Introduction
Welcome to our 1st Aneby blog post, where we are excited to share our positive and honest journey of using cloth (reusable) nappies. From the day our first daughter was born to her current age of 17 months, we have embraced the path of sustainability and eco-consciousness, reducing our environmental footprint one nappy change at a time. Join us as we take you through our experience, provide a beginner's guide to reusable nappies, and explore the changes we've made along the way in preparation for our second baby due in September!
Our Decision to Choose Reusable Nappies
Before our daughter came into our lives, we knew we wanted to make environmentally conscious choices for her future. With the understanding of the significant environmental impact disposable nappies have, we set out to find a more sustainable alternative. This led us to the world of reusable nappies, where we discovered a plethora of benefits that resonated with our values.
Sustainable Savings: Second-hand Marketplace Bundle
One of the most appealing aspects of reusable nappies is the potential for significant cost savings over the long term. Opting for a second-hand bundle of nappies from an online marketplace was not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable choice. By giving these nappies a second life, we contributed to reducing waste and lowering the demand for new products.
Getting Started with Reusable Nappies
The Beginner's Guide to Reusable Nappies
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Types of Reusable Nappies: There are various types of reusable nappies available, including all-in-one, pocket, and two-piece nappies with separate covers and inserts. Explore different options to find what works best for you and your little one's needs.
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Preparation: Wash your new (or pre-loved) nappies before first use. This helps improve their absorbency and ensures they are clean and ready for your baby. Make sure to use non-bio laundry powder/detergent and do not use fabric softener as this can affect their absorbency.
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Liners and Boosters: Consider investing in extra liners and boosters to enhance the absorbency of the nappies, especially for overnight use or during heavy wetting periods. Ours came with a roll of 'flushable' bamboo liners, but we instead opted for some Bambino Mio grey reusable liners and passed the roll onto someone else to use.
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Changing Routine: Reusable nappies may require more frequent changes compared to disposables. Establish a simple changing routine to maintain your baby's comfort and keep the nappies working efficiently.
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Storage and Washing: Have a designated storage area for soiled nappies and a regular washing routine. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid using fabric softeners, as they can affect absorbency.
Our Reusable Nappy Journey
From Newborn to Toddler
We eagerly started using the cloth nappies in the hospital from the day our little one was born. This did cause some confusion and laughs as the midwife put the first nappy on our newborn and was as confused as I was. As new parents, we faced a bit of a learning curve, but it didn't take long to get the hang of it. Our baby adapted well to the soft and comfortable fabric against her skin and has only had nappy rash on a couple of occasions after a very wet night nappy. We found ourselves feeling good about the positive impact we were making on the environment.
The Joy of Customisation
One of the benefits of reusable nappies is the ability to customize the absorbency. As our child grew, we adjusted the liners and boosters to cater to her changing needs. This customisation not only prevented leaks but also ensured that she remained comfortable and happy throughout the day.
Celebrating Small Victories
Our journey with reusable nappies hasn't been without challenges, but every step has been worth it. We celebrated every milestone: the first time we managed an entire night without leaks, the moment our now toddler started showing an interest in using the potty, and all the little victories in between.
A Greener Future
As our eldest turns 17 months old, our commitment to using reusable nappies remains steadfast. We're proud to have saved thousands of disposable nappies from entering landfill and oceans. Our journey has not only helped protect the environment but has also inspired friends and family to make eco-friendly choices.
Finding the Right Fit: All-In-One Nappies
While our all-in-one Bambino Mio nappies have been great, looking back, we did have occasional leaks, especially at nighttime, because they were slightly large for her even though she was born a healthy 8 pounds 5 ounces (3.77 kg). To prepare for our second baby, we've acquired a Vinted bundle of Baba and Boo newborn reusable nappies designed to fit from birth to six months old (5lb to 18lb / 2kg - 8kg). These nappies have an interior, second gusset, which we hope will improve the fit and minimise leaks.
Learning and Adapting: Velcro vs. Popper Fastenings
Our all-in-one Bambino Mio nappies are finished with velcro on the waistband. While this was convenient when our eldest was smaller, the velcro has lost its 'stick' after nearly 18 months of continuous wear. For future nappy purchases, we plan to opt for popper fastening versions.
Washing and Caring for Nappies
Our washing and caring routine for reusable nappies has evolved over time. Given our modest living space, we found a discrete storage solution for used nappies with the Angelcare Nappy Disposal System (designed for disposable nappies, but repurposed for reusables). We rinse the dirty nappies and place them in the bin, which conceals any odors. We then machine-wash the nappies every other night and line dry them whenever possible to reduce our environmental impact.
Looking Ahead: The Challenges and Rewards of Cloth Bums
As we eagerly await the arrival of our second child, we know that having two under two in reusable nappies will come with its challenges, including more frequent washing. However, we firmly believe that the environmental benefits of using cloth nappies far outweigh any temporary inconveniences.
How Our Cloth Journey Has Affected Aneby
Cloth nappies are a little bit larger/chunkier than your regular single-use nappy. For this reason, our daughter often moves up a clothes size slightly earlier than anticipated because of the nappy bulk. Aneby children's clothing sizes are therefore designed and made with a slightly more relaxed fit; such as our leggings with extra hip width and rise seam length to cater for a larger bum.
Conclusion
Our journey with reusable nappies has been a rewarding experience, both for our family and the environment. We hope our story and the beginner's guide to reusable nappies encourage more parents to embrace this sustainable alternative. Together, we can create a greener and more promising future for our children.
Remember, every small choice we make today can have a significant impact on tomorrow's world. Let's all do our part in raising a generation that values sustainability, love, and care for our planet.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on our personal experience and research. Each child is unique, and individual experiences with reusable nappies may vary.
