Washable nappy information
Lots of people have asked me about using washable nappies so I have compiled a list of my
favourite nappies - there are other ones available too - the best thing to do is phone the
companies for a brochure and buy a sample nappy. I have also included some
washing guidelines for you.
I changed over to washable nappies when my son was 6 months old for several reasons, the
main being that he was allergic to some brands of disposable - whilst he was out-wetting
others.... including the best known brands! Also since Matthew was born I have become
increasingly aware of how I am treating his future environment. My expereince of using cotton nappies with Matthew leaves me in no doubt that it was the best choice for us, and
they will be my first choice of nappy for Amber.
Although cost was not one of my initial motivations, washing nappies has certainly saved
us a lot of money in the last year. As a guide, dispite initial outlay, I reckon on the
cost of disposables for one week being about the same as the cost of one washable nappy
... so if you have a dozen nappies, after 12 weeks you are starting to save! (This
includes the cost of washing powder and creams etc... think of the accessories used with
disposable nappies, it soon adds up)
There is supposed to be another benefit to using cotton nappies, and that is that children
are easier to potty train. I can't comment too much on this since I have only potty trained
one child! but I think there are certain advantages on this score: notably that the parent
is more aware of their childs toilet habits before training begins - and perhaps this
allows you to time it just right. I also feel that right from babyhood the child has been more aware that something happens when they wet the nappy, and so the foundations of potty
training are well and truely engraved. Perhaps a down side is that the child is used to feeling a little wet and so there is less incentive to try to stay dry.
Nappy Styles
There are four types of washable nappy available: "All-in-one", "Fitted cotton", "Prefold"
and "Terries". I have included below, information on companies selling fitted nappies mail
order - I have not included information on terries, which can still be found in most babycare
shops. Terry nappies are also excellent, and can be useful to have, especially as a backup.
Most of the fitted styles come in several sizes, as a rough guide those available in two
sizes fit 0-1year and 1-2.5years, whilst those available in three sizes fit 0-4months
3-12months and 10-30months. It is important to get the correct size for a reliable fit,
and even the smallest size is, just, cost effective. The more size-adjustable the nappy,
the longer it will last, but as a trade off these also tend to be a little more expensive!
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ALL_IN_ONES: A complete nappy which fits like a disposable, and is really easy to use.
Can take a while to dry, and also only has a lifespan of around 1 year. The key to this
type of nappy is a good fit - try different brands to see which suits your baby best.
Kooshies Ultra:
Seem to fit small babies and chubby babies best: didn't fit my long
skinny baby very well. The smallest size seems quite bulky on a very young baby, but they do fit well and you soon get used to it. Available in white/plain colour and prints, in
two sizes. Excellent customer service for queries & other products.
0171 221 0041
(Also available: the Kooshies Classic a FITTED COTTON style nappy,
and Kooshies PREFOLDS. I haven't tried any of these but expect them
to be good)
KOOSHIES ULTRA NOW AVAILABLE FROM MOTHERCARE WORLD STORES.
Mikey Diaper:
Fitted my long skinny baby well, very absorbant but takes ages to dry.
Availble in white only, in three sizes. The cheapest all-in-one I know,
however the customer service I received was poor. Only sell nappies.
0181 203 7122
Bumkins all-in-ones:
Tend to be quite large in size (medium still fits at 1year/26lbs)
less absorbant but drys pretty quickly. Available in white and prints, in
three sizes. Good customer service for queries and other products.
0181 905 5661
(note: I wasn't so impressed by the bumkins prefolds)
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FITTED COTTON: A snug fitting cotton nappy which requires waterproof pants or wraps as
well. Drys quicker than an all in one and probably lasts longer. For a little bit more
effort in use they work out much cheaper than all-in-ones. Generally speaking wraps or pants
will need to be washed separately from the nappies.
Sam-I-am:
(Indisposables) Good fit and easy to use. Available in white and prints,
in two sizes. You should be able to get advise from a local agent... also
sell other changing/nursing equipment.
0181 995 9204
Earthwise:
Good fit, very comfortable and absorbant. Available from boots... but
difficult to find and relatively expensive. Three sizes, but I've never seen a small one.
The earthwise pants are excellent, breathable and very adjustable.
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PREFOLD NAPPIES: These are square nappies which fit into specially designed wraps, which
hold them in place. Once assembled they are worn like all-in-ones. Very quick drying and
very absorbant, although perhaps a little more bulky than the other types, these will
easily last several children. (I use these at night).
Bambino Mio:
A wide range of nappies and wraps
available, various sizes - find a combination to suit your baby and budget. They
also sell a range of good but fairly expensive changing accessories.
01604 458999
Snugglenaps:
Pretty designs and an ingenious style where the nappy snaps into the wrap
for easy use. One size fits most babies, but for comfort or very small
babies a premmie size is available (upto 10lbs). Note: you DO need the
"interliners" for maximum leak protection. Excellent customer service
and advice available, as well as other nursing/changing products.
0115 953 6604
(Note: I wasn't so impressed by the snuggle naps all-in-ones)
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Aditional information is available from the real nappy association: 0181 299 4519...
or feel free to e-mail me teresa.b@virgin.net