Cloth Nappy Information

Modern Cloth Nappies (MCN) come in lots of different styles, here is some information to help you decide what will work best for you.

Pocket nappies

Pocket nappies have a waterproof outside (PUL) and a stay-dry inner (microfleece) which are sewn together to form a pocket. Absorbent inserts are placed inside the pocket which is usually made from microfibre, hemp or bamboo (the most common fabrics used). Flat cloth nappies or pre-folds can also be used as inserts which can be very cost effective if you have some floating around. You can adjust the amount of absorbency used in pocket nappies by the amount and type of insert used, they also dry very quickly which makes them a favourite for many cloth nappy users. Pocket nappies are made with either snaps or Velcro closures.

Fitted Nappies

Fitted nappies are made entirely from absorbent fabrics which makes them a popular choice for night nappies as they provide a lot of absorbency. Some fitted nappies come with snap in soaker pads (similar to inserts) or sewn in ones. Fitted nappies are made with snaps or Velcro closures. A waterproof cover is required over the top of a fitted nappy.

All in One Nappies (AIO)

All-in-one nappies have a stay-dry inner surface (eg. microfleece), an absorbent core (made with absorbent fabric like microfibre or hemp) and an outer waterproof cover (eg: PUL). AIO nappies take a little longer to dry than pocket nappies as all the absorbency is sewn into the nappy; they do not require inserts or covers.

Prefolds

Prefolds are the modern version of the ‘old style’ flannel flat nappies. They are made with extra layers of absorbency which can be folded into a pad. The pad can be placed inside pocket nappies or used inside a cover which is a great system to use for newborns.

Covers

Covers are made of a waterproof fabric (eg: PUL) which is placed either over a fitted nappy or used with a prefold. Covers are soft, breathable, and waterproof; there are a few different fabric options available which include PUL, polar fleece and wool.

You have probably read about inserts, boosters, liners etc and become quite confused about what you are supposed to be using in your nappies. Here are some descriptions for the different types and fabrics to help make things clearer.

Inserts

Inserts are what is placed inside a pocket nappy to provide the absorbent part of the nappy. The most common fabrics used in inserts are:

• Microfibre (sometimes described as microfibre or micro terry): Microfibre is highly absorbent and absorbs fluid very quickly; it does have a tendency to leak under compression so works great teamed up with a hemp or bamboo insert.
• Hemp: Hemp absorbs fluid slowly but locks it away so it needs to be used with a ‘fast absorbing’ insert like microfibre as hemp will not draw fluid away fast enough if used on its own in the nappy. Hemp is available in 2 different types; hemp french terry and hemp fleece. The only differance between the two is the fleece has been brushed to give a 'fleecy' texture.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is a very trim insert making it perfect to night use when more absorbency is required. It holds a lot of fluid – about the same as hemp, and absorbs slightly faster than hemp. Bamboo can be paired with microfibre or hemp to create a very absorbent nappy.

Boosters

Boosters are usually smaller in size than regular inserts and are added to a pocket or fitted nappy to ‘boost’ when extra absorbency is required. You can add a booster to your nappy in the ‘wet zone’ (typically at the front for boys, middle for girls) to give a bit more absorbency where it is needed most.

Liners

Liners are used on the top of a nappy (can be used with all styles of nappies) and they go directly against baby’s bottom. Liners are either made of a washable fabric (microfleece) or you can use flushable liners which you put it and any solids straight into the toilet and flush away. Liners make solids easy to deal with so there is no rinsing; they are also required to be used if barrier creams are used on baby’s bottom.

How many nappies will you need to buy?

I recommend that you try a range of brands and styles of nappies before purchasing a bulk amount of one brand. Not all nappies suit all babies so it is important to research and try to find what suits you and your baby best. Most brands offer starter packs and also discounts for bulk purchases, it does pay to look around different stores before purchasing and also take into consideration postage costs – some websites offer free postage so that can be an advantage. How many you will need depends on the type of nappy system you like and how often you want to wash. To give an idea, work out how often you change your baby during the day/night and buy a few extra, so if you change 10 times a day you will need 10 nappies plus a few extra to tide you over while the soiled ones are washing/drying. If you prefer to wash less frequently you will need enough to use for the days you don’t wash – MCN are so cute you will be amazed how fast your stash will grow!

Caring for your nappies

MCN are very easy to care for – to get the most life from your nappies it is best to wash with ½ the amount of washing powder, then preferably lined dried in the sun. There is no need to scrub or soak your nappies as microfleece is great for repelling stains. Most nappy purchases will come with care instructions which may vary between styles/brands.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you require more information. We are happy to assist in any way we can to help with your decision.