Types of cloth nappy

Types of nappy

Shaped two part 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 - eg size 1 and 2 Stuffies, size 1 or 2 Diddy diapers or one sized, meaning they fit from birth to toddler, eg popolini one size.
• 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

Flat nappy two part system - either prefolds or terry squares

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 wrigley 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  

• 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

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 seperate absorbant layer. They consist of waterproof material on the outside, and a built in 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 Nature babies Stuffables and stuffable lites, Fuzzibunz, Wonderoos.

• As AIO 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

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