Ok, ok, so Reusable Nappy week was actually a few weeks ago, BUT it reminded me that I’ve been meaning to write this post for a little while and I’ve always liked the phrase ‘better late than never’ anyway!
Reusable nappies were something I just couldn’t get me head around when any of my three Mini Mumblers were babies. I don’t know why, I guess I’ve just always been so anxious about everything else that I couldn’t factor in what sounded like the extra stress of reusable nappies.
I REALLY wish I had done though.
The Norfolk Nappy Company kindly gave us a few reusable nappies to try out last September as part of their #swaponesaveone initiative. The idea was to try and swap one disposable nappy a day for one reusable nappy, which I felt I could definitely try – and I’m pleased to say, we are STILL using them!!
Lorna (owner of The Norfolk Nappy Company) was really helpful with tips and advice for a first-timer, such as myself, and there are videos on her website explaining how to use the nappies.
The Miniest Mumbler was 1.5 years old by the time we tried them, so we were down to probably a handful of nappies a day, but there would often be times that his nappy would need changing around 4/5pm and he would be having a bath around 6pm, meaning the nappy wouldn’t really be wet and it felt like such a waste! This was the nappy I was most keen to try and swap during our trial.
Right, let’s be honest, I think most people would say they are least looking forward to dealing with POO when using reusable nappies. I can’t offer any experience in using them with newborn baby poo, which we all know can go everrrrrrywhere, but with toddler poo I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t so bad. With the flushable liners, I simply tipped the contents into the toilet and then gave the nappy a bit of a wash in the sink, if needed, before popping the nappy straight in the wash.
I know the other issue parents worry about with reusable nappies is the washing. We only had a few nappies to try, so we weren’t trying to wash and wear loads in one go. We do at least one load of washing a day, which meant there was never any nappies lying the basket for ages anyway.
It feels like a big investment to get ALL the nappies you need for your little one, but when I think of all the money we’ve spent on nappies and the fact they have all gone to sit in land-fill, I am genuinely horrified and, like I said, I really wish I’d looked into reusable nappies more when I was pregnant. There is also the Nappuccino Nappy Library, which Lorna runs, where you can hire cloth nappies too!
If you are pregnant, or even if you have one, two, three or MORE children, and you’re wondering whether to give reusable nappies a try, send Lorna a message and I’m sure she’ll be able to help with any questions or point you in the right direction.
I guess the main point I want to get across is that you can mix and match! You don’t only have to use reusable nappies and you don’t only have to use disposables. Something to think about?
I know we haven’t made a complete switch to reusable nappies, but I feel good that we’ve made a small change every day at least…it’s better late than never?
Have a chat with Lorna at The Norfolk Nappy Company:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
**Whilst I received some reusable nappies in exchange for participating in the #swaponesaveone challenge, I wasn’t asked to post anything on the website. I’ve only done this because I genuinely believe people should give them a go!**
