Newborn Nappy Saga

[Admin]

I have been putting a lot of thought into our current Newborn Nappy offer and I think some changes need to be made, but I'm after valued opinions first We have been sending out a nappy and/or cover (often late ) to new mums as a "gift" from the Nappycino Community. So far we have spent close to $1000 on newborn nappies and realistically, one nappy isn't going to help a mum keep her newborn bub in cloth is it?

My thought is that perhaps we would benefit mums and the community at large, if we were to have newborn stash's or trial kits that are loaned out across the NC community. These would take a fair amount of money to setup if we were to have a number of them going and maintain them and we would probably only end up with a few kits that way due to the degeneration of the products in the kits. WAHM's would also be affected as it would drastically reduce the number of newborn nappy sales.

The member would of course need to pay postage from the kits "home" and back again when they are done, so that's a very mimimal cost for newborn nappies. So my idea was that perhaps in addition to the postage cost, each mum could buy a specified product or products for the kit, up to the value of say $30 and return the new product with the kit. This would alleviate the reduction in sales for WAHMs and would boost up the kits then the flow on from that would be to create more kits, perhaps with one in each state.

Anyway, I'd like a vote to see what other peoples opinions are

[twinmama]

Wowsers $1000 on newborn nappies - I didn't realise we had that many new bubs around (and I didn't even charge NC for the newborn nappy I did).

Your last idea sounds like a really good idea!

[Kris]

I think its a good idea to have the new parents buy something for the kit and that would be the hiring charge right?

[Admin]

We haven't "paid" for all of them

And we do have quite a number of them still here thanks to a fee trade Nappies still in my house including those given/traded with 3 WAHM's is 18

[Fi Kiwi]

Hmmm - well for me a newborn nappy kit wouldn't be any use at all. I have all my nappies from last time, and so really just need to top up a few items to keep myself in full time cloth from the get go.
Of course - I'm not counting on a NC freebie to keep my child in cloth, and it really wasn't anything I was counting on getting full stop. I dont expect anything from you Jo, or the community for the arrival of my child. Just a shoulder and some hugs when the going gets tough! And of course advice!
I think the way you have set up the freebie situation it means that you have to have been a member for a while before qualifying for it, and realistically, most people who have been around cloth for that long would probably want to get their own stash going anyway, so again - I'm not sure how well a kit would go.
However - I think newborn kits are SENSATIONAL ideas for people who are new to cloth, or as advocacy items in general, and I think its a great idea to have these promoted through NC - but not instead of the free nappy.
So my opinion is that if you dont want to do the newborn nappies anymore - for whatever reason, you just dont do them. And dont feel anything about it, just drop them and move onto the next project.
If you decide to dothe newborn kits, its a great idea and I think that realistically there isn't that much "sale" from newborn nappies anyway. Most people tend to do the flats/prefolds for the first little while, and then ease into small fitteds, so I can't see it would make all that much difference.

I think you do a great job, and perhaps the newborn offer is just maybe a little generous with all the stuff going on, and the rising membership number with NC.
Another option would be to send a book of vouchers to the newborn mum with discounts at a variety of NC advertisers. So maybe the book would have - buy one newborn nappy, get one free. Or spend $20, get a prefold for free or something like that. That way you are increasing sales for the WAHM's but also giving something special to the new mums too.

[Lis]

I agree with a lot of what Fiona said. Most people who have been around NC for awhile will already have a stash going, and won't really be looking at the freebie to get them hooked, or keep them going on with MCN.

The other idea is a good one too... about the kits on loan.... what about a mixture of the 2?
Every new mum gets say... 3 things, maybe 1 new and 2 second hand, and then when her baby grows out of them (and newborns grow really fast, so there wouldn't be much wear on the second hand items, I don't think), she sends them back for someone else to use?

