Anyone know about 'old school' re usable nappies

I need a crash course in re usable nappies. Not the new fashion ones that cost the earth, the old fashioned ones u have to fold.
What do I need? (I've got a basic idea terries pins plastic pants etc)
How do I do it- fold it for a boy?
Internet is proving a bit confusing - lol

 

all mine had old style nappies ...... this link will help with folding and dont forget the nappy liner link removed

boy fold link removed

 

thank you

 

You just fold them in half and secure each side with a saftey pin then plastic knickers on top ,thats what my sister used to do ,she had 4 boys, I only had girls
different procedure, fold in a triangle lay baby on it, bring up each side and x over one safty pin secures Do remember to pop in some sort of liner makes it easier to deal with solids ! also soaking overnight in a bucket, mind you eldest is 62 don't think the basics have changed tho we had to wash them by hand....Good Luck,

 

Disposable nappies were just starting to appear when I had my three children and too expensive to buy. Below is the English way of folding nappies that I was taught, I used the ones in the second and third video. The one with the 'block' of fold up the middle is ideal for new borns and boys. I've never seen the gadget that the lady in the video uses for holding them together, I had nappy pins using one or two depending on the babies growth.

http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/demovideosterrysquareandprefolds.html

If you have a choice buy 100% cotton they will last longer and stay whiter. For overnight I bought muslin nappies too and laid those on the other nappy before folding it with the muslin being inside. Because my three were born fairly close together I had two in nappies at one time. A nappy bucket for soaking in before washing was hopeless, so I bought a half size plastic dustbin and stood it in the bath which also made it easier to empty. Napisan which I used for soaking in the bucket is still available I believe, it also keeps them white. Nappy liners will obviously be discarded after use.

 

Both of those links throw up a red warning light on my McAfee software: so, tread with caution if you follow either of those could make the difference between a link with great info or a link with a Trojan: Your choice

As a mother of, predominantly, boys + a girl ( and used terry nappies for all of them! - thinking eco = when "eco" meant ... economy ... not: ecological ! ... although I do resent the prices being charged today for terry cloth! )

For a boy: A terry cloth nappy (square in shape), is laid out and folded into thirds. Then, you fold the "thirds" into ... well, "thirds" again! In other words, once you have folded the square into thirds, you bring the lower ends UP to make 2/3rds (think boys/think penis/think wee stream and you've pretty much cracked it! You want the thickest area in the areas most pee-able aka the FRONT! ). You then fold the 2/3drs forward, back 1/3rd back, and pin the top most sides together with proper nappy pins (do *not* use "safety pins": they are inadequate for the task ) Then, 'cover' with nappy pants: aka waterproof!

Now, for collecting "soiled" waste, the best bet is to use a "muslin liner" - aka, remove liner, toss the "soiled" parts into toilet, then soak cleanish, muslin liner, in NappiSan (or equivalent! ) Plus cotton nappy square - then clean on a "boil" wash aka " Hot Cotton" wash Both should be of a reasonable cotton quality that they can sustain a hot wash!

(Just as an aside: when I had my eldest two, I was desperate for a preserving pan, just so I could "boil" their nappies on the gas hob to keep them sanitised My mother roared with laughter at my ignorance .. and then recommended the "boil" wash on the twin tub ( which she most generously *gave* us when I had my 2nd child 363 days after my first!)

Yes, you do need to soak them for a bit - not long though - and yes, you best keep a "nappy sack" in your going out bag ( no different from me taking my dog out and taking a pooh bag - just cheaper for you ) and very manageable! (if you can bear it! I could; many couldn't.)


So, shopping list:-

cotton nappy squares
Muslin liners (a luxury, but, you can go without)
Nappy pins (they do differ from safety pins and are a Godsend!)
"Rubber" pants! (You cannot *do* cotton nappies without these!)
"Soak" bucket (to house the ones that are not - yet - in the wash
A hot tub (e.g. cotton setting on the washing machine) to cope with the temps needed to keep a) fabric soft
b) to keep germs at bay
c) to keep "nappy rash" to a minimum (buy some Vaseline for barrier and Sudacreme for any potential infections )

Finally: you should use Vaseline when using a terry cotton nappy ( with or without a liner!) because it really does provide a "barrier" between the acidic urine and the terry cloth: and, if you are not fastidious enough in changing, you will need some Sudacreme at some point or other to combat the potential affect of not using Vaseline - or similar non branded products!

Traditional nappies are the most economical method - not to mention, "shock proof" when they get to the sitting/falling over/rolling over/ standing - falling down stages - but, are also the most "cuddly" version of sanitary wear for the age group (in my personal opinion, of course! )

Proof? I am still using terry cotton squares today for floor cleaning and other "rag" stuff, from when I had my first child 35yrs ago (THey are also great for "burp" cloths ... over your shoulder, when winding, to avoid a "posset" labelled top )

Finally: I know you have a "Mum/Mom/Mam/whatever": please, *do* ask their advice! They have a wealth of old fashioned/money saving ideas that would leave you dumbfounded (but all based on experience/wisdom and extremely pragmatic!). Please: do not forego their wisdom and experience


PS: Congrats on your forthcoming son!!!!!!!

 

Ask yourself this question: how would *you* ... like that

Just asking

 

Loving the tips thanks. I did ask mum she can't remember lol

 

Slap her!

 

links have been removed just in case although they were not flagged on my anti virus

sudocrem is to be used with caution i have seen some truly awful reactions to the stuff and in a short period of time

 

"M" I think you'll find that Vaseline is taboo now because of the chemicals in it. I always used pure 100% lanolin which looked like clotted cream but it's very difficult to find now.

 

It is???? Ta for heads up on that one, Sheal

CRG: scratch my references to Vasoline (or, research it )

 

zinc and castor oil is what i use in work with my clients and it is what the health care specialists recommend to prevent incontinence sores and plenty of breathing time ie no nappy on