re-usable nappies/diapers
- Thread starter JennyB
- Start date
Cloth nappies & Napisan
I bought terry-cloth nappies at Mothercare and also bought plainer ones at Chinese Department stores like Yue Wah and CRC.
I also used nappy covers. My favorites were the "nikki" brand, I think it was Japanese and Iwe bought them at Uny or maybe Wing On.
You can also buy plastic pants at MotherCare, but I hated to put them on my kids, so that was $ wasted (for me).
I found that the best cleaner was Napisan, which you can get at Watsons, Mannings, and many super markets nowadays.
I bought terry-cloth nappies at Mothercare and also bought plainer ones at Chinese Department stores like Yue Wah and CRC.
I also used nappy covers. My favorites were the "nikki" brand, I think it was Japanese and Iwe bought them at Uny or maybe Wing On.
You can also buy plastic pants at MotherCare, but I hated to put them on my kids, so that was $ wasted (for me).
I found that the best cleaner was Napisan, which you can get at Watsons, Mannings, and many super markets nowadays.
rani
Administrator
Jenny,
I was determined to give cloth diapering a go. I had a pack of velcro diapers and the plain Chinese ones, two diaper pails, (a wet and a dry) and a bottle of Napisan.
I think we did it for 2 weeks and gave up. D was pooping after every feed, which was every 1-2 hrs. The diaper pails were overflowing and we just couldn't keep up
Rani
I was determined to give cloth diapering a go. I had a pack of velcro diapers and the plain Chinese ones, two diaper pails, (a wet and a dry) and a bottle of Napisan.
I think we did it for 2 weeks and gave up. D was pooping after every feed, which was every 1-2 hrs. The diaper pails were overflowing and we just couldn't keep up
Rani
When my second baby, Jacob, was just a few weeks old he had a sore bottom. My mother looked at it and told me to change the washing power I was using to a pure soap one. Well ? I was using disposable nappies!
After talking with my husband, who is a keen environmentalist, we decided to use cloth nappies. I bought terry-toweling nappies from Mothercare and then cut them in half. I asked a tailor in the street to overlock the cut side so that it didn?t fray. I also bought what I call nappy wraps from Wing On. These nappy wraps are the same shape as a disposable nappy but made out of waterproof material and do together with Velcro. They are not plastic but material.
I folded the toweling nappies to make a pad inside the wraps. I usually used a single nappy during the day and a double one at night. I also bought an extra bucket with a lid to keep the dirty nappies in. I didn?t use anything special to soak the nappies in. If they were only wet they went straight into the bucket and if they were dirty I knocked off the mess into the toilet and sometimes washed it out in the toilet too ? if required
So long as the lid was on the smell was contained and I would do a nappy wash once every two days. I washed them on the 95?C cycle. Because the nappies were cut in two each one could hang from a normal coat hanger to dry. I found that just hanging overnight was enough to dry them, even in the springtime ? no need for tumble driers or dehumidifiers.
When Jacob was wearing nappies it was possible to buy pure soap in the supermarket and this is what I used but by the time Rachel was born I couldn?t find any. So for Rachel I just used the normal detergent I washed the other clothes in and all was well.
I only used disposable nappies when we went away on holiday. When I went out and about in Hong Kong I took extra plastic bags to carry the nappies in. It really is possible if you want to do it. But you will be in a minority. Rachel?s doctor told me that she was one of only three of his patients that used cloth nappies.
One thing is much easier if you are using cloth nappies and that is toilet training. The babies seem to very quickly understand about wet and dry. So even if you use disposable most of the time think about changing for toilet training.
I may be mad but I actually enjoyed having a pile of clean white nappies. Some days the only thing I managed to do was clean the nappies (just throw them into the washing machine and then hang them out again) but it always made me feel as though I?d managed something important during the day.
After talking with my husband, who is a keen environmentalist, we decided to use cloth nappies. I bought terry-toweling nappies from Mothercare and then cut them in half. I asked a tailor in the street to overlock the cut side so that it didn?t fray. I also bought what I call nappy wraps from Wing On. These nappy wraps are the same shape as a disposable nappy but made out of waterproof material and do together with Velcro. They are not plastic but material.
I folded the toweling nappies to make a pad inside the wraps. I usually used a single nappy during the day and a double one at night. I also bought an extra bucket with a lid to keep the dirty nappies in. I didn?t use anything special to soak the nappies in. If they were only wet they went straight into the bucket and if they were dirty I knocked off the mess into the toilet and sometimes washed it out in the toilet too ? if required
So long as the lid was on the smell was contained and I would do a nappy wash once every two days. I washed them on the 95?C cycle. Because the nappies were cut in two each one could hang from a normal coat hanger to dry. I found that just hanging overnight was enough to dry them, even in the springtime ? no need for tumble driers or dehumidifiers.
