The Nappy Spot

What's in my stash: Grovia Hybrid AI2

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Over the last 12 months, one brand of nappies that has been used regularly in our house is the Grovia Shell and Soaker Pad system. I originally bought a Hook and Loop Shell, and a Snap Shell, with 4 Organic Cotton Soaker Pads, but soon added another 3 H&L Shells, and some more pads to our stash when I realised how much they were being used!

These nappies snap down quite small, and so were able to be used on my daughter from a very young age. Up until now, the 3 H&L shells have been used much more than the Snap shell, as they gave the flexibility to adjust to a perfect fit. My daughter doesn't have the skinniest legs (*cough cough*.. takes after her mother I think!) and the hook and loop is beginning to rub on her thighs, so I keep meaning to bring the snap shell back into rotation to avoid this problem. Now we're not trying to keep newborn poos from going everything (these nappies were fantastic for not leaking!), I tend to leave her nappies a bit looser anyway, so the perfect fit around the legs and back is not an issue anymore. The hook and loop is amazingly grippy on these shells, more so than any other velcro closure I've ever come across. I had trouble opening them the first few times they were used! This means that my 1yo can't undo them like she can with some other nappies.. which is a definite bonus!

The beauty of this hybrid system is that the booster can be snapped out and replaced with a dry one, while reusing the same couple of covers throughout the day. I believe it's recommended to have two covers in rotation, with one cover airing out while the other is being used. Reusing the covers reduces washing, which is always appreciated! These nappies dry at a rate proportionate to their absorbency. Separating the two layers between two adjacent lines on my little drying rack allows the soakers to dry quicker.

I also came across a box of the Biosoakers on special one day, and bought them to try out. The Biosoakers lay inside the shell neatly (the adhesive is extremely strong and difficult to remove, so I just lay them inside the shell now), and provide a great option for occasions like long car trips.
Similarly, any absorbent soaker can be used inside the shells - prefolds, terry squares, or boosters from other nappies.

The Hook and Loop Shells retail for $21.50, with the Organic Cotton Soaker Pads sold in two packs for around $25. Grovia also produces a range of other nappy accessories, like the Magic Stick, Tiny Bubbles detergent and All Natural Baby Wipes. They also make AIO and newborn nappies. Have you used the Hybrid AI2 system, or any other of the Grovia products?

My Stash

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:55:00 +0000

When Natalie introduced you to her stash it got me thinking about mine and since I’m stuck inside today avoiding the torrential downpour that’s lashing SE QLD I thought it was time I sat down and wrote about it. You can see I’ve got a preference for WAHM Nappies - I really like the customisation and creativity you can get and love that I’m supporting mums direct.

I haven’t included any prefolds, covers, hybrids or nappies I’ve received to review in the lists so these are all MCNs I’ve chosen and paid for myself.

Current Rotation
These nappies live in the nappy drawer and are our current best fit. Nappies are added or removed from the current rotation as Dexter grows and the fit changes.

Days

Nic Naps – 7 x custom embroidered side snap sized pocket, 5 x custom embroidered velcro sized pocket (with 6 more on the way)
Fluffy Bubs – 6 x side snap OSFM pocket
Sugar Shots! – 6x side snap sized pocket
Wild Child – 5x side saddles side snap sized AI2
Dragonfly Magik – 2x Side Snap OSFM AI2
Peechee – 3 x custom embroidered side snap sized pocket
Issy Bear – 1 x V2 front snap OSFM, 2 x V3 velcro OSFM pocket

Nights

Nic Naps – 4x sized Nights
Daytime Issy Bears used for night with night booster

Rest of Stash
These nappies are sitting in storage; they are mostly nappies that don’t quite fit anymore (or yet) but are all nappies I absolutely loved and will possibly find hard to replace which is why they’re kept for the next baby rather than sold.

Days

CGR Designs – 4x custom embroidered front snap sized AI2
Flattery – 2x custom embroidered side snap sized AI2
Nic Naps – 6x custom embroidered side snap pocket
Goochi Baby / Envious Cloth – 14x custom embroidered side snap OSFM AI2, 2 x custom embroidered front snap OSFM AI2
Genesa Forge – 1x custom embroidered front snap sized AI2
Fluff E Stuff – 2 x BigSquishies sized Pocket, 2 x BigSquishies sized AI2
Bambooty – 6x Easy Peasy sized AIO

Nights

Fluffy Bubs – 2 x Dreams Night sized
SHP – 2 x Sandman sized
Twinkle Lilly – 1x Nights sized

Sold Stash
There are some wonderful second hand MCN selling groups on facebook so if you’re looking to add to your nappy stash cheaply or find gorgeous custom nappies at a fraction of the price it’s very worthwhile joining some and keeping an eye on the sales.

These are nappies I no longer own but did use, most got quite extensive use before being sold although some brands we never quite got a good fit with.

Days

Mini Lala – 16x Velcro Pockets
Bambooty, 24x Easy Peasy sized AIO
BBH – 10x Velcro Smooth Magic Alls sized AIO 2 x Minkee Magic Alls sized AIO, 4x Petite sized AI2, 6x Bamboo sized Fitteds
Green Kids - 3 x Anytimes, 1 x Funtimes
Bonnibuns – 4 x Bamboo Naturals
Itti Bitti – 6x d’Lish SIO sized AI2
Cushie Tushie – 4x OSFM front snap

Nights

Ecobubs – 1 x Wool Pocket sized
Mandy Mac – 1 x Purple Nights OSFM
Baby Bee Hinds - 4 x Nights sized
Bambooty, 1x Nights sized
Mini Lala & Greenkids used at night with extra boosting

That’s quite a lot of nappies, although I’ve got nothing on a lot of MCN addicts! Reviews are coming slowly but in the meantime I’d love to hear what’s in your stash and which are your favourite nappies.

