We get a lot of questions about washing modern cloth nappies. We also see the sad results of nappies that are not properly cared for. So here are a few pointers for you.
Detergent
Use a full dose of detergent. You are washing human waste out of your nappies. You need to use enough detergent to get the waste out of the nappies. Detergent breaks down fatty deposits and oils that are in your nappies. These particles if not cleaned will leave you with lingering smells. A full dose of detergent will help keep your nappies in the next shape.
No Quick Wash
The quick wash on your machine is designed for lightly soiled articles. Your nappies are generally not lightly soiled. They need a thorough wash. I have seen many times the result of nappies that are not washed properly. They go grey, the elastics rot and within months they are useless. This is because they are not properly being cleaned and the residues are eating away at the nappies. Ensure you do a proper wash.
Dry thoroughly
Some nappies get a musty smell. We have found this is often in nappies that are not thoroughly dried before being stored for next use. A good airing and drying in the sun helps keep your nappies fresh and clean.
If you get smells
If your cloth nappies get smells I recommend trying the following:
1. Change Detergents
2. Use more detergent (assuming you are using less then a full dose).
3. Do a warm 40-60 degree wash on the nappies. Sometimes a good wash in warm water can bring your nappies up smelling fantastic.
These simple few steps should help bring your nappies back up smelling fresh and clean.
Sunday, 18 January 2015
Friday, 16 January 2015
Baby Bare Magic
I posted over twelve months ago about OSFM nappies and how they fit on babies from birth till toilet training. You can pop over and see that blog here.
As an extension of that article, I am today gathering together a pile of pictures of Baby Bare on different sized babies. Along with these cute pictures, I am listing some pointers to get the best fit on your Baby Bare cloth nappies. These pointers apply to the Teddies and Bare Cub cloth nappies.
Best Fit
1. Always, always pull the nappy up through the groin towards the belly button to stretch the elastics out. Once you've done this, snap the nappy in place. You will find it hard to get a good fit if you just pull the tabs to the side and secure. Pulling the nappy right up will help it sit properly on your child.
2. If you are using a Bare Cub nappy and you find that you get a tummy gap (but the legs are perfect) you can skip a snap on the waist band to give a tighter fit. To do this, snap once for the legs. Then, Skip two snaps on the waist band, and put the third (the most centre snap) into the next hole. You will have one male snap on the waist tab unsnapped, and two female snaps on the front of the nappy empty.
3. Contact us for snap covers if you feel you want to open up your nappy past the third waist snap and need to cover the male snap.
4. Sometimes you may find you get the best fit by snapping the legs onto different settings. This is ok. If the fit works, do it. Each leg does not need to be the same. Your child might be right in between sizes and this can give you the perfect waist measurement and still a great seal around the legs.
5. Make sure the nappy sits in the undie line, not around their thighs. The nappy should sit in the join between the lef and the torso. Otherwise this may lead to leaks and a strange fit.
Now for the fluffy gorgeousness. A pile of Baby Bare fluff on cute little bottoms.
Enjoy,
Jenny
As an extension of that article, I am today gathering together a pile of pictures of Baby Bare on different sized babies. Along with these cute pictures, I am listing some pointers to get the best fit on your Baby Bare cloth nappies. These pointers apply to the Teddies and Bare Cub cloth nappies.
Best Fit
1. Always, always pull the nappy up through the groin towards the belly button to stretch the elastics out. Once you've done this, snap the nappy in place. You will find it hard to get a good fit if you just pull the tabs to the side and secure. Pulling the nappy right up will help it sit properly on your child.
2. If you are using a Bare Cub nappy and you find that you get a tummy gap (but the legs are perfect) you can skip a snap on the waist band to give a tighter fit. To do this, snap once for the legs. Then, Skip two snaps on the waist band, and put the third (the most centre snap) into the next hole. You will have one male snap on the waist tab unsnapped, and two female snaps on the front of the nappy empty.
3. Contact us for snap covers if you feel you want to open up your nappy past the third waist snap and need to cover the male snap.
4. Sometimes you may find you get the best fit by snapping the legs onto different settings. This is ok. If the fit works, do it. Each leg does not need to be the same. Your child might be right in between sizes and this can give you the perfect waist measurement and still a great seal around the legs.
