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!

Cloth Nappies - the Essentials

So you are considering going with cloth nappies... What else do you need to get a system set up? Well, here is what I recommend. It always helps to see how others do it. I think anyway :P

Pail - Personally, I use a dry pail. I do NOT like the idea of a big wet yuck mess fermenting in babes room or in the laundry. Plus, its easier. We have a large stainless steel pedal bin with a pail liner in it. Every now and then I air out the pail between washes, and sometimes use a drop or two of tea tree oil in it to freshen it up.

Pail liner - I recommend Planet Wise - arrgghh they are so good. I got a couple online when I was in the States. And they are worth the money. For several reasons. Firstly, they don't leak, so you don't need to constantly clean out your pail. Secondly, they make the whole process easier, because you can empty the bag into the washing machine and chuck the bag in too. And they dry easily. Definitely stoked that I found these. Oh, and they come in cute colors haha. My tip, is get two. That way, while one is being washed, the second one can be in the pail, collecting naps.

Wet bag - If you want to leave the house, these are the practical and eco-friendly way of storing a used nappy till you get home. I have heaps, as each of my Pea Pods came with one. If your nappies don't come with one, you can always buy them online from most nappy companies.

Wipes - I have already mentioned that I use cloth wipes. It started mostly just because its easier to have one spot that the nappies and wipes go into. It streamlines the process so to speak. Then, when she was a newborn I used some of the packet wipes that we were gifted. And eww they were so strong smelling and so full of chemicals. Now I am really glad we use the cloth wipes. I got mine from Marley's Monsters on Etsy.

Spray bottle - gotta wet that butt somehow right?

Bum wipe goo - there are sooo many different solutions you can look up on Pinterest. Here is whats in mine:
3 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of tea tree oil
1 C coconut oil
1 C water
3 drops of eco friendly baby body wash

Hanging pegs - you know those things that hang and have all the little hanging pegs? They make the drying of the cloth wipes WAY easier.

Strip Wash - I haven't used ours yet, but I have read its pretty essential to get old detergent out of the fabric. 

Clothes Horse - I think this is a super handy way to dry your nappies. When the weather is nice it can stay outside, and if the weather gets crap you just bring them in. You can fit a lot onto it, and it folds up and doesn't take any space up. I would definitely recommend one of these.

 An indoor, outdoor solution - super easy!

Onesie extenders - we use "Onesie Bummsies" - while the idea of using onesie extenders wasn't totally up my street, they are much more a) economical and b) practical than Sophie growing out of onesies early because of the size of cloth nappies. Now that we have the extenders we use them most days, it's just easier that way!

 Extenders in action

Laundry powder - some people recommend special nappy or diaper detergents, but I just use plain old eco-friendly washing powder. And I have no complaints.

Sprayer Thing - Um, so I don't have one of these but lots of people swear by them. Let me know if use one - I would love to hear what you think. 

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Hmmm... Am I missing anything? I can't think. I feel like I have covered all the extra little things. I am sure as soon as I press publish I will think of something else haha. Do you cloth diaper? Is there anything extra you need on hand to help out with the nappies?