Bumboo Review

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

I fell in love with the gorgeous Bumboo prints when they were released last year, and so you can imagine how excited I was to receive 'Stampede' front-snap pocket nappies from Bumboo via Kyla.

The nappies are priced at $32 with 2 bamboo inserts and 2 microfibre inserts and $28 without inserts. I received the 4 inserts with each nappy, and in my usual style, the bamboo inserts have been well-used in not only the Bumboo covers, but my other PUL covers too. My daughter reacts to synthetic fabrics, so we don't worry about stuffing the pocket with the inserts, but simply lay them inside the nappy so the natural fibres are against her skin. By doing this however, we do lose the stay-dry feature that the suede cloth inner provides. For the same reason, the microfibre inserts have been stored away for now. I also change her frequently, so there's no need for the extra absorbency these inserts would provide.

Bumboo have a facebook page with an active wall and I found this information on a discussion there for people using pocket nappies the way they were intended to be - "we recommend using a combination of bamboo and microfibre inserts for best absorbency. Place the bamboo insert behind the microfibre one for best performance. For older bubs, we recommend a prefold during the day and adding a large microfibre insert for overnight. If you have flat nappies, they can be pad folded and work very well as a pocket nappy insert."

I visited Bumboo's website to confirm prices, and read a bit more about the nappies, and noticed that they say that any prefold or flat nappies in your stash can be folded and placed inside the pocket nappy too - definitely something to keep in mind when the weather cools, or becomes rainy and the inserts are taking awhile to dry.

There is a generous variety of sizing with the four levels of waist snaps and two rows of snaps on the wings, which has allowed us to find the perfect fit around the leg and waist. We've been using them on a 12mo, but with their trim fit, would be great for a smaller, younger baby too. The product details say the weight range is from 4.5kg - 16kg, so this nappy should fit my daughter for a long time yet.

The Bumboo nappy has survived a number of testing experiences, with no leaks evident. These days, our main challenge is to protect nappies from external stains, so this nappy is changed before spaghetti and meatballs are eaten! I've been letting my daughter choose her next nappy for the last few days, and the elephant print has been chosen each time is was available - so the main customer herself approves and loves these nappies!

Overall, this versatile, one size nappy and its inserts are a valuable addition to our nappy stash. Keep in touch with this Australian owned family business based in regional NSW via their newsletter for updates and specials.

Nappy rash

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Nappy rash.. has it ever hit your little one? Do you know what caused it? Allergic reaction to chemicals or food, sickness, or a fungal or yeast infection?

My daughter suffered from nappy rash from about 4-6 months. We tried everything to clear it up with no effect. Many natural and chemist creams created a waterproof barrier but didn't clear up the rash. The doctor prescribed an anti-fungal cream which brought the skin up in welts. A popular zinc-based cream we then tried made her skin red and looked to be taking a layer of skin off. I stopped using disposable wipes (even the natural, organic ones). We tried using all disposable nappies while giving the MCN's a good strip wash and sun-bleaching to kill any germs, but it made no difference.

I then decided to stop all creams, and to try to let the rash heal itself. Nappies were left off as much as possible (we began using Elimination Communication part-time), and when the nappies were on, they were changed as soon as I noticed they were wet. We had baths with ground oatmeal in them, and later tried chammomile tea in the baths, and on the cloth wipes as well. I used olive oil to moisturise the skin, and then coconut oil once I was able to source it. My daughter's skin began to improve and the damage from the zinc-cream and prescription ointment began to heal.

At her 6 month check-up, the Dr prescribed a low-dose cortisone cream, and as we began using it sparingly on the worse-affected areas.. her first tooth broke through, and like magic, the rash was gone!! Since then, I've noticed that each time a tooth is about to appear, the nappy rash returns briefly, disappearing with the emergence of the new pearly white!

During the course of our nappy rash struggles, I also found that different fabrics in the MCN's seemed to be better on my daughter's skin. Stay-dry fabrics are great for wicking away the moisture, but anything synthetic seemed to irritate my daughter's skin, so we swapped to nappies with cotton, bamboo, hemp or raw-silk lining. Even now, with pocket nappies, I tend to lay the natural fibre booster inside the nappy so that fabric is against the skin.

I also had to learn how to deal with creams and MCN's. Most creams will transfer to the surface of the nappy fabric and create a water-proof layer.. which is the last thing you want in a nappy! So the general rule is, if you're using a cream, use a nappy liner to protect the absorbent fabric of the MCN below. If a nappy disaster does occur.. a good strip wash can help solve the problem and increase absorbency again.

I hope that you haven't had to deal with nappy rash.. but if you have - what did you find worked (or didn't!)?

Mix n Match Stash

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:34:00 +0000

When I first began buying MCN's and removed the boosters and inserts to wash them, I have to admit I was nervous. Scared that later when it came to assembling them when they were dry, that I would have forgotten which ones went together. Worried that I wouldn't be able to get them back together, looking as beautiful as when they arrived, or even just put together correctly to be able to be used.

