though is a big plus. You're bound to find something that suits you and your baby.
Value for money: I would say that these nappies are "mid-range". IMO they are well worth the money. You're looking at about £9 per nappy, plus £8 per outer. However, you only really need a few outers in your collection. You can buy packs of Tot Bots with 5 nappies and 1 cover for £52.00.
Design: These nappies are just so easy to use. The design is simple but it works. For affordable cloth nappies, tots bots can't be beaten really. They retain their shape no matter how many washes, and stay soft. In fact I'm sure mine are getting softer with each wash! I love the fact it's soft cloth against my babies skin. The other thing I love is the wide range of funky colours, both for nappies and the waterproof outers. They also don' stain, and don't require any soaking which is a huge plus for me. The tots bots come in a range of sizes according to your babies weight, so you will have to buy bigger ones as your baby grows.
So to summerise, if you are wanting proper cloth nappies for your baby then bamboozles are fantastic. The only downside I can think of is the fact your baby will require more changes as the moisture isn't wicked away as much. They fit very well onto any baby, which is a huge plus for cloth nappies and the resale value is very high if you were to sell them on afterwards.
Blueberry One Size *****
https://www.babykind.co.uk/blueberryonesizepocket.htm
Blueberrys come in two types. One size or pocket nappies. The one size are designed to be used from birth, while the pocket size is done by weight so you will have to buy more as your baby grows. Blueberrys are 'all in one' nappies, which means there is no need for a liner, and the inner is part of the nappy itself. There is no separate cover. Everything is in one.
Absorbency: Very, very absorbent. In fact, the most absorbent nappy I've used. No leaks at all, ever. I don't really know what else to say! They're fantastic. The fabric which touches babies bum does get damp, but I found about a couple of minutes of having the nappy open the fabric was bone dry again. So is does wick away from the skin very well. The fabric also repels poo, so no need for liners if you don't want them.
Ease of Use: Put it on, take it off and throw it in the wash. Thats it! No faffing with folding inner, no liners, nothing. There are inners, which are placed inside the actual nappy in a pocket. The only thing about these is that they need washed 3-4 times when you first by them seperatly from the nappy. This is to seal in the oils that repel moisture. Once this is done you can put the whole thing in the wash when used. By far and away the BEST thing about these nappies are the fact that the nappy is one size. So it will fit a newborn, or a toddler. When you buy one, it's for the duration of your child's early years. There is no having to buy bigger sizes, no having to buy covers, nothing. This system works by having popper on the inside where you can adjust the size.
The nappies have aplix (velcro) fastening, which I prefer. This allows you to get the nappy done up to the correct size for every baby.
Value for money: Now here's the sticking point for most people. This are what I call "top of the range" nappies. They are about £22 for EACH nappy. Are they worth the money? Oh good god yes, a thousand times over yes. If my OH let me, I'd have 20 of these and throw out my tots bots and smart nappies. (even though there's nothing wrong with them) These are THE nappy IMO. £22 is a lot of money though, right? Well if you think about it, the nappy is an all in one, one size. So no having to buy bigger sizes, and no having to buy liners or inserts. £22 will get you from birth, to potty training and you'll never have to shell out any money again.
So if you really want these nappies, but aren't sure of the price then I recommend borrowing one, or buying one to try it. You'll be a total convert. I'm buying a couple each month to spread the cost, which the idea of ending up with about 10 in my "stash".
Design: As this is an all in one nappy, the soft minky fabric is always against your babies skin. The fabric is the softest cloth nappy I have ever found. In fact, I want to wear them. Very very silky and soft. There is a pocket inside the nappy, which the inners go into. That's all there is to it.
These nappies come in a huge range of funky colours, which is a great selling point. As there is no need for outers you're funky nappy choice is always on display.
In summary, these nappies are "the bomb". In my opinion they are the creme du la creme of cloth nappies. In fact, they aren't even cloth, they're like silky minky soft goodness against your babies bum. If you can justify the cost, you'll love these.
I'll be reviewing:
Mothercare Smart Nappies
Bambino Mio
Tot Bot Bamboozles
Blueberry One Size
Mothercare Smart Nappies ****
https://www.mothercare.com/Motherca...ing=UTF8&m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&n=42764041&mcb=core
These nappies are in several parts. You have the waterproof outer cover, then inside you place a reusable or disposable inner, and then on top of that you place a papery liner.