5. Make sure the nappy sits in the undie line, not around their thighs. The nappy should sit in the join between the lef and the torso. Otherwise this may lead to leaks and a strange fit.
Now for the fluffy gorgeousness. A pile of Baby Bare fluff on cute little bottoms.
Enjoy,
Jenny
 |
| 4 Months and 28 Months |
 |
| 2 weeks old, 4 kg |
 |
| 26 Months in a Teddy Bare Side snapper |
 |
| Ten Months |
 |
| 6 Weeks old |
 |
| 9 Months |
 |
| 3 Years old (2 months of being 4) 16.5 kg in an AIO Bare Cub |
 |
| 23 Months |
 |
| 16 Months |
 |
| 3 Years old and 2 Years old |
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
How to customise your Baby Bare Nappies - The Teddy Bare
Here at Baby Bare, we realise every baby has different needs when it comes to cloth nappies. Therefore, every nappy needs to be able to adjust to those needs.
Whether it be a heavy wetter, tummy sleeper, chubby bubba, skinny bubba, toddler, newborn or anything in between, we have OPTIONS.
Our new Teddy nappy is part of growing those options. These nappies stick with the Baby Bare requirements. Trim, low rise, absorbent and affordable.
So how do you use these new nappies the best for your child? Read below for plenty of hints, tips and tricks for the best combination for your baby. Most of these tips can be applied to your Bare Cub nappies as well, so have a read.
Using Side Snaps
If you are new to side snap nappies, there is a few tricks you should know about.
The first one is to pull the insert up over your child first, then pull the cover to go over it. This allows the tabs underneath the front panel to not sit against your child, but rather the insert to do so.
Secondly, snaps the lower snap first. This snap secures around the legs. The higher snap gives you the waist fitting.
When snapping for the waist, you can snap into a different size to what the legs have been snapped into. You can go diagonally back/forward 1 or 2 snap places to give more or less room in the tummy.
Your Looong insert
Your Teddies come with one long 65cm insert. It is suede cloth topped to keep your baby feeling dry. This insert can be folded in so many different ways to help get a good fit on your baby. It snaps into the nappy at the back.
The nappy fit is a combination between the shape and application of the cover, and of the inserts.
We recommend trying a few combinations on your child to work out what you like, and as they grow adjusting the way you assemble your nappy.
The most basic way to use this insert is to fold in half.
If you find you need less insert in the front you can fold more into the back. This will help make the nappy less bulky in the front and give a padded bottom. This is good on little babies who lay on their backs most of the time. While it may appear to create a bump, this becomes much less noticeable when you pull the nappy up and put it on as the fold flows into the front of the nappy.
The smallest users may find a good fit folding the insert into three layers.
Bigger Kids/Toddlers
If your baby is getting to be bigger (toddling), you should assemble the nappy so part of the insert is hanging over at the front (only when not on your child). This is because you are going to stretch the nappy up over the insert when its put on. If you dont do this, the insert will sit too low in the front.
Remember, pull the insert up towards their belly button (not that far though). Then grab your cover and pull it so the elastics are stretched through their groin. Pull the cover outwards to cover your insert and snap onto your child.
If you do not stretch the nappy by pulling it up you will not get the best fit on your child. By pulling the insert first you will find it easier to snap the nappy into place without the insert getting in the way.
Make sure when you put the nappy on you pull the insert up towards their tummy, then pull the nappy to follow and cover the insert. Adjusting where the insert is folded will help you get the insert in the right place in the front. Playing with this perfect fold point on your insert will allow you to get a great fit on your nappies. See below.
Using a Booster
Your long Teddy Insert is extremely absorbent. In the event you feel you need extra boosting I first recommend the invisible insert. This insert allows you to put the extra where you need it.
Tummy Sleeper? Try putting in folded in the front.
Just need more all over? Fold it in half in the nappy.
At nights or for extended use in the nappy you can add the trifold booster into the nappy. This will give you 12 wide layers of 450GSM bamboo fleece.
