This fluff mommy has wanted to speak about her nappy journey for months. The term “fluff bum mom” is a term used to describe those who are using cloth nappies. It’s been nothing more than an experience, a journey, particularly understanding the lingo! But a small part of me was reluctant to discuss it since it wasn’t the most straightforward of routes, and wouldn’t it be nice for my blog to encourage people to adopt living a low-waste life? It’s why I have a blog to share what I’ve learned while trying what I possibly can to lead a zero-waste life in the hope that others who are on the same path can learn from my erroneous choices.
If you’d heard the term cloth nappies pre-zero waste, an image of white towels and Napisan was conceived in my head. The reality is that these nappies have been replaced by a new version dubbed contemporary cloth nappies (MCNs), or models, as there are several styles and a brand. While pregnant, I began researching nappies (diapers) and asked my parents if I knew them for recommendations on the best brands.
But the flats were beautiful, and I’d highly recommend them for babies! They are not only multi-functional and inexpensive; however, they are also simple to clean and dry in just a few hours. There are a variety of folds you can utilize with flats to suit any infant (here is an example). Link for various folds or go to YouTube). Covers made from PUL prevented the nappy from soaking the clothes. Initially, we put his flats in a nappy bath before washing them, but it took me a while to realize that this was unnecessary and contributed to the Nappy scratch.
The bigger size is perfect for him. He’s much more comfortable, and his nappies are not slipping off anymore. We’ve also kept the Close-Pop-ins if he loses weight now as he’s moving around, but I doubt they’ll see much use. And I’m not sure how they’ll be as absorbent for a different young child (the cotton is getting thinner while the PUL has started peeling off in certain places), so I will recycle them instead.
To the left of the top are on the left are Close Pop-ins, and to the right are our flats, folded and ready to take to the road. I found a sealed packet of nappies in the Op Shop. Op Shop. Snappies can be used in place of pins. In the middle of them are the cloth wipes.
HMM, ERIN, NAPPIES SOUND HARD. I DON’T KNOW…
The first thing to mention is that our encounter with nappies was memorable. For those who’ve enjoyed the privilege of meeting my son, they will confirm his bigger size. I had a person ask me the other day if we celebrated his 2nd birthday. They were shocked to hear that the birthday boy was one. Everybody I know has used the exact nappies from the beginning and has had no problems. The only exception is us to this! If we are expecting a second baby (hey, we’re already talking about it! …) I’ll use flats exclusively covered in wool since I find them the most comfortable ones to wear now.
ARE YOU USING LINERS?
We did not use the liners. I’ve heard of people using the flannel strips made at home or purchased from online stores. I’ve seen silk used as a liner as well. But we never understood the value. If you’re looking to sell your nappies, lining them up is a good option to minimize the risk of staining. The disposable versions are not biodegradable and can clog sewerage pipes.
WHAT ABOUT CLEANING NAPPIES – ISN’T IT ICKY?
Nappies can be cleaned quickly, and I’m not finding it disgusting. My husband doesn’t think it’s unpleasant, either. The first time we start, everything is cleaned out of the sink, and there’s not much. It’s also your child,, during the first six months, they only drink formula or breastmilk. As they begin taking in solids, it’s recommended to scrape down the toilet with the help of a knife or put the hose onto your bathroom. Be aware that it won’t last forever.
A bucket inside his room is where all nappies with stains go in. The bucket is then taken downstairs, and every nappy of the day is washed and washed in water. I drape the rinsed nappies on top of the bucket, and they are ready to be put into the washing machine to run a quick cycle after two days (30 minutes for cold). On the fourth day, I’ve got enough nappies and wipes through a massive wash.
I dry the covers of wool outside every day and wash them at least once a month. I then lanolise them to waterproof them. A lanolin ingredient helps neutralize any wet that soaks into the woolen nappy covers. Did you know wool can hold around 30 percent of its mass in water? It’s not like they feel damp when they wake up. The less washing you do, the more efficient I think! If the cover gets filthy, which is uncommon, the body will be hand-washed on the same day.
While I was in the hospital, one of my midwives informed me that she washed children’s nappies with cold water each day without assistance from her husband. I try to keep this thought in my head when I’m not always able to wash the nappies. It’s a chore that I do with my Builder. Sometimes, I’m reluctant to clean because I’m not interested. I’m human. It’s hard to imagine that I’m among the first women to have thought this over the past millennia or more. I’m sure that there was someone around 1480 looking at the stack of nappies she needed to wash and then rolled her eyes. I completely understand how and why disposables became so commonplace. However, the truth is that it’s not much of a problem since I have the washing machine. It takes about 15 minutes, and I do not have a poop bin filled with garbage. I’ll use reusables any time.
