Do fitted cloth nappies restrict physical development

Hi,

My baby's 12 weeks old and I've been using fitted cloth nappies (BBH) since birth. We made the cloth decision as we don't like the chemicals or synthetic fibres that exist in disposables. Having said that, I've just got back from a 2.5wk overseas holiday where I had to use disposables.

I noticed that my son could kick easlier and bring his legs up to his chest when wearing the disposables, but now that we've come home and gone back to the fitted cloth ones he can't move as easily. The cloth nappies make his legs stick out to the side insead of being able to curl them up (like a snuggly Koala when I hold him). With the disposables on he could bend at the waist, and therefore sit, but now he can't seem to do that and is quite rigid.

I knew he had a "bubble bum", but hadn't realised how pronounced this was prior to experiencing the disposables.

Has anyone noticed their baby's movement is restricted in fitted cloth nappies? What are your suggestions? (I try to give him lots of nappy-off time for a good kick).

Hardly anyone I know uses cloth, hence my need to connect with some other like-minded mummies :)

In my experience it hasn't restricted development. In fact the only child of mine to be in MCN was earliest at doing everything - rolling at 4mths, crawling at 6mths and walking at 9mths. My oldest was in flats for about 4-5 months and he didn't roll till he was 6 months. By then we was in full time sposies cos I'd given it up ;)

Back when I was a baby it was just terry flats and they are very bulky as well. I think we are all doing what we should be.

I think plenty of nappy off time is the key but remember that all babies do things at their own pace.

When Natty was slow at crawling DH came up with the same question.
But disposables are all relatively new! I think MCNs are a heck of a lot less bulky and restrictive than what we all would've worn as babies (those big ole terry flats with pilchers).
Definitely give him some nappy-free time, and lots of tummy time if you're worried, but I agree with Raven, babies just do things at their own pace.

My first was in terry flats and he also was an early roller, crawler and walker (10mths). My second was in disposables and was later with everything (walking at 13mths). Disposables have not been around that long and I don't know of anyone who has been disadvanted by wearing cloth...

Cas

My DD is the only cloth bubba in my mums group and the first to roll. Admittedly she has rolled several times and each time it is during nappy off time. But no, i don't think cloth makes a difference developmentally.

I can see your concern. I think others may have missed that you mention that while in sposies your bubba could sit up etc but now can't while in cloth.
Maybe you could look into a trimmer day nappy? I find my AIO Daydreamer Wildchild nappies to be nice & trim on Isla. There are a few different brands out there that may give you a trimmer fit then the BBH's.

I was going to suggest the same as FJ. A trimmer nappy for daytime wear. The Itti Bitti's are nice and trim too.

Abbey has been rolling over for a few weeks now and she's only just gone 4 months. She can do this in and out of a cloth nappy. I do think though that the added bulkiness of a BBB nappy that she wears for night makes it a bit harder for her to do so.

Good to see you around Melody and I hope your holiday was great :D

Definately try for a slimmer crotch nappy.
Gigi might pop in and reel off the rec'd brands! lol

But I have a similar issue with Charlotte in the she is quite skinny, and very long, so I need the slim crotch nappies and trimmer fit to give her the range of movement she need.
Sposies will give them different movement because they are thiner and cut differently than most MCN.

MCN (in my experience) are very individual for each bub - some nappies one mother will love and another they wont work so well.

The other thing is are the BBH OneSize nappies? Try to get sized nappies that fit your bub rather than going for a o/s as they tend to be bulkier, especially on a smaller bub.
The itti bittis will be good as they are low rise, so they should allow him to sit up (bend at the waist) more easily. Also the TotsBots i have a good for DD too. You could also try a pocket or a fitted and cover system that will allow you to manipulate the absorbency (bulk) of the nappy depending on the activity (home, play, sleep, car, shopping, etc)

Good luck - and dont give up on the MCN!!! lol

We have used the fuzzibunz MCNs and DD rolled at 3 weeks (only tummy to back though, back to tummy took way longer). The ones we used weren't one size fits all and we have used 2 different sizes - Small when DD was a newborn - 14 months and since then Petite Toddler as she is quite slim in build.

I can't say that we saw any movement restriction or any delay in achieveing physcial milestones (compared to her sposie counterparts) but we did make sure that we gave her at least 30min nappy free time every day so that may have helped.

I agree to have a lok around at some slimmer makes as this may suit bubs build better. There seems to be a wealth of experience on this site so I'm sure you will get heaps of recommendations. As for fuzzibunz, I'm not sure if you can get them in Australia anymore but I found them to be brilliant and as they are pockets you can keep them slim for day and bulk them up for night.

I agree that they can make movement resitricted but for us its a good thing due to mateauz having bad hips. WE have some itti bittis that are slim in the crotch and allow him to move more freely as were a baby beehind can make him look like a stuffed turkey.
Most exciting thing about MCN's...its all trial and error as our babies are all different in shape and size...other good thing...think of the fluffy mail you can get trialing different nappies ;)

i dont htink it has affected sophie, she walked at 12 months 11 days! dont forget we all wore cloth nappies

Well, I think my little man has finally grown into his nappies - he's almost 6mths now. He now able to sit up and not be restricted by the nappy. He's close to crawling too - pushing up with his arms and legs so his whole body is off the ground except for his hands and feet.

If they did then a lot of people in the 80s and before would be physically under developed as that was the most common form of nappy, so I wouldn't think so.

Go Ethan!! :) thats great melody, glad to hear he's doing well!