When Jacob was wearing nappies it was possible to buy pure soap in the supermarket and this is what I used but by the time Rachel was born I couldn?t find any. So for Rachel I just used the normal detergent I washed the other clothes in and all was well.
I only used disposable nappies when we went away on holiday. When I went out and about in Hong Kong I took extra plastic bags to carry the nappies in. It really is possible if you want to do it. But you will be in a minority. Rachel?s doctor told me that she was one of only three of his patients that used cloth nappies.
One thing is much easier if you are using cloth nappies and that is toilet training. The babies seem to very quickly understand about wet and dry. So even if you use disposable most of the time think about changing for toilet training.
I may be mad but I actually enjoyed having a pile of clean white nappies. Some days the only thing I managed to do was clean the nappies (just throw them into the washing machine and then hang them out again) but it always made me feel as though I?d managed something important during the day.
Thanks Sarah.
By the way everybody, I've been doing some internet research in forums where various types of cloth nappies have been reviewed. One thing I've found is that every brand of nappy gets a totally mixed reception: some people give a particular brand rave reviews, but others find they leak terribly. A lot must depend on the shape of your baby (chubby/skinny legs, for instance) and how explosive their poo is or how heavy wetters they are, plus your own expectations. So it is probably worth trying samples of a few different types to see what suits your baby, rather than buying a full set before the baby is born.
All-in-one nappies such as Kushies do not seem to get very good reviews. One brand which seems to get generally good reviews is Motherease one-size, which is a two-piece shaped nappy, and they also have quite reasonable postage costs for shipment to Hong Kong from Canada. Check out motherease.com.
By the way everybody, I've been doing some internet research in forums where various types of cloth nappies have been reviewed. One thing I've found is that every brand of nappy gets a totally mixed reception: some people give a particular brand rave reviews, but others find they leak terribly. A lot must depend on the shape of your baby (chubby/skinny legs, for instance) and how explosive their poo is or how heavy wetters they are, plus your own expectations. So it is probably worth trying samples of a few different types to see what suits your baby, rather than buying a full set before the baby is born.
All-in-one nappies such as Kushies do not seem to get very good reviews. One brand which seems to get generally good reviews is Motherease one-size, which is a two-piece shaped nappy, and they also have quite reasonable postage costs for shipment to Hong Kong from Canada. Check out motherease.com.
rani
Administrator
Jenny,
Thanks for sharing.
"Explosive Poos" I completely forgot we went through this with D. I couldn't find a disposable diaper that could hold it all. Switched brands and sizes. In the end resorted to staying at home in the mornings until he'd done his big poo of the day. I know...it sounds crazy. ;-)
Thanks for sharing.
"Explosive Poos" I completely forgot we went through this with D. I couldn't find a disposable diaper that could hold it all. Switched brands and sizes. In the end resorted to staying at home in the mornings until he'd done his big poo of the day. I know...it sounds crazy. ;-)
When I did cloth diapering, I had a lot of luck with pocket diapers - they are all-in-one style diapers with inserts - makes them easier to dry and the PUL (laminate) lasts longer since you can easily airdry the outer PUL and fleece layer.
Fuzzibuns (in the states) are the most popular pocket diapers by far.
Fuzzibuns (in the states) are the most popular pocket diapers by far.
Hello everybody,
I posted the original question, and am now the proud mum of a 6 week old baby! We have been using cloth nappies part-time, have tried samples of lots of different brands, and really like Motherease one-size from Canada. No leaks so far, whereas lots with Pampers. It's a two-piece system which is good because the top layer provides a second barrier to leaks. The Motherease.com website is also very friendly to international ordering, plus has an economical trial pack.
Tried the Kushies from BTB and they are fine, also absorbency improves with each wash so don't be put off if they leak the first time you use them. But hard to get a snug fit around the leg gussets, and we are also using cloth wipes which get stuck to the velcro in the wash, whereas the Motherease system is all poppers.
I posted the original question, and am now the proud mum of a 6 week old baby! We have been using cloth nappies part-time, have tried samples of lots of different brands, and really like Motherease one-size from Canada. No leaks so far, whereas lots with Pampers. It's a two-piece system which is good because the top layer provides a second barrier to leaks. The Motherease.com website is also very friendly to international ordering, plus has an economical trial pack.
