The Bambino Mio cloth nappies tested
26/4/2024
Translation: machine translated
I was reluctant for a long time, but then I did it: I changed my child with cloth nappies. You can find out why I was mostly positively surprised here.
Does it have to be that complicated? That was actually my first thought when I unpacked the contents of the parcel. In front of me are nappies and various pads: washable nappy fleece, disposable nappy fleece, absorbent pads for nappies, daily absorbent pads made from bamboo, plus reusable wet wipes, washing powder, wet bag, changing mat.
My head is spinning. I have a big project ahead of me: I want to test reusable nappies from Bambino Mio. And this after raising one and a half children entirely with the practical but unsustainable disposable items from Pampers and co.
So how does it work? I am firmly convinced that I am not the first mum to ask myself this question and that there must be a video somewhere explaining the Bambino Mio Nappies. But: not a chance.
In fact, Bambino Mio has now uploaded a video about using the Revolutionary Nappies - shortly after I searched for it. I find it
not particularly informative, as the part showing how to get the nappy ready to go is too short and quick in my opinion.
But I'm lucky that my girlfriend is a big fan of cloth nappies and can help me with a remote WhatsApp tutorial. I learn that there are "all-in-one" nappies and those that have a flap into which you insert the interchangeable inserts. The five nappies I have for testing belong to the latter version.
Source: Anne Fischer
Source: Anne Fischer
So I put one of the inserts in the nappy flap and then a layer of fleece over the flap. The fleece is designed to absorb larger accidents. Bambino Mio provided me with both reusable nappy fleece inserts and disposable inserts. So depending on which one I choose, the fleece can go in the bin or the washing machine afterwards.
The test object for the reusable nappies has just turned two years old and in my opinion will soon be old enough to go potty. Perfect for the transition. I put an insert in the pocket of the nappy and put nappy fleece on top. I quickly switched to only using the washable pads. My son already does his big business in the toilet anyway and the bamboo fibre inserts feel softer than the disposable fleece.
Only after a few washes does the absorbency unfold
I can get the nappy on the baby quickly, which is no different from conventional models. The first few times I use the nappies, I'm surprised to slightly annoyed at how quickly the nappy is soaking wet and I have to change it: after just two hours. If he were wearing Pampers, everything would still be dry after five hours.
In fact, my cloth nappy expert friend set me straight here too: If you have brand new pads, you have to wash them several times until they develop their full absorbency. That's what happened: I washed them a few times and the absorbency was much better.
Whether they are suitable for night-time use depends on the child
We used the nappies for the first time in December and started proper potty training at the end of January. With the five nappies I got from Bambino Mio, I can get by just fine as long as I start the washing machine once a day or at least every other day. So if you want to nappy change with Bambino Mio and the nappy-free period is still a long way off, I recommend buying a few more.
The only problem is that if I put a nappy on him right before going to bed, it's soaking wet the next morning - as are his bodysuit, pyjamas, sleeping bag and, in the worst case, my sheets.
This may also be due to the fact that my son drinks a lot of milk during the night: around 200 to 400 millilitres. We also had the same problem at nursery. The teachers tried twice with Bambino Mio nappies, and each time the entire bed was wet after nap time.
The solution is very simple, I just didn't realise it at first: You can simply put several inserts in the nappy, which of course also increases the absorbency.
In the meantime, the nappies are working much better for us anyway, as my son only wears nappies at night and has his bladder much better under control.
Whether you can also use nappies at night depends on many factors: For example, how much your child drinks at night, whether you take nappy change breaks anyway and how many inserts you put in them.
Being pretty on the go with full nappies
I fell in love with the Bambino Mio wet bag. It is leak-proof and can be folded over from the top so that it doesn't leak even when upside down. So you can safely transport wet nappies in it when you're out and about. In my opinion, it's pretty and fits a lot of nappies. At home, I simply put the wet bag and nappies in the washing machine.
Washing nappies
Washing the nappies presented me with a few challenges at the beginning. On my first wash cycle, I made the mistake of throwing both the nappies and the inserts loose into the drum. As a result, the Velcro and fabric got caught in some places and I had small pieces of fluff on the nappy.
Source: Anne Fischer
Now I always put the nappies in a laundry bag with the Velcro closed. It always takes some getting used to for me to get the wet pads out of the nappy, I just don't like touching urine-soaked fabrics. The pads also continue to smell strongly of urine if I only wash them a few days after use. However, a little internet research helps me: modern washing machines in particular are very water-efficient, which is unfortunately counterproductive for cloth nappies: they need a lot of water to get clean, so pre-washing and an extra rinse cycle are recommended. Some users even say that they wash the nappies once a month at 90 degrees, despite recommendations to the contrary. Bambino Mio recommends a maximum of 40 degrees.
Bambino Mio has a special detergent for nappies. I only throw the bamboo fleece inserts in the machine with towels and the like using a conventional detergent, as they can also be washed at 60 degrees.
What surprises me positively, on the other hand, is that the nappies remain bright white and beautifully soft even after repeated use and washing.
Mountains of laundry and yet pure relief
The biggest disadvantage of Bambino Mio cloth nappies (or all cloth nappies) for me is the additional washing. With two children, I already have a never-ending pile of laundry, which now has an additional pile of nappies. However, you will have this problem with all reusable nappies.
But the best thing for me is the certainty that I will never have to buy expensive disposable nappies again. And never again will I notice on a Sunday evening that I've run out of nappies - wonderful!
In a nutshell
Sustainable alternative to disposable nappies
The Bambino Mio nappies are great: they are easy to use, quick to wash and look cute. However, I can only recommend them to a limited extent for night-time use.
Pro
- cute design
- Can be used again and again
- Can be used from birth, size adjustable (grows with the child)
- still look good even after repeated washing
Contra
- Expensive to purchase
- The absorbency of the nappies is limited
- you have to wash all the time
- you often have to touch wet nappies
Header image: Anne Fischer
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