Small Babies
If you have a small baby and you would prefer to make the nappy less bulky, you have lots of options. You can use the trifold booster as an insert on its own. Fold it up and pop it into the nappy. This will place beautiful soft bamboo fleece against your baby which will work well to grip the newer baby poo and keep them comfortable.
You could try using a Birds Eye Flat. The cover can be used over the top if you want to fold it onto your baby. Alternatively, place it folded up into the nappy and you have a beautifully trim and soft solution for your baby.
Hopefully this guide gives you a few tricks to try to perfect the fit of your nappies on your child. Please do no be overwhelmed by reading it. I suggest playing with the nappies a bit to see how you think you would like to fold them and then adjusting for the best fit on your child. These are all ideas. In the end there are no 'rules'. Have a play, have some fun and find what works the best for you.
We are always here for any help you feel you need.
Jenny
Whether it be a heavy wetter, tummy sleeper, chubby bubba, skinny bubba, toddler, newborn or anything in between, we have OPTIONS.
So how do you use these new nappies the best for your child? Read below for plenty of hints, tips and tricks for the best combination for your baby. Most of these tips can be applied to your Bare Cub nappies as well, so have a read.
 |
| With each Teddy Nappy you receive a Cover and a long 65cm foldable insert |
Using Side Snaps
If you are new to side snap nappies, there is a few tricks you should know about.
The first one is to pull the insert up over your child first, then pull the cover to go over it. This allows the tabs underneath the front panel to not sit against your child, but rather the insert to do so.
Secondly, snaps the lower snap first. This snap secures around the legs. The higher snap gives you the waist fitting.
When snapping for the waist, you can snap into a different size to what the legs have been snapped into. You can go diagonally back/forward 1 or 2 snap places to give more or less room in the tummy.
Your Looong insert
Your Teddies come with one long 65cm insert. It is suede cloth topped to keep your baby feeling dry. This insert can be folded in so many different ways to help get a good fit on your baby. It snaps into the nappy at the back.
 |
| Your Teddy Insert |
The nappy fit is a combination between the shape and application of the cover, and of the inserts.
We recommend trying a few combinations on your child to work out what you like, and as they grow adjusting the way you assemble your nappy.
The most basic way to use this insert is to fold in half.
 |
| Insert folded in half, snapped into your nappy. |
If you find you need less insert in the front you can fold more into the back. This will help make the nappy less bulky in the front and give a padded bottom. This is good on little babies who lay on their backs most of the time. While it may appear to create a bump, this becomes much less noticeable when you pull the nappy up and put it on as the fold flows into the front of the nappy.
The smallest users may find a good fit folding the insert into three layers.
 |
| Triple layer Teddy Insert |
Bigger Kids/Toddlers
If your baby is getting to be bigger (toddling), you should assemble the nappy so part of the insert is hanging over at the front (only when not on your child). This is because you are going to stretch the nappy up over the insert when its put on. If you dont do this, the insert will sit too low in the front.
Remember, pull the insert up towards their belly button (not that far though). Then grab your cover and pull it so the elastics are stretched through their groin. Pull the cover outwards to cover your insert and snap onto your child.
If you do not stretch the nappy by pulling it up you will not get the best fit on your child. By pulling the insert first you will find it easier to snap the nappy into place without the insert getting in the way.
 |
| For larger children, the insert will need to be pulled up in the front and the cover stretched over the top |
Make sure when you put the nappy on you pull the insert up towards their tummy, then pull the nappy to follow and cover the insert. Adjusting where the insert is folded will help you get the insert in the right place in the front. Playing with this perfect fold point on your insert will allow you to get a great fit on your nappies. See below.
 |
| You can see that you adjust the length of the insert at the point where it snaps in. |
 |
| You adjust how long it will be by leaving more space where the insert folds back on itself. |
Using a Booster
 |
| Invisible insert folded for maximum coverage at the front of the nappy |
Tummy Sleeper? Try putting in folded in the front.
Just need more all over? Fold it in half in the nappy.