Tried the Kushies from BTB and they are fine, also absorbency improves with each wash so don't be put off if they leak the first time you use them. But hard to get a snug fit around the leg gussets, and we are also using cloth wipes which get stuck to the velcro in the wash, whereas the Motherease system is all poppers.
Hello Everybody!
I've also heard recently of cloth diapers and I definitively want to give it a try (even switch completely if possible) for my second child.
so I would be very interested to know how much you pay your napppies in HK.
Besides, what kind of laundry detergent are u using? from what i've read, it is recommended to use a biological one. do u know anyone around?
Otherwise it seems to me that I will order some diapers from Canada- Motherase.com and the US (zannadu.com eventually) so as to try different types and shapes to see which one suits me and my baby best!!
Finally, Jenny, from what I've read, Kushies are not recommended for breastfeeding babies..but it seems that the AIO (all-in-one) from Motherease have a good reputation.. than, AIO are also appreciated for babies taking care at the nursery or by a 'ama' since it is easier. however, they may need some more time to dry (which may a problem for us when humidity is at its high..)
I've also heard recently of cloth diapers and I definitively want to give it a try (even switch completely if possible) for my second child.
so I would be very interested to know how much you pay your napppies in HK.
Besides, what kind of laundry detergent are u using? from what i've read, it is recommended to use a biological one. do u know anyone around?
Otherwise it seems to me that I will order some diapers from Canada- Motherase.com and the US (zannadu.com eventually) so as to try different types and shapes to see which one suits me and my baby best!!
Finally, Jenny, from what I've read, Kushies are not recommended for breastfeeding babies..but it seems that the AIO (all-in-one) from Motherease have a good reputation.. than, AIO are also appreciated for babies taking care at the nursery or by a 'ama' since it is easier. however, they may need some more time to dry (which may a problem for us when humidity is at its high..)
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I have a 6 month old daughter and also use cloth nappies. I did a lot of research before I bought them and chose to try Motherease and Totsbots from Scotland, both of which I ordered over the internet. I am very pleased with both brands and would recommend both, but my favorites are the Sandy's nappies from Motherease which are sized (as are the Totsbots) rather than being one size fits all. I use the Motherease airflow outer wrap for both types of nappy. I have never had any leakages with the cloth nappy systems - unlike with Pampers! I purchased a nappy bucket from Mothercare which seals in the odour very well, I don't need to soak the nappies just wash on 60 degrees C - and I only wash a bucket full every 2 days. They dry overnight on an outside clothesline. I also use disposable paper liners - in theory this means that the poo can be removed before washing however have generally found that so far watery breastmilk poo mostly goes through - still it probably helps a little. These liners can be flushed like toilet paper.
www.totsbots.com for further information
www.totsbots.com for further information
aiaielle..
well im sorry, I've just lost my long reply on the motherease diapers..and don't fancy starting again now..
to make it brief, i am afraid the One Size would be too big for a new born baby (mine hasn't arrived yet so I only tried the diapers on my bigger child). so for my 4-year old daughter, the diaper is ok and too not thick but for my 2nd baby to come I dont expect to use it before it is 4/5 kilos at least.. so unless u expect a big baby, it is better to think about other diapers to start with..
if u think of having other children aferwards, the different sizes may be an option.
benjy
well im sorry, I've just lost my long reply on the motherease diapers..and don't fancy starting again now..
to make it brief, i am afraid the One Size would be too big for a new born baby (mine hasn't arrived yet so I only tried the diapers on my bigger child). so for my 4-year old daughter, the diaper is ok and too not thick but for my 2nd baby to come I dont expect to use it before it is 4/5 kilos at least.. so unless u expect a big baby, it is better to think about other diapers to start with..
if u think of having other children aferwards, the different sizes may be an option.
benjy
Hi everyone,
Anyone out there using BUMWEAR cloth diaper pants for their babies? I'm told that the more frequent you use & wash the pants & inserts, the better absorbent they'll be. I've just started my twins on cloth diaper this week using BUMWEAR so I want to find out if any parents out there can confirm this?
Anyone out there using BUMWEAR cloth diaper pants for their babies? I'm told that the more frequent you use & wash the pants & inserts, the better absorbent they'll be. I've just started my twins on cloth diaper this week using BUMWEAR so I want to find out if any parents out there can confirm this?
Hello!
I'm sorry but I'm not aware of the brand you're refering to (I actually bought most of my diapers from the US and Canada and am not so familiar with the diapers u may find in HK).
