Why TotsBots
There are so many reusable nappy brands around that we had to think really carefully about which brand to choose to partner with at Qookeee. After attending an eye-opening reusable nappy demonstration by NCT Wimbledon and Wandsworth it really was mind-boggling to hear about the number of brands and nappy systems available.
We chose TotsBots because they are
- UK’s largest producer of reusable nappies – they know what they are doing after being established over 20 years!
- The first reusable nappy brand in the world to use recycled plastic in their waterproof nappy fabric.
- Aligned with our values.
- Constantly innovating and improving their products.
- Certified by Oeko-tex confirming that the whole nappy is free from harmful chemicals.
- Manufactured in their UK factory in Scotland.
- An award winning brand, winning numerous awards including the Mother & Baby Best Reusable Nappy award 11 times!
- They have a range of bright, beautiful colours and prints on their nappy wraps and outers!
Reusable nappies vs disposable nappies
So why switch from disposables to reusables? There are pros and cons for both.
Disposable nappies
Pros
- Low cost per nappy.
- Easy to use and dispose.
- No washing required.
Cons
- By the time a child is potty trained, between 4,000 – 6,000 nappies will be used and disposed of by one family per child.
- Expensive over time due to the number of nappies needed.
- High waste.
- It takes around 500 years for a disposable nappy to decompose.
Reusable nappies
Pros
- Between 20 and 30 nappies needed by the time a child is potty trained.
- Cost saving of up to £500 by the time a child is potty trained.
- The same nappy can be used for more than one child, reducing costs further.
Cons
- High upfront cost of buying reusable nappies.
- Different nappy systems and types can be confusing.
- Nappies have to be washed and dried before using again.
What the experts say
A Life Cycle Assessment carried out by the Environment Agency concluded that the environmental impact of using reusable nappies instead of disposable nappies are very much in the hands of the consumer, giving parents control of their carbon footprint. In fact they can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 40%!
TotsBots have already reduced their nappies environmental impact by using 100% recycled plastic in their waterproof fabric. By doing this they have diverted plastic waste from landfill and created their gorgeous nappy wraps and outers.
With customers laundering their nappies and adopting one or more of the following practices the environmental impact of reusable nappies are reduced further:
- Line drying outside where possible.
- Tumble drying as little as possible.
- Using energy efficient appliances (A+ rated machines preferably).
- Not washing above 60 degrees centigrade.
- Washing fuller loads.
- Reusing nappies on other children.
Of course the huge difference of using between 4,000-6,000 disposable nappies compared to 20-30 reusable nappies until a child is potty trained, makes switching to reusables an environmentally-friendly choice. Even just using one reusable nappy makes a difference, saving at least 365 disposable nappies a year from landfill!
TotsBots Nappies
What makes up a TotsBots nappy
There are a number of layers that make up a cloth nappy.
The outer wrap – this is a waterproof outer layer, that can be integrated with the nappy, as in the TotsBots All in One nappy, or separate like the Bamboozle system. Separate wraps, like those on the Bamboozle system can be used 3-5 times before needing a change.
The nappy – this is an absorbent layer, that sits against the wrap.
Pads – are on top of the nappy, nearer the body, for increased absorption, and to avoid staining the nappy.
Fleece liners or disposable liners – used to catch poo before disposing of it down the toilet. Fleece liners are washed and used again. Disposable liners are put in household waste without the poo.
The nappy most like a disposable is the All in One, so this is usually a good starting point if you’re new to cloth nappies.
All in one reusable nappy
TeenyFit nappy
- TeenyFit one piece reusable nappy. Perfect for newborns up to 3 months.
- Similar to disposable nappies – easy to use, but not disposable!
- Great for quick changes.
- Super-absorbent bamboo core is gentle next to baby’s delicate skin.
- Stay-dry buffer zones keep liquid locked in the core.
- Clever stitch-free seams mean no leaks.
- Waterproof tummy area.
- Easy hook and loop fastenings.
- Add fleece liner for added comfort or use a disposable nappy liner. Fleece liners are also great for keep baby’s bottom dry.
- Use once and wash.
- TeenyFit size 5-12lb, 2.2kg- 5.4kgs.
- Perfect for small babies from newborn to 3 months.
EasyFit Star All in One
- The Easyfit Star All in One nappies, are an ward winning one piece reusable nappy.
- Similar to disposable nappies – easy to use, but not disposable!
