Frequently asked questions!

Hemp or Bamboo?

This of course depends on what you are after in your nappies. Bamboo is softer than hemp, and more absorbent. For this reason it is considered more luxurious and is far more popular with the nappy connoisseurs. Bamboo, is however, a more fragile fibre. We have added 40% cotton with the Mandy Mac bamboo range, to give it more stability. This, however does not mean it will definitely last as long as the hemp nappies. Hemp will, over time, become a bit scratchy - this won't effect baby if you have the in-built liner, but they do get very stiff when out in the Australian summer sun - but it's toughness means it is more likely to last through multiple children.

So which do you recomment?

Once again this would depend on what you want from your nappies.

If you are prepared to withstand a bit of scratchiness, then hemp is the way to go. It is more economical and if you were planning on using "old fashioned" cloth nappies, then this would probably be your preferred option. If you were thinking of using disposable nappies, but want to save a bit of money and have something easy and luxurious instead then bamboo is the way to go. Even if two dozen bamboo nappies last 2.5years for one child, they have still saved you thousands of dollars compared to using disposables.

How many nappies?
Twenty-four nappies will suffice but an extra dozen will make things easier. Extra nappies means saving electricity because you will be washing less often, and there is less temptation to use the tumble drier to hurry things along.

Rigour Mortis de Couche

Got a crunchy nappy? Congratulations! It is now at it’s most absorbent! Whilst a crunchy nappy has never bothered our users (they have the soft liner next to their skin) it can be a bit disconcerting for the parents. This is why our bamboo nappy is preferred by many users over the hemp nappy. If rigour mortis de couche does bother you, there are a couple of remedies you may like to use to lessen the crunchiness:

  1. The Cowboy Whip!
    Give the nappy a good whip as you are pegging it on the line. Hold by the internal soaker and flick.
  2. The Tuscan Grape Stomp!
    Place dry nappies in basket, remove shoes, and stomp away. It helps to sing traditional Italian folk songs.

Alternatively 20 min in the tumble drier on warm towards the end of drying will also help - but is not so environmentally sound. Remember none of this is necessary, it is only if it bothers you.

Elastic

We use top quality 12mm swimwear elastic, - that's twice as thick as most other nappy makers - which is why our elastic lasts so much longer. However it is still a good idea to take care of your elastic with the following tips:

  1. Flipping over the line - nappy one side, built-in booster the other side - no need to peg;
    Whilst tumble drying is not recommended, if you do chose to dry this way, make sure the fabric is completely cool before using.
  2. Do not stretch elastic while warm;
  3. Do not soak in bleach, nappy solutions or optical solutions.

Do I need a Little Squirt?
A Little Squirt is a water gun attached to the toilet to help remove solids. It is available from hardware stores. It is not an essential part of your nappy setup, but it will make life a bit easier. If you don’t have one, simply hang nappy over toilet and flush allowing the water stream to remove the solids.

Can I use disposable/flushable liners as well?
Yes. If you find it more convenient to use a disposable or flushable liner when out and about then it can be used to help remove solids. However they are not necessary and you will find the inbuilt liner is perfectly adequate.

What cover do I use with my Mandy Mac Hemp Onesize nappy?
A good quality PUL cover is certainly the most versatile, a fleece or woollen cover offers superior breathability. In warm weather it is common not to use a cover at all. This makes nappy changing easier, and if done frequently will lead to better hygiene for baby and less nappy rash. Just be aware that the snappi likes to snag itself on your good clothes when you pick up baby!