Reusable Nappy Update 14 Sep 07
Its nearly a month now since we made the switch to reusable nappies, for Ben, and really its a case of so far, so good.
We ordered our bamboo nappies from LittleLamb, and we were suprised by just how much like cotton nappies, the bamboo nappies appeared to be. Then we were curious about just how much like cotton nappies, the bamboo nappies appeared to be. Curious enough to start comparing what we’d received with the photos on the website.
Yes, it turns out that they were cotton nappies and that there had been a mistake with our order. The folks at LittleLamb couldn’t have been nicer, offering either to replace the nappies (despite already knowing that some had now been used) or refund the difference in price (£20). They even agreed to our, perhaps cheeky, request of a third option which saw us receive some of the bamboo nappies as our refund. So in the long run, it all worked out well as we now have 26 nappies (20 cotton and 6 bamboo) for the price of 20.
In terms of using them, they are a bit tricker, than disposable nappies, to get on to a (very) wriggly Ben, due to the different layers involved. First there’s the paper or fleece liner – The paper liners are flushable and great if we think a ‘number 2’ is due, but the fleece liners are reusable and super-soft. Then there’s the nappy itself, either with or without an extra booster. Finally, there’s the outer wrap, which is the waterproof layer. Once the nappies are on though, they’re great and Ben certainly hasn’t seemed to be bothered by the fact that they are a touch bulkier than the disposables.
Performance-wise, both the bamboo and cotton nappies are very good, with a single nappy lasting several hours before needing to be changed. The addition of the boosters and liners means that you can often avoid having to change a nappy that is only slightly damp or contained a ‘flusher’, where with disposables, a new nappy would be needed. Our biggest problem is knowing when exactly a change is needed, as Ben has never been one to cry or even grouch with a wet or dirty nappy. Often the smell test or the back-of-the-hand damp check is required. As a friend once told us, its amazing what doesn’t bother you when its one (i.e. a child) of your own…
At first we did find of couple of leaks occurring at night time, but following suggestions found on an internet forum, we tried placing one booster inside the nappy and one outside it (between the nappy and the wrap). This has solved the leaks and with a fleece liner in place, even though the nappy may be wet, Ben appears to stay nice and dry.
In fact, the only problem we’ve found with the nappies is that sometimes, when they get damp, the elastic around the leg (of either the nappy or the wrap) can rub and it leaves a red mark. Its doesn’t seem to bother Ben though and a drop of Sudocrem always helps.
I’d love to say that we’ve cut out the disposable nappies altogether, but there are still a few cases where the disposables make a comeback. For example, its easier for Ben’s Granny, when she’s looking after him, to use disposable nappies and we understand that. Also, when we’re away for a weekend or a week, with no laundry facilities, transporting all the clean reusable nappies that would be required and then all the dirty nappies needing washed, just wouldn’t be practical (or pleasant!).
Even so, we have drastically reduced the number of disposable nappies that we’re using for Ben and we’ve noticed the difference in the amount of waste being produced, especially because the bin beside Ben’s changing mat now needs emptied a lot less often.
With some of our friends now considering reusables, we’re well on our way to being Reusable Nappy Evangelists.
Posted by Nev in Going Green , Parenting with tags baby, ben, disposable nappies, eco-friendly, parenting, reusable nappies, waste
