This week Vicki and Vashti cover what do you need on hand when changing a reusable nappy. Just general things that you’d like to have close at hand when you’re changing a nappy. Like change table, wipes and clean cloth nappy.
Vashti shows you how to fit the Bubblebubs Pebbles on a little baby. The Bubblebubs Pebbles is an all-in-one newborn nappy that will fit from around about 2 kilos through to about 5 1/2 kilos.
Vashti is with baby Matisse who is one month old and 3.35 kilos. She is going to show us how a BamBam BIG with a Seedling one size fits most cover.
Vashti show us the best way to put on a Thirsties Cover with rise snaps over a Bubblebubs Bambam cloth nappy.
Hi, it’s Vashti from Nest Nappies, and today I’m here with baby Matisse who is one month old and three point three five kilos. Today I wanted to pop in and do a quick demo on fitting a Bubblebubs Bambam on a small bubbly and just show you how absolutely gorgeous and trim that they are. So we have our Bambam here.
These gorgeous nappies, we actually co-branded because we love them so much. They’re fitted a nappy, and a fitted nappy is shaped, so it goes on nice and easy. It’s got elastic through the legs and through the back to make sure we keep in all those lovely poonamis.
It breaks down into two pieces to make it quick dry, and all you do with the insert is just fold it in three and lay it inside the nappy. So we’re going to… Now, a fitted nappy does need a cover to go on over the top, and today we’re going to show you how to fit the Thirsties Duo size one cover over the Bambams and get a really gorgeous fit.
The Thirsties will fit from around about three kilos through to about eight kilos, so they’re perfect for those early newborn days. So, all we need to do is just pop the Bambam under Matisse here, and I always like to line up the back of the nappy around about where the belly button does up. And we’re just going to bring the insert up in between the legs, and I like to grab the top of the elastic on the Bambams and bring that up as high as we can in between the legs and then just fold the front of the nappy down nice and snug like that.
We’re then just going to grab the wings and bring them up and over. And then grab our snappy and pop it on from hip to hip and down into the groyne. As you can see, we folded that over quite a long way so knowing that, we’re going to be able to get a lot of use because you don’t need to, as bubby gets bigger, you just don’t fold it down as low. The Bambam is an excellent, snug fit around those legs, and we’ve got it up into the undie line just in there, so it’s nice and tight, and it’s going to hold everything in. If I lift Matisse up here. Hi. As you can see, we’ve got beautiful, snug fits around the back there, so that’s going to stop all those poos shooting up the back there and it means that you don’t need to change any clothes or bedding. It’s just fantastic.
Now, if we pop Matisse back down. Hi, gorgeous. Now, with the Thirsties cover, these come in a Velcro or a snap closure, and they have a small amount of adjustability through the front, so that’s called rise snap, and because Matisse is so little, but she’s not really that little, but she is quite small, we’re actually going to snap these ones down all the way to the front. All the way to the bottom, sorry.
Just so that we end up with a lower rise. Helps if I prepare myself earlier. Now we’re just going to pop that cover under Matisse, and we’re going to make sure that the elastic of the cover is higher than the elastic of the Bambam. And then anything with the rise snap, I’ll show you, I actually like to pop my thumbs into that fold so that we can get an excellent good fit in there, and we’re going to bring that elastic up and around the thighs and then just fold it down across the front.
As you can see, that fold is actually folded uppermost, and I haven’t just brought it up like that or have it straight. We want that fold to come all the way up, and then we just fold it down like this. Then with the wings, we’re just going to pull it up and over and on the other side, and as you can see, we’ll just double check to make sure that there are no bits of nappy sticking out anywhere, and we’re all tucked in, and beautiful, and snug. And we bring Matisse up again. Hello gorgeous.
As you can see, it’s covering the nappy there, and we can fit our finger in, and we’re not going to have any leaks or anything like that. It’s not going to be to tight in any way. So, that is Matisse in a Bambam with a Thirsties Duo wrap, size one cover over the top. So thanks for visiting Nest, and we hope to see you again very soon. Bye. Hi, how is that? That was pretty good, wasn’t it?
Want to use traditional cloth nappies without the origami? Vashti shows us how to use the Bubblebubs stretchy bamboo jersey pre-fold on a one-month-old 3kg newborn baby.
It’s no secret we love a good Basic here at Nest! It’s not a prerequisite to love Traditional nappies if you work here but it sure does help! More than 75% of our customers are first time parents wanting to cloth nappy their babies from birth (or soon after). Most of them walk away with at least one kind of Traditional nappy in their shopping bag!
