Bambino Mio Nappies Full Review
Posted: 19 March 2008 by Simon Munk
This is what's called a 'pre-fold' nappy -- they sit halfway between shaped nappies and old skool terry towelling. They're cheaper than shaped nappies, and the lack of defined shaping means a bit more faffing around in folding up the inner nappy. But you have more options in terms of customising the nappy to fit your baby.
The waterproof wrap is like any other, but the nappy inside is a large cotton square with three panels that you fold. The outer panels are made from four layers and the central one is made from six to eight layers. You can fold it in various ways, depending on where you need the absorbent bit to go -- which depends on the gender and size of your baby. The nappy, now folded into a rectangle, is placed in the wrap and then done up using Velcro.
There are two advantages to pre-folds. Firstly, they're cheap. Extra nappies cost just £2-3 each, comparable to terry towelling squares. Secondly, they're far less bulky than other real nappies. And the absorbent nappy doesn't reach around the sides of the baby's bum at all, so the baby doesn't get that bottom-heavy look -- which might make them more acceptable to parents worrying about moving from disposables.
The cost-savings of a pre-fold are slightly diminished by the fact that you have to buy three or four sizes of wrap to fit your baby from birth to potty. The Bambino Mio comes in four sizes, but you probably won't want the tiny newborn size, so expect to buy three sizes: 11-16lbs, 16-21lbs and 21-27lbs. In use, these took only a few seconds more to get on than shaped nappies, and were actually more absorbent and secure than they initially appeared. But we still didn't feel confident that they would last overnight.
Bambino Mio nappies are only available in non-organic cotton and are made in China. But the fabric for the wraps is UK-sourced and then made into wraps in Lithuania -- manufacturing was moved there from China to reduce transport emissions. The company told us it regularly visits its factories in China and Lithuania to assure that working conditions are fair. Also in the ethical corner, Bambino supports the Real Aid charity, donating nappies which are sent to disadvantaged mothers all over the world.
Additional testing done by Caramel Quin
Quality
Value
Ethics
Green