At nights or for extended use in the nappy you can add the trifold booster into the nappy. This will give you 12 wide layers of 450GSM bamboo fleece.
 |
| Trifold booster placed under the Teddy Insert |
Small Babies
If you have a small baby and you would prefer to make the nappy less bulky, you have lots of options. You can use the trifold booster as an insert on its own. Fold it up and pop it into the nappy. This will place beautiful soft bamboo fleece against your baby which will work well to grip the newer baby poo and keep them comfortable.
 |
| Trifold Booster folded up in the nappy ready to use |
 |
| Birds Eye Flat folded up into the nappy. A great trim solution. |
Hopefully this guide gives you a few tricks to try to perfect the fit of your nappies on your child. Please do no be overwhelmed by reading it. I suggest playing with the nappies a bit to see how you think you would like to fold them and then adjusting for the best fit on your child. These are all ideas. In the end there are no 'rules'. Have a play, have some fun and find what works the best for you.
We are always here for any help you feel you need.
Jenny
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Introducing the Teddies
We are extremely excited to be introducing a new nappy to Baby Bare.
Our new Teddies are on their way to us right now. After months and months or thinking, testing, contemplating and working our Baby Bare magic, this nappy is finally ready to be seen in public.
The Teddy Bare is a side snapping nappy, this means the front of the nappy overlaps the back tabs, rather then the back tabs overlapping the front panel of the nappy. It gives you a flat front on the nappy and helps show off the cute prints a little more. The picture below helps demonstrate this.
The nappy has two rows of snaps allowing you to adjust the fit for the legs and waist separately. You can snap the right size for the legs and then snap further back (1 or even 2 snaps) to get it tight on the tummy. Tummy elastic also enables a firmer fit in the front, eliminating tummy gape.
The nappy has been designed to fit a large size range of children from about 4.5-5kg through to about 18kg. The nappy may fit from newborn depending on the size and proportion of the baby. We are hoping to get lots of feedback letting us know how small a bub has managed to be wrapped up in a Teddy.
The absorbent pad of the nappy is a 65cm long foldable insert which is topped with microsuede. You can also fold it back on top to have bamboo fleece against your child. The insert can be folded in half or more towards the front if that is where you use it. The bamboo is beautiful quality 450GSM fleece, making it very thirsty.
Some useful questions:
Can I use my existing Baby Bare inserts in this nappy?
Yes. The Snap in soaker set from the Bare Cub nappy fits in this nappy. While they snap in, you may want to lay them in and further towards the front to stop them creating a bump in the crutch where they end. We will have lots more info with use instructions and tips and tricks to come.
Can I buy extra inserts for the Teddy Bare?
Yes, you can purchase additional snap in inserts for the Teddy Bare. They are listed with inserts and boosters on our website.
How does this nappy fit for such a wide range of sizes without adjusting the rise?
The nappy will naturally fold across the front rather then needing to snap down. This allows a more natural fit as the nappy will fold to suit your child in the rise if there is excess fabric. The nappy will also sit higher across the tummy on smaller babies, and move towards the hips as they grow. The snaps also adjust the waist and rise as they pull the nappy further up and back to fit on smaller babies.
Can the nappy be boosted?
This nappy is extremely absorbent. In the event you feel you need more absorbency it can be placed under or folded into the snap in insert. There is plenty of room to add a booster to this nappy, you may however find you need to adjust the snap sizing when filling the nappy more.
Will more colours and prints be released?
Yes. We plan to bring more colours and prints through out the year to build the available range in the Teddy Bare.
Is the nappy available in PUL?
At this stage the nappy is not available in PUL.
How does the fit compare to the Bare Cub & Silky Bare nappies?
Teddy is a reverse of our Bare Cub nappy. The width between the crotch is the same as is the rise of the nappy. The nappy fits a wider waist as the double snaps along the side allow it to open up wider for larger tummies and thighs. The insert also effects the fit, this insert allows a lot of customisation which can help fit and absorbency depending on where it is placed. The elastics have been top stitched giving an easier fit with no need to roll them back in.
Find below some great images of the Teddies in action.
 |
| Baby Bare Teddies |
The Teddy Bare is a side snapping nappy, this means the front of the nappy overlaps the back tabs, rather then the back tabs overlapping the front panel of the nappy. It gives you a flat front on the nappy and helps show off the cute prints a little more. The picture below helps demonstrate this.