The voucher book is a good idea too... but it might put a strain on WAHMs who don't make much money off their items as it is.... if everyone who got the book used every voucher in it, then it might be a bit much for the businesses to handle?
You could put all the businesses names who were willing to participate in a hat, and then pull out 3 of them for each new mum? And that would give them like 20% off their next purchase, or buy 2 get one free, something similar to what Fiona said?

Anyway... just rambling

[*~Melinda~*]

What about a $20 charge for the use of the newborn kit, plus postage, rather than having the mum put something in? That way NC can look at what is wearing out or needed most and replace it. It's still cheap!

[johT]

I have been putting a lot of thought into our current Newborn Nappy offer and I think some changes need to be made, but I'm after valued opinions first We have been sending out a nappy and/or cover (often late ) to new mums as a "gift" from the Nappycino Community. So far we have spent close to $1000 on newborn nappies and realistically, one nappy isn't going to help a mum keep her newborn bub in cloth is it?

My thought is that perhaps we would benefit mums and the community at large, if we were to have newborn stash's or trial kits that are loaned out across the NC community. These would take a fair amount of money to setup if we were to have a number of them going and maintain them and we would probably only end up with a few kits that way due to the degeneration of the products in the kits. WAHM's would also be affected as it would drastically reduce the number of newborn nappy sales.

The member would of course need to pay postage from the kits "home" and back again when they are done, so that's a very mimimal cost for newborn nappies. So my idea was that perhaps in addition to the postage cost, each mum could buy a specified product or products for the kit, up to the value of say $30 and return the new product with the kit. This would alleviate the reduction in sales for WAHMs and would boost up the kits then the flow on from that would be to create more kits, perhaps with one in each state.

Anyway, I'd like a vote to see what other peoples opinions are

i voted the first option.
if its someone from here getting the gift i think they would be keeping their newborn in cloth regardless of a nice cloth present or not - flats are cheap teamed with a good cover...

i dont think the hiring idea would work as well personally... pity cause its a great idea but i dont think we have the funds to set it up on a big enough scale??
-what were the laws regarding sanitising hire kit nappies???
- not everybody is 100% trustworthy, how can we be sure they will be returned?
- we wouldn't be able to afford to give a 'hire kit' to every newborn on nc by the sounds of it...

otherwise i like melinda's suggestion

[Eilleen]

Well, I think we need to target people who are new to cloth. With a charge, then you are really only going to be targetting the people who are already converted to cloth. Whereas those with good intentions in pregnancy may not actually follow it up on top of adjusting to parenthood.

I voted postage only with the hire kit. It would attract all the people who are not 100% sure.

I also think with a hire kit, we could get donations of used newborn nappies in good condition. It would open up how many people can contribute to this scheme then and still leave the option of having the receiver of that kit donating further down the track.

[bilbylove]

I am about to give birth and think i am on that list.

I feel so grateful to be able to come to the Nappycino forum, read, learn and ask questions, and meet some lovely people.

I don't expect a freebie and especially not if it is putting financial or time pressure on the WAHM's (or whoever makes the freebie) or the whoever pays for the website.

It's a wonderfully kind idea but if it's not working out, or proving too expensive, sometimes you just have to give up on an idea and go down another road.

I think the hire idea is too onerous (cost of posting) and i also think it may open up problems of laundering, care and individual situations. (smoking and non-smoking households, people who launder with sensitive washing stuff/people who use regualr supermarket laundry stuff) i just think it's too big a can of worms to even go there. It might work in a big city where clothie pop. is big and you can work out all this stuff in person at a Nappycino, but large scale, Australia and NZ wide, it sounds like a logistical nightmare to moi.

I never thought i'd turn down a free clothie product, but if it's a choice between the people that run Nappycino retaining some sanity and me getting a freebit, i'd rather that Nappycino keep going - you all do a fantastic job and i don't know that i'd be "Going the Cloth Route" if i didn't have somewhere like this forum to support and back me up when i have loads of questions (which happens frequently!!!).

You are darlings to have thought of all this, but don't give yourselves hernias over it, if it's proving too difficult.

hope i have expressed myself ok. i mean well by it~!

