Nappies!! I wonder how many of those I have changed over the years? I shudder to think! Not the most fun or glamorous part of being a parent, is it?
My babies are now nearly 16 and 13. So it’s been a while since I had to change a nappy! Back then, I used the old fashioned terry towelling squares, nappy pins, pvc pilchers (yikes!) and washers at home. Disposables and baby wipes were used when we went out. These days there are so many better options, both environmentally and logistically. It’s actually pretty exciting to see what has been developed.
So what are Modern Cloth Nappies (or MCNs)?
Modern cloth nappies basically combine the convenience and design of a disposable nappy into a reusable cloth nappy. So you get the benefits of both! These ones pictured are made from cloth, with a waterproof outer, elastic legs and waist, absorbent inserts and snaps for closing. It will depend on the brand as to the features.
What are the benefits of using MCNs?
1. CHEAPER. Let’s not beat around the bush, having kids is expensive! If you can save thousands of dollars using these, why wouldn’t you? It’s a one-off expense, plus laundering, but in the long run, it’s a lot cheaper than buying disposable nappies.
2. ECO-FRIENDLY. As a rough estimate, 2 billion disposable nappies go to landfill each year in Australia. (Ibis World 2009). Not cool. Apart from the landfill and carbon emission problem, there is also the environmental impact of manufacturing of the disposable nappies and their poor decomposition rate to consider.
3. TOXIN-FREE. Did you know disposable nappies can contain a toxic cocktail of chemicals that get absorbed straight into your precious bundle’s blood stream? Sodium Polyacrylate, Dioxin, Pthalates, Heavy Metals, and more may be present in your nappy. There is also concern that childhood asthma may be linked to inhaling the emissions from disposable nappies. You can see that Pub Med study here.
4. LESS NAPPY RASH. Without the plastic and chemicals, the incidence of nappy rash on baby’s bums in reduced. MCNs allow the skin to breathe better and avoid sweaty, uncomfortable bubs.
Introducing…. Cloth Nappies Direct
I have known Stefanie Samuel for a while now and have worked with her before. Last year, she told me all about the new venture with her husband, Illan : Cloth Nappies Direct.
“I always knew I’d nappy my baby in cloth, it’s just who I am. But I was not impressed with the high prices of modern cloth nappies (MCNs). $30 plus for 1 nappy seemed steep to me, but, I figured, I would just have to be smart, shopping on sale, and purchasing carefully. We started our baby on the traditional flat cloth towel nappies – our washing line would be a sea of white every day, and my husband would fold them while watching TV at night. I had purchased a few MCNs to try once baby was bigger (she had tiny little thighs). Somewhere along our cloth nappy journey, my entrepreneurial husband said, “why don’t you just find a manufacturer and make your own?” And a new business idea was born!” Stefanie
Stefanie and Illan make their MCNs and sell directly via their website – there is no other distributor, wholesaler or retailer involved, so the cost is significantly lower than most MCNs. In fact, most of their nappies are $14.95, with savings to be had when purchased in bulk. They make a ‘one size fits most’ nappy, with snaps at different positions so you can adjust as bubs grows. That makes it a lot more affordable to go the eco-friendly way!
They have also been getting a lot of great feedback from happy MCN mums. The no-leaks feature seems to be a big hit – well, that’s understandable I guess!
Stefanie
I’m really excited about MCNs! Now that I understand more about them, thanks to Stefanie, I am telling all my new mumma friends to get into them. I also love the fact that the nappy doubles as bottoms as they come in funky colours and prints. Whack on a t-shirt and you are good to go out! No need for extra clothes. Winning.
It’s the way of the future – saving our planet, cutting out chemicals and being more economical. It almost makes me want to have another baby to get to use them. Nah………… not quite!
Special Offer:
Stefanie is advertising with me on the blog now and I am thrilled to help her spread the word about MCNs! (See her ad up there on the right). If you click the ad, it will take you through to a special offer on the Cloth Nappies Direct website, just for NNAM readers. You get a FREE nappy with your first order over $10. It’s a great way to try them out.
Giveaway:
This giveaway has now closed. The winner was Jessie!
How to enter:
♥ Make sure you are a blog subscriber (add your email to the top right box)
♥ LIKE Cloth Nappies Direct on Facebook. Go here.
♥ Comment on this blog post, telling us what colour or print you would like in the cloth nappy and which of the three prints you would like in the swim nappy! IE so you might decide KERMIT and HAPPY HAWAIIAN. You get to choose!
Terms and Conditions: Australian residents only. Winner will be chosen via random.org from those meeting the entry requirements. Giveaway closes on 14th of November at midnite. Winner will be emailed and announced on this blog post. Good Luck!
{This post is sponsored}
i love the emerald peacock swim print and the butterflies nappy print
Cashed up (cos I will be when I stop buying disposable nappies) and Blue Lagoon!
Fantastic opportunity thank you!!
Party In The Aviary & Emerald Peacock
I love the fairground and emerald peacock. Thankyou!! 🙂
Cloth nappies are awesome. I used them for all my 3 children. As I made them from hemp & bamboo I can compost them now that the youngest is toilet training. They save so much money and aren’t at all difficult to look after.
I’m not entering the competition as my youngest is out of nappies now but I was addicted to MCN when they were in nappies. I had a whole boy stash for my son (who is now 8). When my daughter was born I said I would just buy one “girly” nappy. Well you can guess what happened – about 6 months later my boy stash had been completely replaced by pretty, girly nappies. They are great to show off under skirts! Once you get in the routine of washing it’s easy (even for me working 4 days per week) and no chemicals on our children’s skin.
