Beginners guide to 2 part fitted reusable nappy system.

Not all cloth nappies are equal and a two part nappy system (sometimes referred to as shaped, sized or fitted nappies) is one of the best work horse nappy there is, they are perfect for day time or for overnight.

Little lamb bamboo - Size 2

There are a few brands out there making this fitted 2 part system, the one I mostly used were from Little lamb size 1 and 2 saw my little boy through from 6 weeks old (around 8lbs) all the way though to now at 3 years 4 months. I can just squeeze him into a size 2 for bed time but they are getting uncomfortable for him now so we are using pre-folds (which will be coming up in a post soon). Other brands worth taking note of are Sandies, Easy Peasy, Tots bots bamboozles and Ecopipo. They come in a three different fabrics, Bamboo, Cotton and Microfibre. Bamboo is the most absorbent but takes the longest to dry, Cotton is also very absorbent and doesn't take quite as long as to dry as bamboo, Microfibre is the least absorbent but dries quickly, I went with Bamboo.

Little lamb bamboo size 2 - Bum Genius flip wrap in Sierpinski

With the two part nappy system you will need a waterproof outer to go over the fitted nappy, most brands will have their own nappy to go over their fitted but you do not have to stick to that, any wrap can go over any nappy. We didn't get on with Little Lamb wraps but really got on well with Bum genius Flip wraps and they fitted very well (and still fit) over little lamb nappies.

Little lamb bamboo - laundry tabs

Most fitted nappies have a applix (Velcro) with the laundry tabs directly next to them, this will stop the applix sticking to everything in the wash and creating pulls in fabrics it sticks too. 

Little lamb bamboo - Boy fold

Size 1 Little Lambs come with a booster but it isn't sewn in so for smaller babies you can use them without, Size 2 come with a booster sewn in and an additional booster. You can fold the sewn in booster different ways for boys and for girls. The above picture is what I found works best for a boy, folding it under so all the booster is sitting under the penis ready to collect the urine. The below picture is what is recommended for a girl as their urine tends to dribble round the back.

Little lamb bamboo - Girl fold

Any type of fitted or 2 part nappy needs a stay dry layer to keep your baby feeling dry and rash free. Little lamb liners are lovely and fluffy, you can use any other brand of nappy liners or make your own from a fleece blanket. You can also use disposable liners, these shouldn't be flushed down the toilet as long term they can cause sewage problems for you and your neighbourhood. 

Little lamb - Fleece liner

Once you've put your fitted nappy on your baby you will need to put your wrap over the top. A little fitting tip, make sure you get your babies nappy into the knicker line (just where you would have your knickers) and not too low on the thighs and this can cause leaking and an uncomfortable fit for your baby.

Bum Genius - Sierpinski birth to potty wrap

If your wrap is birth to potty as mine is you may need to adjust the sizing poppers on the front of the nappy, have a little play around with what will fit your baby. If you have a smaller baby and a nappy with out boosting you will likely need the smallest rise, my 3 year old is on the larges rise (all sizing poppers open) for his night nappy.

Bum Genius - Sierpinski Birth to potty wrap

Then fit your wrap just as you have the inner fitted nappy, make sure all the fabric is tucked inside and none of the absorbency is poking out as this will cause wicking and a soggy baby. 

When you get the hang of it this type of nappy will last many hours and be completely bomb proof!. If your having trouble knowing when to change this type of nappy just stick your finger down the back to feel for dampness. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Zoie

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Beginners guide to Pre Loved reusable cloth nappies

The world of cloth nappies can seem daunting to a beginner and the world of pre loved cloth nappies can be a mine field to even a seasoned cloth bummer but it is a fantastic was to try different types of nappies. Here are my tips for navigating your way around the pre loved community.

You should get to know the terms used in the pre loved selling groups, Excellent used condition (EUC) you'd expect nappies described as EUC to be nearly new and lightly used. Good used condition (GUC) you'd expect them to be used and show some signs of wear, slight bobbling or laundry tabs folded that sort of thing. You may find some well loved nappies for sale, these might require some love to get back up to a good used condition nappies in a well loved condition should be reflected in the price.

There are several place your can buy pre loved cloth now, most popular is Facebook selling pages, these are easy to find just search 'pre loved cloth nappies' in the search bar and you will get several options to choose from. There is also the option of eBay, Gumtree or your favourite brands Facebook buy sell trade (B/S/T), for example my favourite place to shop is Babipur and if you search Babipur B/S/T you will find their Facebook page.

