brain overload...help for newbie
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Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Cloth Nappy Discussion
Forum Description: Are you new to cloth nappies? Looking for washing tips? Want to rave about a great new nappy you've tried? By popular request a board especially for all our cloth Mums!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25283
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Topic: brain overload...help for newbie
Posted By: Twinboys2b
Subject: brain overload...help for newbie
Date Posted: 17 March 2009 at 10:55pm
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Phew.... so much to read & so much I don't understand so I thought, just to be a pain, I'll ask you guys...
Am wanting to start saving moolah & go to cloth for my boys during the day (DH hates the idea due to the stress of having more to dry 'in time'), I have been recomended Honeychild but thought I'd ask first: In your opinion what brand/type fits my needs the best - my wish list: 1) Costs less than disposables (day naps cost $1.40 p/child) 2) Easy to use, HAS to be an easy system to use/clean/dry (especially dry) - has to be able to go in with other baby washing & no pre-soaking if that exists? 3) NO velcro please 4) Doesn't leave 'bits' on all other washing like towels do 3) Not too bulky 4) Doesn't leek, absorb heaps at the front (Eli sleeps on his front & pees heaps) 5) Fits short bubs with chubby thighs & tum but can suit diff' babies at diff stages i.e. Eli has chunkier theighs & bigger belly than Jacob. What annoying things should I look out for/not buy? Thanks...am hoping everyone says one brand back to me - I'm geussing not though  ------------- 3yr old gorgeous ID twin boys. |
Replies:
Posted By: Twinboys2b
Date Posted: 17 March 2009 at 10:58pm
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Title was meant to read 'information overload' not brain overload - that's how confused I am with cloth nappies! Should go to sleep too. ------------- 3yr old gorgeous ID twin boys. |
Posted By: nicolaann
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 9:29am
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I would suggest trying a few diffetent types, and then buy more of which works best for you. I tried about 6 different brands before I decided which I liked best.
Otherwise I do have to recommend Itti bittis. 1. they are super easy (no stuffing like pocket nappies) 2. you can add extra snap in boosters if needed 3. no velcro Otherwise you would be best to try a few different brands of pockets. Maybe a one size so that both your boys will fit the same nappies if they end up being different sizes. You will also be able to customize the abbsorbancy to suit each child. As for the washing...,. I wash my nappies seperately, and wouldn't want to wash them with other laundry. You will find with 2 in cloth (which I had until very recently) that you will have a load of nappies every second day anyway. You don't need to pre-soak at all. And no nappies will leave bits on the washing like towels do. Washing nappies really isn't hard, as long as you have have enough nappies so that you aren't stressing about getting them dry (I have about 12 for each child) eeek, hope that helps!! ------------- Nicky, Mum to Alex (5) & Sophie (3) http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 9:47am
Yay! It's so great to see so many cloth newbies  You'll find The Nappy Network really helpful too!
1) Pretty much any brand is going to be cheaper than disposables. Just as long as you don't buy a size they're about to grow out of. Using Honeychilds as an example: Say you need 6 each per day, so you buy 18, plus another dozen spare inserts. So that's $674 total. (Eek, they're good nappies but I didn't realise they were quite that expensive.) To get the same value per day as your sposies they need to be in that size for at least 8 months - that doesn't take into account resale value or keeping them for any siblings. (You can easily get $15-20 selling them second hand, so if you assume worst case $15 each, then you get your payback in less than 5 months.) Don't forget you might be able to get them second hand if you're comfortable with doing that, which would make it cheaper. 2) In terms of ease of use, and getting them dry in time so DH doesn't stress out, then pockets do seem like they would be a good idea for you. Get some spare inserts because they take a little longer to dry (the pockets themselves are practically dry when they come out of the machine). Itti Bittis are very easy to wash and put on but the bamboo boosters don't dry quickly. I haven't tried the Snap In Ones which would probably combat that issue though. 3) There are lots of great MCNs out there - in fact most of the popular ones - with snaps instead of velcro. 4) None of the nappies I've tried, even the nasty cheap ones, leave bits on other washing, so don't worry about that aspect! 5) (or 3 the second  ) Pockets are a nice trim option, so are AIOs (All In Ones). Fitted nappies are the bulky ones.
6) The only nappies I've ever had a leaking problem with are the ones I made myself  and MonkeyDoodlez AIOs. If you get the fit right, especially around the thigh, then you're all sorted (helps having bubs with chubby thighs!). My itti bittis don't leak (have a look at Andrea's when you see her), nor have my honeychilds, ecobubs, bib and tucker or berry plush.
