Choosing Cloth Nappies

While fitted cloth nappies will save you money in the long run, the initial investment is significant. It is worth making your choice an informed one. Below is everything you need to know about choosing fitted cloth nappies. Of course, the best way to choose is to try some out. See our fantastic Trial Offer for a great way to try out our very popular "one-size" nappy system.

Fitted cloth nappies vary in design, fabric and fastening system. Choosing a cloth nappy is a very personal choice. Here are some issues you should consider...

Design

Cloth nappies range from simple terry towelling squares to “stuffable” microfibre pants. Fitted nappies are typically shaped like little pants and usually have elasticised legs and waist. This improves the fit, reduces leakage and bulk and improves the comfort and look of the nappy. Added absorbency can be achieved by adding an insert or "booster". The booster is removed for washing and drying making the nappy dry faster. All of our nappies are shaped with elasticised legs and waist. We offer a range of boosters for use with "heavy wetters" and at night time.

Most cloth nappies come in a two-part system - the nappy and a waterproof cover. The waterproof cover, unless it is soiled, does not need to be changed every time the nappy is changed. Most modern waterproof covers are made from a fabric called PUL (poly-urethane laminated polyester). This fabric is waterproof and breathable, which makes today's covers infinately superior to old-fashioned PVC plastic pants. Covers may also be made from wool, but these covers generally require more care than the PUL covers. All of our covers are made from PUL and have elasticised legs and waists to provide a truly leak-proof fit.

Some fitted nappies are constructed as "all-in-one" systems. These offer the ultimate in convenience since only one garment needs to be changed at change time. All-in-ones are great for outings and use by occassional carers, but they are expensive since you are effectively paying for a cover for every nappy, and since covers generally wear out before nappies, an all-in-one system may not last until your baby is toilet trained. We have both two-part systems and an all-in-one nappy available.

Most fitted nappy systems are "sized", that is, as your baby grows you purchase bigger nappies. This can become very expensive if a new complete set has to be purchased each year. Some systems are designed as "one-size" which will fit from birth up to toddler. These designs use clever but simple folding and fastening techniques to adjust the size of the nappy. Be wary of claims of one-size systems! Many are very bulky on a newborn and very tight on an older baby. Our very popular one-size nappy is one of the few which can truly claim to fit from birth through to toddler. A sized system will always provide a better fit, so if this is important to you, go with a sized system. If you are planning to use cloth from when your baby is born then a one-size system will be your most economical choice. If you're coming into cloth later (say, around six months), choose a sized system and start with the second size up. We have both a sized system (the "Sandy's" nappy) and a one-size nappy available.

Fabric

Most modern fitted cloth nappies are made from cotton which is a wonderfully soft and very absorbent fibre. Different fabrics may be used: cotton/polyester is very durable and will hold its shape through many, many washes ; big, fluffy terry nappies are very absorbent but are bulky and take a corresspondingly long time to dry; flannelette is not as absorbent as cotton terry but it is much less bulky and often comes in very cute patterns. Some nappies are available that are made of hemp/cotton blends. Hemp is very absorbent but is not as soft as cotton and hence not as comfortable for baby. Synthetic Microfibre is also being pushed as a nappy fabric by some companies. Microfibre may have special washing and drying requirements that make it difficult to fit into your regular rountine (e.g. many Microfibre products cannot be washed with cotton or tumble dried).

Beware of the claims of organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown using less herbicides and pesticides than regular cotton. Organic cotton yeilds are quite low and hence organic cotton is expensive. In order to ensure that cotton has really been grown and processed according to organic standards the cotton should be properly certified by a recognised certifying agency. If you are going to pay extra for organic cotton, make sure it is certified to make sure you are getting the real thing.

Bleached or unbleached?

Bleaching cotton is very rough on the fibres and will result in a shorter lifetime for the garment. Bleaching also uses more chemicals in creating the fabric which is not good for the environment and which leaves chemical residue in the material which may affect sensitive skin. You will find that over time bleached and unbleached cotton wash to pretty much the same colour (the unbleached whitens a bit and the bleached darkens a bit).

All of our nappies are made from a specially knit, super absorbent, cotton terry. The fabric is knit in such a way that only 100% cotton touches baby's skin, although a small amount of polyester is included in the base of the fabric to improve durability. Most of our nappies are available in bleached and unbleached fabric.

Fastening

A Snappi is a fast and efficient way of fastening a nappy with a perfect fit every time but it can only be used with terry towelling nappies as it hooks into the loops of the material to fasten. Many midwives will not recommend the use of a snappi as if it comes undone it can cause serious scratching and damage to the legs and genitals of babies. Plastic snaps are safe, easy and convenient to use and can be used with all kinds of material. Clever snap placement should allow the nappy to fit all shapes of baby. Snaps have the added advantage of being very hard for little fingers to undo! Velcro or Aplix are fast and easy to use but they do wear out and collect fluff in the nappy wash. Many of our most popular covers and nappies use snaps for fastening. We also offer a nappy and a cover style with Aplix fastening for convenience.

How do I choose?

The best way to choose the right nappy for you is to try some out! Friends are often a good source of second-bottom nappies that you can try, especially if they have finished with them. Others may lend you some to try for a week or two. There are usually many listings for second-hand fitted nappies on internet auction sites such as e-bay that you could buy to try out. Many manufactures offer introductory or trial offers (see our Trial Offer for a great value way to try out our one-size nappy) so that you can try out the nappy beforing buying a full set.

How many will I need?

You will need about 24 nappies and 4 covers for a full-time set. 36 nappies will allow you to extend the time between washing from 2 to 3 days. 12 nappies will be sufficient if you intend to use a combination of cloth and disposables. See our packages for great deals on nappy sets.