The nappy has two rows of snaps allowing you to adjust the fit for the legs and waist separately. You can snap the right size for the legs and then snap further back (1 or even 2 snaps) to get it tight on the tummy. Tummy elastic also enables a firmer fit in the front, eliminating tummy gape.
The nappy has been designed to fit a large size range of children from about 4.5-5kg through to about 18kg. The nappy may fit from newborn depending on the size and proportion of the baby. We are hoping to get lots of feedback letting us know how small a bub has managed to be wrapped up in a Teddy.
The absorbent pad of the nappy is a 65cm long foldable insert which is topped with microsuede. You can also fold it back on top to have bamboo fleece against your child. The insert can be folded in half or more towards the front if that is where you use it. The bamboo is beautiful quality 450GSM fleece, making it very thirsty.
Some useful questions:
Can I use my existing Baby Bare inserts in this nappy?
Yes. The Snap in soaker set from the Bare Cub nappy fits in this nappy. While they snap in, you may want to lay them in and further towards the front to stop them creating a bump in the crutch where they end. We will have lots more info with use instructions and tips and tricks to come.
Can I buy extra inserts for the Teddy Bare?
Yes, you can purchase additional snap in inserts for the Teddy Bare. They are listed with inserts and boosters on our website.
How does this nappy fit for such a wide range of sizes without adjusting the rise?
The nappy will naturally fold across the front rather then needing to snap down. This allows a more natural fit as the nappy will fold to suit your child in the rise if there is excess fabric. The nappy will also sit higher across the tummy on smaller babies, and move towards the hips as they grow. The snaps also adjust the waist and rise as they pull the nappy further up and back to fit on smaller babies.
Can the nappy be boosted?
This nappy is extremely absorbent. In the event you feel you need more absorbency it can be placed under or folded into the snap in insert. There is plenty of room to add a booster to this nappy, you may however find you need to adjust the snap sizing when filling the nappy more.
Will more colours and prints be released?
Yes. We plan to bring more colours and prints through out the year to build the available range in the Teddy Bare.
Is the nappy available in PUL?
At this stage the nappy is not available in PUL.
How does the fit compare to the Bare Cub & Silky Bare nappies?
Teddy is a reverse of our Bare Cub nappy. The width between the crotch is the same as is the rise of the nappy. The nappy fits a wider waist as the double snaps along the side allow it to open up wider for larger tummies and thighs. The insert also effects the fit, this insert allows a lot of customisation which can help fit and absorbency depending on where it is placed. The elastics have been top stitched giving an easier fit with no need to roll them back in.
Find below some great images of the Teddies in action.
 |
| 26 month old, 14 kg, cute & chubby |
Monday, 8 December 2014
Birds Eye Cotton Flats at Baby Bare
If you are anything like me, the thought of flat nappies seems like a lot of work. Something Modern Cloth Nappies has made redundant.
Well, I've been on a bit of a journey into the world of flat nappies, and I'm really enjoying it.
As far as I know, Baby Bare is the only Australian brand of Birds Eye Flats to date! These hit our shelves about a week ago and many parents have been adding a couple to their orders. Our gorgeous flats are made from top quality cotton and are super absorbent. But best of all they are trim.
I am enjoying wrapping our 24 month old in a kite folded flat, securing with a snappi and she is running free around the house. She is comfortable, her bottom is airing through the light fabric and the nappy sits like a little pair of shorts.
I read up on a few folds and I have found the kite is the best fit on Emma. It also gives us a folded pad in the front for the best absorbency. we also end up with the sides being the right length to clip up and not too much fabric hanging around in the front.
I wish I had these with a newborn as I think they are a great solution. Many smaller newborns can take a couple of weeks to get a nice fit on their MCN. These flats can be folded down to give a lovely fit on a small baby. You can use your Baby Bare AI2/Snap in Cover over the top.
So what is a Birds Eye Flat?
A birds Eye Flat is a woven cotton fabric. Its named Birds Eye due to the weave. It forms dimpled oval shapes through the fabric. They are thicker then the muslin cloths you would wrap a young baby in, but similar in feel (though softer) and make up.
Why use them over MCN?
