Cloth Nappies - My Stash

Morning friends!
I have a diaper post for y'all today.
A lot of people have been asking about which nappies we use, so I thought I would share my stash.

I had around 20 sized nappies for when she was a newborn, all in XS. These were Charlie Banana, Fuzzibunz and BumGenius. But since then, we have gone entirely to "one size" nappies.

The stash currently consists of

22 x Pea Pods
1 x Charlie Banana
4 x Designer Bums
2 x Little Angels
2 x Baby Trenz
4 x handmade (gifted from friends)
6 x Babyland
6 x Nappy Flute
10 x Kushies (5 in infant size (too big for her right now) and 5 in toddler size)

 

You might notice that I have a whole lot on one kind and then a sprinkling of others. This is because I had PeaPods recommended to me, and just went with it. I am happy with them, but if I was to start my stash again I would get a few of a bunch of different brands and see how they all went. Just to spread it all out. I think it is probably best to not buy a huge amount of one brand before you try them, because if you aren't happy with them, you either have to get rid of them and start again, or, you are stuck with the choice. 

Also, when I first got into nappies, I didn't really understand how they worked. So, I bought all the bright colours and no pastels because I thought they might show stains (I know now that the shells don't get poo on them, and the pastels are actually really cute, so I would have bought more). 

Also also, it recently dawned on me that if we have more kids, we could have a boy, so I should start getting some more range in the colors haha.

Also also also, if you are wondering what I would buy next, it would be a multi-pack of Charlie Bananas or more Designer Bums.

And this is what happens to a nappy circle when you put a dancing infant in the middle haha

Charlie Banana review and GIVEAWAY

I am super excited about this post today you guys!

I was recently contacted by Charlie Banana to review one of their new nappies, and I even have one to giveaway! I was stoked to hear from them because I used Charlie Banana XS nappies during Sophie's newborn stage, and I was really happy with them. We have since moved on from her newborn nappies, and have changed from 'sized' nappies to 'one size' or OS.

I find that in terms of both value for money and waste reduction, 'one size' nappies are a great investment. They can grow with her, and I don't need to buy a new set of nappies each time she has a growth spurt. One of the downsides to most one size nappies though, are that they can be big and bulky, and in some cases, mean we go through clothing sizes faster. I was stoked to find that Charlie Banana OS diapers have a great feature, called "trim fit" design. They are way less bulky than some of my OS pairs, and I don't have to use onesie extenders when she wears them! Not only are they less bulky but they are super easy to use. There is a funky little pull tab (kind of like a bra strap) inside the insert cover, where you can change to your chosen size. It adjusts the fit around the leg, ensuring a leak proof and snug fit as she grows. Perfect for those chunky little bebe thighs! 

So, here is a confession, I tend to use disposable nappies when we go out to to lunch, to a barbecue, or when we go shopping (I'm a busy Mama, I'm not perfect y'all). It makes me a little frustrated though, because I want to use cloth as much as possible. But it is just a little easier you know? HOWEVER, I am super excited, because these cloth nappies can be used with a standard cloth insert OR a disposable insert! (Is it weird I get excited about diapers haha?!)... This innovation means, no need to buy any more disposable nappies (saving my money and everyone's environment), we get to keep the cuteness of the cloth and it is quick and easy to use cloth when out and about! So much easier! I didn't know this design of nappy even existed - mind blown!

Here is an image I pinched from the Charlie Banana website to show the 2 in 1 feature.

I am absolutely loving this cherry pair, and I am excited to be giving away a very pair of very Zen colored 'Sage' nappies. Are you a block color or pattern person with your nappies? I am a sucker for a pretty pattern, but love block colors for outfit photos. Here are some of my favorites! Aren't they the sweetest? Which is your favorite?

I really liked my newborn Charlie Bananas, so I had actually been looking into getting some shipped here from the States before I received these to review. The good news is, there are some Charlie Banana retailers 'downunder' too! Follow this link to take you to a list of international stockists. For any readers in Australia, I really love this multi pack from Hello Charlie - such a good deal, and I LOVE the colors!

I believe that consumers can make major changes in the world. I am a big believer in companies giving back, and when I did some research into Charlie Banana, I found that money from each purchase goes to support Project Child Save. Charity donations are a big influence for me when I support a business! 

Between the OS trim fit function, the ability to use disposable and cloth inserts, the cute patterns and the way Charlie Banana supports these charities - I will definitely be buying more from them!

To enter to win a Charlie Banana one size nappy, in Sage color, see entry options below in the Rafflecopter. 
Competition is open internationally. 
It will close in one weeks time and winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter randomness.

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:
Charlie Banana sent me these nappies to review. 

However, as with the rest of my blog, opinions are all my own. 

I only recommend products and companies I believe in. 