I shouldn't have worried. Firstly, luckily my memory is better than I gave it credit for, but secondly, soaker pads and boosters seem to be designed that it's just about impossible to put them together incorrectly. All-in-two systems seem to have the snaps in a spot that's unique to each brand, so it's very easy to tell which absorbent pad belongs in which shell as the snaps line up perfectly. For example, Grovia hybrids have two snaps - and the front one is further down the soaker than the back one, so the nappy even 'tells you' which way is the correct way to put it in. Similarly, Pop-ins have two snaps spaced widely at the front, three at the back, and two close together at one end of the second booster.
(https://www.gro-via.com/hybrid/grovia-organic-cotton-soaker-pad.html)
(http://nappybucket.com.au/item_127/PopIn-Original-Nappy.htm)

As I've gone further along our cloth nappy journey though, I've found that this very thing I was worried about has become something that I now do regularly. My daughter had terrible nappy rash as she began teething, and nappies with synthetic fabrics against her skin seemed to irritate it. So with the pocket nappies, instead of stuffing the boosters inside where they were meant to go, the boosters were just laid inside the nappy, with the natural fibre booster against my daughter's skin.

She also began growing out of some of the nappies, such as the BabyKicks. I love the BabyKicks inserts though, and they now get used in place of the polyester liners in many of my other covers, such as in my LittleUns and Knicker Nappies. (http://www.babykicks.com/store/product/babykicks-organic-fitted-1044.cfm)

I loved the little boosters that came in the small Baby Safari nappies so much that I bought some bamboo fleece from Nappies Covered and a friend with an overlocker made me some more. When the nappy rash was particularly bad, I would leave my daughter nappy free as much as possible, and when that wasn't possible at home, I could slip a little one of these in a pair of underpants and could see the minute it was wet to change.
(http://www.nappiescovered.com.au/products/-Bamboo-Fleece-Natural-.html)
As we've hit the one year mark, velcro nappies are increasingly becoming risky, unless they're safe under a pair of shorts! The boosters from these style of covers are getting used more and more in the snap covers now.

Were you nervous about getting your nappies mixed up? What about now, do you mix and match and do crazy things with your stash like me?

On Special - Washing Powders

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:04:00 +0000

There’s no denying that one of the biggest on-going expenses with Cloth Nappy use (after the initial investment of course) can be washing powder. Specialty cloth nappy washing powders can be prohibitively expensive and store bought MCN safe powders also tend to sit on the expensive side. I tend to wait for specials and then stock up on my favourite powder so if you're anything like me you'll appreciate these vouchers & specials.

Bosisto’s EucoFresh

We use Bosisto’s EucoFresh for all of our washing, including the cloth nappies. Our kitchen and laundry cupboards are full of Bosisto’s products, I’m a huge fan and just love how clean and fresh our clothes and nappies are after use.

Bosisto’s have a 20% off Voucher (for use at Woolworths) for their facebook fans, visit the Bosistos Eucalyptus Facebook Page to download a printable voucher. Valid until the 20th December

ecostore

Natalie uses ecostore Washing Powder for her MCNs, I haven’t yet used their washing powder but we love their products, using the handwash, dishwasher powder and my new favourite product – their bubble bath in our home. I had a chance to chat to the Ecostore team at a recent Bloggers Brunch and I really love their philosophy.

Ecostore has been in New Zealand for 18years and they’re taking Austrlaia by storm, to say hello to their Australian fans, Ecostore has a voucher for half price washing powder (at Woolworths). Visit their Facebook Page to download a printable voucher.

Rockin’ Green

Hugely popular with a cult following of dedicated cloth nappying mammas across the globe, Rockin’ Green is the MCN speciality powder of the moment but definitely sits on the expensive side with a 1.2kg bag sitting at $20.

Bamboo Babies have discounted their remaining stock of original formula Classic Rock to $16.95 per bag plus The Nappy Spot readers have the chance to use code TNS10 at checkout for 10% off storewide

What's in my stash: Bumgenius

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Even with over 15 different brands and styles in my stash, picking a favourite to review was easy. We have 6 One-size Organic All-in-One (AIO) Bumgenius nappies, in a variety of colours. These are the nappies I use when I'm out and about, as they are very quick to put on. They are also the ones I leave out for family and friends when they will be changing my daughter as they are nearly impossible to use incorrectly, and are in many ways even easier to snap on a fast-moving child than disposables.
(Image from http://www.mummysreviews.com)

I had these nappies when my daughter was a newborn, and while they were a bit bulky then, they still snapped down to a good fit. Now, at 12 months old and nearly 11kg, the Bumgenius nappies are the only ones in my stash that are still snapped down and not on the highest rise. This is reassuring, as it looks like she'll still be using them when she's grown out of many others types.

With their great fit, I don't recall having any newborn poo leakages out of the legholes of the Bumgenius nappies. While we mostly use eco-disposables overnight, I did use Bumgenius during the night at times, especially when my daughter was less than 3 months old, and she would often have dirty nappies throughout the night.

The snaps are sturdy, and the double rows have allowed us to find a good fit no matter what size my daughter was at the time. The stretchy tabs have even allowed us to snap the top and bottom rows diagonally at various times, such as when her legs required a larger size, but the stomach would have gaped if we'd used the matching snaps. Snaps are also a lot safer now that she can undo a few of the less grippy brands of hook and loop closures on some of the other nappies...