I use my flats in rotation with the modern cloth nappies. Mainly in the afternoon after a nap when its the hottest part of the day I put our girl in a flat. If we go out, naps etc, I use my modern cloth nappies. They are easier to do up when out and about, they are quicker to change (slightly) and if I'm going to use a cover, I'd rather just use our MCN.
But the benefits of the trimness, breathability, ease of drying and care, absorbency and also the cute factor of a baby in a traditional nappy are all motivations for flats. They are also a very cheap nappy. At $3 a piece, they make each change cheaper then an MCN. They also dry very fast meaning you do not need to allow too many extra for drying time. They make a great supplement to a stash as they can be folded up to go in pockets, used under existing covers or used with a snappi or pin on their own.
Well, I've been on a bit of a journey into the world of flat nappies, and I'm really enjoying it.
As far as I know, Baby Bare is the only Australian brand of Birds Eye Flats to date! These hit our shelves about a week ago and many parents have been adding a couple to their orders. Our gorgeous flats are made from top quality cotton and are super absorbent. But best of all they are trim.
I am enjoying wrapping our 24 month old in a kite folded flat, securing with a snappi and she is running free around the house. She is comfortable, her bottom is airing through the light fabric and the nappy sits like a little pair of shorts.
I read up on a few folds and I have found the kite is the best fit on Emma. It also gives us a folded pad in the front for the best absorbency. we also end up with the sides being the right length to clip up and not too much fabric hanging around in the front.
I wish I had these with a newborn as I think they are a great solution. Many smaller newborns can take a couple of weeks to get a nice fit on their MCN. These flats can be folded down to give a lovely fit on a small baby. You can use your Baby Bare AI2/Snap in Cover over the top.
So what is a Birds Eye Flat?
A birds Eye Flat is a woven cotton fabric. Its named Birds Eye due to the weave. It forms dimpled oval shapes through the fabric. They are thicker then the muslin cloths you would wrap a young baby in, but similar in feel (though softer) and make up.
Why use them over MCN?
I use my flats in rotation with the modern cloth nappies. Mainly in the afternoon after a nap when its the hottest part of the day I put our girl in a flat. If we go out, naps etc, I use my modern cloth nappies. They are easier to do up when out and about, they are quicker to change (slightly) and if I'm going to use a cover, I'd rather just use our MCN.
But the benefits of the trimness, breathability, ease of drying and care, absorbency and also the cute factor of a baby in a traditional nappy are all motivations for flats. They are also a very cheap nappy. At $3 a piece, they make each change cheaper then an MCN. They also dry very fast meaning you do not need to allow too many extra for drying time. They make a great supplement to a stash as they can be folded up to go in pockets, used under existing covers or used with a snappi or pin on their own.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Don't Buy Second Hand Nappies until you read this!
Second hand nappies can be great. There are lots of great mums out there happily swapping, selling and buying in the second hand cloth nappy market. But it's not always great experiences. The points listed below are put down to help parents be better informed (not to dissuade anyone from buying second hand, just to help parents make good worth while decisions).
Let me go through some of the things I see and I know have been experienced. I hope this information will help you survive the second hand trade and get the best value for your money.
1. Know the product you are buying.
Are all the right pieces with the nappy?
This is so important. I constantly see parents with nappies and they cannot make sense of them. I have discovered, often the wrong pieces are sold with a nappy. Basically, a seller takes a cover and adds random boosters or inserts to it. Suddenly the nappy does not work as well, or the inserts don't fit properly.
I have seen our ruffle cubs sold with one rectangle booster insert and the combination called a nappy. It is not, and it will not work very well. Sadly, from my perspective, this then reflects badly on our brand as the unknowing parent believes they have 'tried' our products. This goes for any brands. A nappy is a combination of the cover design and the absorbency.
I have also seen our nappies sold as the nappy, and the second booster (which comes with the nappy standard), pulled out and sold like its an extra piece. So the listing would read for example '5 Baby Bare nappies PLUS 5 extra boosters'. You get the idea with where I am going - Make sure you know what you are buying!
