Nappy Liners are easy!

If you use cloth nappies you might also currently use something called a nappy liner, then again, you might not.

What is a nappy liner? 

A liner is a either a fabric or disposable barrier that is placed on the inside of a nappy.  It should not be confused with an insert which is used to absorb wee. What this barrier does is catch poop meaning that you don't have to scrape, rinse or scrub the inside of the nappy to remove the poop from it.  Instead if it is a disposable liner it can be thrown away, or if it is fabric you can usually shake the contents off into the toilet with minimal effort, rinse the liner and pop it into the wash with the rest of your nappy laundry! This means that your nappies will also stay stain free!  While disposable liners probably offer more convenience, over the long term washable liners are definitely better value and don't take any extra effort as you already have nappies to wash anyway!

Now, you could go out and buy some nappy liners if you like, but the cost of these can vary quite considerably, but by far the most cost effective nappy liner is homemade!  Now let me let you into a secret...making liners is ridiculously easy!  You don't need to be good with your hands, or crafty in the slightest either!  You don't even need a needle and thread!  Want to know how?  Well read on...

Things you will need:

• Sharp Scissors
• A template (mine is 12 inches long by 5 inches wide approximately -  you may need to adjust sizes depending on the nappies you use)
• A pen or something to mark out the material
• Anti-pil fleece fabric (this is why you don't need to sew....fleece doesn't fray!!!)

How much fleece will you need? 

As a rough guide using the sizes given, half a metre of fleece should make between 30 - 40 liners depending how you lay them out!

Where can you buy fleece fabric?

You should be able to pick up fleece really cheaply in any fabric shop or even Ebay!  If you have a quick search on ebay there are lots of different designs to choose from to suit either girls or boys!  Or maybe you have an old fleece blanket lying around?  You could use that if you like!

So how do you do it?

Lay out your fabric.  Draw round your template as many times as needed.  Cut out. Now step back and admire your easy hard work! Ta Da!!!  You have made your liners!  I told you it was easy!!!

Even if you decide not to use all the fabric for liners, why not use some of it to make cloth wipes?  All you need to do for that is cut into squares or rectangles of any size you like! 

So people, there you have it!  The easy peasy nappy liner!  Hope this helps!





Happy Real Nappy Week!

Cloth Nappies...The best solution?

Are you a cloth nappy using mummy or daddy?  If so, I am fairly certain most of you will also be using cloth/washable wipes too.  Or are you considering giving cloth wipes a go for the first time but not sure how to use them?  Well, I was thinking as it is Real Nappy Week I'd share with you my favourite, easy to make wipe solutions that help keep Holly's bottom fresh, sweet smelling and rash free!

You can use nappy wipe solution in either a spray bottle to apply to dry wipes or store your wipes moist in a wipes box (or tupperware container).  Bare in mind that if the wipes stay moist for too long they may get a bit yucky, so always check, rinse and refresh with solution when necessary!  Volumes needed will depend on how large your spray bottle or how many wipes you moisten.  I advocate only making small amounts at a time so the solution and wipes stay fresh!

Super Simple/Plain Wipe Solutions


Plain old water!  Yup, sometimes that might be all you need!

OR

Water and a couple of squirts of your favourite baby shampoo or baby bath



Sensitive Bot Wipe Solutions (ideal for nappy rash)

Cooled Chamomile tea (yes - it really works!)*

*If the nappy rash gets very severe I'll sometimes pop a cooled damp Chamomile tea bag over the affected area and it really helps!

OR

Water and Aloe Vera Gel

Calming (anti fungal) Wipe Solution

Water,  a few drops of Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil

OR

Water, Tea tree and a few drops of white vinegar


Peachy Perfection Wipe Solution (well apricot but close enough)


Water,  a few drops of almond oil and apricot oil





That is it!  It really is that easy! Don't be scared to experiment and have fun with your own recipes though, remember to mix first before applying to the wipes as this means if you aren't happy with your solution you can start again! Also as you are using such small quantities of ingredients you won't have to worry about expensive wastage!  Remember, using cloth wipes is better for baby, better for the environment and also better for your bank balance!

Happy Real Nappy Week!

XXX

Nappy Happy!

One of the big considerations for me before Holly was born was which type of nappies we would use. Disposable or cloth?  There are lots of pros and cons for both.  One of the big considerations for us was the question of expense.  Do you know how much it will cost to keep your baby in disposable nappies up until the age of 2?  Well here is a little example to give you an idea...