The nappy systems
There are so many different nappies out there on the market today, that it’s a minefield if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not only that, but only a very limited number are available at all in high street shops, and those that are are not the best! Most napppies which work well, have been made originally by skilled parents who have made their own nappies for their own children. They have worked well, and friends have asked them to make them for their children, and thus small cottage businesses have grown. Most of the good ones were all originally very small businesses, which have grown because the nappies work. Most are therfore only available on the internet, which is not very helpful if you want to see what you’re buying first, but it is the only way these tiny businesses can survive.
We are here to see you through this difficult decision making time, and will advise you personally in making you choice, if you contact us. Little Pants sells only European made nappies, which have been tried and tested, by a team of local Mums, and have been hailed as good nappies.
This can be daunting, and even the following advice may flummox you at first. By all means read on, but when you reach saturation point, please email us for personal help
First you need to decide what your priorities are. Are you thinking of using washables for economy, or are you doing it to help save the environment.? If you want convenience think about using a laundry service. If you want ease of use go for the all in one nappies. If you’re going to use your nappies for more than one child, go for a two part system, as the all in ones don’t last as long as the separates. Do you have a tumble dryer? If you do not, you will need nappies which dry easily. Prefolds, terry squares, and micro-fibre fabric is the quickest to dry. Some parents worry about bulk, but hemp and bamboo fabrics are much slimmer, as they are more absorbent than cotton. If it’s real economy you’re after, the very cheapest way of efficiently nappying your child is traditional terry squares and waterproof wraps, but don’t worry about pins; there are alternatives today. You should also look at the birth to potty one size nappies, as a slightly more costly, but economical and easy to use option. You only need one set of these to last your child right through. They won’t grow out of them as they are extremely adjustable. Maybe you want to be flexible, but care about the environment, in which case you should look at the pocket nappies and inserts system. You can even get biodegradeable disposable pads for these, which just flush down the loo or better still compost in about 150 days. These are great if you go away a lot, as you can use disposable pads while on holiday, and the more economical and ecofriendly washable inserts, when you’re at home. Lastly is the well known prefold system, using a pad which you fold very simply to fit inside a wrap. Prefold nappies also make very good budget inserts for pocket nappies.
Within each system there are many choices to make: velcro, popper or nippa; cotton, hemp micro-fibre or bamboo; coloured or white; print or plain; fold or non-fold. Each has its advantages, but these choices can be fine-tuned later.
You may need different systems for different days. Have a few all in ones for nursery or Granny days (or even Daddy days, though Daddy’s are now much better generally at nappies than they used to be!) Have a couple of good substantial absorbent night time nappies, and some booster pads to bulk up for long drives in the car when visiting, or even for longer shopping trips to town. Then there are the fancy print, neat and tidy ‘Weddings, Christenings and parties’ nappies. These may need changing a bit more frequently, but your baby will smell so sweet, and be comfy and dry all day! And of course a few good basic economy nappies, to help the budget!
As a general guide you will need about 20 nappies or pads. If you chooses a 2 part system, you will also only need about 5 waterproof wraps, as these do not need to be changed at each nappy change - only when soiled, or daily. As a general rule, change morning, and evening and when soiled. If you choose the Pocket system, you will need 10 wraps, as these do need changing each time, but they will hand wash and dry in next to no time. Start with double the amount of inserts, as these take longer to dry than the pockets. You may need more if you choose bamboo or hemp, as these take even longer to dry. Remeber though - you don’t have to stick to one system only! Don’t be afraid to try out the different systems
Whichever system(s) you decide on, don’t go buying a whole system of nappies, from birth to potty until you’ve tried them. Just buy one of a kind first, and try it out. Little Pants offer a returns option, even if you have used the nappies. Any nappy returned within 4 weeks will qualify for a 70% refund on the price you paid for it, provided it is returned undamaged and clean. If, when your nappy arrives you immediately don’t like it you can return it within 7 days for a full refund, provided it is still brand new, and in it’s original packaging (if applicable)
If you make the wrong decision, it’s a costly mistake, and one which will dishearten you. Remember there are nappies out there which will suit you and your child. Equally there are some which will not suit you at all. Every baby is different, and what works on one baby and with one life style, will not necessarilly work for a different child or lifestyle.
