I have found it is much cheaper to order them from the UK, even when paying p&p. Plus I haven't actually been able to find any nappies here that aren't something that would've been used 10+ years ago! The new generation of cloth nappies are awesome There are French sites that I ordered from once (I live on the border) before I realised you can buy the same half price in the UK.
I have a 10 month old and the second baby is expected in October, so will be using them on both babies.
Oh, and my house does not smell! I have a nappy bin, I actually stick a sanitary pad on the inside of the lid and put drops of lavendar oil on there.
I use eco-laundry detergent, which doesn't have enzymes and is better for skin and the environment (and recommended for cloth nappies). You can find it in france, and the bio shops in Switzerland, but again cheaper if you're able to bring some over from the UK.
I have been using cloth diapers/nappies for over a year and I love them. In fact, I need more!!
I use babykind.co.uk for ordering "locally" and when I buy US items I have them sent to my mom who then sends them to me.
I can NEVER understand why people who DON'T USE CLOTH need to jump into a discussion just to let you know that they use Pampers?! So?
If you don't want to use them, don't, but who cares what other people do?
My house does not stink, and I don't do a ton of laundry. I'd rather not wrap my kid's bottom in plastic. Regardless of whatever your argument for what you do is, that's what it boils down to for me.
Anyway.
Good for those of you who persevere. It's a tough thing to have to listen to people critique your choices when it's not any of their business.
There is a brand of cloths nappies called bumgenius and they are great. It is an all in one system and of all the nappies out there is the one that's smaller, lighter, dries quicker and can go all the way from birth to potty trained child.
I bought mine from a group in Kensington called real nappies for London and they offer amazing prices. They do postal orders too but I don't have the address right now so if you are interested please PM me and I'll send you the details.
I have a whole set and it is practically unused because my daughter is allergic to several brands of nappies and the cloth nappy can be a little too moist if not changed immediately, causing more reaction to her skin so real nappies didn't work for me but the many times I used them they are very good. If any one wants to see them I'm more than happy to.
As I have no takers on the complete bundle of nappies (which is understandable really as anyone trying them for a new baby would want to see how they go before committing to getting a large supply in), I can sell them separately.
To keep things simple I will sell all items for 5 CHF each (i.e nappies for 5 CHF and wraps/covers for 5 CHF each)
Whoever buys the one-size nappies can have the all the liners for free:
4 x pop-in liners for Motherease/Popolini nappies
1 roll of disposable liners
1 x fleece nappy liner
and whoever buys the cotton bottom wraps can have the pre-fold cloth nappies for free:
8 x pre-fold cloth nappies
Priority will go to whoever will take the most items. Pls see my previous post in this thread for link to pics and specifics of what is available.
I just wanted to post this really informative chart about cloth vs. disposable. We always thought that the amount of water/energy used to wash cloth diapers would negate the benefits of using them, but it turns out that it still is worth it. Especially nowadays with washing machines using so much less water/energy...it also helps if you line dry your cloth diapers too.
This is in no way to judge people who use disposables....just wanted to throw some information out there about cloth diapers.
This is a really interesting thread. I'm hoping to use cloth nappies. I'm confident that they are better overall for the environment when looking at the full lifetime of both types, from production to disposal.
Cn anyone recommend any good microfibre brands? I've heard they are much quicker drying, making a tumble dryer less necessary (we only have access to one once a week!)
I'm going to be leaping into cloth diapering sometime next month (!!!), and was wondering if anyone can tell me which detergents they have found to work with cloth diapers. It seems that you need to find one that doesn't cause build up, which will lead to residual stink. Unfortunatley, most sites I've read recommend american product -- anyone have suggestions for something over here? Thanks!
Filetti is a commonly found one here in Switzerland that is especially for nappies and other sensitivities.
I used cloth nappies way back in the day and found, unless your baby is prone to rashes etc, most other brands are fine as long as they are not too highly perfumed.
I also found the liquid soaps for washing are anyway preferable for all washing, better for the clothes and washing machine, as they are much more readily rinsed out than the powdered ones.
Personally I would NOT use Filetti, as it is highly perfumed and contains other ingredients such as softener that are not recommended for cloth diapers. I have been using HELD ECO SENSITIVE BUNTWASCHMITTEL for many years, and it works perfectly. You only need about a tablespoon of detergent, so the high price isn't too bad as it last a really long time (I wash about 2x week).
I use a combination of pre-folds, all-in-ones, and pocket diapers.
Thanks. My intuition was to go with an eco detergent and see how it worked, however, I'm glad to know one that works for sure. I think I'll be using pocket diapers along with wool covers/pants. Have any experience with wool?
As far as washing - our front loading machine has a "diaper" setting - I guess I'll begin with using that and see how it goes. Have you found anything that works well in this regard?
Cloth diapers are becoming very popular in our area as we pay tax on refuse by weight (mollock type bins with a credit card type opening system- bag is then weighed, put towards your account, then bag drops)- as those who use Pampers type diapers/nappies how heavy they are!
In discussion at the moment with our local council to find a real nappy provider to sell at discount for local residents, and for the Commune to give a subsidy for first parents. Also to give subsidy for someone to start a provide/deliver/collect and wash service for the area- but due to 11 Communes on a fairly large geographical area, not so easy to organise as in a large town.
We'll start with the taxed bags where I live, and the commune informed us that parents get 80 17l bags for a newborn, and 60 for the second and third year. I guess it's better than nothing.