I want to use cloth nappies, where do we start?

Familiar question, it is one we are often asked.
Many people that look into using cloth nappies are still daunted when they find out the number of options and  considerations, our aim is to make it as clear as possible for you.
   Even after reading pages and pages on the internet its still confusing to know whats right, whats needed, and what not to waste money on.

So, briefly, here is a "shopping list" to help you along.

What you will need: ( aside from baby!)

• Cloth Nappies: -(Options include: Shaped Nappies, One Sized Nappies, All in One Nappies, Stuffable or Pocket Nappies, Cotton Prefold Nappies. Popper Fastening Nappies, Traditional Terry Square Cloth Nappies, Aplix Fastening Nappies, or Nappi Nippa fastening ). As a rule of thumb a newborn baby needs a nappy change roughly every 2 hours - we suggest a 18 nappies ( if your using sized that can mean 18 in each size - but not always.) Using a birth to potty nappy will mean you will need only 18. 18 nappies allows you to wash every other day, (6 nappies in the wash, 6 ready to use, and 6 lovely cute cloth nappies out on the line drying ( or rolling around in the tumble drier!! ).
  
  
• Wraps: - (Options include PUL, Comtex, Fleece, Wool. Popper or Aplix fastening) Wraps are the outer part required to keep the wetness in and go over the top of the cloth nappy. Not all re-usable nappies require a seperate wrap, Bum-genius, Mother Ease All in one, for example. If you opt for a shaped cloth nappy such as the Tots Bots Bamboozle or Organic however you will require wraps. Generally, 4 wraps as a maximum for each size of wrap.
  
  
• Liners: - (Options: Fleece, Silk or Paper) In most cases, this is personal preference, however you can not use a fleece liner if the clothnappy you buy is fleece lined. - You will create a water barrier if you do. Paper liners we recomend are flushable and biodegradable - so its straight down the toilet with any mess, a fleece one you shake over the loo and wash with your nappies. Silk Liners are very rarely used in special cases, they require a lot of care. You can always buy more if you need to.
  Many people find using a paper liner with a cloth nappy very convienent.
  
  
• Boosters: -(options include: Terry, Terry with fleece lining, Bamboo) You will not require these from birth, and generally needed when your little one starts to sleep through or if your on a car journey of some length. They increase the absorbancy of the nappy itself and go between nappy and baby or if need be, between wrap and nappy. Some require several to get a toddler through the night, you can always buy more at a later date so don't panic!
  
  
• Nappy Bucket: -Use this to store soiled nappies in until you wash - well we prefer a bucket to a plastic bag - we are fairly sure you will too. Nappy Buckets we offer are large, with a sealable lid keeping smells inside.



• Nappi Nippa: - Don't forget these if you have bought a cloth nappy that doesn't fasten with Aplix or Poppers. There are 3 in a pack, but the are like socks, and have a natural ability to wander off from where you left them! How they work, if you think of the loops in the terry, and still in most material making up a cloth nappy, there are tiny teeth that hook into the cloth nappy loops. The nippa is shaped like a t, so - hook the left, the right and the bottom. Brillant for a really good fit, and safe in the knowledge that you can not hurt your baby while putting on the nappy.

Remember - you can always buy more of anything, once you have used them you can not send them back!

What You Might want to add: (making life that bit easier but you can manage without...)

• Nappy Mesh: This will go inside your nappy bucket, so you are not having to handle the dirty nappies from bucket to machine, we think this is a really good idea - we are pretty certain you will too.


• Lavender or Tea Tree oil: - Don't use conditioner as it reduces the aborbancy of your nappies, add this to your bucket and your wash if you want, also a capful of white vinegar to break down the limescale if your in a hard water area. Tea Tree Oil has natural antibactical properties great for adding to the nappy bucket, Lavender Oil is well known for its relaxing properties.


• Waterproof Bag: - If you want to use your realnappies out and about, "wet bags" are good for keeping the soiled nappies in. Most are large enough to store 5- 8 nappies in.


• Nappy Soak: - An option that will help keep your cloth nappies white in some cases, and help reduce bacteria. Some contain bleaching agents and other chemicals. We offer a environmentally sound soak, Bio D Without any nasties hiding in its manufacture.


• Washable Wipes: - Shop bought wipes just add to the cost of baby, as well as the landfill mountains. There is also the consideration of the iritation these can cause if they contain alcohol. It's recomended you use cotton wool or washable wipes, ( pieces of terry) dip them in cooled boil water, to wipe eyes and bottoms instead.