The Results Are In

Nursery Trader Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards

We recently took part in the testing for Nursery Trader  Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards and the results are in.

We tested two categories, Disposable Nappies and British Design and Made. My most favourite items to test were Tots Bots 

  I was however very surprised at the differences between the different disposables. I will be writing a review of the items we tested very soon.

Ive really enjoyed taking part in the testing but cant imagine the work that has gone on behind the scenes coordinating deliveries and results and compiling data from around 100 testers, phew I'm exhausted just thinking about it

Fluffy Bottoms

So this week has been the start of us using cloth nappies.

I've been collecting cloth nappies throughout my pregnancy, from friends and buying on special offers, I even won one from the lovelies at Fuzzibunz. So I was fully prepared to go all guns blazing but a friend shared that she waited until 6 ish weeks before she started using cloth just to concentrate on establishing breastfeeding and getting through the early days.

I've found myself somewhat nervous about starting though, the washing, the ick factor, would we get nappy rash, will I get fed up with it quickly, and somehow we've gotten to 8 weeks without trying so I decided it was bullet biting time.....

I don't know what I was worried about, its so easy and the nappies are sooooooo cute. We've really just taken to it, Termite is happy and comfortable and the nappies are no different to put on than disposables, I've noticed a difference already in how much rubbish were producing and I'm enjoying trying out all the different types. I will of course review them all so you can see what I think but in the mean time I would love if you fluffy mummy's tell me what your favourite types of nappy are, and your best tips for using them? 

It'll be 'all white'

I'm sure you all know by now, I like to do my bit for the environment, and I like to save money. These two things have resulted in my use of home made cleaning products and my choice for termite to use cloth nappies.

 Back to saving money though, I of course haven't bought new or full price cloth nappies, in preparation for my little darling's arrival. I have been ferreting away passed on stashes, bargain pre-loved bundles and sale buys, I have a nice little pile of nappies and unfortunately not a clue what to do with them!

 

So to start they need cleaning, some of my inserts boosters and liners are looking,as you can see, a little grey.

I don't want to bleach them as they are going to be near some very precious and lovely skin so I sought the advice of other cloth Mum's. Now here's my light bulb moment, I cant believe that me,the girl who gets shiny windows using vinegar and newspaper, gleaming ovens with bicarb and glistening surfaces with lemon and water, I don't know about the magic of the sun! The reply back from my cloth mummy's was to hang them out in the sun and watch the magic. A little internet search reveals, this has been going on for century's! In days gone by there were such things as 'Bleaching Grounds' large areas of land dedicated to cleaning! Here folk would bring their washed whites and spread them out to let the sun bake them into gleaming blinding whiteness once again!

As you can see from the pictures there is some magic needed for my liners and inserts but they have been steeped in a little lemon and water and are going to be left in the sun to become gleaming things of beauty.

I shall post again tomorrow with the results, but in the mean time, if you are reading this and you are a Fluffy Mummy please please leave your tips and advice for anything related to cloth nappy use in the comments box, I always love hearing from you and there is nothing better than parental advice.