Nappies - You can – if you’re keen – make your entire nappies from scratch. There are loads of patterns available online, below are two I found.
http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/images/Wee%20Weka%20SML%20Fitted%20SM%20Pocket.pdf A really comprehensive fitted nappy pattern.
www.diapersewing.com lots of different styles and shapes
or alternatively if that seems like too much you can really easily make booster pads and wipes to reduce costs and re-use old fabrics.
Booster pads – Take an old towel, cut into pieces approx 30cm square. Fold in thirds lengthways, so the pad is ’3-ply’! then hem the edges with a zig zag stitch. You can measure these to fit your childs shape and size.
Wipes – You can use old towels, cot sheets or any other soft cotton fabric for these. For extra comfort you can cover one side in fleece, though this isn’t necessary. Cut the fabric into squares, you can either do a simple hem or cut the fabric with pinking shears to prevent fraying. For when you are out and about pre wet some if your wipes then keep them in a zip lock bag for easy use!
You can then just wash the wipes in with your nappies.
Wipes ‘Solution’ – You can just use water on your babies bum but I like to use something with a nice odour and a bit of a healing touch. The below recipe makes a lovely solution:
Soak a Camomile tea bag in a pint of boiling water, remove bag and add:
Three drops of lavender oil
1 drop of Tea Tree oil (check sensitivity first and use with caution)
€€€ Another idea for money saving and recycling is to advertise for any unwanted washable nappies. Most people that have used real nappies are really happy for them to continue being used! Advertise online using sites such as Gum Tree, put a poster in your local Credit Union, or simply search by word of mouth!! €€€
Useful Websites
www.goreal.org.uk – UK Real Nappy Network
www.littlecomfort.com Irish manufacturers of washable bamboo nappies
www.diaperjungle.com American website with some interesting and useful articles
www.babyorchard.com online baby supplies
Also find Organico Baby Club on Facebook for tips, ideas and discussion. If you want to buy Little Comfort Nappies – bamboo nappies from an Irish company which we think are really good – click here for information