Nappy Information and Common Q&A
As you research different options in modern cloth nappies it can be very confusing, there are so many varieties and brands. Below is some information on the type of nappies, nappy features and different material used in cloth nappies to consider when choosing the nappy that is right for you and your baby?
NAPPY TYPES TO CONSIDER:
Prefold Nappy - Old style square shaped terry towelling material that requires folding, pins and waterproof cover.
Fitted Nappy - Shaped nappy, normally with elastic around the legs and velcro closures so no need for folding or pins, but normally requires an additional waterproof nappy cover.
All in One Nappy - Similar to 'Fitted' but has a waterproof cover sewn in. This nappy tends to take longer to dry.
Pocket Nappy - Consists of a nappy shell and separate absorbency inserts/ boosters that need to be inserted into a pocket in the nappy shell. As this nappy separates unlike the All in One Nappy, it is faster drying.
All in Two Nappy - Consists of a nappy shell and separate absorbency inserts/ boosters that sit on top of the nappy shell. This gives you the option of changing the insert/booster without having to change the whole nappy.
NAPPY FEATURES TO CONSIDER:
'Sized' Nappy - These nappies come in different sizes, typically small, medium large. You will need to purchase the various sizes and as your baby grows fast this may not be an economical option.
'One Size' Nappy - This type of nappy can be adjusted as your baby grows and will fit the average baby from birth to toilet training, eliminating the need for different sized nappes making it a more cost effective nappy option. One Size Nappies normally have rows of vertical snaps on the front of the nappy to adjust the nappy size.
Nappy Closure options - Snap or Velcro - With velcro you can get a more snug fit and for ease of use it is the same as attaching a disposable nappy, but the velcro can accumulate fluff in it over time affecting the velcro. With the snap closure option you are limited to where the snaps are placed, but it is a good option when your little one gets to the age where they start pulling at their nappy. If you are unsure which closure type to get, I recommend getting a mixture of velcro and snap closures when purchasing your nappies.
Location of the pocket in 'Pocket Nappies' - Best location of the pocket is at the very top of the back of the nappy, if the pocket is a couple of centimetres from the top of the nappy, poo can get stuck under the pocket flap making it very unpleasant to clean!
NAPPY MATERIAL TYPES TO CONSIDER:
Type of material used in cloth nappies can vary.
Waterproof Covers - normally made from Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) which is a breathable yet waterproof fabric.
Inner Layer - (next to the skin) is normally microfleece (100%polyester) or suedecloth and its purpose is to draw moisture away from the skin into the absorbency layers
Inserts / Boosters - can be made from bamboo, hemp or microfibre (synthetic material, combination of polyester and polyamide) and are used to absorb moisture.
