1 week has passed since being given the challenge to use real nappies. Ok, I have some real positives about my week and some negatives! I’ve found that when at home, using real nappies has been easy. I’ve had to find the right amount of boosters to use and get to know how long each different type will last before Holly was really wet but that hasn’t been a problem with everything to hand. I’ve found using a disposable at night since is better since I don’t seem to be able to pad Holly out enough to last till morning! But that might be Holly weeing a lot!!!!! Out and about though, I don’t have a big enough bag to take more reusables with me in case I’m caught out. I don’t want a huge bag to lug about so again, when out I’d use a disposable. Another minus is the smell of the nappies in the bin and although I’ve soaked them in solution you still have to get your hands in there to put them in the washing machine! One thing my husband was not keen on!
Lastly, I have saved money – I’ve been buying eco friendly nappies at £5.98 for a pack of 32! Ridiculous I know, but I feel like I ought to be helping the planet in some way even if it’s not helping my bank balance. I would definitely recommend using reuseables, even if at some point, being it over night or when out for the day you use the odd disposable nappy. Not just for doing your bit for the environment but it’s more convenient than you think.
Hi
ReplyDeletedoes that mean you aren't dry pailing? Ie rinse out the dirty ones & drop them & the wet ones straight into a dry nappy bucket?
Oh if you are having issues with sticking your hand into the nappy bucket - if u can find a large mesh laundry bag that fits in your bucket with overhang you can put it in the bucket first then just pull it out & pop it full of nappies into the washing machine making sure it's left open :)
cheers
Gabrielle
Hi Hannah
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear you are having a mainly positive experience so far!
A couple of tips for you:
I would recommend not soaking the nappies prior to washing them. Instead, keep them in a lidded bucket until ready to wash and if you can smell them add a couple of drops of tea tree or lavender oil which should keep the niffs at bay. Its much easier to transfer the nappies into the washing machine too! To make it even easier you can get a mesh bag to place in the bucket meaning you can lift all the nappies out and into the machine in 1 go.
When you are going out and about and want to take real nappies with you for the day, try folding them up really small and fastening them with poppers/velcro/nippa in a little ball. This way they take up very little space in a bag and when you take off a wet nappy do the same with that then pop it into a waterproof bag (or carrier bag) until you get home. This used to work for me.
It sounds like you are doing really well with it! Remember that even if you only use 1 real nappy in 4 changes you will reduce your waste by 25% (thats as many as 13 bin bags a year!), save plenty of money and reduce your carbon footprint...and thats got to be a good thing!
Let us know if you have any more queries - looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trial!
Becx
You know you don't need to soak the nappies! You can "dry pail" them! Just pop the nappies in a bucket (lined with a laundry mesh), you can add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil if you're sensitive to smells, but with a tight fitting bucket lid, their should be no smell when the lid is closed! When you're ready to wash, just lift the mesh out & place it in your machine! Put them on a rinse cycle first, then a wash. The nappies will come out of the mesh whilst they're washing. Any stains that are left on the nappies after the wash, then a short spell in the sun, will get them out!
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