I love the bright sunshine nappy and Emersld swim nappy
This is such a great give away and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I would love the under the sea cloth nappy and the blue lagoon swim nappy. Thank you for the opportunity to enter and hopefully win 😀
How wonderful and couldn’t come at a better time as I have a newborn! Love the Bumblebee or Bubblegum nappy and Emerald Peacick but would be stoked with any of them really 🙂
This sounds like a great idea!
Blue for the cloth nappy and Blue Lagoon for the swim nappy please!
We are a cloth nappy family and love them! Originally we decided to use them for the environmental reasons but the savings are really significant! My little man is just about to turn two and had horrible nappy rash from disposables when he was too little to fit the mcns I had ready to use. When you start looking into the chemicals and crap that goes into the disposable nappies, it’s a no brainer really!
There’s nothing cuter than a fluffy cloth nappy bottom!
I like party in the aviary and happy Hawaiian. Thanks for this opportunity:)
Hard to choose just one but leopard and emerald peacock.
We are a family with 2 children and used disposables with our first due to the pricey initial outlay.
But this time round I have been able to buy In sales etc
It’s great to see someone making it affordable to make cloth nappies affordable!
They are all gorgeous! But love the emerald peacock and butterflies
Bumblebee is so cute and Emerald Peacock is my favourite swim nappy.
denim and blue lagoon thanks. 🙂
We love cloth and am always looking for the perfect mcn. Would love to try these. <3
I would love the ‘Red Robin’ nappy and the ‘Blue Lagoon’ swim nappy! My second baby is due in December and I’m finally getting prepared with MCN’s! 🙂
Butterflies and Emerald Peacock – Love them!
Oh Bumble bee and blue Hawain please. 🙂
Thanks for the opportunity about to have first bub so these would be great!
Kermit & Emerald Peacock
Are these “all-in-ones” or “all-in-twos”, or something else? Couldn’t find the info on the website.
Our first is due in Feb and it’s wonderful to see a more affordable MCN, their bulk packs especially are amazing value!
I don’t mind sponsored posts when the product is so rad 🙂 thanks NNAM
Not sure what the difference is? They are a pocket nappy, so have an absorbent insert. Is that what you mean? I only do sponsored posts for cool stuff!! 😛
hahaha I know you do, you rock 😀
from what I understand, all-in-ones you wash the whole thing each time the nappy is used.
All-in-twos you wash the insert and replace, so you can use the outer shell more than once in a row before washing.
I don’t know though – I’m a novice!!! Any MCN Mums out there know if this is right?
Cheers
Oh, and I would looove the Butterflies and the Emerald Peacock – although they are all adorable 🙂
I will ask Stefanie!! 😀
Our nappies are pocket nappies.
What’s the difference between a ‘pocket nappy’ and other modern cloth nappies?
A pocket nappy has a simple pocket between the waterproof cover and the nappy inner lining, into which an absorbent insert is placed. This means quick drying times as the inserts (the most absorbent part of the nappy, requiring the longest drying time) can be separated from the covers after washing. The pocket nappy system also allows you to add more or less absorbency as required for your baby’s needs. Simply push an extra insert into the pocket.
A pocket nappy is sometimes confused with an ‘all in two’ nappy. An ‘all in two’ nappy is where the absorbent section is laid down straight into the cover (not inside a pocket) and is in direct contact with baby’s skin. The benefits of a pocket nappy in this situation is that the inner lining of a pocket nappy is made from suedecloth, a fabric that quickly wicks the moisture away from baby’s skin and into the microfiber insert. This should reduce the chance of nappy rash when compared to an ‘all in two’ nappy.
Thank you so much for explaining the difference 🙂
Appreciate the input. Oh, and stephanie, your nappies are adorable!!!
I love the Beige Safari and Emerald Peacock
I wish I had of known about MCN’s when my boy was a bub. Now that we are trying for number two (7 years later!) I will have to start buying some – I can see an obsession starting!
I love “stripes patchwork” and “emerald peacock”
Pink Safari and Emerald Peacock please!
Butterflies and Emerald-peacock please
Baby blue & puzzle play please
Emerald Peacock and Fairground are my faves! 🙂
I Love the Fairground Print and the Emerald Peacock. so pretty
Love Cloth nappies and like Stephanie we just knew that using cloth is what we were and are going to do. We use primarily cotton prefolds with a few AIOs in the mix. So easy to use and care for. Love the Hoot hoot blue print and the Emerald Peacock swim nappy. Glad to see cloth nappies tickling people’s interest.
Thanks for the info, I have never used cloth nappies before but after reading your blog I ordered my first two & are now excited to give them a try.I love the Happy Hawaiian swim print & I think the Red Robin nappy will be fantastic over the holiday season 😀
Crazy to think I’ll soon be up to my ears in baby poop but I cannot wait, and I reckon cloth nappies all the way! I shudder to think of what goes into the other nappies, although I daresay we will have a few here and there on hand for going out.
These nappies are so super cute! Loving the pink polka and blue lagoon.
Rob x
I would chose the Fairgrounds and Emerald Peacock.
Thank you for this great chance to win your beautiful nappies! Love cloth nappies!
MCNs are brilliant and so easy to use, I wish more people would give them a go, at least part time. I’m just coming to the end of close to 5 years of cloth nappies and my total spend was $600. Compared to the $5000 it’s estimated parents spend on disposables, I reckon that’s pretty good!
I would love a Ladybug print cloth nappy and Emerald Peacock swim nappy please
Pink and pink all the way! For my gorgeous baby niece (I have two little boys of my own, no girls though!)
I Love “Party in the Aviary”, so cute! And the Emerald Peacock in the swim nappy!
I love the baby pink and the elephant walk, they are adorable. In the swim range my favourite is happy hawaiian. 🙂