Review: Smartipants Washable Nappy

I knew that I wanted to use washable nappies long before Isabelle's arrival and researched all of the different types of nappies before opting for birth to potty nappies which seemed like the most cost effective option.

We were contacted by Smartipants to see if we would give their nappies a go, and of course bit their hands off we (I) was so excited. We recieved a lovely lemon yellow nappy.

Smartipants have a self-removing absorbent Smart Sleeve insert which you insert into either side of the sleeve. It stays put whilst the nappy is in use and there is no need to remove the insert as it comes out all by itself in the washing machine. This really does make it extremely easy to use. 

When I first mentioned washable nappies to Chris, he really wasn't keen and had images of stinking buckets full of smelly nappies and being a lot of hassle. When I explained to him that they would be exactly the same as using a disposable he was doubtful of this until I showed him. I showed him several You Tube video's and he finally started to come around. It was the money saving angle that swung this in the end. 

Did you know that if you were to spend on average £14.50 per week on disposable nappies, nappy sacks and baby wipes during the first two and a half years of your childs life, thats an average spend of £1885 spent. Just think what else that money could be put towards!

As a Real Nappy convert the Smartipants nappy fits in really well with my existing collection. All of my nappies are birth to potty and are either popper or velcro fastening. The poppers on the Smartipants nappy were really easy to use and very adjustable to fit snugly. On washing the nappy, it came up lovely and clean and dried in no time at all. Here is Isabelle modelling the nappy. 

We have on the odd occasion used a disposable nappy and the biggest difference I found was that I could smell urine when she was wearing a disposable. I can't say that I remember noticing this when Ryan was in nappies, but there is definitely a difference. We were advised to wait until she was around 9lb before using the nappies initially and whilst pre-birth I was raring to go, I remember feeling slightly overwhelmed at the thought of using them to start with. Once we got going though we didn't and haven't looked back since. We have had the odd accident but no more or less than with disposables.

If it's the washing that puts you off, it really isn't any hassle at all. You have a lidded bucket which you put the dirty nappies in (no need to soak). The bucket has a net bag inside and once full or every third day you just lift the net out of the bucket and put straight into the washing machine. The nappies come apart in the washing machine (the inserts come out), you dry them and they're ready to go again. Simples!

What do we think? We love the Smartipants nappy and would happily recommend them to anybody and are extremely reasonably priced as well at £13.50. I'd be happy if I'd managed to convert one person into using washable nappies. Have a look at Fill Your Pants to look at the whole range of Birth to Potty Nappies.

Thanks Smartipants x