Helping families to successfully cloth nappy from birth is about introducing them to products that are flexible, cost effective, dry quickly and are able to be used for a significant period of time (ie more than a few months). The added challenge is that most of our customers come to us before their baby has arrived. This means we need to provide them with a product that is extremely flexible in regard to sizing, shape and fit to give them the best chance of success when their baby arrives. Cue the Basics!
Along with fitted nappies, prefolds are one of our biggest sellers and with good reason.
Prefolds are traditional nappies that consist of two main layers of fabric. They generally have three or four extra layers of absorbency sewn into a centre panel. This creates a flat nappy with three distinct panels; one thin, one thick, one thin. Despite the name ‘prefold’ the nappy still requires three quick folds to get it ready for use.
When using a pre-fold on a newborn, take the nappy, which has already been folded into a pad and lay it on the change table. Spread out a small section of each of the side panels at the top to create two ‘wings’. Pull the front of the nappy up between your babies legs and then wrap the side panels from the back around your babies tummy. Fasten at the front with a Nappy Fastener (you can just pull a good fitting cover over the nappy and skip the fastener).
If the prefold is too long for your baby you can shorten it by doubling over the front panel when you pull it up between your babies legs. This is particularly good for boys as it gives lots of absorbency up high where they need it most. Alternatively a less bulky way to shorten the prefold is to fold it angel wing style and then fold down the fanned out fabric at the back. This is also a great tip if you have an explosive poo-er as it creates a bit of a ‘scoop’ to catch anything that might try to escape out the back!
Another tip for using prefolds on a newborn is to ‘scoop’ the fabric between your babies legs so it’s not so wide. Lay your baby on the back piece and then as you pull the absorbency up through their legs pinch the nappy so the piece sitting at their crotch is nice and thin, it will make a ‘scoop’ which helps to catch everything and makes it easier to get a tight fit around the legs. When fastening the back wings up and around your babies tummy, be sure to pull the fabric nice and tight around the hips and legs. As you pull the fabric it will create a gusset which should wrap snuggly around the legs and help minimize leaks.
A good fitting PUL cover will ensure your prefolds are nice and trim and won’t leak. It pays to invest in one PUL cover for every 3 to 4 prefolds in your stash (ie 2 covers for 6 nappies, 4 for 12 etc) and have at least two newborn size covers to cover you for the early days, even if you’re planning to use predominantly one-size-fits-most covers. We also recommend a Snappi for fastening your nappy in the early days. Microfleece liners laid inside can help make cleaning a breeze, whilst keeping your baby nice and dry.
If you are thinking about trying prefolds or want some help with fitting your prefolds, drop in and visit us, gives us a call, leave a message here or send us an email and let us know!
Learning that you are pregnant for the first (or second or third or even forth) time can be a scary but exciting and exhilarating time. When you finally let it sink in that there is a small human growing inside of you and will soon be in your arms, it’s time to start thinking about what you need. After thinking about the cot, the pram, the car seat and the carrier. The clothes, the bath, the bassinet and the toys, most parents will start to think about the nappies. If you have thought about using cloth nappies (good chance considering you are here!), the next question is which sort? Do you go old school and stick with traditional nappies or do you use a modern cloth nappy? Today I thought I would explain all the different types. As an added bonus, if you don’t want to read about them, Vicki and I have recently begun recording a Podcast and episode 1 is just this. You can listen to us discuss the benefits of each style here.
I often get asked about cost comparison between cloth nappies and disposables. It’s a really hard subject to tackle because there is so much difference in the price of each disposable nappy and even the different types of cloth nappies. I’m going to give it a go though and try and break it down a little at the same time. So here we go, what is the cost of cloth vs disposables?
The first thing that we need to look at it how many nappies babies goes through and at what age. At Nest, we have found that the average baby will need around 6,570 nappy changes from birth to toilet training. This can be broken down in the following way;
Newborn (Birth – 3 months) approx 12 changes per day for a total of 1,080 nappy changes,
Infant (3 – 6 months) approx 9 changes per day for a total of 810 nappy changes,
Crawler (6 -12 Months) approx 6 changes per day for a total of 1,080 nappy changes,
Walker (12-18 months) approx 6 changes per day for a total of 1,080 nappy changes, and
Toddler (18 months -2.5yrs the average age of toilet training) 4 per day for a total of 1,460 nappy changes.
If you add in specialised night nappies from 2 years through until 5years of age (the average age of night training) you are looking at another 1,068 nappy changes.
