What Nappy is that?

By: Nappies Covered  09-Feb-2008
Keywords: Cloth Nappies, Modern Cloth Nappies, cotton nappies

What nappy is that?


Pocket Nappy: A nappy made by sewing together a waterproof liner and a cover, leaving an opening, or pocket, for adding absorbent material. For wet nappies, just the stuffing can be changed rather than the entire nappy. Pocket nappies are usually fastened with snaps or hook and loop. Pocket nappies are a fast drying convenient nappy. Pocket Nappies are made with a water-proof outer layer and a soft inner lining which is generally one that wicks (ah there's that word!)the wetness away from babies skin, fabrics like polar and microfleece and suedecloth.

The nappy is sewn with an opening (or pocket, hence the term pocket nappy) which allows you to add absorbent stuffing in between the inner and outer layers. The stuffing can be made from pretty much any absorbent material – hemp, bamboo, cotton, flanelette, microfibre, specially made boosters (from any of the mentioned fabrics), old terry towel flat nappies, even hand towels, face washers etc. The stuffing can be adjusted depending on your babies needs. More can be added for a heavy wetter, or for overnight, less for a light wetter or for a trimmer fit.

One advantage of pocket nappies is if the baby is only wet only the stuffing needs changing, rather than the whole nappy. This is particularly useful for trips out of the house as it cuts down on the amount of paraphernalia that needs to be lugged around.

Another advantage is the drying time. As the stuffing can be removed and hung to dry separately, the nappy can dry, and ready to use again, in under an hour on the clothes line! Pocket nappies come in multi-fit sizes or in weight related size ranges. The best bit is that they are easy to sew so you can make you own!

All In One (AIO):
A complete nappy that is no-fuss - just put straight on. It is a fitted nappy that has an outer waterproof layer built in, as well as the absorbent layer built in and doesn't require a separate cover. These nappies have a longer drying time due to the absorbent layer being built in.

All-in-ones are fitted nappies that have an outer waterproof layer built-in and don’t require a separate cover. AIOs are a convenient nappy for quick and easy changes for daycare or on outings. Sometimes they have fewer absorbent layers than fitted nappies (to speed drying time) and may require a booster to be absorbent enough for older babies.

A true AIO has the soaker pad permanently attached. AIOs are the most expensive cloth nappy option, as they are as named all in one, nothing to add!. They are the most similar to a disposable nappy. ¹

Fitted Nappies :
Are a sewn shaped nappy made out of various materials including flannelette, bamboo or hemp. They close with either hook and loop or snaps. Fitted nappies are used with a cover. Fitted nappies have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs and usually the waist. They are fastened with either hook loop or snaps.

Sometimes they have no fasteners and can be used with pins or a Snappi. A waterproof nappy cover is generally used over fitted nappies. Many people use fitted nappies around the house with no cover, changing promptly whenever they are wet or soiled. You can also use wool pants (longies) or fleece pants as a nappy cover over fitted nappies.

Fitted nappies are more expensive than pre-folds.. However, they are much easier to use since they don’t require folding. The absorbency of fitted cloth nappies varies based on the materials used in the construction of the nappy.

All-in-two Nappies (AI2):
These are a nappy that are complete but have a snap in absorbent layer to make for faster drying times. An AIO can be considered an AI2 if it has an added booster to aid the absorbency of the nappy.

One benefit of these nappies are that the waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer can be washed and dried separately. Many AIO nappies are actually AI2 nappies. These include AIOs with snap-in or lay-in boosters. While not quite as convenient as a true AIO, they have the added benefit that the waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer can be washed and dried separately.

Ideally, you would hang dry the AI2 “shell” for a longer lifespan and machine dry the insert to save time. Sometimes the outer shell can be re-used if the wet booster is removed and replaced promptly. AI2s do require some matching up of the components on laundry day or as you use them.

Nappy Covers :
A cover is used over fitted nappies or traditional terry squares to stop wetness from wicking through onto baby’s clothing.
Covers are usually made from waterproof breathable fabric such as PUL (polyurethane laminate), wool or 100% polyester fleeces. Some people refer to covers as “wraps” or pilchers. Cloth nappy covers come in all shapes, colors, fabrics and sizes.

They are used over a cloth nappy to keep baby's clothes dry. Nappy covers are shaped to fit over a fitter or prefold nappy and fasten with snaps or hook loop or pull on without fasteners. Covers can be made of nylon, PUL, polyester, treated cotton, wool or fleece.

Breathable covers like wool and fleece are best for overnight.

Pre-folds :

Prefolds are prefolded terry, flannelette, hemp or bamboo nappies. They are sewn, divided lengthwise in 3 sections, usually in a 4:6:4, the middle section needing to be the most absorbent. They are then folded into a nappy shape, fastened and are used with a cover.

Prefold nappies are rectangular shaped nappies that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections by stitching. They are the most economical nappies.Most nappy services offer prefolds.

The outer sections usually have fewer layers than the middle section. This gives prefolds greater absorbency where it is needed most. Prefolds are designated as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right.

Prefolds require a cover unless you are at home and changing frequently. They can be trifolded into a snug cover, or fastened with safety pins or a Snappi. There are many creative ways to fold prefolds, including the newspaper fold, modified angel fold, the bikini twist and the jelly roll.

Prefolds are available in white and unbleached. Unbleached nappies have not gone through a whitening process and retain some of the original cotton oils. Unbleached fabrics require more washing to reach full absorbency, but generally are softer than bleached eventually.

Keywords: Cloth Nappies, cotton nappies, Modern Cloth Nappies, Nappy Making Fabric, Polyurethane Laminated Fabric

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