Regarding the washing, I confirm it: Cloth diapers reach their maximum absorbency after +or- 10 washings.. But I've never encountered any Mom washing their new brand cloth diapers 10 times before using them! Normally, it is first recommended to leave the diapers (and inserts) soak for a while, one night or at least 3 hours and to wash them at least once before using them. Then you may change them more often during the first times, until they may reach indeed their full absorbency but it is not compulsory. From my personal experience, I didn't have any problem with my diapers even after one single washing.. but here again, it may depend on the diaper cloth.. or any other factor...
Furthermore, the detergent you are using to wash your diapers also plays an important role in the absorbency (softener should not be used for instance).. or even creams you might put on your baby's bottom..
Finally, for more information, u may have a look at:
http://www.cutofcloth.com/cloth_washing.asp
I'm sorry but I'm not aware of the brand you're refering to (I actually bought most of my diapers from the US and Canada and am not so familiar with the diapers u may find in HK).
Regarding the washing, I confirm it: Cloth diapers reach their maximum absorbency after +or- 10 washings.. But I've never encountered any Mom washing their new brand cloth diapers 10 times before using them! Normally, it is first recommended to leave the diapers (and inserts) soak for a while, one night or at least 3 hours and to wash them at least once before using them. Then you may change them more often during the first times, until they may reach indeed their full absorbency but it is not compulsory. From my personal experience, I didn't have any problem with my diapers even after one single washing.. but here again, it may depend on the diaper cloth.. or any other factor...
Furthermore, the detergent you are using to wash your diapers also plays an important role in the absorbency (softener should not be used for instance).. or even creams you might put on your baby's bottom..
Finally, for more information, u may have a look at:
http://www.cutofcloth.com/cloth_washing.asp
Thanks benjy 
I'm at the beginning stage of cloth diapering. After using disposables for so long, it's quite daunting having to work out details like absorbency, leg gusset fit, no. of inserts to put in, leaks, etc..Not to mention 2 squirming over active babies (sigh!) but I'm determine to give it a try!
I bought BUMWEAR online from www.bumwear.com. based in Singapore. They have some really cute colourful batik cloth diaper bottoms, swim pants, batik print clothings for babies & family - all made in Bali.
I'm at the beginning stage of cloth diapering. After using disposables for so long, it's quite daunting having to work out details like absorbency, leg gusset fit, no. of inserts to put in, leaks, etc..Not to mention 2 squirming over active babies (sigh!) but I'm determine to give it a try!
I bought BUMWEAR online from www.bumwear.com. based in Singapore. They have some really cute colourful batik cloth diaper bottoms, swim pants, batik print clothings for babies & family - all made in Bali.
hello!
Yes I know...I've also been using disposables for my first child (I was even not aware of cloth diapers at that time!!) and was then convinced to give a change for my 2nd baby.
But I read so much about it before deciding which ones to buy and how to make it that I got mad..!! The 'trial stage' is certainly the more difficult one, until you find the 'right' diaper and the right system for your own child. Because some diapers may fit slim babies better than others and so on.. or you may prefer 100%cotton or fleece polar or even the AIO or diaper + covers system.. that is the reason why experienced moms usually suggest to buy a lot of different models at first.. and then to readjust according to the results and our personal tastes!!
Personnaly I finally opted for some 'better-known' brands (at least in Europe and the USA.. the motherease, Kissaluvs, fuzzy bunz etc..) especially that it doesn't make it much more expensive to buy it in America than here in the region. But I'm also at the beginning stage because my 2nd baby isn't born yet and my first child is about to stop... (hopefully..).. and I still haven't received all my diapers..
Regarding the inserts, I only bought a few and then bought fabric here to make some.
Good luck..
Yes I know...I've also been using disposables for my first child (I was even not aware of cloth diapers at that time!!) and was then convinced to give a change for my 2nd baby.
But I read so much about it before deciding which ones to buy and how to make it that I got mad..!! The 'trial stage' is certainly the more difficult one, until you find the 'right' diaper and the right system for your own child. Because some diapers may fit slim babies better than others and so on.. or you may prefer 100%cotton or fleece polar or even the AIO or diaper + covers system.. that is the reason why experienced moms usually suggest to buy a lot of different models at first.. and then to readjust according to the results and our personal tastes!!
Personnaly I finally opted for some 'better-known' brands (at least in Europe and the USA.. the motherease, Kissaluvs, fuzzy bunz etc..) especially that it doesn't make it much more expensive to buy it in America than here in the region. But I'm also at the beginning stage because my 2nd baby isn't born yet and my first child is about to stop... (hopefully..).. and I still haven't received all my diapers..
Regarding the inserts, I only bought a few and then bought fabric here to make some.
Good luck..