Real nappies on test
We asked six mums for their true life experience of cloth nappies.
- "I love the fact that the nappy is such a natural product." (flats)
- "It's a pleasure for both me and Lara." (flats)
- "I wouldn't want to wear paper knickers myself." (shaped)
- "Even the grannies respect my decision." (shaped)
- "I love the fact that I save so much money." (shaped)
- "They are great for going out and about, compact and fuss free." (all-in-ones)
Mums Salma and Rachel tried out: flat nappies
"I love the fact that the nappy is such a natural product."
Nappy type chosen: |
Bambino Mio prefolds |
Start-up costs: |
One trial nappy and one nappy cover £8.95 |
What you get: |
A flat nappy pre-folded with a thicker pieced down the middle for added absorbency which you put in a wrap which secures with Velcro fastenings |
Tester: |
Salma Noorullah and daughter Mayah, aged nine months |
Why we chose this system: |
"We didn't like the idea of the waste we would create with disposable nappies and felt cloth nappies were so much more natural and healthy. We chose Bambino Mio because they are as easy to fit as a disposable - but with Velcro not sticky tabs. We assemble all our nappies in one go, once they are washed and then they are ready to go at a moment's notice. We do use disposables occasionally if we are going out and don't want to carry a soiled cloth nappy around all day but we find Mayah is much more prone to nappy rash with disposables." |
Teething troubles: |
It takes a little while to get used to the way the nappies are assembled - they come pre-folded but then you put the nappy in the wrap. At first this takes a bit of practise but it soon becomes very easy. |
What I love: |
I love the fact that the nappy is such a natural product and that using them is more economical and helps the environment. I don't know many other people who use them, people just think it will be too difficult, they are impressed when they hear you do but it's not really that hard. |
Snags: |
The main snag is the obvious one - the washing - but it really isn't that bad once you get in a routine with it. I wash every second or third day and although you don't have to, I prefer to pre-soak because I think it's more hygienic. |
In conclusion: |
I'm not a great campaigner for cloth nappies, I don't tell many people I use them, unless they ask - but using them really does makes you feel good about yourself - you know you are doing your little bit for the environment, and it really isn't that difficult. |
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Mum of Lara, Mari-Elder tried out: Cotton Bottoms' flat nappies
"It's a pleasure for both me and Lara."
Nappy type chosen: |
Cotton bottoms |
Start-up costs: |
Trial pack with one cotton wrap, one cotton pre-fold nappy, two disposable liners £9.99 |
What you get: |
A flat nappy you fold and place inside a wrap with elasticised legs and Velcro |
Tester: |
Mari-Anne Elder and daughter Lara, aged 4 months |
Why we chose this system: |
"The nappies fold into a fitted wrap and assembling them takes a little while to get used to but it is not at all difficult. There are no pins or fiddly positioning involved so even people who don't look after Lara all the time can cope quite well after a quick instruction. The critical thing with these nappies is the wraps - you need plenty of them because they do get soiled and you need to have the right size at all times (they come in three sizes) otherwise you do get some leakage - but then you do get leakage sometimes with disposables." |
Teething troubles: |
The only problem we had was that Lara was allergic to the disposable liner you are supposed to use. She has very sensitive skin so these were a problem . We now just don't bother with the liner at all - although I have heard there are fabric and organic liners which I might try - because a liner does help with the washing. |
What I love: |
Although it may sound surprising, the thing I love most is the convenience. People think cloth nappies are hard work but how easy is it to go shopping for disposable nappies every week with a small baby? With cloth nappies and a washing machine you never run out of nappies and you just don't have to think twice about changing your baby the minute the nappy is wet. Using disposables in the same way I use free and easy way I use the cloth nappies would worry me a lot. |
Snags: |
The nappies are quite thick - which is obviously good for absorbency - but it does mean they take quite a long time to dry. We find we have to put them in the tumble dryer to fluff them up and get them dry - so that does add a bit to the costs. |
In conclusion: |
I just think cloth nappies are fantastic and I'm so, so thankful I found out about them. People say 'oh how brave you are using cloth nappies' but really it's a pleasure both for me and for Lara. |
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Mums Philippa, Ruth and Rachel tried out: Mother-ease's shaped nappies
"I wouldn't want to wear paper knickers myself."