- Great for quick changes.
- Super absorbent bamboo core, which is soft and gentle next to baby’s bottom.
- Stay-dry buffer zones which keep liquid locked in the core.
- Clever stitch-free seams mean no leaks.
- Waterproof tummy area.
- Easy hook and loop fastenings.
- Add booster pads for heavy wetters for increased absorbency.
- Add fleece liner for added comfort and catch poo, or use a disposable nappy liner. These catch any poo, which you then tip down the loo, and protect your washable nappies. Fleece liners are also great for keep baby’s bottom dry.
- Use once and wash.
- One size fits most from birth to potty training. 8-35lbs, 3.6 – 15.8 kgs.
- Ideally suited for babies from 0-3 months upwards.
Day reusable nappy
- Known as Bamboozle Day two part nappy system. Award winning reusable nappy.
- Use the Bamboozle waterproof wrap over the super absorbent Bamboozle pads, for a cost effective day time system.
- Each wrap can be used for consecutive changes if not dirty.
- Useful to have a few spare wraps.
- Wipe clean interior means the wrap can be reused throughout the day.
- Simple remove the wet nappy pad (s), wipe down the wrap, and pop in a clean pad (s).
- Slim fit and soft.
- Clever stitch-free seams mean no leaks.
- Waterproof tummy area.
- Easy hook and loop fastenings.
- Add fleece liner for added comfort and catch poo, or use a disposable nappy liner. These catch any poo, which you then tip down the loo, and protect your washable nappies. Fleece liners are also great for keep baby’s bottom dry.
- Use the wrap between 3-5 times, if not dirty, before needing to wash, just switch out the pads or fleece liners.
- Size 2 fits birth to potty. 9-35lbs, 4-15.8kgs.
- Ideally suited for babies from 3-6 months upwards.
Day to night reusable nappy
- Known as Bamboozle Night two part nappy system. Award winning reusable nappy, and the best nappy system for less leaks!
- Use the Bamboozle waterproof wrap over the Bamboozle stretch nappy to create a change-free night.
- Clever stitch-free seams mean no leaks.
- Waterproof tummy area.
- Easy hook and loop fastenings.
- Add Bamboozle pads for heavy wetters for increased absorbency.
- Add fleece liner for added comfort and catch poo, or use a disposable nappy liner. These catch any poo, which you then tip down the loo, and protect your washable nappies. Fleece liners are also great for keep baby’s bottom dry.
- With this nappy you can use the Bamboozle waterproof wrap with the Bamboozle stretch nappy for nightwear, and the Bamboozle waterproof wrap with the Bamboozle pads for daywear. For increased absorbency at night, you can add the pads to the Bamboozle stretch nappy. The same wrap can be used 3-5 times if not dirty.
- Size 2 fits birth to potty. 9-35lbs, 4-15.8kgs.
- Ideally suited for babies from 3-6 months upwards.
Swim nappies
- All in One swim nappies are perfect for water babies splashing around in the pool or at the seaside.
- Breathable and lightweight.
- Soft fleece interior.
- Comfortable and stretchy fit with no chafing, both in and out of the water.
- Easy hook and loop fastenings.
- Elasticated legs and waist to keep any spillages contained.
- Size 2 fits 20-35lbs, 9kg- 15.8kg.
- Ideally suited for babies from 6 months upwards.
- Use once and wash.
Find out how to care and lauder your TotsBots reusable nappy here
Rent or Buy a Reusable Nappy
Here at Qookeee we want to make things as easy as possible for parents to make the switch from disposables to reusables. It doesn’t need to be a complete change, and often the switch to reusables is a journey, starting with one or two nappies and then building up gradually as you get used to them.
We offer nappy kits to buy or to rent. We also have the TotsBots EasyFit Star All in One nappy with a fleece liner available to rent as this is a great starter nappy for switching. Because initial costs can put parents off buying, you can try using reusables by renting them from as little as £2.50 a month and see how you get on. You can even rent a pair of Swim nappies!
Reusable Nappy Kits
Our nappy kits have everything you need to try out reusable nappies, and includes a handy wet nappy bag for when you’re out and about and a mesh laundry bag to store used nappies and pop everything into the wash when you’re ready.
Opt for the EasyFit Star All in One, Bamboozle Day Nappy or the all-inclusive Bamboozle Day to Night Nappy kit.