If you have made the decision to use disposables, that’s 6,570 nappies that are going straight into landfill per child. If you have chosen to use cloth, you will need as little as 24 nappies to do you from birth to toilet training and as a bonus you can use them on future children, pass them on to friends and family, donate them to charity, repurpose them and more. This means your cloth nappies will take longer to reach landfill, if at all. Now, while I say that it can be done with as little as 24 nappies, here at Nest, we recommend the following to make your cloth nappy journey that little bit easier;
Newborn (birth – 4/6 months) – 30 – 36 nappies,
One size fits most (6 months – toilet training) 18 – 24 nappies.
If you want a specialised night nappy, as well, Nest recommend three at any one time. I you choose to go down the one size fits most, these could work from around the 4-6 moth mark all the way through top toilet training. If you choose a sized option, three of each size will see you through.
Did you watch our Facebook Live drawing of our lucky Caboo Winner from last week? Toni C. was our lucky Friday Freebie winner for International Baby Wearing Week and we can’t wait to hear what she thinks of her gorgeous new Caboo + Cotton in the Limited Edition Orla print. I loved my Caboo for my little man and we hope you love yours too Toni! I would also like to thank Kylie and Brent (the brand new Close Parent Distributors) for making the giveaway possible!
This week we have another giveaway from Close Parent – an awesome Rockets set! This set contains a small legionnaire swim hat, a dribble bib, a balloon ball and a tote to carry it all in! These balloon balls are not available to purchase and are super popular!
Your little one will love playing with the balloon ball, will stay super stylish with the dribble bib and cap and the tote makes a perfect swimming or library bag. I have to say, out of all the Close Parent prints at the moment, the Rockets is a clear favourite in our house! There are even little aliens in the rocket ships!
How do you win, I hear you ask? Well, all you have to do is review any Close Parent product on our website or head over to the Cloth Nappy Reviews website and review a Close Parent product there, then head back here and let us know which product you reviewed? Haven’t used Close Parent before? That’s ok, you can still be in with a chance just by promising to leave a review if you win!
– this comp is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Facebook, Instagram, the Cloth Nappy Reviews website, or any other platform except for Nest Nappies
– the prize is not redeemable for cash
– postage is the responsibility of the winner
– winner will be drawn by Nest Nappies on Friday 20th of October 2017
– winner will be drawn at random
– winner must be a follower of Nest Nappies and Close Parent on Instagram or like Nest Nappies and Close Parent on Facebook
– winner must have left a review for any Close Parent product on the Nest Nappies website or the Cloth Nappy Reviews website and / or be prepared to leave a review for the prize products
– Nest Nappies has the final say
– sharing isn’t required but is appreciated
– this is not a competition of skill, although we love hearing about your experiences with your little one
Did you know that it is International Baby Wearing Week (IBW)? I have spent all week trying to post something about this but have been so flat out that I haven’t had a chance. So, here it is, 9pm on a Friday night and I’m finally getting to it.
The theme for International Baby Wearing Week’s ninth annual celebration is Threaded Together. The inspiration for the theme comes from the many different threads that, when combined through the weaving process, form all of the carriers we use. All of these individual threads, once woven, create a material in the same way individuals and groups worldwide come together to create a global baby wearing community.
When I look back at my own baby wearing journey, I am filled with a multitude of emotions. There have been times when baby wearing has been the only thing that has gotten me through the day. Occasions when baby wearing has allowed me to get things done. Times when baby wearing has calmed and soothed my tired / cranky / teething / overwhelmed baby and times when it has soothed me. I have made a multitude of friends through carrying my children and I know that these friendships will last through the ages. I think the best was when another school mum introduced herself to me by say “Your middle marker is on point love.” lol That one certainly cheered me when I was still feeling lost and alone after moving the kids to a new school and missing my mums circle at our old school. I have felt so much love while carrying my babies and will carry that with me always.
My own journey started nearly 12 years ago and at the time I knew very little about being a parent. In fact, this time 12 years ago, my first child was already overdue and I was anxiously awaiting his arrival. I had my terry flats for his bum, I had clothes, I had a bassinet, I had a pram. What I didn’t have was a carrier and I had no idea on what to look for either. In those days before Master B arrived, I went looking and ended up with a carrier from my local big box store that looked like it ticked all the boxes. The box said it would work from newborn and would allow me to wear my bub facing out. It looked perfect. Mr Nest and I discussed it. It fit the budget. He agreed he would wear it and so it came home.