These are the only nappies I know of, that you can use a disposable inner (thus not having to use a liner). This is brilliant if you are out and about and just want to carry a couple of inners with you, as when they're done you can just bin them.
The outer cover for these nappies are quite plasticky, as they are waterproof. However the inner is very soft against babies bum. I ten to rarely use a liner unless I know she's going to have a poo as I prefer the soft cotton inner against her skin.
Absorbency: This nappy is brilliant. The inner is designed so that ALL the moisture wicks away from the baby bum, leaving the upper part bone dry and the nappy soaking underneath. I'm always amazed at how much this nappy holds, without it touching my baby's skin. I have only had this nappy leak once, when it was my own fault for doing it up wrong.
Ease of Use: Anyone can use this nappy. In fact, it's my OHs favorite nappy to use. I however much prefer my other nappies. This is pretty much because I'm a bit lazy. This nappy requires that you put an inner in the nappy and then a liner on top. With my fully cloth ones, they're all ready to go. No folding required.
Another point, is that these nappies are better soaked(though you don't have to). So a nappy pail is needed. However, it's very easy. Just keep a pail next to your changing table with some nappy soak in it, and empty into the washing machine when you're ready. It then goes on a rinse cycle.
These nappies can also be tumble dried on a low heat, as well as line drying and neither has any ill effects on the nappy.
Value for money: Fantastic value for money. I paid about £40 for 3 outers and 8 reusable inners. Liners are about £2.50 for 200. You can get a trial pack for about £9.00, which will give you a good idea of how the nappy works and if you're going to get on with it.
Design: You can tell that Mothercare have looked around the market and looked at what they can improve before making their own nappies. The fact you can use a disposable inner is just great, it really means that you can swap between a resuable or disposable nappy at will, without forgoing comfort for your baby. The only element I was a bit put out by, was the fact that all these nappies are white. No funky designs or colours to choose from.
All in all, a nappy I would recommend if you want to use reusables, but not necessarily cloth. Very easy to use, and very comfortable for baby. I think if you are just starting out then you should really consider these.
Bambino Mios ***
I only have a trial pack of these, so can't really review in depth. They are a very popular brand though, so if you ask around on BnB I'm sure someone will be able to give you more information.
The Bambino Mios are again, a two part nappy system. You have a waterproof outer, a piece of cotton fabric which you fold into an inner and then liners. These nappies have won quite a lot of awards, and come highly recommended.
Absorbency: These nappies are very absorbent, and like the Smart Nappies wick away moisture from babies skin. However, if you don't fold up the inner correctly then expect leaks to happen. The inner is not prefolded either, but in the instructions are different ways to fold it. I did find it an extra faff to be honest. I also found the mio liners to be quite hard and probably uncomfortable against babies skin so invested in some other liners. There isn't any need to buy mio liners, as long as they fit.
Ease of Use: Although they are two part nappies like the smart nappies, I don't find them as easy to use. Worth the smart nappies the inner are prefolded, whereas you have to fold the Mio inner. Not really a great hardship, but you notice the difference I feel. The Mio has aplix(velcro) fastening, which makes it easy to fit to a variety of baby body shapes. However, I found that the Mio wasn't shaped like my other nappies and leaks invariably happened.
I didn't really get on with the Mio at all, but know people who have. If you're thinking about the Mio then I would recommend looking at the smart nappies, as mothercare seems to have addressed some of the issues the Mio has. However, I do prefer my cloth nappies to my reusables.
Tots Bots Bamboozles ****
https://www.totsbots.com
Tots bots are very simple. The nappy is in once piece, with a clot inner on poppers. You can fold the inner if you like, and use a liner if you like (I never do). As the nappy is just one whole piece, you simply put it on. However, these nappies do require a waterproof outer cover, which you can buy separately. These nappies are known as 'two piece nappies'. The bonus to these nappies though is that they come in a range of very funky designs and colours and require no soaking.
The Bamboozles are the newer nappies, which are made from organic bamboo and have a higher level of absorbancy than cotton.
Absorbency: These nappies are very absorbent. However, unlike the Smart Nappies the moisture does not wick away from your babies skin as much (unless you're using a liner). So changes are required more frequently. These nappies must be used with a waterproof outer cover, or else your baby will end up soaked! However I have never, ever had one of these nappies leak, even though my outers are a bit too big for my LO.