When buying through Facebook pages always use paypal goods and services, never pay friends as you will lose your protection should something not be right or your don't receive your items. If using gumtree it could be cash/ local ebay cash on collection, so bare this in mind if you are uncomfortable checking the nappies while the seller is present this option might not be for you. When using a postage option it is often best to pay for signed for delivery to give yourself the extra protection it works out at about an extra £1 for signed for delivery, you will know exactly when they're posted and the seller will know you have received them.

Before buying do a little price research, you want to know how much the nappy your about to purchase was worth new so you can judge if the price the seller is asking for is worth it. Look at how much the nappy has been used, ask for pictures of the leg elastics if they look flat or loose chances are they aren't going to last you unless you have the sewing skills to replace them. Also ask for pictures of the inside of the nappy to look for staining, lots of staining might mean the nappies haven't been washed in the most optimum way.

Ask the seller if the nappies come from a smoke free home, cigarette smoke is very difficult to get out of nappies I personally had some nappies from a smokers home and the smell was unbelievably strong even upon opening the package, 3 full washes and several days on the line and I could still smell it a little, needless to say we never used those nappies.

Once you get your nappies it is important to give them a good strip wash, there is lots of conflicting advise online but it is vital you get the best deep down clean you can with pre loved nappies. Lots of people advise putting nappies on the washing line in the rain will strip wash, while this might help soften the fibre of a nappy but will not be a sufficient clean for pre loved nappies. If the nappies are stained sunning may be good for getting out the surface stains but it will not help to get deep into the fibres to make sure every layer of your nappies are sparkling clean ready for a new bottom.

I recommend using the Clean cloth nappies down under (CCNDU) stripping guide, they offer lots of helpful and scientific advice on cleaning and keeping nappies clean which in turn keeps your babies bottom free of rashes. Here is their fantastic stripping routine that I and friends have followed with brilliant results.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog.

Zoie

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10 Current child and baby competitions you need to enter UK.

I've loved entering competitions for years now especially ones child or baby related and I've been lucky enough to win a couple, I wanted to share some of the best ones I find in my searches. I'm in no way affiliated with any of these brands or their competitions. Please read each competition terms and conditions.

Smiggle
Win a years worth of smiggle £500 value - Ends 4th September 2018

Frugi & Forest Holidays Escape
Win £300 voucher for Forest Holidays Escape & Frugi outfits - Ends 22nd August 2018

Suneez by Celebrity Angels
Win 2x pairs of Suneez children's sunglasses from Celebrity Angels - Ends 17th October 2018

Fun Bricks
Win Fun Bricks with Mother and Baby - Ends 4th September 2018

Mountain buggy bagrider
Win a mountain buggy bagrider with Gurgle - Ends 9th September 2018

Y Velo balance bike
Win a Y Velo balance bike from UK mums - Ends 20th August 2018

Apramo all stage car sear
Win a birth - 12 years Apramo All stage car seat from Yours - Ends 31st August 2018

Izmi baby toddler carrier
Win a Izmi Baby toddler carrier with Gurgle - Ends 17th September 2018

Childs Farm
Win a Childs Farm bath time set with mother and baby - Ends 4th September 2018

Babymoov TWIST starter kit
Win a TWIST breast milk expressing starter kits - Ends 12th September 2018

Thank you for taking the time to read and I wish you good luck with the competitions

Zoie.

5 Reasons you should try cloth nappies today.

Nappy - Wanderoos Real easy (Old style)

1. The first reason you should start your cloth nappy journey today is simply the fact they are so very very cute!, as modelled above by my little Wyatt. There is a vast amount of prints out there from many different brands, from all different price ranges. In the hot summer months a cool breathable cloth nappy and a t-shirt is all you need for the perfect outfit. I hope you'd agree that the above photo wouldn't quite look the same with a single use nappy.

Nappy - Wanderoos real easy (Old style) in Rainbow Kites

2. The cost of cloth nappies doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, nappies start at as little as £3.89 and range all the way up to £30 for limited edition prints. If you try 2 part systems it will work out even cheaper, pre folds are flat nappies that require a wrap and work fantastically. Good old fashioned terries are also a brilliant choice accompanied by some modern accessories are not only super cheap they last well and work well. You will need 15-20 nappies washing every other day for full time cloth, on the cheap pocket option you could cloth your baby (and future babies) for £115.39, broken down that is £77.80 for 20 pocket nappies and 20 inserts, £23.59 for 20 bamboo inserts, £2 for fabric to make fleece liners and £12 for 3 wet bags to store dirty nappies. Of course you can spend so much more, some of the beautiful prints are hard to pass on and many fluffy bum parents find they love cloth bums so much they will buy the more pricey nappy for their beauty and quality. Once you are done with them there is a pre loved market with lots of Facebook groups dedicated to selling and buying preloved nappies, you will recoup some of your cost after all that use.