[KristyMum]

so the first option costs too much

and the second two options, wear and tear, keeping track of who has what, will you get it all back, what if something gets eaten by the dog etc... plus what bilbylove said about conditions the nappies might be in etc

You are darlings to have thought of all this, but don't give yourselves hernias over it, if it's proving too difficult.

kinda my thinking too - it's a great idea but sometimes even great ideas aren't practically viable, in their initial form anyway.

the only other thing I could think of, is instead of an actual nappy, then perhaps a $5 voucher (plus a 'Congrats!' note) towards a nappy product? That would cost less overall ie nappy+postage vs voucher, the recipient could use it on whatever nappy they chose, wouldn't have to worry about returning anything (if I borrow stuff I'm so aware of getting it back in A1 nic that sometimes I put it aside iykwim or am ultra-careful) The voucher could even be a paper-less one (although I like the 'symbolism' of the paper one) done up as a funky 'pic' that can be attached to the email - you know, how some people have really cool online invoices w pics and fonts and colours and border etc - that would be even less postage. ?
then I guess would you have it for specific WAHP site, or a general 'use at any of these stores'... those things would have to be looked at too.
eta that Nappycino would 'purchase' the voucher so the WAHP wouldn't be out of pocket and I'm guessing that funds from that would come from wherever the (more) funds are coming from for what's in place atm

Either that or if there were bumper stickers with a small congrats card - something as a cool slogan - 'Cloth-Bummed and on NC!' or something
*shurgs* prob a crud idea but jic it's worth a few seconds to type it lol (eta it's a crud idea )

the original thought and idea of the 'gift' is a great one, but not to the detriment of the forum, which is the 'gut' of the cloth nappy support on Nappycino. iykwim

[KristyMum]

maybe look at it in reverse - what funds are available, and what is possible with those funds. Then go from there..?

[~*Rebecca*~]

I think scrap the newborn nappy idea if it is creating financial problems.

I love the voucher idea and also Kristies idea.

COnsidering we all use this site free of charge besides the wonderful friendships and advice we get from here I wouldn't expect any free products.

If we were to pay a membership then that is a diff story. Has that been thought of before? I know i would be willing to pay a little to continue keeping the friends I have made here.

[Babydreams]

Newborn nappy kit sounds good, but every bub is a different size, shape etc, grow at different rates. I am not sure how much use someone would get out of a newborn nappy. I personally used terry flats with a good cover until bubs was bigger. With all the explosive poos and being new to it all the traditional flat nappy did the job. Maybe a funky tie dyed flat just to be a little different.

I agree that I am not sure how smoothly getting the kits returned would work out. Also some people may not be as careful with washing them as others.

I personally know if the time comes that I have another bub which nappy I will be using on a newborn but that is only after buying and trying many different fitted's and AIO's.

How about a different option where NC has one or two of each of the more common nappies and anyone new clothies could pay postage on eg a Bubblebub, Honeyboy Rumpster, VBSN etc etc. They could then decide if the fit, absorbency, drying time etc was good for their needs before purchasing some for themselves. I think I would have liked to be able to see, try on some modern cloth nappies before purchasing. They are all great by the way just depends on what the person is after. They would have to have a set time that they were allowed to keep the trial nappy for.

Just a thought

[Admin]

Problem mainly so far is that it's a logistical nightmare, not just a financial one. We've had a lot of people who have requested items such as "A simply nights, or if I can't have that maybe an ittibitti?" or "I only want a fleece AIO, preferably with embroidery and in a bright colour"....

Perhaps newborn covers with nappycino logo print on them? Or use something like Lucy put on the business cards with Nappycino, Modern Cloth & Ozcloth?

[Admin]

And ps. we cant charge for the loan of a newborn nappy kit as it then becomes a commercial hire with very strict laundering and ISO standards to be adhered to

[alineanne]

Perhaps newborn covers with nappycino logo print on them? Or use something like Lucy put on the business cards with Nappycino, Modern Cloth & Ozcloth?

ooh i like that idea!
i assume this was your idea jo (gift to new mums) - wow, so sweet.

