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Sun, Sand and Swimming with Little Ones, We review the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappy.
A day out swimming is the perfect past time especially during the hot summer months. However, taking a toddler swimming can be difficult at the best of times, make your day a little less stressful by investing in a reusable swim nappy.
Why reuse?
Would you throw away your swimming costume after you had used it only once? No… So why waste money upon disposable swim nappies when you could offer your child a comfortable and more affordable option?
Let’s look at the comparisons
| Disposable Swim Nappies | Reusable Swim Nappies |
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If you plan on swimming regularly with your child then the benefits of using reusable swim nappies far outweigh those of disposable swim nappies. Mums Baby Magazine put the Monkey Doodlez Blowfish Swim Nappy to the ultimate test:
We took two toddlers (one wearing a disposable swim nappy and the other wearing a Monkey Doodlez reusable nappy), a paddling pool and a range of floating toys out on a sunny day in the UK. Firstly, we ensured that both children were wearing children’s waterproof SPF Factor 50 sun protecting lotion, we then fitted the nappies onto the toddlers and added sunglasses, a protective sun shirt/ swim suit and sun hats. We then put up an oversized parasol to ensure that the toddlers were shaded during the afternoons play in the sunshine and then filled the paddling pool with floating toys to keep the little ones entertained while we watched and waited…
Disposable VS Reusable Swim Nappies at play
The first toddler (wearing a disposable swim nappy) entered the paddling pool with little hesitation, within minutes she decided that she wished to get out of the pool for a play in the sandpit. However, the disposable swim nappy was soaked and due to the ‘absorbent core’ in the nappy the nappy remained wet until removed five minutes later.
The second toddler (wearing a reusable Monkey Doodlez swim nappy) entered the paddling pool with and sat down in his reusable nappy. Upon noticing that his companion had left him for a sandpit, he decided to follow his friend and he too had a rather ‘wet bum’. However, after five minutes the reusable nappy had dried and the toddler wearing this item was able to continue water and sand play outside without being changed.
Disposable VS Reusable Swim Nappies when in water
The first toddler (wearing a disposable swim nappy) had now been changed into a new disposable swim nappy and once again wished to enter the padding pool to fill her watering can. We took this opportunity to take a closer look at the disposable nappy when in water and found that it seemed quite stiff and uncomfortable. We also found that it seemed to become bulkier when in water.
The second toddler (wearing a reusable Monkey Doodlez swim nappy) once again entered the paddling pool and sat down enabling us to investigate the reusable swim nappy when in water. We found that the material of the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappy (bathing suit material) still felt soft and had plenty of give so that the toddler was able to move around happily without discomfort.
After twenty minutes of water and sand play, we took both children inside to get changed. We put two disposable swim nappies into the bin and then we took the reusable swim nappy and popped it into a waterproof bag along with the protective tee-shirts and hats ready for the wash.
What’s the difference between Disposable and Reusable Swim Nappies in terms of design?
It is worth considering that neither disposable or reusable swim nappies are designed to absorb urine, as if either of these nappies were to absorb moisture they would become heavier in the water, thus weighing the child down. Disposable swim nappies do have some absorbency but will not absorb swimming pool water. Some reusable nappies have a waterproof layer (similar to pair of plastic pants within the nappy) to try and withhold fluids whereas others have a simple mesh layer which allow fluid through but retain any solid materials from escaping. Both the disposable and reusable swim nappies are designed to contain solids.
What do I need my child’s swim nappy to do?
Swim nappies need to have snug-fitting leg gussets and waistbands in order to contain any solid materials when in the water.
What are the price comparisons?
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Disposable Swim Nappies (Pack of 12) |
Reusable Swim Nappy x 1 |
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If we were to imagine that you took your child swimming every week for three months then the average price comparison per week between disposable swim nappies and reusable swim nappies would be a saving of £6.45 if you chose to use reusable swim nappies!
| Disposable Swim Nappy | Reusable Swim Nappy |
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Mums Baby Magazine were impressed with the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappy. The toddler who wore this Monkey Doodlez Reusable Swim Nappy (Blow Fish Design) seemed to get along swimmingly in comparison with the toddler who wore the disposable swim nappy and required several changes which interrupted play and therefore got the thumbs down both us and our little tester!
