wolf

I had initially decided to go disposables for the baby, as I was worried about the time factor, since I was to be a mum who was also studying. After joining a baby forum, I discovered that terry squares were NOT the only alternative to disposables. Identifying a need for fitted cloth nappies, many stay-at-home-mums have turned themselves into work-at-home-mums (WAHMs), making fitted cloth nappies to suit the demands of modern life. After doing a fair bit of research, I decided to go fitted cloth nappies. I knew I wasn't interested in folding terry squares, and the idea of the environmental impact of disposables had weighed heavily on my mind. Plus, cloth is so much cheaper, as the nappies are re-usable (and as long as you are sensible in your washing habits that won't add too much expense). The outlay initially IS more expensive, as you do pay for quality, but much cheaper in the long run.

There are a few different fabric choices out there, the cheapest and least absorbent is flannel, not too bad for daytime nappies or for bubs who aren't super-wetters. The next option is terry, more absorbent than flannel, great for newborn poos (the terry loops tend to catch the poos before they leak), and cheaper than hemp. Hemp is the most absorbent, it's also antifungal and antibacterial, it's more expensive but much trimmer than terry. The newest natural fibre on the nappy market is bamboo - yes bamboo! It is wonderfully soft and doesn't become stiff with age like hemp can, and has similar properties to hemp. Absorbency varies depending on the bamboo blend (you can get bamboo/polyester, bamboo/cotton and 100% bamboo) but it is similar to hemp, though a little thicker than hemp. You can also buy pocket nappies (which are basically a shell outer which you stuff with absorbent material - makes nappy changes a breeze, easier than disposables) and all-in-ones which you don't even have to stuff, just change and that's that. But I won't get into all that! There are a couple of good info sites out there, check out:

Ozclothnappies FAQ
Modern Nappies
Nappycino

My system is mostly fitteds and covers, and pockets for going out. My favourite nappies right now are the Itti Bittis, Poochies, any pockets, and bamboo nappies! Oh and knitted wool longies and soakers.

All of the retailers below are in Australia, most of the products are Australian-made but some brands are imported from overseas. The list is NOT exhaustive, please see the above sites for more comprehensive lists.

- A huge online shopping "mall" of many different WAHMs. Special one-off items and auctions, not just cloth nappies either!

The Itti Bitti Nappy Co.

- Itti Bitti cloth nappies, fitteds, bamboos and AIOs.

- Fuzzibunz, Swaddlebees, Sckoon organic fitteds, Erica's, Happy Heiny's, Very Baby, Bummis, Stacinator, hand-knitted wool, Prowraps covers and much more.

- Tots Bots, Minki Nappies, Motherease, Disana, Easy Peasy Nappies, bamboo and organic cotton flats.

- Cute fleece all-in-one nappies, mostly made to order.

- Bubba J, Bubblebubs, nappy making supplies.

Peenuts Modern Cloth Nappies

- Peenuts pockets, fitted nappies, wool-in-ones.

- Bubba J, Sckoon, Baby Eco, Poochies Nappies.

- Erica nappies, Very Baby, Momobutts fleece covers.

- Mother-ease, Ezy Nappy, Happy Hempys, Happy Heinys, also prefolds and boosters, and organic baby products.

- Fabrics for nappy and cover making (hemp and wool), snapsetters and snaps, touch tape hook and loop.