Argh help me sus it out please!

So I want to be a cloth nappy mum, I'm trying to be! Better for the environment, kinder on our pocket yardy yarda.

I have purchase a coolababy OSFA pocket (I think) nappy, and I'm liking it, but it confuses me a little still.

I was told that soaking them ruins the PUL. So what am I supposed to do with poop stains then? What is dry pailing?

How is a nappy supposed to fit? Stupid question I know, I have no prob with disposables, but darned if I know whats too tight/too loose etc.

Any advice or help greatly appreciated! I don't want to try other brands as if we go ahead for a full set, this is the kind that I can afford the initial set up costs for.

Cheers in advance :)

I will try and help a bit

Dry pailing basically means you throw the dirty/wet nappy in a dry bucket with a lid until you wash it. You generally rinse off the excess poo first. I just hold the pooey side of the nappy in front of the flushing water in the loo. It gets the majority off. If there is any major bits left I give it a rinse in the sink before I put it in the bucket.

If there are still marks after the nappies have been washed then just hang them in the sun and it will bleach the stains out for you.

As for how tight they need to be. They need to be comfy, so the elastic around the legs shouldn't cut into the skin and leave welts, but need to be snug enough to stop the nappy from leaking. It is a bit of trial and error, but rest assured you will get told if they are too tight

if you push babys legs up - so they bend at the knees - and there are gaps around the nappy and the leg then it is too loose/big and you will get leaks.

dry pail is just that - a dry pail...no water. some people do put the dirty nappies in a bucket of water to soak before washing, i think its just a personal preference. some bleaches and strong chemicals will ruin your nappies.

i havent used the coolababy before but from what i can see it is a knock off of a more expensive brand...so just be on the look out for wear and tear. i know that some nappy retailers used to have a layby type system...and dont forget a good quality/condition nappy can be re sold later on.