Having said that, if Eli is a tummy sleeping super pee-er, I would recommend using a hemp or bamboo insert with the microfibre. That's cos, although the microfibre is nice and thirsty and dries fastest, it can also act like a sponge when it's soaked and some of the moisture can get squeezed out , especially for tummy sleeping boys. If you get trifolds they open out to dry relatively fast and are still nice and trim (plus you can fold them to the front which is where you'll be needing it on Eli). I love the ecobubs trifolds which are hemp on one side and microfibre on the other (although I notice their new inserts are all microfibre, or all bamboo, not sure why, guess you're supposed to fold them together). 7) Sounds like you need any nappy with two rows of snaps, so you can adjust them for belly roundness and thigh chubbiness accordingly. Like Nicola I would highly highly recommend NOT going out and buying a whole system of nappies before you've tried them. In terms of pockets, personally I prefer Ecobubs and Bib and Tucker, but that's because I've discovered side snapping nappies fit JJ best. That said, Honeychild fit fine too! I just don't like fiddling with the extra snap (3 each side). We got given smalls when JJ was born, they fit him from newborn and he can still squeeze into them, they're supposed to fit to 6kg and he's over 8kg, so they're conservative on the sizing. I'd say Mediums would last you a decent length of time. Good luck window shopping and playing around and ask if you want to be directed to some good websites. Ask TwoBlondinis about Honeychild too
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Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: kiwivic
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 12:52pm
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The other girls have given you fab advice which I totally agree with! The only thing I wanted to add is that my favourite nappies would be Honeychild and Itti Bitti D'lish AIOs. The difference between the 2 is that Honeychild is a pocket nappy that uses a microfibre insert and Itti Bittis are an AIO where the absorbency is sewn into the nappy. Honeychilds are more expensive but will dry quicker, Itti Bittis are really absorbent (using a combo of microfibre & bamboo) but take longer to dry. Why not buy one of each to try on the boys and see what you think? They're both snap-fitting and really easy to use but you might find you prefer one over the other. You can get a trial pack for both brands and if you find you don't like one you can always sell them on as both brands hold their value really well for resale.
Hope that helps!  ------------- 
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Posted By: Twinboys2b
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 1:49pm
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WOW, thanks so much guys, especially Rachael - heaps of info thanks!!
I'm usually one to go mad on research but I'm not that fussed with nappies, I just want something that works as it seams to be too many choices. I think I'll go & have a read on the nappy network & might try what Vic recomended - Honeychild & Itti Bitti D'lish AIOs. Now, I'm left to convince DH, will buy one of each I think & go from there. ------------- 3yr old gorgeous ID twin boys. |
Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 4:03pm
hehe! Buying some samples will be enough to convince DH 
That's all that it took my DH anyway. I stuff them as I'm putting them away so just as easy for him to use as sposies. Even easier according to him. I use BumGenius nappies, they are one size fits all as the girls have different shapes as well. They are velcro however so don't fit your criteria.
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Posted By: kiwivic
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 4:51pm
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My DH was reluctant at first too but as he's an accountant I convinced him to give it a go by working out the numbers and showing him how much we'd save long term. He was even more pleased when we were able to sell them on afterwards and get back half of what we'd spent up front - what a bonus! -------------
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Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 10:29pm
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Hey Yvette the good thing about the ecobubs insert is that because you fold in half it is easier to dry and Soph sleeps on her tum and ecobubs work great with her. She looks so cute with her little stripey bum sticking in the air when she plays
The other thing about their naps is it is good for Soph who is a tummy sleeper and the snaps are on the side as opposed to the front...I just think it would be alittle more comfotable for her. And I like that they are NZ made ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 7:44am
Guaranteed easy way to convince DH.....tell him how much disposie will cost you over the next year...watch how fast he gets out that credit card (figuratively speaking )
When I told DH $3000 version $4-500....it was an easy ets: As Vic says...resell too ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Twinboys2b wrote:Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 9:46am
I  ecobubs (though they are bulky) and ittis are cute. That said, they're $25-35 new.
I bought some pockets nappies (new) off a WAHM on TM - shellbell13 - $15 with 2 rows of snaps but no insert (she sells these for an extra $3) and they are pretty up there as my favouries - cheap, cheerful, straightforward, trim nappies. Might be worth taking a look? I have a very mixed collection - only have 1 of each sort (except ecobubs) but I like it! I definitely have my favourites and some are 'at home' nappies (too bulky for Daniel's cute skinny leg jeans ) and others are good for everything. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 11:49am
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If drying time is a main concern go for pockets rather than AIO's they dry sooo much quicker
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 12:47pm
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i would suggest you check out the snazzipants store. you can see and feel and play around with lots of differnt types and varieties... they are over the shore but worth a visit .. check their website for their address... also the baby factory stock peapods and baby cheeks - both pockets - and real nappies - a prefold and wrap system. being able to look at them IRL makes a difference i think.
