Cloth nappies explained

When you first look at a cloth nappy store it can seem really daunting and like another language when you're hit with types such as All In Ones, Pockets, Prefolds, Wraps, Two Parters etc. On this page we will run through the differenent types of system on offer and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can make an informed choice as to which type would best suit your baby, lifestyle and taste. It really is quite simple!

To begin it is best to know how a nappy system is made up. Next to the babies skin there is a liner usually made from fleece which allows wee to pass through but stops solids and locks the moisture away from the babies skin. In the centre there is the absorbent nappy part which soaks up the wee and on the very outside there is a thin waterproof wrap which stops the wee passing through onto clothes. All the nappy systems are built on this basis.

Two Parters

These consist of a separate inner nappy and liner which goes next to the babies skin and a waterproof outer wrap which you put on over the top to prevent leakages. We offer the inner nappies which are already shaped to fit your baby and fasten with aplix or poppers so there is no need for any folding or pinning like in the old days! It is an easy system to use and simply requires you to secure the inner nappy to your baby, exactly the same as you would a disposable and then secure the waterproof wrap over the top, so it is like you are effectively putting on two nappies - one to absorb and one to stop leaks.

Advantages: these tend to give the best containment as the nappy and the wrap give a double defence against leaks; easy to wash and dry as they are separated into two parts, with the wrap only needing washing after about 4 uses or if any solid matter has gotten onto it; usually the most cost effective method.

Disadvantages: two parts to put on is more fiddly than one, especially with a wriggly baby; these nappies may need extra boosting over night so you will technically be putting on three parts!

All In Ones

As self explanatory as it sounds, this is an all in one nappy system where the liner, absorbent nappy part and the waterproof wrap are joined together. Ready to go, you don't need to do anything with the assembly of these nappies beforehand, just put them on exactly as you would a disposable. They tend to come with either aplix or poppers to fasten. They are the easiest type to use.

Advantages: easy to put on as there is only one layer and one set of fasteners to do up so even grandparents and child minders can manage them.

Disadvantages: these are one of the slowest nappies to dry as the waterproof outer layer limits the speed of drying; if extra boosters are needed for heavy wetters they can be more fiddly to put on and adjust and defeat the object of a one-piece; they tend to be the most expensive type.

Pockets

The most popular option, these come in two parts but not in the same way as a Two Parter does. These nappies consist of a shell made up of an inner fleece liner which sits next to the babies skin and locks wetness away and an outside waterproof wrap which are joined together, so they look much like an All In One. However, they have a pocket built into them in which to stuff the absorbent nappy part called an insert. The insert is provided with the shell. Easy to use, you just stuff the pocket with the insert beforehand and secure to the baby in the same way as you would a disposable. These come with either aplix or poppers for fastening.

Advantages: easy to put on as there is only one layer and one set of fasteners, even if extra boosters are added; quick to assemble as you only have to stuff the pocket with the insert; flexible as you can increase the absorbency in the pocket when needed for a heavy wetter or for overnight use; quick drying as you seperate the absorbent inner from the shell; tend to be trim-fitting.

Disadvantages: there really aren't any disadvantages to pockets which is why they tend to be the most popular choice however they do take up more drying space with the shells and the inserts.

Boosters and Liners

You can also purchase separately extra boosters and liners. Boosters are extra inserts which you can put inside the nappy to increase absorbency. You may want to use these for overnight use or when you're out and about and think it will be longer than usual before you change your baby. Liners, which aren't a necessity, come in either washable or flushable. Some parents prefer to use an extra flushable liner for dealing with solids and just dispose of it down the toilet along with the poo. We prefer the washable liners as they are thicker and larger so have more coverage in the nappy and just get washed along side everything else. Liners are great because you can always guarantee that as soon as you put on a clean nappy your baby will decide to do a poo! With a liner there is no need to change the whole nappy, just the liner.

Poppers v's Aplix (velcro)

Really it is a personal choice. Some people find aplix easier to fasten than poppers and find they can get a better fit, but some people prefer the security of poppers when their baby discovers the secret of undoing aplix and find them with their nappy off! Poppers will maintain their appearance over time whereas aplix will have a more used look.

Sizings

Cloth nappies come in two sizing types - sized or Birth to Potty.

Birth To Potty (BTP) also known as One Size

These nappies adjust through the use of poppers to fit newborn babies and toddlers. They work out to be a far cheaper option as you only have to buy one set of nappies rather than two or three sets of different sizes. Sometimes birth doesn't always mean from birth as babies born can be different sizes and weights so manufacturers usually set a minimum weight limit on their nappies. Some toddlers can be significantly larger than others or be in nappies for longer than average so can outgrow these nappies. The one size nappies that we have chosen have fitted our babies and toddlers perfectly but you will reach those inbetween times when through trial and error you find you need to go up a size on the fastening for better fit around the legs, or up the absorbency. You may even have a smaller newborn or a larger toddler and at these extremes, BTP may not be your best option.

Sized

Undoubtedly sized nappies will give the best fit as they go in weight ranges which grow with your baby and offer sizes from tiny newborn up to exra large toddler. However, because you have to buy more than one set, they can be more expensive in the long run than Birth To Potty.

Still unsure?

You could always buy a selection of different types initially and when you discover which ones you prefer to use then add more of those to your collection. There is a time and a place for all the types. For example, a younger baby could benefit from the optimal containment of a Two Parter especially as the poo is much looser, wetter and sometimes explosive! For a wriggly baby you may prefer a Pocket or All In One. With a heavy wetting baby or toddler you may prefer a Pocket so you can easily increase absorbency by simply stuffing the pocket. For days out or when your little one is being looked after by a grandparent or child minder, an All In One could be just the type. At the end of the day all types do their job perfectly so whichever you choose you'll know you have invested in a reliable product. If you're still torn between which type to choose then contact us and we will happily offer you personal advice.

Check out our FAQ's page for questions such as How Many Will I Need? What's the Best Way To Store The Nappies?