Washing MCN's is easy, and Bumgenius are no exception. The triple layers of the AIO do mean that these are one of the slowest drying nappies in our stash though. I have become a little creative with my hanging, and now separate the 3 layers over a couple of lines on our little drying rack. They are one of the most absorbent nappies I own, so it stands to reason that they will also take the longest to dry.
(Images from Nurture Nappies http://www.nurturenappies.com.au)

Made out of 100% organic cotton (with a waterproof PUL outer), the RRP of Bumgenius One-size Organic All-in-One was $45, but with their relabelling as "Elementals", the RRP is now $35. Look around for specials to save even more.. Happy shopping and cloth nappying!

Welcome to my stash! Introducing our MCN collection..

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

When a good friend of mine had her first baby at the end of 2009, she mentioned something about MCN’s. Intrigued, and having no idea what they were, I asked her about them, and from that point, was hooked on the idea of modern cloth nappies. I resisted the urge to start buying them until I was pregnant with my first baby, but once the first trimester had passed, I felt like I could start building my stash. And I haven’t stopped since!

After excitedly receiving the formal blogger invite email from Kyla, I decided to have a look at what my nappy stash consists of at this point, after 18 months of buying nappies, and 12 months of use. I think I surprised myself at the variety we have! There’s quite possibly one or two I’ve forgotten about.. but this is what’s in my stash at this point. (Many of the smaller sized ones are now out of rotation).

Bumgenius Organic AIO x 6
FLIP x 2
Econobum x 2
Real Nappies x 1
Grovia – covers x 4 (1 snap, 3 H&L), soakers x 6
Sweet Pea x 4
Pop-in Original – covers x 2, inserts x 4
Pop-in Dream-Dri x 1
Seedling x 6
LittleUn Alecia Pocket x 2
Knicker Nappies x 4
Baby Kicks x 4
Cushie Tushies x 4
Little Para Pants custom x 1
Baby Safari (size small) x 4
DryBees (size small) x 2
My own handmade ones, with material from Nappies Covered x 4
Handmade inserts (baby safari size)
Terry squares

So the list tells me that apparently I like shopping, and will buy any nappy as long as it’s on sale! It’s a crazy mix, but it works for us. Each nappy has its advantages, and factors like whether we’re at home, who’s changing the nappy, what clothes my DD is wearing, and what the weather is like all influence which nappy I choose at that time.

If there’s something I could add to it at this point, it would be prefolds, bigger inserts (like the ones I made) and possibly a night nappy if I’m brave enough (we use Little Takas eco disposables overnight).

I’m looking forward to sharing more about why I love cloth and our experiences with MCN’s. Until then.. I’d love to hear what’s in your collection? Have you counted your nappy stash recently? Were you surprised like I was?!

Welcome Natalie!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Over the past few months I’ve struggled with being able to invest the time and energy that’s needed into The Nappy Spot - between the all consuming IVF cycles, keeping up with Beyond the Bump and parenting my energetic little man (who is almost two now – where has that time gone?) I’ve been stretched thin and The Nappy Spot has suffered.

It’s saddened me to neglect this place and I’m so excited to be able to introduce Natalie to you, she has some great ideas for posts and I’m really looking forward to reading her stash reviews. You’ll still see posts from me in amongst Natalie’s reviews and of course you’ll still find me over at Beyond the Bump writing about fab new products and giveaways.

Natalie has introduced herself below, please join me in welcoming her to The Nappy Spot and make sure to check back regularly (or subscribe using the links on the right) to read the reviews on Natalie’s Stash.

I’m Natalie, a stay-at-home mum to a little girl, born December 2010. We use cloth nearly full-time during the day, with eco-disposables at night (I’m willing to be converted to night nappy use though!). When I was pregnant and people found out I intended to use cloth on my baby, the responses were mixed, with many doubting that I’d stick with it long term. Convinced of the benefits of cloth, I popped the first MCN on my daughter the day I bought her home from hospital and we haven’t looked back since.

My initial reason choosing cloth was the desire to not be throwing my money and non-biodegradable resources out with the rubbish each day. Since then I have learnt of the health benefits of cloth, and having also tried mama cloth (breast and menstrual pads), I know that it’s so much more comfortable to have natural fibres rather than plastic against your skin. And with the gorgeous prints and fabrics available with MCN’s now, cloth nappies are also a fashion item in themselves!

I’d love for everyone to be using cloth nappies, be it full-time, day-time, or just at home. There are so many options available, with styles, fabrics and prices to suit different people and situations. I hope you enjoy reading about our experiences, and that we can learn more from each other as we go along.

Looking For Guest Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Due to repeated IVF failures and some personal issues this blog has languished a little of late, I have a load of unfinished features but not the time to get them ready to post so I’m looking for a couple of people to write reviews of their stash and/or collate & post nappy retailer discounts.

These are not paid positions but I will happily send out samples I receive and will pop a thank-you into the post because I’m nice like that.

Interested? Email thenappyspot (at) gmail.com to find out more.

Thanks so much everyone for your support so far and I hope to be introducing some fab new writers to you soon.

Review & Discount - Munchkin Nappy Disposal System

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:39:00 +0000

There’s a giveaway of this over at Beyond the Bump but it closes at midnight on the 19th of September so be quick!

We rarely use disposables but we do use disposable wipes so even when we’re using fulltime cloth we have nappy change by-products to throw away so one of the things I thought was a must-have was one of those nappy disposal systems to ‘eliminate smell’. I wasn’t impressed with the one we bought, finding that the smell got through anyway.

