Hi, I am totally new to this forum.  I confess that I am not a longstanding commited eco person, but doing my best to make changes to my lifestyle!

So, I was very keen on trying washable nappies and was passed on some tots bots cotton ones and wraps to try.  Baby was only 5lb7oz at birth and at 4 months is finally 10lb7oz. It has been a long haul as she still breast feeds every 2-3 hours round the clock (catching up on growth) and I have not had the energy to deal with the washing nappies generate. Mostly though, the nappies seemed to swamp her and prevent her sitting properly. I have just bought a bambinex and tots bots bamboo nappy (size 1’s), but they are still really bulky and restrictive on her once the wrap is on. I am using a couple a day to get her used to them- but she hates the wet bottom that the eco disposables prevented and cries after a few hours when the nappy is soaked through. Oh, daddy does not like using them either because he cant tell when they are wet (says he can with the disposables) and finds them a faff to use.

I dont want to give up, but need some help…

Anna

Tots bots are quite bulky, although you do get used to the bulkiness. I like motherease one size which aren’t quite so thick. Itti bitti d’lish are very nice and the slimmest I’ve found.
re sitting - at 4 mths she won’t be able to sit up anyway and the nappies will have no bearing on that sort of thing. 30 years we all had washable nappies and we all learned to sit / crawl / walk.
re Daddy - you can easily tell a nappy is wet. You put your finger down the back. If it comes out wet, nappy is wet.
re crying when wet - you do tend to change real nappies more often, just change it!

xxx

If you want to try some Motherease One Size I still have these for sale, very cheap!:

http://www.thegreenparent.co.uk/forums/viewthread/11928/

The nappies you have are quite bulky. The slimmest ones are sized nappies, and as she’s still only wee, I’d recommend the Nature Babies bamboo lovables, if you don’t mind applix, teamed with some fleece liners to keep her dry. If you’d like to try some before buying, PM me. Oh and my advisory site may be helpful to you as well. Link in my sig.

I have been recommended BUmgenius - I used motherease, bamboo nature loveables and terries in my first baby - all were good - I rang the local council and they had a 2 week nappy lending trial so I was able to try lots before I bought.

Like the previous poster but one - I too sell nappies - so feel free to assume I am biased to what I recommend!

General point first - if you want your baby to be dry - you need fleece against the skin.  This wicks the moisture away and keeps baby dry and comfortable.  The wee passes into the absorbent pad beneath.

More specific - if you want slimline AND stay dry - I don’t think you can do better than the popngro pocket.  http://teamlollipop.co.uk/shop/popngro-pocket-nappy-2086-0.html  This is a slimline nappy with a fleece layer.  Yes - I sell them - but am happy to post you one on loan to try if you PM me.

As others have said - you CAN get it right - it’s a matter of getting something that suits you.  The trouble with being given something is that whilst it might be great for someone else - it might not suit your drying facilities / bulkiness / fabric preferences.

Hope to help.
xx

Incidentally - re-reading PP - Bumgenius are good too - although they are bulkier on a little baby than popngro pocket.  Guarantee on popngro is also better - life time of baby for whom they are bought whilst in nappies versus one year.

AND - Tots cotton nappies have now been discountinued by Tots.  We sell their newer styles…....  The cotton Tots WORK really well (I have used them) - they were a good nappy at the time - but the fact they have been discontinued in favour of newer fabrics and styles says it all really.  They were excellent at the time - now there are better options out there (incl the new Tots styles) IMHO.

Thank you very much for the advice and encouragement!  I clearly need to keep trying different styles and am going to get hold of one of each of the main styles suggested.

I wonder which will keep the poo in best???

Many thanks again to all

Anna

I bought a selection of nappies for my new born including the tots bots bambozzles (which we hate!) and by far the best ever are the Blueberry fitted nappies, which will fit your little one perfectly.  They are a lovely slim pocket nappy with built in waterproof cover, so no need for another layer, and they have a fleece lining so the baby is ‘dry’ against the skin.  I am so impressed with these nappies, and they are all we use now. (I do not sell nappies, so am not biased!!!)