The sizing of the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappy seems accurate, the leg gussets are elasticated and soft for comfort and protection. The designs are bright and colourful, the nappy inner is lined with soft polyester mesh fabric to prevent any ‘little accidents’ from escaping and the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappies can be washed easily along with other laundry at forty degrees Celsius.
Mums Baby Magazine give the Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappy 10/10 for comfort and protection in the pool. The Monkey Doodlez Swim Nappies are available in a wide range of sizes, colours and designs. Monkey Doodlez is a Canadian brand. However, this brand of Reusable Swim Nappies can now be purchased in the UK for £12.50 per swim nappy through www.cheeksandcherries.co.uk
Funky Feet Slippers are Cool, Funky, Smart and Neat, and loads of Fun for Little Feet!
Handmade in the UK, Funky Feet Fashions create a wide range of Footwear and Clothing for little ones.
MBM put a pair of Funky Feet Slippers to the test, we found the Funky Feet Slippers to be bright, colourful, soft to the touch and beautifully made. Funky Feet Slippers are lined with 100% cotton material and therefore children can wear these slippers without socks as the material breathes preventing feet from becoming hot and sweaty during play.
The exterior of the slippers feel like velvet to the touch, it is almost as if you could literally stroke your slippers! The elasticated ankles are stretchy and comfortable for little feet.
The soles of the slippers are made from high quality suede, this material is non slip which is ideal for children walking upon tiled or polished wooden floors. Whilst these slippers are ideal ‘house shoes’ they are also excellent non-slip, comfortable shoes to be worn during play in wet rooms (such as when using sandpits and water play). These slippers are machine washable at 40 degrees Celsius, although it is suggested not to tumble dry these slippers as it can dry out the suede.
Easy to put on and to take off both for parents and toddlers, Funky Feet slippers are ideal for toddlers practicing the initial skills of putting on and removing shoes and slippers.
Funky Feet Fashions Slippers are available in the 
following sizes:
- 0-6 months
- 6-12 months
- 12-18 months
- 18-24 months
- 2-3 years
- 3-5 years
- 5-7 years
Funky Feet Fashions have a wide range of designs to suit your little one. Each pair of slippers comes beautifully packaged in a sturdy green ‘funky feet’ magnetic snap shut box which is safe for little fingers and a great storage box to keep bits and pieces in.
Retailing from £17.50 per pair, Funky Feet Fashions Slippers are available from www.funkyfeetfashions.co.uk .
Keep your little ones bright and dry in the April showers with Dotty Donkey Raincoats!
It’s always worth investing in a lightweight waterproof jacket to carry when out and about during spring time. Although the weather may begin to feel warmer there is always the risk of rain showers and once toddlers are able to walk they don’t always appreciate being asked to sit in the stroller or pram where parents are able to protect little ones from moisture with covers and protectors.
Parents have to carry enough when they are out and about, the idea of carrying heavy coats can seem off-putting. The Dotty Donkey Macs fold up into a small size which fit into a small carry bag. These waterproof, funky jackets can then be stored easily in a parents bag or coat pocket.
Available from www.dottydonkey.co.uk these colourful raincoats are the ideal ‘emergency proofing’ for a spring day out!
Soft and Stylish Shoes for Little Ones
Children’s feet grow at an astonishing rate. It is important that the moment that we provide our little treasures with shoes to wear that we ensure that they fit accurately and are of course comfortable to wear. Provide your little one with comfort, style, safety and grip as they find their feet with the Dotty Donkey soft, leather shoes.
The Dotty Donkey leather shoes have no laces or ties which could be fallen over or a hazard. It is important that children are not made to wear shoes which are tight or simply do not fit as the correct development and growth of your child’s feet could be inhibited. The Dotty Donkey leather shoes are soft and flexible allowing growth and comfort whilst the leather provides a material which enables the skin to breath thus feet do not become sweaty. Gentle elastic is sewn into the ankles, enabling shoes to be put on easily and preventing them from slipping or falling off when out and about.
These beautiful shoes are available in a wide range of designs and feature non-slip soles to aid those precious first steps and safe walking. These shoes can be washed by hand in cold water and are available in four sizes:
- small (3-6 months)
- medium (6-12 months)
- large (12-18 months)
- extra large (18 months- 2 years)
Available from only £6.50 from www.dottydonkey.co.uk these shoes are are packaged beautifully in organza ribbon tied bags and are the ideal gift for parents to treasure.
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