My Advice: Before you buy something, make sure you know what you should be getting. If a nappy (for example our AI2) comes with two inserts, do not settle for the seller keeping one for them self and just selling you the snap in. Nappies are designed to work based on how they are sold.
Which version of a nappy are you getting? Is it a second or faulty?
Identify the product. I have seen people selling nappies we sold as seconds for more then they ever retailed in our store. Likewise I have seen nappies described as newer then they could possibly be, or a wrong version of the nappy. This is really sad, but it happens. Whether its on purpose or not, you are still paying for something that is not accurately described or for more then it was ever worth.
My advice: Ask the seller if they are seconds or have any faults. Do not assume because its being sold second hand that its cheaper.
2. Get Photos
Elastics? Stains? Pilling? Smells? Many of these factors you cannot see in photos (or they can be hidden). But you can get a good idea about the condition. Make sure you see pictures of a nappy inside and out. Unfortunately smells are very difficult to photograph, so you may not know about these until they arrive. I have heard of, and been told about plenty of nappies that have gone straight from the post to the bin because of the putrid condition they arrive in.
My advice: Ask for photos and ask specific questions about marks, stains, smells etc. This may give you a come back if you need to make a PayPal claim. Do not assume every one treats their nappies with the same love you do.
3. Check the price - are you getting a bargain?
Can you get it on sale cheaper? Or for just slightly more?
The RRP on a product may be $25. But if you can get that item on sale for less, you should factor that into the second hand price. We are currently running a sale with our nappies at $16. During this sale I saw a mum be sold 5 of our nappies for more then the current sale price.
Will the cost of postage outweigh the savings?
Many business subsidise postage. We certainly do. We charge a flat rate $5 on post. Sometimes when you pay the full postage rate (say $13 on 3 nappies for a 3 kg satchel, thats $8 more), you are getting much closer to the price of brand new nappies. Keep this in mind, especially if you are buying from multiple sellers. Think if you buy from 2 sellers that postage is double. You may be able to find several brands in a retail shop and pay a lot less post. For example Apikali sells a range of brands and postage is only $5!
4. Consider what you lose buying second hand and factor it into the price
I am often asked what someone should expect to pay for one of our nappies second hand. My advice is, a nappy is worth to you what you feel the drop in value has been considering the following:
Let me go through some of the things I see and I know have been experienced. I hope this information will help you survive the second hand trade and get the best value for your money.
1. Know the product you are buying.
Are all the right pieces with the nappy?
This is so important. I constantly see parents with nappies and they cannot make sense of them. I have discovered, often the wrong pieces are sold with a nappy. Basically, a seller takes a cover and adds random boosters or inserts to it. Suddenly the nappy does not work as well, or the inserts don't fit properly.
I have seen our ruffle cubs sold with one rectangle booster insert and the combination called a nappy. It is not, and it will not work very well. Sadly, from my perspective, this then reflects badly on our brand as the unknowing parent believes they have 'tried' our products. This goes for any brands. A nappy is a combination of the cover design and the absorbency.
I have also seen our nappies sold as the nappy, and the second booster (which comes with the nappy standard), pulled out and sold like its an extra piece. So the listing would read for example '5 Baby Bare nappies PLUS 5 extra boosters'. You get the idea with where I am going - Make sure you know what you are buying!
My Advice: Before you buy something, make sure you know what you should be getting. If a nappy (for example our AI2) comes with two inserts, do not settle for the seller keeping one for them self and just selling you the snap in. Nappies are designed to work based on how they are sold.
Which version of a nappy are you getting? Is it a second or faulty?
Identify the product. I have seen people selling nappies we sold as seconds for more then they ever retailed in our store. Likewise I have seen nappies described as newer then they could possibly be, or a wrong version of the nappy. This is really sad, but it happens. Whether its on purpose or not, you are still paying for something that is not accurately described or for more then it was ever worth.
My advice: Ask the seller if they are seconds or have any faults. Do not assume because its being sold second hand that its cheaper.
2. Get Photos
Elastics? Stains? Pilling? Smells? Many of these factors you cannot see in photos (or they can be hidden). But you can get a good idea about the condition. Make sure you see pictures of a nappy inside and out. Unfortunately smells are very difficult to photograph, so you may not know about these until they arrive. I have heard of, and been told about plenty of nappies that have gone straight from the post to the bin because of the putrid condition they arrive in.