Usually I rinse a dirty nappy and then pop it in a wetbag until the evening when everything gets tipped into the washing machine but that’s just not an option with disposable nappies and since I don’t want to be running out to the bin all day, disposables get bagged and put in the garage where thanks to the SE QLD heat they generally stink up the place.

Recently The Munchkin Nappy Disposal System entered our household and we really haven’t looked back. Containing what has to be my ultimate household tool (bicarb), The Munchkin Nappy Disposal System really does keep those smells at bay. Every time you close the lid of the Munchkin Nappy Disposal System, a shake of bicarb from the cartridge in the lid disperses on top of the dirty nappy, helping to keep our garage from smelling.

We’ve had the chance to use the Munchkin Nappy Disposal System both as part of our usual cloth routine and recently when D was teething and producing the most heinous nappies that caused a burn so bad we had to switch to eco disposables for a while and smother him with cream and I love it. During usual use it takes us over a week to fill up the Refill Bag and we didn’t notice any smells until we changed the bag and it was a much more muted smell than we’d experienced with the other unit we have owned. During disposable use we did end up changing the system every two days and still found that the smell was contained.

Available online at www.babynest.com.au and from Target and Baby Bunting stores Australia wide, the Munchkin Nappy Disposal Unit retails for $79.99 and comes with 3 refill bags and a full cartridge of bicarb which lasts for 90 days and can be refilled with your household bicarb. Refill bags hold up to 25 newborn nappies and a pack of 10 retails at around $21.99 but if you buy 3 or more refills at BabyNest you get 25% off and until the 30th of September spend $100 or more at BabyNest and receive a $35 discount using code PRBLOG

If you have a Munchkin Nappy Disposal System or end up buying one using these discounts I’d love to know how you go with it.

Winners - Moltex Eco & Bumboo

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:10:00 +0000

Congratulations to the winners of our Moltex Eco Disposable Sample Packs - barebelliedyeoh, Karen and Dimitra. Please email me your address details thenappyspot (at) gmail.com so we can get your prize sent out to you asap.

Congratulations also to Sabrina who has won a Bumboo OSFM Printed Pocket. Please email me at thenappyspot (at) gmail.com and let me know your address details along with your preferred print. There has been a slight delay in shipping of these beautiful hand-printed nappies and they are now expected mid to late August so your prize will be delivered as soon as possible.

Win - Sydney Organic Expo & Green Show Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:25:00 +0000

Even if you don’t live in Sydney you’ve probably heard of the Organic Expo & Green Show. It’s returning for its 7th year on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August and promises to delight as always.

With over 200 exhibitors and a host of celebrity guest demonstrations including chefs like Kylie Kwong & Tobie Puttok, gardening gurus like Costas Georgiadis and Jerry Coleby-Williams. Plus a demonstration by beauty chef Carla Oates who is amazing and will show you how to make skincare products at home from stuff you would normally find in your fridge (look at her wonderful blog here).

I love the Organic Expo & Green Show and would normally fly down to Sydney for the experience, this year we unfortunately have other commitments so I’m relying on our competition winners to make me thoroughly jealous by telling me what a wonderful time they had.

We have three double passes to give away, each double pass is valued at $36 and is valid for either Saturday August 6 or Sunday August 7th.

For your chance to win one of these double passes, visit www.organicexpo.com.au and then come back here to tell me one of the wonderful things they have on and let me know if you’d be willing to write a short review of the expo to be posted over on our sister site Beyond the Bump.

Please only enter if you live within driving distance of and/or plan to be in Sydney on the weekend of the show.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Like Organic Expo & Green Show on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Follow Organic Expo on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway: Win a double pass to the Sydney @organicexpo at @thenappyspot http://thenappyspot.blogspot.com #win #giveaway
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 30th of June. Open internationally, but please remember to only enter if you live within driving distance of and/or plan to be in Sydney on the weekend of the show. Good Luck!

Cloth Nappy Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Navigating the world of Cloth Nappies is hard, there are many brands – from the well known mass marketed brands to the exclusive work at home mum ones that are often waitlisted for months in advance and once you’ve decided on a brand, gone through the pre- wash process and got the nappy on that sweet little bum there’s no guarantee that it will fit, leak or even last.

So how do you decide? There are sites like The Nappy Spot of course, where I can give you my opinion on a nappy and how it fits on my son and we’re a wonderful resource for seeking out new product and old favourites, we run giveaways that get these nappies into your hands for a free trial but how do you decide on your workhorse nappy so you can take advantage of the bulk buy discounts? How do you decide when you’re pregnant and you don’t even know what shape your baby is going to be?

Sisters and owners of Darlings Downunder Fiona and Catherine have created a website designed at helping you navigate this world. Cloth Nappy Reviews is a website where Nappy Retailers can add their products and the mums that have bought and used these nappies can review them.

Comments are left by reviewers so you can have a great read through and ratings are left on a number of features of the nappies that include Design, Absorbance, Fit, Ease of Use, Quality and Pricing and an overall rating is calculated with the averages displayed.

This is a great tool and becoming more and more useful as Nappy Brands add their products and more mums add reviews. Pop over to Cloth Nappy Reviews and review your favourite (or least favourite) brands.

Win – Moltex Eco-Disposable Nappies

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 +0000

I use cloth nappies on my son but I am in no way militant about cloth nappy use. I’m not a hippy crunchy mamma but I do try where possible to ensure that what is used on or around my son is chemical free and organic.

