Mel and Gail both live in Hamilton (NZ) - Actually both were born there too!  This is a mother and daughter team that have worked together to create this Natural Cloth Nappy Store.  Their main target is to open a retail outlet, offering product to view, touch and discuss, but locating that special store is proving to be not that easy.  This online store is created to offer their product to all of NZ.  If you live in Hamilton, please feel free to contact either of them for a personal viewing of this special product....

Mel is Mum to Jakeb.  Jakeb is ‘sensitive’ to man-made fabrics and has been the main reason for sourcing alternative fabrics for his cloth nappy.  As Mel is not able to use PUL or Micro Fleece on his outers (even fold over elastic could not be used) – she has had to resort to Wool as that protective layer and it works wonderfully along with good absorbent inner layers. He has proven to be the ultimate test for any nappy, especially if you desire to keep your nappy ‘natural’ and environmentally friendly. Please be reassured that it is possible.  Mel sews and knits to meet her own nappy needs when ever possible and is happy to encourage, support and advise if requested, anyone who wishes to do the same. 

She also dyes (natural) her wools to get that uniqueness that we all desire.

“Using Disposables was never an issue for me, with a Nursing background and strong Environmetal beliefs, I wanted cloth. Mum made up the Modern Cloth version, and added this to the stash that my sister Leanne sent up from Christchurch and I went from there.  With Jakeb's allergies (Yes there is a family of us!) I am now very glad that I used cloth right from the start. I have had no problems with cloth, once Jakeb's personal needs were established.  This is something to keep in mind.  You and your baby will have personal preferences.  Big bellies, small bellies, big thighs, small thighs, big wetters, explosive pooers, they all mean that not every nappy will suit but there will be one.  One user that we know can not stand the noise created by Velcro, so its snaps for her!  But a lot of Dads (Big hands) don’t cope with the snaps, so need to use Velcro. Stay opened minded and you will find the version that suits you.  For me Jakeb has to have Natural fabrics and I use woollen knitted soakers over the top—I knit and dye my own. I have sewn up recycled woollen soakers and snappies also. But I love the Bamboo and so does he, when it comes to what really does the job.  One Terry Nappy and soaker, see him through the night! I was excited the day I found a supplier and was able to import them and share them with you all—I am sure you will get as much from these nappies as I have…”

 Postscript (November 2008) Jakeb (27months) is toilet trained! He is dry daytime since 20months and nighttime for 1 month now (i think it was delayed due to me not him!) So how is this for the theory - cloth can help your toddler toilet train sooner - Jakeb only ever had Bamboo fabric against his skin, he got the message, (but will you?)

 

Gail is mum to five children (Her youngest daughter being Mel) – all were nappied in the old fashioned ‘flat’ cloth nappy—”those were the days  -  if only there had been a better choices!” Gail is Grandma to eight grandsons and 2 granddaughters. Each grandchild has been or is currently using cloth. Thankfully trends have changed and the latest 6 grandchildren have had the pleasure of modern cloth nappies.  Gail is very supportive of not only her children but, anyone who wishes to use cloth nappies – not only targeting the environment issues, but the health issues, plus of course the financial.  “There is no reason for anyone to waste their hard earned wages on throwaway nappies, it takes very little effort and a small amount of organisation to manage your washing schedule.  Everyone is capable of organising their day to wash a small load of nappies.  I’m not going to say –we did it—we had no choice, but  we also gave it no thought.  It was not an option to spend money on those grotty disposables that were available.  Sure they have come a long way since then, but I dread to think what it is doing to our environment.  I am sure I would prefer to know what I was putting onto my precious baby’s bottom and we all now know that the skin absorbs a lot more than we originally understood.  My children had sensitive (allergies) skin and I had to be very careful what I used.  I also used the fine knitted woollen triangle inserts that are still available today.  There is nothing wrong with the flats—if this is all you can afford to start your nappy wardrobe with, but invest in the overnaps, save yourself the leaks and wet bedding and clothing—this will reduce your washing loads.

Baby Cuddles © 2007