As a first time mum, it didn't take me long to notice the massive amounts of used disposable nappies heading for landfill each week from our place. And while disposables are an amazingly useful (and absorbent) invention when it comes to changing a wriggly baby's bum, especially when out and about, substituting for reusable cloth poo-catchers for at least part of the time, seemed to me to be an ecologically sound alternative.

And so I braved the notorious white terry towelling squares, pins and pilchers, and what can I say..... with all their bulk, bagginess and leaking, there had to be a better way! After all, this is the 21st Century...

After hours of internet research my mind boggled with the various options for latest in modern cloth nappies, nappy 'systems', PUL covers, bamboo inserts, fitted cotton nappies, all-in-ones, pre-folds etc etc. So i'm going to leave the nappy low down to the experts (click here for a comprehensive review) and in the meantime show you a modern cloth alternative that I am so far pleased with.

Here is my PUL (polyurethane laminate) nappy cover by Baby BeeHinds. I bought it for AU$11.50 from Darlings Downunder internet store. These stretchy covers are made from a 'breathable' waterproof Polyurethane Laminate sandwiched between 2 layers of polyester knit fabric. A 21st Century upgrade from the old 'el cheapo' plastic pants of generations past. PUL is a popular choice for a cover as it allows moisture from within the nappy to evaporate, helping to keep bub cooler and drier.

I have found it to be soft and stretchy, and it forms a snug fit around baby's legs. They are a smidge bulkier than disposables but fit comfortably under modern baby clothes and still allow full movement without leaking. In terms of wear and tear this product seems quite durable with quality velcro tabs and is suitable for machine washing (just remember to fasten the 'laundry tabs' to prevent snagging in the wash).

For the nappy I bought a dozen unbleached cotton prefold nappies from Darlings Downunder for AU$3 each (they posted them to me). They are cotton fabric squares divided into 3 equal portion's. The middle portion has an extra layer sewn in for absorbency. You can fold them in the traditional manner or simply fold them into thirds and use as a 'pad' inside a nappy cover (which is what I do). I have found this method to be so much easier than folding and pins. 

You have to change baby one or two more times per day as the cotton pads are not as absorbent as the disposable nappies, but they are chemical free, reusable and don't cost the Earth!

I use two PUL covers at a time, alternating during the day and letting one air out while using the other. They air out really well and do not smell at all. I also chuck in a biodegradable nappy liner (when I remember) to make for easy disposable of solid food poo's, but even if you do forget, fling the poo into the loo, then the pooey nappies go into a nappy bucket with water & bi-carb soda until ready for washing. I hang them out on the line to dry and get bleached by the sun (removes any marks). The cotton pre-folds actually become softer after each wash which is great.

I use my cloth nappies when I am home with bub, and save disposables for outings. There is an increasing number of biodegradable disposable nappies entering the market which are worth keeping an eye out for. I recently read an ECO nappy review in the September Issue of G Magazine and some brands to look out for include Nature Babycare (Woolies), Babylove Ecobots (www.neco.com.au), Moltex (www.ecodirect.com.au), and Bamboo Nature by Nordic (www.nordicnappies.com.au).

Here is another one of my cloth nappies - Zappy Nappy made locally in Australia. Beautiful and soft this fitted nappy is great for nights as it is quite absorbent and you can add extra pads. It comes with a PUL cover also. This is a 'one size fits all' nappy and super adjustable. My covers come in various sizes but I have made do so far with just 2 small's and then 2 mediums. Baby Bel is 9kilo's now and the medium still fits well, and I plan to re-use my nappies and covers for the next baby or babies! It pays to keep this in mind when choosing colours and patterns - unisex is probably preferable if you intend to share between siblings of opposite sex.

I found these in the cleaning aisle at the supermarket - biodegradable cleaning wipes - Ive found that they can double as nappy liners or 'make your own' baby wipes. Just cut them up to the desired size and away you go.

To make your own baby wipes try making up a solution of chamomile tea and olive or sweet almond oil, soak the wipes, drain off the excess then store in a lunch box style container ready for use (you could also add a few drops of Lavender or tea-tree oil). A solution of bath wash and moisturing cream also works well, or you could try using a roll of recycled paper towel dipped in the solution. Ive found that even just plain old H20 in a spray bottle and a face washer works fine (or any soft fabric remnants), then throw the washer into the nappy bucket with the nappies. Even the biodegradable wipes can be washed and reused (I usually throw the pooey ones!).

And so there you have it - one mothers guide to a cloth nappy alternative. So get creative - reduce waste - every little bit helps!