[Eilleen]

I like the idea of an NC logo on stuff Jo.

[mum2henry]

Perhaps newborn covers with nappycino logo print on them? Or use something like Lucy put on the business cards with Nappycino, Modern Cloth & Ozcloth?

Oh I like that idea - "I love my cloth bum" I think that is a fabbo idea

I know with my gift - I loved it, but I know that if I had received a nappy for a new born (or even a small for that matter) it wouldn't have lasted very long.

But BAHH to those being picky about a gift. It is just that after all - a GIFT!

[~*Rebecca*~]

We've had a lot of people who have requested items such as "A simply nights, or if I can't have that maybe an ittibitti?" or "I only want a fleece AIO, preferably with embroidery and in a bright colour"....

Perhaps newborn covers with nappycino logo print on them? Or use something like Lucy put on the business cards with Nappycino, Modern Cloth & Ozcloth?

Sorry I really can't believe people would ask for their choice. I think it is such a generous gift that you should be happy with what ever you are given. No wonder your cost is so far up to $1000 with requests like that.I find that really rude and insulting .I thought it was just a generousity gift you sent out like one fitted in say boys colours.

[twinmama]

Personally I think the people asking for specific things should get nothing.

I love the idea of the cover - that way everyone gets something the same - prehaps in a small size - not newborn. That way it will fit over flats, fit larger newborns etc.

[~*Rebecca*~]

i agree Julie.i am absolutely gobsmacked at those suggestions.Off to shake my head.

[Kris]

Perhaps don't ask what the person wants? just a rough size estimate maybe and a history of what they have to use (so the same things don't get sent)

and I agree, if its costing too much pull the plug. There are other ways that NC can support new parents

[johT]

logo idea is cool!
can we charge members for optional special forum features or something to help with costs??? (or is that out because of then its a busines??)

[Snoozie]

IB or VBSN???

Glad to see we're asking for reasonably obtainable things that aren't snapped up within 5 seconds of being listed!

I like the logo idea!

[pips]

Cover with a logo sounds great to me! Would it save on costs though?

[Fi Kiwi]

I'm so relieved - I didn't think I would have done anything like that (requesting a very specific item) so I went and found my email..... Phew!

I really do think it should be something generic though - a small fitted or cover is really all that is required. Actually nothing is required, but something that makes you part of "the club", with an embroidered/screen printed part, is a great idea.

[bilbylove]

i can't bring myself to vote in your poll, i am too worried doing anything right now, is a financial and timewise burden on whoever runs Nappycino.

I like kirstymumto3 suggestions for cheaper options - e.g what is in the kitty, what could we afford to do? E.g maybe a fridge magnet or sticker advertising Nappycino would be cheaper and still make the new mum feel part of a club. Just something with the logo of Nappycino and website on it.

Lol at anyone thinking the freebie would be an VBSN or an itti bitti - that's rather over reaching for the stars isn't it? (bit cheeky). Maybe they are not aware yet of the price bracket those nappies are in, but really!!! i consider any MCN nappy forum to be a grassroots organisation, run by people who do all this volunteer work cos they believe in the principles of MCN and want to help advocate it, not Rockerfella Corporation Inc!!!! ($$$$$$$).

[2thorns1rose]

I can't believe people would make any requests when receiving a gift especially those type of unrealistic gifts I have been a part of NC before and after the birth of 5month old DD and the best gift I have received from here is the friendships, warmth and advice from such a lovely community of people!

I say scrap the idea if it's prooving too difficult, but voted for the loan kit to be added to... can now see where issues could arise with that though....

Good-luck everyone

[*rach*]

What about something like cloth wipes and/or a wetbag rather than a newborn nappy or cover - just thinking of things that aren't dependant on size/fitting particular babies/not the type of nappy the mum uses or whatever.