Nappy type chosen: |
Mother-ease Sandys through Twinkle Twinkle independent nappy advice service |
Start-up costs: |
Shaped nappy from £6.50- £8.75 depending on size. Waterproof wrap £7.75. Optional booster liner £1.75 |
What you get: |
A stretch terry shaped nappy with elasticised leg and waist and mulit-position popper fastenings. Used with a waterproof wrap. |
Tester: |
Philippa de la Hay and Oscar, aged 2, plus new arrival due April 27 |
Why we chose this system: |
"We used disposables for convenience in the first six weeks but I always knew I would try cloth nappies because I'm fairly eco-conscious. The one thing I was dreading was pre-soaking the nappies but in fact you just don't have to do that with modern washing machines - just wash at 60 degrees. I wash one load of nappies every two days. I have tried lots of types but like the Motherease ones because they are very reliable, wash well, dry quickly and are secured with poppers which wear well - as opposed to Velcro which tends to get tatty over time. You can also use the Sandy nappy with other brand wraps so there are lots of colours and looks to choose from." |
Teething troubles: |
I started with pre-fold nappies but I found these leaked especially with a small baby who was fully breast fed and producing very running poohs! I moved onto shaped nappies and found these much better. The Mother-ease wraps are really reliable and even now Oscar is a toddler and would drink non-stop if I let him, the wraps can cope. |
What I love: |
I just love the look and feel of cloth nappies, they are so much nicer than disposables. I wouldn't want to wear paper knickers myself and can't imagine why my baby should have to wear them when there is such a lovely alternative. |
Snags: |
I prefer to use a washable fleece liner in the nappy rather than a disposable liner and this means I do have to hand rinse the pooh from the liner before washing. It is a negative but one I'm completely used to and not one you have to endure if you use a disposable liner. |
In conclusion: |
Cloth nappies are incredibly versatile and I have tried loads of different styles and shapes. There is definitely one out there to meet every need so shop around , mix and match and cloth nappies will work for you. |
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Mum of Elizabeth and Eleanor, Ruth tried out: Kushie's shaped nappies
"Even the grannies respect my decision."
Nappy type chosen: |
Kushie Classic Nappy |
Start-up costs: |
One classic nappy £7.50, wraps from £2.99 |
What you get: |
A cotton flannelette shaped nappy, elasticised at leg and fastened with Velcro, used with a waterproof wrap also secured with Velcro. Booster liners available. |
Tester: |
Ruth King and daughters Elizabeth, aged 2 and Eleanor aged 1 |
Why we chose this system: |
"I came across Kushies, liked the look and the price of the classics and went for them because they were easy to use - my husband copes and even the grannies respect my decision to use cloth nappies. I was a little apprehensive about having to soak nappies before washing but I very quickly decided not to bother with soaking and it didn't make the slightest bit of difference so I never do now. I use disposable liner inside the nappy which makes getting rid of any solids very straight-forward. Drying is quick and easy and the whole laundering thing is really no problem at all." |
Teething troubles: |
The first size is hard to fit tightly around the leg and with very runny, new born pooh you do get some leakage but I think that can happen with disposables too from time to time. |
What I love: |
I love the fact that I am doing something good for the environment and that at the same time I am saving myself money. So often doing the right thing can be more expensive but in this case after your initial outlay the costs are minimal. My nappies have lasted brilliantly through two children and are still going strong. |
Snags: |
They are not the best ever system for overnight - most of the time they are OK but they don't cope very well on very wet nights. |
In conclusion: |
I just wish more people knew about the alternatives to disposables. Once you have used them you become a bit of a campaigner with anyone who will listen but I wish midwives and ante-natal classes could do more to promote them. It's not difficult, it just takes a tiny bit of effort. I know there are agents now who will come and demonstrate all the different types available to a new mum and I would really recommend that - it costs you nothing and is a real eye-opener. |
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Mum of Oliver, Rachel tried out: Schmidt's shaped nappies
"I loved the fact I save so much money."