When my little man finally decided to make his entrance to the world I was busting to get home and try out my new carrier. Unfortunately, it put pressure on my ceasar wound and I found it uncomfortable. Never mind, I thought! Once the wound heals I can start wearing my bub. But even after the wound healed, I still found the carrier uncomfortable and awkward to wear. Weeks turned to months and I was consistently opting for the pram instead. Finally, I decided to try another carrier. This one stated that it had soft, wide straps designed to mould to the wearer and provide comfort whilst wearing. As a bonus, I could also carry my bub on my back now that he was getting bigger! So, this carrier came home and Mr Nest and I excitedly ripped it out of its box and took it for a spin. Unfortunately I, once again, found it uncomfortable and was unable to wear my little man for anything more than half an hour before I was in pain. Soon I was turning back to the pram and resigning myself that baby wearing just wasn’t for me.
When number 2 arrived, I had learned a little more and had friend who baby wore as well. I decided to try a ring sling and a stretchy wrap. I loved them! I was able to wear my little lady within days of leaving the hospital and having her close meant that I could still do all the things with my toddler that I wanted to. As she out grew her stretchy, I reached for the ring sling more and even investigated hip carriers with masses of success. Yippee, it wasn’t me! It was merely the carrier I had been using. I was over the moon and loved the bond that carrying her close created.
Fast forward seven years to Master K making his appearance and I had learnt so much more. I knew that I wanted to hold my bub close and with two older kids who needed school runs and play dates, I had to find something that worked. I no longer had the carriers I had used with the big kids so it was time for a new one. I had researched and investigated. I looked at carriers on and off the market. I eventually decided that the Close Parent Caboo was the one for me. It’s gorgeous, stretchy, organic cotton and ease of use meant that I would be able to do quick on and offs. it held my little one in the optimal position for both of our comfort and it came in our family’s favourite colour – purple. So, into Nest I trotted and ordered one in for myself. When Master K arrived, my Caboo was in my hospital bag. It was amazing! When I started back at the shop, Master K was with me and tucked up safe and sound in the Caboo. He would stay snuggled close to my chest all day and it was easy for me to feed him while still chatting with mums and dads to be. When I needed to take him out, it was simply a matter of loosening off the rings and sliding him up. I remember him being such a chilled bubba (such a rambunctious toddler now!) and he would often go through hours just snoozing on my chest while I chatted nappies.
Vashti is wearing her Caboo while chatting nappies for the Australian Nappy Association at the Green Heart Fair
When he finally out grew our Caboo, I will admit that I shed a tear or two but I was also excited about what other options were available to me. I have been lucky enough to test some amazing wraps and carriers over the last three years and have had several wraps come visit me (an awesome way to make friends near and far <3). These days we no longer baby wear. Master K has decided that he is too much of a big boy and loves to walk instead. We have once again moved our carriers on and I am happy to say that our beloved Caboo went on to snuggle another gorgeous little man when we gifted it to our nanny when she fell pregnant.
So, what does all this have to do with Nest now? Well, I have a gorgeous Caboo + Cotton in the limited edition Orla design to give away in celebration of IBW. All you have to do is like our Facebook or Instagram pages, leave a review for a product that you have used on our website and promise to leave a review for the Caboo once you have used it and comment below with your Face Book or Instagram name and which product you reviewed here on our website.
Close Parent Caboo + Cotton in Limited Edition Orla
If you just can’t wait to see if you are a winner, we are doing 15% off all carriers* until Sunday 8th of October. Head over and check them out now!
If you wanted to meet other baby wearers and try some different carriers, why not check out your local Baby Wearing Group. If you are in Brisbane this weekend, come along and join the Mega Meet on Sunday at Roma Street Parklands. There will be tons of lucky door prizes and even a couple from us.
– this comp is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Facebook, Instagram or any other platform except for Nest Nappies
– the prize is not redeemable for cash
– whilst this carrier is in new, unused condition, it will come with no packaging
– postage is the responsibility of the winner
– winner will be drawn by Nest Nappies on Friday 13th of October 2017
– winner will be drawn at random
– winner must be a follower of Nest Nappies on Instagram or like Nest Nappies on Facebook
– winner must have left a review for any product on the Nest Nappies website and / or be prepared to leave a review for the Caboo +
– Nest Nappies has the final say
– sharing isn’t required but is appreciated
– this is not a competition of skill, although we love hearing about your experiences with your little one
* discount only available on in stock carriers and not valid with any other offer.