Ease of Use: So incredibly easy. Put the nappy on and your done. No faffing with folding inner or using liners if you don't want. No worrying about washing the nappy and inners seperatly. No soaking, nada. Just put the nappy on, put on the waterproof outer cover and you're done. When you change baby, just put the whole thing in the wash. You can also line dry these, or tumble dry on a low heat. I actually find if I tumble dry them they come out lovely and fluffy.
You can also get these nappies in a range of fastenings. Aplix(velcro), poppers or nippas (modern safety pins). I much prefer the aplix fastening, though the poppers are very easy to use too. The fact there is such a selection of fastenings though is a big plus. You're bound to find something that suits you and your baby.
Value for money: I would say that these nappies are "mid-range". IMO they are well worth the money. You're looking at about £9 per nappy, plus £8 per outer. However, you only really need a few outers in your collection. You can buy packs of Tot Bots with 5 nappies and 1 cover for £52.00.
Design: These nappies are just so easy to use. The design is simple but it works. For affordable cloth nappies, tots bots can't be beaten really. They retain their shape no matter how many washes, and stay soft. In fact I'm sure mine are getting softer with each wash! I love the fact it's soft cloth against my babies skin. The other thing I love is the wide range of funky colours, both for nappies and the waterproof outers. They also don' stain, and don't require any soaking which is a huge plus for me. The tots bots come in a range of sizes according to your babies weight, so you will have to buy bigger ones as your baby grows.
So to summerise, if you are wanting proper cloth nappies for your baby then bamboozles are fantastic. The only downside I can think of is the fact your baby will require more changes as the moisture isn't wicked away as much. They fit very well onto any baby, which is a huge plus for cloth nappies and the resale value is very high if you were to sell them on afterwards.
Blueberry One Size *****
https://www.babykind.co.uk/blueberryonesizepocket.htm
Blueberrys come in two types. One size or pocket nappies. The one size are designed to be used from birth, while the pocket size is done by weight so you will have to buy more as your baby grows. Blueberrys are 'all in one' nappies, which means there is no need for a liner, and the inner is part of the nappy itself. There is no separate cover. Everything is in one.
Absorbency: Very, very absorbent. In fact, the most absorbent nappy I've used. No leaks at all, ever. I don't really know what else to say! They're fantastic. The fabric which touches babies bum does get damp, but I found about a couple of minutes of having the nappy open the fabric was bone dry again. So is does wick away from the skin very well. The fabric also repels poo, so no need for liners if you don't want them.
Ease of Use: Put it on, take it off and throw it in the wash. Thats it! No faffing with folding inner, no liners, nothing. There are inners, which are placed inside the actual nappy in a pocket. The only thing about these is that they need washed 3-4 times when you first by them seperatly from the nappy. This is to seal in the oils that repel moisture. Once this is done you can put the whole thing in the wash when used. By far and away the BEST thing about these nappies are the fact that the nappy is one size. So it will fit a newborn, or a toddler. When you buy one, it's for the duration of your child's early years. There is no having to buy bigger sizes, no having to buy covers, nothing. This system works by having popper on the inside where you can adjust the size.
The nappies have aplix (velcro) fastening, which I prefer. This allows you to get the nappy done up to the correct size for every baby.
Value for money: Now here's the sticking point for most people. This are what I call "top of the range" nappies. They are about £22 for EACH nappy. Are they worth the money? Oh good god yes, a thousand times over yes. If my OH let me, I'd have 20 of these and throw out my tots bots and smart nappies. (even though there's nothing wrong with them) These are THE nappy IMO. £22 is a lot of money though, right? Well if you think about it, the nappy is an all in one, one size. So no having to buy bigger sizes, and no having to buy liners or inserts. £22 will get you from birth, to potty training and you'll never have to shell out any money again.
So if you really want these nappies, but aren't sure of the price then I recommend borrowing one, or buying one to try it. You'll be a total convert. I'm buying a couple each month to spread the cost, which the idea of ending up with about 10 in my "stash".
Design: As this is an all in one nappy, the soft minky fabric is always against your babies skin. The fabric is the softest cloth nappy I have ever found. In fact, I want to wear them. Very very silky and soft. There is a pocket inside the nappy, which the inners go into. That's all there is to it.
These nappies come in a huge range of funky colours, which is a great selling point. As there is no need for outers you're funky nappy choice is always on display.
In summary, these nappies are "the bomb". In my opinion they are the creme du la creme of cloth nappies. In fact, they aren't even cloth, they're like silky minky soft goodness against your babies bum. If you can justify the cost, you'll love these.
https://www.babykind.co.uk/nappytrial.htm