Picture from Ecopipo cloth nappies - Visit Ecopipo

3. Environmentally disposable nappies have a big impact on our planet spending hundreds of years in landfill with many ending up in our oceans and on our beaches harming wildlife. People argue that cloth is just as bad for then environment as disposables because of the water and energy they take to wash, disposable nappies use far more energy and water to make than the washing of disposable nappies. Then you also have to consider all of the trees that are cut down to manufacture them which also has a huge impact on our environment and the forests. When washing your cloth nappies you can very easily bulk up your washing load with baby clothes, socks, underwear or any other small item you need washing, so your nappies are getting washed and so are your clothes.

Picture from Ecopipo - Visit Ecopipo

4. There is a fantastic community around cloth nappies, you will find lots of support online from brand and retailer groups to cloth nappy mum support groups. I have made some amazing life long friends through the cloth nappy community and they continue to support me through out a lot of other aspects of my life not just cloth. I have even met up with my closest friend for a day out with our families, its wonderful to see our children play and get along which wouldn't have been if it wasn't for our joint love of cloth nappies. If you are looking for supportive groups search Facebook for cloth nappy support.

Picture from Ecopipo - Visit Ecopipo

5. Last but not least is the huge variety of cloth nappies out on the market that if one type of nappy doesn't suit your child it is so easy to try another system. Every child and their shape is different so what works well for one might not work for another, also some children just simply pee more than others (like mine, he could pee for England) and a simple microfibre insert isn't enough for him so we switched to hemp which is fantastic stuff. We loved all in ones (AIO) and pocket nappies, some of our favourites were Wanderoos Real easy (AIO) Mio Solo (AIO), Ecopipo (Pockets), Little bloom (Pockets) and Little Lamb (2 parters & Pockets). If you are struggling with the vast choice have a look at your local cloth nappy library online, they do loan kits so you can try a lot of different types with out the cost of buying, if you don't have a library locally have a look further afield as some will do postal loan kits. 

Good luck on your cloth nappy journey, please follow my blog for more cloth nappy posts coming soon.

Zoie

Little Tikes Anchors away sand and water pirate ship - Review

We are having a wonderful summer and the little ones love nothing more than playing with water!. We recently made the investment in the Little Tikes Anchors away sand and water pirate ship play table, I can well and truly say it has been well worth it!, I had a blissful (almost) 3 hours of quiet in the garden today while Wyatt my 3 year old played with his pirate ship!.

Setting it up was a bit of a task to say the least with an overexcited child and a bag awol bag of screws led to a very flustered mummy, I decided to unwrap all the little toys for Wyatt to play with while I set everything up and the little bag of screws appeared wrapped up with one of the little toys!. A drill is required to screw the legs into place but you can do the rest with a screwdriver it was fairly straight forward, the plug on the other hand was a real pain in the bum and required some bruit force! (I had to get the hubby to do it!).

There was lots of imaginative play happening, We had plank walking, pirate sliding, cannon firing and an anchor catching the shark!. The cannon squirts water and the mast has a big push button that pushes water up and it trickles down through all the little spinney bits, Wyatt even discovered if you take the little blue cover off the top you get a big squirt of water right into the air, thrilling if your 3 years old.

The ship is a good size, perfect height for Wyatt whom is over 100cm tall with lots of growing room, it would be a great size for kneeling older children too. 

The plug was very easy to undo and the entire ship was drained very quickly although I can't comment on how it is with sand as we decided to use it for water only while the weather is good. 

Storing this could be tricky as it is very large, it only just gets through a standard sized doorway once built so if your restricted by space and don't have a secure enough garden to keep it out you might want to look into a smaller alternative. 

Overall if you have the space to store it and all the accessories I'd highly recommend this play table, the suitable age range is from 18 months + which I agree with as long as your child is tall enough to see over the edge I'm sure they'd have great fun with it.

Anchors away is currently on sale on Amazon and Very for £59.99 down from £79.99

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.

Zoie