re the itti bittis as with all all in ones they do take longer to dry and a lot of people dont recommend them as a every day all day nappy. i have found the ittis sweat more on eden and can cause a rash more than any other nappy i have and i am nor sure what their hidden waterproof layer is... |
Posted By: first
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 1:40pm
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I would suggest that if you get a Itti bitti that you get it as a snap in as they seem to dry a little fast plus you can buy extra inserts and just recycle the outer part. I do this with my boy all the time, though I do not think that many do it that way. (don't see why they don't? =? ) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: kiwivic
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 2:10pm
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Interesting comments about the Ittii Bittis becasue I didn't find the AIO took any longer to dry than the Snap-ins and actually found that the AIO was a better fit because it was less bulky through the crutch/front. They were actually easier to rinse off after a poo too because there weren't so many layers to rinse off, compared with the snap-in folding inserts. I used them as an everyday nappy with Leo and loved them. As for the waterproof layer, I'm pretty sure that the minky itself is laminated, rather than having an extra hidden layer. -------------
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 3:11pm
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Oooh Yvette, if you want to brave the Snazzipants store, you could collar me into coming with you... ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Twinboys2b
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 4:44pm
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Cool, thanks. So much to look at, might do more research still & I think a vist to Snazipants might be good. Might have to rope you along Emma . Have to admit it just sounds way to confusing with all the brands/types available BUT I think I'll just buy a few second hand & trial them to make a decision as it seems everyone has different experiences with diff brands.
Ta guys ------------- 3yr old gorgeous ID twin boys. |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 7:16pm
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I have a few different ones I can lend you that will fit the boys. I'll bring them on Monday. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 8:39pm
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Emma, don't go shopping.
Yvette, just go visit Emma. She practically has a nappy shop - she introduced me and Blondy to MCNs (though we were heavily pregnant so came out more confused than we were when we went in ) ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 9:14pm
if you go to snazzipants with emma get her to check it is open! 
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Posted By: shonpluck
Date Posted: 16 May 2009 at 9:24pm
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I'm also a nappy newbie, and I think I've narrowed it down to 3 brands I like the look and sound of, but just wondered if anyone had any advice or info about the difference between the 3.
1. Honeychild Pocket Nappies 2. Baby Cheeks 3. Baby First Baby first seems a lot cheaper than the other two, but not sure how it is different. Please help, my brain is in overload! |
Posted By: whitewave
Date Posted: 16 May 2009 at 9:48pm
| The Baby First nappies are All In 2's; you lay the insert down inside the cover, the idea is that if only the insert is wet/dirty, you can re-use the cover. Each nappy you buy comes with 2 microfibre inserts. Try getting 1 or 2, and see if you like them before buying heaps of them. |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 16 May 2009 at 10:29pm
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What whitewave said! Also check out the stickied 'Nappy Systems' thread in this topic.
Welcome to OHbaby!
Only thing I would say about the first two brands you've listed is that Honeychilds are what I would call a "high end" pocket while Baby Cheeks are more "low end". Honeychilds are more expensive but I don't know anyone who has had any problems with them, and the microfibre in their inserts is the good stuff, nice and thirsty. I haven't personally tried Baby Cheeks but from what I can tell, seems like they're great IF they fit your bubba well, but don't necessarily work as well for the range of shapes that babies come in iygwim (iygwim= if you get what I mean). It's dangerous to generalis eof course, but that seems to be the case for a number of brands (usually the less expensive pockets) - Baby Harmony, Peapods, etc, people seem to either love or hate them whereas the more expensive ones seem to suit more people. Whereabouts are you in NZ? If you're in Auckland it might pay to go and visit the http://www.snazzipants.co.nz/ - Snazzipants shop in Milford so you can have a look at a bunch of different types, or if you're in Christchurch you could go and visit http://www.bumbles.co.nz/ - Bumbles ... both have great websites too. Not that they're the only ones - the 'Kiwi Nappy Suppliers' thread has a good listing of other places to look -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: shonpluck
Date Posted: 17 May 2009 at 8:41am
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Thanks,
I'm in Wellington - had looked at visiting Snazzipants based on a previous thread but obviously then realised it was in Auckland. I haven't looked at the Baby Cheeks in the shops yet, just on their website. My friend uses Honey Child and their website does seem a lot more comprehensive. I will go back and ask her a few more questions... Just another question about Baby First - you said you put the insert in the cover, but don't you have inserts with the other two, or is the difference that with Honey Child for example, you have to put the insert in the pocket rather than just in the nappy? Slightly less confused now...
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 17 May 2009 at 9:36am
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I'm not 100% certain on this, but I'm fairly sure Honeychild have a shop in Karori? My grandmother bought me some from there last year anyway - just don't know for sure if they're still open.
Yeah Baby Cheeks and Honeychild are both pockets, which means the insert goes inside the nappy. Baby First I'm not 100% certain about, they call them All In Twos but if they don't actually attach to the cover in some way I'd be inclined to refer to them as prefolds and covers. It could be a really good idea to see about getting a hire kit? (Not sure how old your bubba is.) If you think you might like Honeychild then http://www.pepsicles.co.nz/nappyhirekits.html - Pepsicles do a hire kit of small HCs for $12 a week. See http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26352&PN=1 - this thread -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 17 May 2009 at 9:53am
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another place to look is the baby factory. they sell pea pods and baby cheeks, both pockets, and real nappies prefolds and wraps. baby cheeks are a one size nappy and they are adjusted using the leg elastic... and like someone else said people either love or hate peapods. i like my peapod but it is a larger fit that some of my other nappies and i really like their bamboo inserts. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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