Being an honest Mama is the best way to be!

Two months in... Cloth Nappies!

If you recall, in my final weeks of pregnancy I blogged about my cloth nappy anxiety. I say anxiety but it was more aimed at joking how my very pregnant mind stressing about anything I could focus on. Well, its been two months, and lots of people have been asking how I am finding them so here is an update!

First of all, well there was no need to stress because I love using them! Sophie has been in them since she was 2 weeks old. My biggest piece of advice about cloth nappies would be - they are only nappies - it really isn't a big deal. Once you get a system sorted they are the easiest thing ever.

What Sophie Wears

When we first started using them she was in Charlie Banana XS, Bumgenius NB and XS. She has just outgrown them (at 2 months) and is now in "one size" (OS) nappies from Pea Pods, Designer Bums, Little Angels, and Baby Trenz.

Sophie's first day in cloth nappies at two weeks old. These are BumGenius in XS.

Looking very small - in a pair of XS FuzziBunz

One of her first smiles in XS Charlie Bananas.

Her first time in OSFA nappies, these are Pea Pods. She wore both newborn and the onesize for awhile, but was in the OS pairs solely from 2 months.

In a OS soft minky pair from Baby Trenz.

One of my favorite patterns, strawberries from Little Angel nappies.

My other favorite pattern - a OS pair from Designers Bums!

We have been using cloth wipes from Marleys Monsters on Etsy. I am super happy with how they have worked out, and am happy not to be coating babes butt in chemicals every time we wipe!  

Our Nappy "Process"

When Soph needs a change we use cloth wipes. We spray the wipe with a homemade solution and do what needs to be done. 

The cloth and the nappy go straight into the nappy bag. I use a wet bag in a stainless steel pedal bin. The bag and bin act as a dry pail.

Every third morning the bag gets emptied into the washing machine, and then the bag is chucked in too.

The washing cycle is as follows, 

Rinse x 2 - 17 minutes

Daily cycle at 60 deg C plus EcoStore laundry powder - 55 minutes

Rinse and spin x 2 - 29 minutes 

Then they are hung outside in the sun all day - the sun takes out any stains in the fabric. 

Our drying rack - its amazing what the sun does to marks!

Do you use cloth wipes? Are you considering using them? What is your wash system? I would love to hear any tips you have?

Our Cloth Nappy Journey - starting out

Right. So here we go. She's due tomorrow. I have spent months preparing and writing lists. I have read every Pinterest linked article on cloth diapering I can find. I have the stash of both newborn cloth Nappies and the one size for when her batty is a bit bigger. I have the cute cloth wipes. The washable wet bag in a push pedal bin. I have a large jar of coconut oil which will be combined with essential oils and other ingredients as a chemical free butt wipe solution. There are bamboo liners by the 100 pack. I have a notebook full of recommended wash cycles. Lots of contradicting advice, and lots of repeated sentiments which make me feel a little easier. Microfiber inners. Bamboo inners. Nighttime boosters.

Charlie Banana. Grovia. Fuzzibunz. Pea in a Pod. Handmade nappies gifted from friends. Baby Trenz. And then some random brands I can't remember. 

Giraffe print. Bold red. Daisy purple. Love hearts. Soft pink. Bright blue. Purple polka dots. Tangerine. Denim. Cobalt dream. Multi colored polka dots. Badger print. 

Here is where I take a deep breath and make a confession...

My name is Sarah, and I have cloth nappy anxiety. 

Isn't it funny how much we prepare for something but really in the end have no idea how it's going to go...? I guess it's a very pregnancy appropriate metaphor. Cos, that's where I'm at right now. So, in classic Sarah style, in order to stress a little less about the impending due date, I figure, why not concentrate the stress into something even more unknown... How is the cloth diapering going to go?

We have a couple of newborn disposable packs for the first week, to allow us to get into the swing, and then, it's go time.  

Will we have blow outs? What brand will fit our munchkin the best? Will I really find disposables "rough, unappealing and gross" after using the cloth nappies? Will the washing make me tear my hair out? Will Rob mind the cloth nappies? Will we have baby sitters refuse to use them? Will the front loader washing machine be sufficient enough for the all important rinsing process? Will the nappies be so big that little one doesn't fit any of the leggings we have bought her? If we use disposables when we travel are we cheating? Are wet bags really as leak free as people say? Have I prewashed them enough? How often should I strip them again? Is the all in one the best choice? Should I have bought more variety? 

The list goes on. 

Well, I guess we will know soon-ish... We shall see! 

Do you cloth nappy? Or cloth diaper? Any hints or tips for this neurotic expecting Mama? I welcome any and all advice! And I hope to keep y'all updated with any progress, info, setbacks, breakthroughs we come across!

Wish us luck!