Before Andy arrives, I had quite a long time deciding if I should use cloth or disposable nappies. I chose disposable at the end (like most of the people do) due to the convenience and less hassle for a nervous new parent. But I feel that I don't do cloth nappies a justice when I don't even them a try (this pop up in my mind everytime I change nappy). Now with a year of practicing nappy change, I'm more confident in myself and ready to swap to cloth nappy. Here is my experience over the last month of using cloth nappies.
These award winning cloth nappies I'm using are from TotsBots.(EasyFit All-In-One Nappies) This beautiful British brand are voted by many mums & dads and magazines as the best cloth nappies. They even insist manufacturing in the UK to provide the highest quality to our babies. Each nappies are quality checked more than 20 times before arriving to you.
We are Spoiled by the convenience
Chuck in the bin and say bye bye is definitely the easiest way to deal with their "big business". We are indeed spoiled by the convenience the latest technology has given us. Not only nappies but everything in our dailylife.
You might argue that reusable nappies are actually not that eco-friendly because of the carbon emission while washing. In fact, the most recent report published by the Environment Agency into this dilemma was in 2008. It found that reusable nappies can be 40% better for the environment than disposable nappies – but only when parents take sensible steps to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning and drying them. Source from Which - Read More
Scrap the poop? What should I do when they pooped?
This is probably one of the most common question popped up in our head when we first come across reusable nappies. (well at least I was). In fact, I was quite worry about how to deal with the poop and just hoping Andy's not going to do a poop so soon. After 5mins I put them on, he did a poop (typical situation). :P
It was not as difficult as I thought! Even that time I was using fleece liner (reusable liner), I was manged to scrap them off to toilet without much hassle and gave them a quick rinse under cold tap water then put in a wash box that I prepared to store all the used nappies. So, it's quick easy to deal with and I actually felt good myself when I don't have to fill the bin up with plastic nappies.
How long do they fit for? Good absorption?
The one I am using is from EasyFit All-In-One Nappies series, they fit from new born to potty training. And there are many different beautiful patterns to choose from! They are actually easier to put on than disposable ones especially when your little ones like to wriggle wriggle while changing. The hook and loop and buttons let you adjust to different size, with the elastic bands at the back and around the legs give flexibility, avoid leaking and stay comfy in all the ways.
When you open the nappy, you will see a long "tongue" folded in half, it's made with bamboo and where do all the "hard work" absorbing. You can pull out the "tongue" for faster drying. The absorption is great! I usually change nappy every 4 hours, and they can actually last for a bit longer than 4hrs, no leak and the bum stay dry. Very happy about it! (for night time, you can have a look at their Bamboozle Night-Time Nappies collection with extra absorbency specially for night time)
Fleece (reusable) or Disposable Liner?
I tried both and they both have their pros and cons.
Fleece liner:
✔ turns out cheaper in long term
✔ more shaped and thicker so it stays on the nappy better (won't end up shifting into one side or folded into a ball)
✔ Fast Drying
✘ Difficult to scrap off if it's a wet poop (when they started weaning)
✘ Takes longer time to do the washing up
✘ Micro fiber fallen out in times
Disposable Liner: The one I'm using is made with bamboo, just like a firm silky surfaced tissue paper and it's biodegradable, but not flushable.
✔ Easier/faster to deal with, just put straight to the bin
✔ No chemical or nasties, 100% natural material
✘ Not as cheap as fleece
✘ They don't stay well on nappy, shifted to one side after awhile
✘ Thus, might end up the poop went everywhere
p.s. it's ok and don't panic, you can rinse the nappy under cold tap then wash in washing machine. They won't leave any stain.
I personally prefer disposable liner as I worry the micro fiber went into their body and it's faster to deal with.
How to wash them? Do I have to boil them?
In old fashion way, people boil to sterilize the nappies (even my mother-in-law told me she had to boil them, as disposable nappies were not even invented at that time!) It's not recommended to do so for the modern cloth nappies. All you need to do is prepare a wash bucket/bag for storing used ones. (If it's a messy one, give it a rinse under cold tap water, remember to use cold water only as hot water will make the stain stay,) Pop them into the bucket until there are enough to load a washing machine. Bare in mind that don't load more than half the washing machine drum, they need plenty of space to spin. Use between 40c - 60c setting and don't use baby friendly wash mode for this. If there is not enough nappies to start a load, you can pop in some muslin or things that need a deep clean.
After a month of using cloth nappy, I am really pleased with them and they are easier to deal with than I thought. I actually feel good when I don't need to put nappies in the bin, as well as Andy's happy about it (I don't think he notices the difference!). They are very easy to put on and are made with natural material (bamboo) which has no chemical and nasties like disposable ones. It might take a bit of time to dry (within 2 days in good weather or indoor with heater on), but considering a better planet for our next generation, well worth it!
I will keep on using them and make another post in a few moths to see how it goes!
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