Reusable nappies

[bther]

After reading the nappy sack thread I want to have a look into reusable/washable nappies. I've done a bit of research using Google but I'm a tad skeptical still. I'm not an Eco warrior but after reading that it takes 500 years for a disposable to break down, I'd like to try to help protect my families future.

Anyway, my questions:

- How many will I need?
- Will that amount last to potty training? If so, wouldn't they be massive on a newborn?
- Where do I get them from?
- I get that dirty nappies are put in a nappy bin, wouldn't it smell after a while? I live with my parents & would hate to put them out with a smelly bin! Also, could the bin be kept in the nursery or is that totally unhygienic?
- Can the nappies be washed with baby's clothes or is that gross?
- Is it much harder using reusables?

I think that's all my questions for now!

Thanks!

 

[oboeverity]

We use eBay cheapies, and have no complaints, other than that we use an extra waterproof wrap, and I got a rollicking over on NP for that!

- How many will I need?
15 should do you fine; you want enough to not have to wash too often, but not so many that they will sit and stink!
- Will that amount last to potty training? If so, wouldn't they be massive on a newborn?
They will, if you buy brth to potty, which are totally adjustable, but may still be a little large on a NB
- Where do I get them from?
See above.... loads of websites too though
- I get that dirty nappies are put in a nappy bin, wouldn't it smell after a while? I live with my parents & would hate to put them out with a smelly bin! Also, could the bin be kept in the nursery or is that totally unhygienic?
I keep a plastic box with a lid on in Ted's room; under the lid are stuck 2 pantyliners with tea tree oil dropped on them
- Can the nappies be washed with baby's clothes or is that gross?
I don't, but many do
- Is it much harder using reusables?
Nope. Not even slightly
xxx

 

[bther]

Thank you. The panty liner idea is great!

One last question, do you really save money? I'm a single mummy to be and every little penny would help.

 

[kit10grl]

I had a lot of questions like this too when i first started thinking about it.

- How many will I need?

They say about 20 to keep a good stock while some are washing. Its not a problem as buying new ones becomes addictive and i now have way more than this

- Will that amount last to potty training? If so, wouldn't they be massive on a newborn?

It depends, You can buy sized ones which will fit better on littler babies or buy One size or birth to potty nappies which will do till potty training which adjust using poppers but yes can be quite bulky on a newborn.

- Where do I get them from?

i bought all of mine so far from ebay and other websites but even bigger tescos are stocking them now

- I get that dirty nappies are put in a nappy bin, wouldn't it smell after a while? I live with my parents & would hate to put them out with a smelly bin! Also, could the bin be kept in the nursery or is that totally unhygienic?

The bin doesnt smell. It has an airtight lid. Some people add in drops of tea tree oils to prevent smells as well. I keep mine next to the change table in the nursery. It is sealed and has a handle to carry to the wash machine and back so its fairly easy. Not sure if that will change when LO is mobile


- Can the nappies be washed with baby's clothes or is that gross?

I wash nappies sepratly as you dont add fabric softener to them as it reduces absorbency, and i like to use a lot of softenre on LOs clothes but i dont see why you couldnt wash them all together if you wanted. Clothes will end up with pee and poop on them as well anyway

- Is it much harder using reusables?

I find it easier than the month i spent using disposabkles. You dont run out and need to run to shops to buy more. its only two more loads of washing per week for me. Obviously everyone is differnet but i think they are fantastic.

If you have any more questions pop over to the natural parenting section on the main forum page and ask over there. There are way more informed people than me.

 

[lynnikins]

- How many will I need? comfortably for a newborn id want at least 20 as they do tend to poop alot at first
- Will that amount last to potty training? If so, wouldn't they be massive on a newborn?yes birth to potty nappys ( btp/onesize) will be big on a newborn as newborns have skinny legs alot of mums use muslins or fitteds with a seperate wrap for newborns
- Where do I get them from? theres loads of places mainly online but mothercare stock some , tesco ( the big xtra stores ) stock 2 brands check the Natural parenting section of this forum and the cloth nappy buy/sell board
- I get that dirty nappies are put in a nappy bin, wouldn't it smell after a while? I live with my parents & would hate to put them out with a smelly bin! Also, could the bin be kept in the nursery or is that totally unhygienic?my nappy bin is kept in the bathroom or at the top of the stairs, i bleach it then rinse it out after i empty it into the machine ready for reuse and i have a "wetbag" for going out which i put used nappies in. the nappy bin smells less than putting a disposible in a scented bag in the kitchen bin after 2 days
- Can the nappies be washed with baby's clothes or is that gross? i often toss bodysuits in with the nappies but normally cause we have a small washer and you want a good amount of water to clean the nappies i try not to put too much in
- Is it much harder using reusables? it doesnt have to be, personally we dont put any disposibles that are used into the kitchen bin i cant stand the smell of the chemicals so any that are used go straight out to the black bin outside so no different walking to put them in the nappy bin , i wash them every 2-3 days depending how many he goes through