Understanding Cloth

Believe it or not you have heaps of choice when it comes to modern cloth nappies

Flat nappies – these are the traditional face of cloth nappies, they are still used (and loved!) today. They consist of a flat square of fabric; typically flannelette, terry towelling (cotton) and now even in bamboo. They require the most work out of all of the nappy systems as they need to be folded, fastened (with a pin or a snappi) and they also need a separate waterproof cover. On the up side they are very fast drying and inexpensive.

Prefold nappies – Technically they fall into the flat nappy category as they are also flat squares of fabric. However, I felt they deserved their own special section because they are far easier than other flat nappies! Most commonly made out of bamboo they have an extra panel of material sewn into the middle to make them very absorbent. Prefolds do require very simple folding (folding instructions), fastening is optional and they also need a seperate cover. A very easy and cost effective system that is particularly useful for newborn babes and infants. Prefolds can also be used as the absorbent layer in pocket nappies which makes them even more cost effective!

Fitted nappies – These are a shaped nappy and typically have elastic around the legs and back, which means no folding. As a bonus fitted nappies are particularly effective at containing newborn poos! Fitted nappies are also very absorbent as the entire nappy is made out of absorbent materials however; they also need a separate cover.

All in One nappies – Also known as AIO, they have everything you need already built in including the water proof layer!  AIO’s are the easiest and most convenient of the all of the nappy systems … simply change the nappy, put in the wash, hang out to dry and then put back on baby! When considering buying all in one nappies please be aware that they do take a while to dry as all of the layers are sewn together.

All in Two nappies – or AI2 nappies are a variation on the all in one nappy. They still have everything built in, however the absorbent layers are typically removable which significantly reduces the drying time. AI2 systems are often more cost effective too as  extra absorbent layers are available to purchase separately and can be used  to replace wet layers (if the  outer shell of the nappy is still clean and dry of course). What you gain in drying efficiency and cost effectiveness you loose in convenience as once all of the separate layers are dry they will need to be put back together before the nappy can be used again.

Pocket nappies – The shell of a pocket nappy is made by sewing a waterproof layer together with an inner lining. An opening, or pocket, is often placed at the back of the nappy which is where the absorbent material is placed. The beauty of the pocket nappy is that any absorbent material can be placed in the pocket which enables you to customise the amount of absorbency according to your child’s needs. The shell of a pocket nappy dry very quickly and it is often possible to buy extra inserts for your nappies which makes pocket nappies a cost effective option also. Pocket nappies are not as convenient as an AIO as you will need to insert absorbent material into the pocket before the nappy can be used.

Covers are only required for flat and fitted nappies. These are your common choices:

PUL – PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate and it is a membrane that is coated on the back of either cotton or synthetic materials to render them waterproof. PUL covers are a vast improvement on the old PVC pilchers of old as they are breathable. This simply means that air is able to circulate around the nappy area which increases comfort and results in healthier skin.

Fleece – Fleece covers are made out of polar fleece material and are these covers are typically used for overnight. It is waterproof and highly breathable which allows moisture to evaporate through it. This property means that a nappy can last longer hence why it is useful at night. Fleece covers are not suited when the air flow around the nappy is restricted such as sitting in a car seat

Wool - Wool covers are a very popular choice for covering fitted night time nappies, though they can be used during the day as well.  Wool is suited to night time use for several reasons. This natural fibre is breathable and absorbent, so any moisture will be trapped and a portion will evaporate away! Add lanolin to your wool covers to neutralise the smell of urine. Best of all unless the cover is soiled you do not need to wash your wool cover after each use, simply hang out on the line to air and reuse the following night. Woollen covers will need to be washed and re-lanolised every 4-8 weeks

Liners are designed to make dealing with solid waste easier. AIO, AI2 and pocket nappies all have inbuilt liners, however you can choose to add additional liners

Biodegradable – Simply lift the biodegradable liner out of nappy and place into the toilet to flush, solid waste removed and dealt with!

Reusable – These are made out of microfleece which will keep babies bottom nice and dry as the urine will pass through it, but it will not be allowed through again. Solid waste will also roll off microfleece readily. Reusable liners are recommended if you need to use any barrier creams for your babe.

Wipes come in cloth too! They are much nicer and kinder on delicate skin than the chemical filled disposable versions. Team them with a wipe solution or plain ol’ water to clean up messy little bottoms. Cloth wipes are no extra work simply put in your laundry bag with the cloth nappies to await wash day. They also come in handy for cleaning up any little accidents and double up nicely as face washers. So versatile, cloth wipes are a good idea even if you are using disposable nappies.