My advice: Ask for photos and ask specific questions about marks, stains, smells etc. This may give you a come back if you need to make a PayPal claim. Do not assume every one treats their nappies with the same love you do.
3. Check the price - are you getting a bargain?
Can you get it on sale cheaper? Or for just slightly more?
The RRP on a product may be $25. But if you can get that item on sale for less, you should factor that into the second hand price. We are currently running a sale with our nappies at $16. During this sale I saw a mum be sold 5 of our nappies for more then the current sale price.
Will the cost of postage outweigh the savings?
Many business subsidise postage. We certainly do. We charge a flat rate $5 on post. Sometimes when you pay the full postage rate (say $13 on 3 nappies for a 3 kg satchel, thats $8 more), you are getting much closer to the price of brand new nappies. Keep this in mind, especially if you are buying from multiple sellers. Think if you buy from 2 sellers that postage is double. You may be able to find several brands in a retail shop and pay a lot less post. For example Apikali sells a range of brands and postage is only $5!
4. Consider what you lose buying second hand and factor it into the price
I am often asked what someone should expect to pay for one of our nappies second hand. My advice is, a nappy is worth to you what you feel the drop in value has been considering the following:
- You have no warranty. So even on a brand new nappy, excellent condition nappy, nappy that was worn once or twice - there is no warranty. If a snap falls off, if stitching comes undone, you have no warranty.
- You do not know the history of the nappy (whats it been washed in, was it bleached to make it look cleaner for selling. What stains, smells etc does it have)
- The nappies won't last forever. Some of the use is already gone. Like a car, they have a life of so many km's - so consider part of that life and use has already occurred.
- It is a used item. As such, it is immediately worth less.
So if you are saving just a few dollars a nappy, then adding in postage, then adding in the risk associated with the fact it may not arrive as described - what is the real value? Determine what you think the real value is and stick to it.
5. Pay with PayPal
Do not pay direct deposit unless you know the person. This bit is in bold. Once you put money into someones bank account its gone. Think of the extra small amount of money you may pay to cover PayPal fees as insurance. Getting a PayPal account is extremely easy. If someone says they don't have one, well find someone else to buy from.
PayPal will help you if your item does not arrive, if its not as described (hence why you need to ask all the questions before you buy it about condition etc) and they will give you your money back if you can show it is not as described.
We all like to think other mum's are like us - fair, generous, honest. The sad truth is, they are not. I have seen numerous scammers, I've been scammed myself. It hurts - financially and emotionally. It is not limited to business because I've seen even the most savvy, cloth nappy connoisseurs admit to having been had by a seller. So please, protect yourself and your money. I am so sad when I see mum's tricked into buying nappies (or anything) that is unuseable, dirty or not as you thought.
So there you have it. In a nutshell:
- Be Informed.
- Determine a fair value based on RRP, condition of the product, no warranty & post costs.
- Pay with PayPal
Enjoy Shopping with these little thoughts under your belt,
Jenny
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
CJ's BUTTer is now available at Baby Bare
We have just added the fabulous CJ's BUTTer products to our site!
CJ's BUTTer is the perfect cream for your cloth nappies as it is safe to use, unlike many other creams that can adversely affect your nappies.
CJ's BUTTer is all natural (except some scents are from synthetic ingredients). It comes in tubs, a stick and a spray. The stick and spray make nappy changes very easy as you can use it without putting your hands in the product.
We are offering the full range of CJ's and it can be combined with your Baby Bare purchases to save on shipping. So grab some sample pots to try it out with your next nappy buy.
CJ's BUTTer is the perfect cream for your cloth nappies as it is safe to use, unlike many other creams that can adversely affect your nappies.
CJ's BUTTer is all natural (except some scents are from synthetic ingredients). It comes in tubs, a stick and a spray. The stick and spray make nappy changes very easy as you can use it without putting your hands in the product.
We are offering the full range of CJ's and it can be combined with your Baby Bare purchases to save on shipping. So grab some sample pots to try it out with your next nappy buy.
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