There are a few different types of cloth nappies.
Shaped Nappy System
This comes in two parts, the shaped, or fitted nappy is the absorbant bit, and the wrap is the waterproof cover that keeps everything in. Liners can be used to make changing easier, bottoms dryer and nappies cleaner! There is no need to to use a clean wrap at each change - unless it is soiled or very wet, just pop on a clean nappy and liner.
 Very good containment - 2 barriers against leaks
Shaped nappies can be sized meaning they fit from birth to toddler.
One size nappies work out cheaper although they may be bulky on a new born or tight on a toddler
Sized nappies can come in 2 or 3 sizes and will be a slimmer, neater fit, but there will be more nappies to buy.
Prefold System
A prefold is a flat nappy, slightly thicker in the middle that is folded and tucked into a wrap before adding liner and putting on baby - at the next change, change liner and prefold, the wrap can be used again with a clean prefold unless it is soiled. Not all wraps are suitable for prefolds, they need to be snug fitting for the prefold nappy to stay in place. eg the Vento wrap will be too 'baggy' but a popo wrap will work with prefolds as it has a tighter fit. Prefold systems are the ones you often see on the high street like Cotton bottoms and Bambino mio. This is the prefered system of laundry services as they are easy to wash - they can be washed at high tempuratures as there is no elastic, velcro etc. It is possible to 'nippa' a prefold to get a better fit.
Can use pad folded terries in place of prefolds
Quick drying, although not as quick as terries
A bit fiddly on wriggly babies
Containment not so good with runny breastfed poo, as the wrap is doing all the work.
Will need more wraps to nappy as poo more likely to get on wrap
Pre-fold can shift about as toddlers are on the move.
All-In-Ones
The absorbant part of the nappy and the waterproof outer are all fixed together - types include Kooshies ultra, Popolini easyfix, Motherease all in one.
Easy to put on - good for childminder, nursery, dads!
Take a long time to dry - tumble drying not advisable
Shorter life span
Expensive if using these all the time
Containment not as good as a 2 part system
All-in-One Pocket Nappy
Similar to All in ones but with the advantage of a separate absorbant layer. They consist of waterproof material on the outside, and a built in liner liner (usually fleece) which forms a pocket for stuffing your absorbant material. This can be inserts, terry nappy, prefold, boosters, muslins - whatever you prefer. Types incude Fuzzibunz, Nature babies Stuffables, Wonderoos.
As all-in-ones but much quicker drying
Easy to use - goes on just like a disposable
You control what goes in - can be as slim or absorbant as your baby needs
More hygienic than all in ones as can be washed more thoroughly
You need a whole new nappy with each change - can be more expensive
Flat Terry and Wraparound Nappies
A terry nappy can be folded in different ways to suit your baby, and is very versatile. It takes a little practise to use terry nappies but with patience they can work really well. You will need wraps or covers to go over the top and fasteners such as the nappi nippa. Terry nappies are widely available - most of the high street variety are quite thin, but you can boost if needs be. Thicker ones are available eg Junior Joy Ultra and Little ewe terries and you can also get 40cm and 70cm square as well as the standard 60cm. Wraparound nappies like the Popolini Koala or the Imse Vimse work on the same principle but are more shaped and easier to fold.
Quick drying - ideal if you don't have a tumble dryer
Requires some practice with folding
Very adjustable - can use different folds as baby grows
Can be used with nice breathable wraps - not sweaty plastic pants!
May be bulky, depending how you fold and how thick, or big the nappy is
Can be used pad folded in pocket nappies or snug fitting wraps
They have loads of other uses - mopping up, boosters, burp cloths......
Inexpensive - the cheapest system you can buy.
Cloth Nappy Jargon!
Wraps
The Wrap, or cover is the waterproof bit that goes over the nappy. These generally fasten with poppers or velcro, or can be pull on style. It is personal preference which type you go for - some will fit your baby better than others. Wraps are made from PUL - polyurethane laminate, which is a waterproof, but breathable material, not at all like the old sweaty plastic or PVC, and is excelent for daytimes. For nights you may want to try a fleece or wool wrap - these don't have a waterproof layer,but let air circulate,and are great for heavy wetters.
Fleece is water repellant, and needs regular washing. Wool absorbs wee very slowly, letting it evaporate as it does so. It doesnt need washing everytime, and requires lanolising. With both types it is important that clothing is not too tight, as pressure can cause moisture to seep through.
Boosters
Boosters add absorbency to nappies - made from absorbent material like terry or hemp, these can be worn in the nappy, with a liner on top or between the nappy and the wrap.
Liners
Liners are there to catch feeces, protect the nappy and also provide a barrier between a wet nappy and babies skin. They are either flushable, like the Enviro Liner or Popli liner or washable, like fleece. If you are new to cloth you may find flushable ones easier to deal with at first, although fleece will keep babies bums dryer. Fleece lined nappies like Stuffies and Nature babies Stuffables have a built in liner so don't need a seperate liner. Don't double up or fold your liners - this can make them repel wee, and stop the nappy absorbing moisture.
Factors to consider when choosing a nappy system
Cost - Any cloth nappy system will be cheaper to use than disposables, but if you are on a tight budget, terry nappies are a your cheapest option
Do you have a tumble dryer? Some nappies take longer to dry than others, particularly all in ones and shaped nappies. You could still use these types of nappy, but you may need a few extra to allow for drying time.
You may want to use a mixture of nappies - maybe different nappies for day and night or AIO's for nursery or changing bag. You may also find different nappies work better as your baby grows.
What do I need?
We recommend for a newborn to start off with about 24 nappies and 6 wraps, which should be fine if you wash every 2 days, including drying time. We would also strongly recommend you buy some different types, so you can try out the different nappies - then when you are ready to go up in to the next size you have a clearer idea of what to go for. It all seems a bit confusing at first but once you are using the nappies it will become second nature! It is good to get started using cloth as soon as possible, so it becomes part of your routine.
Muslins can make good nappies for newborns, at least for a couple of weeks (although it will vary with all babies). As your baby gets bigger (and has bigger wees!) they won't be quite absorbent enough, but you could boost them to make them go a bit further, and of course they have lots of other uses. The best way of using muslins as a nappy is the 'angel fold' , simply fold it in to quarters so you have a square, then fold it in at the sides and fan out the back. Then you just pop in a liner, fasten it with a nappi nippa and put your wrap/cover over the top. It's a good idea to practice a bit before baby makes an appearance!
Other things you would / might need are:
Liners: either washable fleece or disposable. If you go for disposable the cellulose liners are great for runny newborn poo.
Nappi nippas: a lot of nappies fasten with poppers or velcro, but if they don't, or if you use flat terries or muslins you'll need these.
Bucket and nappy mesh: You need a good sized bucket with a lid to keep dirty nappies in, the mesh makes washing so much easier.
Wet nappy bag: For putting used nappies in when out and about
Washable wipes: about 18 - 20 is ideal, if you are washing nappies you may as well wash the wipes too!
Information courtesy of www.angeltots.co.uk |
How To Change A Nappy