I use cloth because of reported links between disposable use and infertility later in life. We have struggled and fought to bring D into this world and we are currently fighting to get him a sibling, it’s a horrid process that turns something beautiful (creating a new life) into a regimented process of needles, blood tests, exams, operations and petri dishes. I don’t wish that on anyone and there is no way I want it for my son. So I use cloth, most of the time. There are times where cloth is next to impossible and there are times where cloth is just too difficult and at those times I turn to the eco-disposable.

There are a number of eco-disposable brands on the market but most recently I have been using Moltex Eco Nappies. Free from TBT, antioxidants, lotions and perfumes, Moltex Eco Nappies are wonderful for children with sensitive skin or eczema. Super absorbent with an excellent fit, they are the only nappy in Australia to be awarded the prestigious Australian Good Environmental Choice Award (GECA) which means they are the most eco friendly nappy currently available. Moltex Eco Nappies offset all carbon emissions with the Greening Australia Breathe Easy program and a donation is made to Trees for Life for every box sold in Australia so not only are the nappies biodegradable and chlorine free, they’re environmentally responsible too!

Available from ECOdirect Moltex Eco Nappies come in 5 sizes to fit babies from 3kg to 30kgs.

Thanks to the lovely team at ECOdirect we have 5 Moltex Sample Packs each consisting of 10 nappies + MOLTEX VIP Club discount card, WOTNOT Travel Wipes and 25 nappy bags to give away. For your chance to win visit ECOdirect and come back here to tell me what size Moltex nappy would fit your baby and what your favourite other product is in their store.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway [Win a Moltex Eco Disposable Sample pack at @thenappyspot http://www.thenappyspot.blogspot.com]
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 1st July. Open to Australian residents only. Good Luck!

On Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Baby Soft Landings - www.babysoftlandings.com.au
Check out their sales category and find Baby BeeHinds Multi-Fits for just $25 and much more.

Cheeky Butts - www.realnappies.com.au
Pre Expo Sale - For every three nappies or boosters you add to your cart you will get the third one FREE, enter the code EXPOSALE at checkout.

Cloth & Craft - www.clothncraft.com.au
End of Financial Year Sale - Visit for reductions of up to 30% storewide

Bamboo Babies - www.bamboobabies.com.au
They'll no longer be stocking nappy products so everything must go, visit their Nappies & Accessories category for crazy discounts on Bonnibuns, Baby BeeHinds, Rockin'Green and Bambooty.

Win – Bumboo OSFM Printed Pocket

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:38:00 +0000

I’m on a nappy buying ban, my husband feels that at nearly 100 nappies (not including smaller sizes in storage) we have far too many. I agree with him mostly but occasionally I come across something that we just have to have and I sneak a purchase through.

Bumboo Front Snap Pockets are a OSFM nappy, designed to fit your baby from birth to potty training. Known for their super-quick drying, Bumboo nappies have customisable absorbency with bamboo and microfibre inserts or they can be used with flats or prefolds instead of the inserts. Already a well known and favoured brand in their standard white, Bumboo have recently launched four fun prints to expand their range.

These gorgeous prints are available in the Bumboo Nappy Covers as well as the Front Snap Pockets, pre-orders are being taken now with nappies being shipped in mid-July. I have ordered my son the Stampede print, he has a thing for ‘ants’ (Elephants) and just loves anything with them on so I couldn’t resist adding at least one to our stash.

Thanks to the wonderful team at Bumboo we have one of their Printed Front Snap Pocket Nappies to give away. Simply visit www.bumboo.com.au and then come back here to tell me one of the other products they stock along with your favourite print.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Like Bumboo on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway [Win a Bumboo OSFM Front Snap Nappy in one of their fun new prints at @thenappyspot http://www.thenappyspot.blogspot.com]
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 20th June. Open to Australian residents. Good Luck!

Real Nappies Intro Pack Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:26:00 +0000

Our Real Nappies Intro Pack Winner is Natalie from QLD, congratulations!

Natalie, email me at thenappyspot (at) gmail.com with your address so the wonderful team at Real Nappies can post your prize out to you. Don't forget to let me know the size that would best fit your baby - Newborn size is for the first 12 weeks, Infant size is for 3 to 6 months, Crawler for 6 to 18 months and Toddler size for 18 months and older.

Win - Seedling Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Sun, 22 May 2011 11:51:00 +0000

One of the things I love most about the modern cloth nappy industry is how innovative the industry is. There are so many mums who are constantly inventing, re-developing and improving and we as the consumer end up the winner with a wide variety of modern cloth nappies to suit any baby shape & size and any budget.

Recently launched Seedling Baby nappies are part of this innovative trend. Designed in Australia, these One Size Fits Most pocket nappies are ethically made in China to a high standard of quality, they are simple to use, effective and most importantly, they are affordable.

We’ve had a rough few weeks in The Nappy Spot household and my son has spent a few nights at Nanny & Granddads house which means the Seedling Baby nappy has gone through the toughest test I know – the grandparent change test. My mum is extremely supportive of our cloth nappying but I still tend to make sure the nappies I give her are the easiest to use so that she doesn’t resort to the disposables she has in the cupboard. The Seedling Baby nappies are extremely easy to use, Mum had no problems and even Dad managed a change (which is a huge deal, my dad does not change nappies).

Twin gusseted, with a slim crotch for a trim fit, Seedling Baby nappies have a soft suedecloth inner, breathable PUL outer and bamboo inserts ensuring a cool, dry and comfortable fit for your little one.

