Let me start this review with a big time disclaimer: this was my first dip into cloth diapers. So, if it seems like I’m a beginner at cloth diapers, it’s because I AM. Completely, 100% new to this. My only prior experience with cloth diapers was when I wore them over 30 years ago. So, with that in mind, let’s get on with it!

Even though I have no experience with cloth diapers, when I got the opportunity to review Real Nappies I jumped at the chance. Was I hoping or expecting to be converted from a Pampers mama? Not necessarily. But I have often wished that I had just bitten the bullet and started using cloth diapers from birth with my kids so I was curious and intrigued to try the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

About Real Nappies

Real Nappies look like disposables, but are 100% natural, breathable cotton with a biodegradable liner and are as kind on your baby’s skin as they are on your pocket. They are easy to wash, and ultra-comfortable on your little one. Real Nappies make it easier than ever to do what’s best for your baby and the environment.

The Real Nappies system is made of 3 parts

• Nappy Liner: 100% biodegradeable and flushable (it looks like a dryer sheet)
• Cotton Nappy Insert: highly absorbent 100% cotton
• Nappy Cover: velcro fastening, leakproof and waterproof polyester

Great Cloth Diaper Experiment – Poo!

When the time came to try our Real Nappies for the first time, I called for reinforcements. My husband and I giggled as we struggled to get the diaper on the correct way, but were quite proud of the result. Turns out the joke was on me because about 10 minutes after getting it on, Toddler Girl pooped. In her brand-newly-washed-and-prepped-first-time-ever cloth diaper. I had waited for her to poo that day before putting it on and everything. But, you want to know what? It really wasn’t that big a deal to clean it. I just dumped the poo in the toilet, flushed and followed the cleaning instructions.

Real Nappies incorporate a flushable nappy liner that makes cleaning messy diapers a breeze because the bulk of the mess is flushed away. If you chose you can soak the cloth insert before washing, but I didn’t.

Girl Fold

While the Intro Pack does come with an informative guide to using nappies, I apparently needed a remedial course in folding a cloth diaper because I just couldn’t get it right. Luckily, Real Nappies has a couple great YouTube videos. This short video explains a bit about Real Nappies and demonstrates the ideal fold for girls.

My cloth diaper experiment took a turn in the right direction after watching that video and improving the fold. Toddler Girl seemed more comfortable, the diaper fit better and I felt more confident I was doing it correctly.

One the fold is mastered, the diaper fit is simple. There are two velcro tabs that really make it easy to secure and fit snugly and securely. It’s really similar to fastening a disposable diaper, actually, and I imagine it’s quicker and eaiser than snaps or clips.

Real Nappies Collection

Real Nappies are available in four sizes: Newborn (6 – 13 pounds), Infant (11 – 20 pound), Crawler (17 – 30 pounds) and Toddler (29 – 40 pounds). There are several different packages and the larger set you buy the more cost effective.

• Essentials Pack: 1 cloth diaper, 1 liner, 1 cover $15
• Top-Up Pack: 6 cloth diapers, 2 covers $39
• Essentials Pack: 12 cloth diapers, 100 liners, 3 cover $69
• Birth to Potty Pack: 24 Newborn and Infant, 18 Crawler and 12 Toddler cloth diapers; 800 diaper liners; 6 Newborn, Infant and Crawler and 5 Toddler covers; a number of accessories including swim cover and diaper sanitizer $499

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Overall, the experiment was fairly successful. That YouTube instruction changed the game and gave me more confidence. The Real Nappies system is very easy and not intimidating even for a newbie like me and I think much of that is due to the flushable liner. If you’re considering cloth diapering, I say go with the Essentials Pack and give it a real go.

Or Not to Buy… The Intro Pack is really not enough to get a good feel for what it’s like to cloth diaper, but it’s a great bet if you’re comparing brands and trying to find the best fit for your family.

Shop! Real Nappies are available in the US at RealNappiesUSA.com and on Amazon.

Win! Whether you’re an expert or novice, you can have your own cloth diaper experiment with the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

How to Enter: It’s easy. Visit RealNappiesUSA.com and tell me something you learned about cloth diapering or Real Nappies products.

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The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.