Nappy type chosen: |
Schmidt Natural Clothing |
Start-up costs: |
Nappy £1.90, booster liner £1.60, woollen pull-ups £14.90 (or knit your own kit £3.90!!) Staged payment scheme available to spread the costs over six months. |
What you get: |
An organic cotton flat, shaped but not fitted nappy fastened with ties, optional booster liner for added absorbency and covered with woollen pull-up pants or micro fibre wrap. |
Tester: |
Rachel Mardle and son Oliver aged 23 months |
Why we chose this system: |
"I looked around at the alternatives and chose this system because it was such fantastic value. It was one of the cheapest and the most versatile. The tie-up system means that you control the size of the nappy completely - the bigger your baby gets the less you tighten the ties - the same nappy size works right from new born to toddler. I love the woollen pull-up pants too as they are really cute and clever; wool is naturally waterproof (you never see wet sheep do you?) and you don't have to wash them very often because the more you use them the more waterproof they become." |
Teething troubles: |
I can honestly say there weren't any. These nappies are great, they have worked well from day one. I have had only one leak in two years. |
What I love: |
I love the fact that I save so much money - it really shocks me when I see the cost of disposable - and I love the fact that I am living by my principles. So often you believe in something but pressures of life make you weaken and take easy options, this is something you can easily stick to and enjoy. |
Snags: |
The only possible snag I can think of is that when you go on holidays you have to check out the washing machine facilities before you go! I couldn't bear to put Ollie into disposables, even for the holiday so a washing machine is an essential part of our holiday choice! Now my son is nearly two the woollen pull ups struggle to cope with really wet nappies but I have just swopped to the micro fibre wraps and these are completely effective. |
In conclusion: |
Using cloth nappies makes you feel so wholesome, you feel like a real, proper mum - doing the absolute best for your baby. Even when you weaken on other things, this you can stay committed to because it's easy and it works. You only have to look along your road and see how many extra bin bags other families have compared to us to know you are doing something really worthwhile. |
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Mum of Tamsin, Miranda tried out: Kushies' all-in-ones
"They are great for going out and about, compact and fuss free"
Nappy type chosen: |
Kushies Ultra |
Start-up costs: |
One Ultra all-in-one £8 |
What you get: |
An all-in-one combined nappy and waterproof wrap with Velcro fastenings. |
Tester: |
Miranda Damp and daughter Tamsin now 3 |
Why we chose this system: |
"An all-in-one nappy only has a one-layer barrier around the leg and if that does not fit well you do get problems with leakage - this happened to me at first. The all-in-ones are very easy to use but are not as adjustable as a combined nappy and wrap which generally allows you to tighten the nappy very accurately and gives to a double layer of protection around the leg. They work best in combination with another style but are definitely worth considering." |
Teething troubles: |
Even the smallest size of the Ultras is pretty big and on a new baby - especially Tamsin who was very small and slim they didn't fit very snuggly around the leg so we did get some leaks until she grew into them fully. |
What I love: |
They are very easy to use - great for going out and about, compact and fuss free and it is also very easy for people who don't often change a baby to work out how to use them. |
Snags: |
They do take quite a long time to dry out and because you have to wash the wrap every time the nappy is soiled they do not last as long - the wrap part starts to deteriorate. |
In conclusion: |
All-in-ones are excellent for when you are out and about or if your baby often goes to a child-minder or grandparent who may not be willing to use a more complex system. Having tried lots of other styles too now, I think they are good as part of your real nappy set up but not for use 100% of the time - if you use them in tandem with another system they last well and are very convenient. |
^ back to main menu Useful contacts:
- Cotton Bottoms 08707 778899 www.cottonbottoms.co.uk
- Kushies from Perfectly Happy People 0870 1202 018 www.thebabycatalogue.com
- Bambino Mio 01604 883777 www.bambino.co.uk
- Schmidt Natural Clothing 0845 345 0498 - www.naturalclothing.co.uk
- Twinkle Twinkle 0118 934 2120
- Women's Environmental Network 020 7481 9004 or
- Association of Nappy Services 0121 693 4949 www.changeanappy.co.uk
- Nappy Line - cloth nappy helpline 01983 401959
- Go to our brief summary on baby monitors
- See babyworld's other product tests
- Share your experiences – good and bad – of the baby products you have used on our Product talk discussion forum or join the babyworld Travel forum