The Seedling Baby stylish gingham prints are currently available in four unisex colours – Blackberry (black), Raspberry (red), Honeydew (green) and Pineapple (yellow) with a choice of Snap or Velcro fastening Seedling Baby OSFM nappies are a must for trendy little bottoms.

Thanks to the girls at Seedling Baby we have one of their gorgeous nappies to give away, for entry simply visit www.seedlingbaby.com.au and come back here to tell me one of the features of Seedling Baby nappies.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Like Seedling Baby on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway [Win a OSFM nappy from Seedling Baby at @thenappyspot http://www.thenappyspot.blogspot.com]
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 6th June. Open to Australian residents. Good Luck!

On Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Booty Crawl - http://www.bootycrawl.com.au/
Buy any 3 groVia shells and get one free. Use code GVSHELL at checkout Prefert to try the groVia AIO’s instead? Use code GVAIO.
Expires 31st May

Baby BeeHinds - http://www.babybeehinds.com.au/
Buy any two of the listed items and the teem at Baby BeeHinds will pack a third surprise item - free!

Baby BeeHinds Hemp Fitteds- only $14.50 each
Magic-Alls AIOs (smooth outer, w/ velco)- only $14.50 each
Baby BeeHinds Night Nappies- $30.00 each
Baby BeeHinds Bamboo Fold-Ups- $6.60 each
Baby BeeHinds Petite Inserts- $8.00 each
Magic-Alls Multi-Fit (Version 1.0)- $25.00 each

Expires 24th May (while stocks last)

Baby Blossom - www.babyblossom.com.au

May Special - Blueberry One Sized Minky Pocket nappies $31.99
Blueberry Side Snap Minky Pocket Nappies Under $30
Mandy Mac - MacTropic Buy one get one free!
Blueberry Minky Wetbags 40% off
and Bummis are on sale too!

Expires 31st May

Cloth & Craft - www.clothncraft.com.au
Buy any 3 groVia shells or AIO and get one free!
Expires 31st May

Only a few days left on this one but it’s huge!!! - BIG Baby BeeHinds Sale. (expires 20th May). 20% off product prices + 5% Newsletter Subscriber’s Discount (you need to be subscribed!) + 10% Bulk discount (if you purchase 3 or more BBH products)!!

Happy Shopping!

Win - Real Nappies Intro Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:05:00 +0000

I’ve found that the key to effectively cloth nappying my son is to have some variety in my nappy stash and I’m a big fan of prefolds – they’re easy to use, highly customisable, wonderful for when you have a sick child (more on that later) and they’re great boosters or replacement inserts for your current nappies. I find them particularly useful when D is sick, using the liquid poo fold and a snappi I can ensure that no matter how grumbly his tummy is, cleanup is easy and the mess is contained – even when we have had blowouts with other cloth nappies.

I was recently introduced to the Real Nappies Prefold System and it came at the perfect time for us as D has been ill this week and I really got to give them a workout. Incredibly easy to use, the system consists of a cotton prefold nappy insert and a PUL wrap with flushable liners, boosters and nappy sanitiser also available.

Real Nappies are New Zealand's #1 cloth nappy brand, (As voted by parents in the OHbaby! Awards), they are the choice of maternity hospitals with a hospital in New Zealand recommending their use and giving all parents of newborns the option of using Real Nappies and they are the only reusable cloth nappy brand to be sold in supermarkets.

We’ve had miserable weather lately and I’ve struggled to get nappies dry on the clothes horse inside, especially as I was going through so many with D being ill and I was delighted that the Real Nappies Prefolds required less drying time than our usual workhorse nappy so were back on his bum quickly. I’m really happy with the Real Nappies Prefold system and will be adding some of the next size up to my stash, ready for D to grow into.

Real Nappies are available in a variety of nappy packs from a Birth to Potty system that contains all you will need to take one child (or two children of different ages) from birth to toilet training to a Intro Pack that contains that you need for an introduction to the Real Nappies prefold system – 1 Snug Wrap Nappy Cover, 1 Cloth Nappy Insert, 1 Bioliner Nappy Liner and a helpful leaflet that shows you three folds for the Real Nappies System. Thanks to the team at Real Nappies, I have one of these Intro Packs to give away.

For your chance to win a Real Nappies Starter Pack (in a size to fit your baby) please visit your local Real Nappies Website (AUS http://www.real-nappies.com.au/, NZ: http://realnappies.co.nz/) and come back here to let me know what your favourite Snug Wrap colour is.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Like Real Nappies on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Follow Real Nappies on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway [Win a Intro Pack from @real_nappies at @thenappyspot http://www.thenappyspot.blogspot.com]
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 18th May. Open to Australian & New Zealand residents. Good Luck!

Think your baby is model material?

Real Nappies are looking for the next face + bootie of New Zealand's #1 cloth nappy brand (As voted by parents in the OHbaby! Awards), enter your baby's photo to be in for a chance to be crowned the 2011 Real Nappies baby and star in their photoshoot with Auckland's favourite baby photographer, Sam Mothersole, plus there’s over $2000 worth of prizes to be won. For full details + entries go to http://www.real-nappies.com.au/babyhunt. Competition Closes May 22nd.

The Great Cloth Nappy Change

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:01:00 +0000

In celebration of Earth Day, thousands of parents around the world will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for most cloth nappies changed simultaneously.