Maybe a Nappycino wetbag, couple of wipes and a voucher book from whatever WAHMs are interested in being in it? If you were going to do something like that the WAHMs in the voucher book could contribute to the cost.

[KristyMum]

cloth wipes and/or a wetbag

also a good idea

[Eilleen]

Oh I like that idea! I would want one too!

[*~Melinda~*]

Oh I like that idea! I would want one too!

Make them for sale maybe??????????

[~*Rebecca*~]

Love Rachels Idea.

But I want one too.

[KnittingKnerd]

I think Rach's idea of the wetbag and wipes is excellent and also if they were for sale as a fundraiser of sorts I'm sure lots of people would be interested in one too.

[stellaj]

I think the gift of a nappy is too generous and the hire kit thing would be very impractacle as far as wear and tear, chasing up who had the kit etc., etc. (although they are both very gorgous ideas).

I think a welcome/congatulations and a $5 voucher or discount or whatever to spend on MCN is plenty. It would also be cheap to send.

[Toria]

What about something like cloth wipes and/or a wetbag rather than a newborn nappy or cover

Okay, I didn't read about this scheme in great detail cause I knew it wouldn't apply to me, but I actually assumed the gift would be something like this. I never dreamed that people were asking for specifics or that you were attempting to cater for such specific requests.

I voted for the first option, the kits would be way, way to much work, especially with the issues a few others have raised about them. But, a modified first option, like this idea of wipes and/or wetbag. Could a bulk purchase be made of wetbags embroidered with a Nappycino logo, with some as the free gift & others available for members to purchase as a fundraiser?

[mokster26]

I'm a new member and didn't know about the initiative at all!
I have read through the posts and also think that people on this forum are already likely to be well on their way to being cloth nappy converts. Just going from my needs at the minute the marketing ideas have great merit - things like a bumper sticker or a baby Tshirt with nappychino screenprinted on it to actively promote cloth for us converts would be fab!. Alternately a 'kit' including MCN fact sheets, tips and a voucher book where WAHMS can list their website (with perhaps a 10% discount) would be really neat. Obviously there is work involved in all this so I guess that time is an issue too - being so new I'm not sure whether members pitch in with new initiatives or whether there are meetings and work groups etc.

[Carla]

I didn't vote either!

Just don't really think any of those options were viable Intruiged to see the results tho

This whole debate doesn't really concern me I am not pregnant nor will be again, but I was blown away when I read about the whole NB gift idea in the first place!! Extreamly generous! I certainly wasn't aware that the reciever got to request waht they recieved! Not ask for such items!! My goodness??

I really like the sound of the wetbag
It's non gender specific,sizesdo not have to be taken into account! AND it's something tha I am quite sure many parents would be interested in purchasing also! Something maybe to help raise some funds to keep NC going!!

Anyway whatever is decided, let it be known that this forum has brought alot of parents together that wouldn't usually have the opportunity to get out sometimes
I for one have met many IRL and have forged friendships that will last a lifetime!

If it is something that needs to be dropped, I'm sure that all those involved will understand
It's not material things that count!

Just my 2cents

[april]

I haven't voted either, but I think that if it is that much of a hassle not to worry about it anymore...
But I do have a mish mash of thoughts...
I received a newborn gift from Nappycino, I remember vaguely in the thread about it that Jo asked what we would complete our stash and there was another question I cant quite remember how it went, but something like anything else the person had to say that would influence what nappy they got.
All I asked for was a cover or soaker and that I liked brown....I never expected to get anything, and I certainly didn't expect to get a brown cover!! I was and still am, very touched to have received such a gift. While it hasn't had an influence on my cloth usage, its a very special addition to my stash, something that will always be treasured.
Having said that, I understand what a pita it must be to cater to everyone's whims....so I think that the idea of a nappy cover with the Nappycino logo, or something similiar, and everyone gets the same thing, is a great idea....if doable though.... Even if a Nappycino cover is not someone's cup of tea I think they should be grateful to be receiving something MCN free in the first place...

Just my thoughts though...

April