When: 2am, Sunday 24th April

Where: Wonthaggi Town Hall, The Foyer, Baillieu Street East, Wonthaggi, Victoria 3922
Wonthaggi is in Victoria-about a 30 minute drive from Philip Island or one and a half hour drive from Melbourne.

RSVP (or for more information): Australian Great Cloth Diaper Challenge Event Page.

Any 100% reusable cloth nappy can be used if it can be purchased online or at a physical retail store. Babies can arrive at the event in disposables as long as they are changed into a commercially available cloth nappy as part of the event.

A minimum of 25 participants are required for the Australian event to count towards the worldwide total so if you live near Wonthaggi please try to attend, there are wonderful momento bags for each participant and two lucky door prizes to be won.

Momento Bags will include:

A cloth nappy with two inserts from OzNappies
A discount voucher for a Professional Restraint Fitting Services from Hire for Baby – Bass Coast
Promotional material from Green Me Oz
A discount voucher from Monkey Doodlez
Flushable liners, a discount voucher and an information booklet from Darlings Downunder
Leaflets from MyGreenNappy
A discount voucher from MandyMac
A newborn stretch lace headband from Nanna and Mum's Crafts
A discount voucher from Green Chickadee
An information booklet from Baby Beehinds
A sample from Rockin' Green (provided they arrive from America in time)
and much, more as sponsors are signing up daily!

Each doorprize includes a bag, a Nanna and Mum's Crafts 100% Wool Handknitted cover (donated by Nanna and Mums' Crafts), and a MandyMac Hemp AIO and a snappi (donated by MandyMac).

Don't use cloth? e-mail Sue & Vee at greatclothdiaperchangeaustralia@live.com.au and they’ll provide you with nappies for the event!

No baby but still want to help? They’re also still in need of an impartial cloth nappy expert and an upstanding member of the community to supervise the event, email Sue & Vee at greatclothdiaperchangeaustralia@live.com.au if you think you can help.

Can’t make it this year? Keep an eye on the Great Cloth Diaper Chance Australia facebook page for information on how to be part of the unofficial count and news of next years event.

Sweet Pea Diaper Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:43:00 +0000

The winner of our Sweet Pea Diaper giveaway from Darlings Downunder is Candice E.

Congratulations Candice, please email me at thenappyspot (at) gmail.com with your address so the wonderful girls at Darlings Downunder can post your prize out to you.

Mandy Mac MacTropic Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:00:00 +0000

The winner of our Mandy Mac MacTropic giveaway is Sky!

Congratulations Sky, please email me at thenappyspot (at) gmail.com with your address so I can pop your prize in the post.

A huge thank you to everyone for your patience with this announcement, as I updated briefly on our facebook page, I took some time out to take my son to spend some time with a terminally ill family member so we’re a bit behind.

Win - Sweet Pea Diaper

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:01:00 +0000

One of the things I hate most about nappies is washing them, especially after daycare. The girls at daycare are generally really good with supporting cloth nappies but not all remember to remove the insert from D’s nappies before putting them into the nappy bag and not all of the girls remember to rinse the nappies - I really hate having to reach into the bag and pull out all the inserts before washing.

I had no idea there was an easier way until the wonderful girls at Darlings Downunder introduced me to the Sweet Pea Diaper, a One Size Sleeve-Style Pocket Nappy that has revolutionised my nappying experience. A sleeve-style pocket nappy gives you all the benefits of having a pocket nappy (fast drying, customisable absorbency) without having to physically remove the inserts before you wash – the front and rear openings of a sleave style nappy allow the inserts to agitate out during the wash cycle which is perfect for a girl like me who hates touching a dirty insert (especially if it has had time to ‘ripen’).

I have to say when I first read that the inserts came out in the wash (a holy grail of nappying for me) I was sceptical that it would really work during everyday use, but it does. I’ve washed this nappy more times than I care to count, throwing it in with all sorts of loads and the insert always comes out – even when I’ve tried to be tricky and stuffed the nappy with a pre-fold or insert from another brand.

The Sweet Pea Diaper is a trim fitting nappy with adjustable snaps that will take your child from birth to toilet training. A lightweight PUL outer is supported by stretch leg elastic and mini gussets that help keep leaks at bay and the microfleece inner is super soft against baby’s skin.

Available at Darlings Downunder, the Sweet Pea One Size Pocket Nappy is available with two microfibre inserts for $19.95, for more absorbency there is the option to have one hemp and one microfibre insert for $23.95 and for those heavy wetters an additional bamboo insert can be purchased for $6.50.

Economical without compromising on quality, the Sweet Pea Diaper is my new favourite daycare and nappy bag nappy, a must have for any stash.

For your chance to win a Sweet Pea Diaper from Darlings Downunder, visit www.darlingsdownunder.com.au and then come back here to let me know what is your favourite other product from their range.

Get extra entries for doing any of the following (make sure you leave a comment to tell me what you’ve done – one for each please):

Follow this blog through google, networked blogs or bloglovin (links in sidebar to the right)
Subscribe to our RSS feed
Like The Nappy Spot on Facebook
Like Darlings Downunder on Facebook
Follow The Nappy Spot on Twitter
Follow Darlings Downunder on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway [Win a Sweet Pea Nappy from @DarlingsDownund at @thenappyspot http://www.thenappyspot.blogspot.com]
Sign up to the Darlings Downunder Newsletter
Grab our button for your blog or website (make sure you leave us the URL)
Blog about the contest linking to this entry (make sure you leave us the URL)

This competition will run until midnight on the 5th of April. Open to Australian residents only. Good Luck!