I am a cloth nappy user, and have been since my eldest child was 10 months old. Before we switched over to Cloth, I had no idea about the wide range of cloth nappies available, and I was rather swamped by it all when I first started researching the different options available. I had to use the internet to access information about cloth nappies and a number of separate resources were required to gain all the knowledge I now have. I am writing this article to pool all the information together, so that anyone looking to get started with cloth nappies will find it a bit easier.
There is no quick way to detail all the options available, so I will break down all the information into the following topics:
A) Types of Cloth Nappy
B) Types of Nappy Covers/Wraps
C) Cloth Nappy Sizes
D) Cloth Nappy Fastenings
E) Cloth Nappy Materials
F) Washing and caring for Cloth Nappies
G) Cloth Nappy Accessories
H) Where to buy Cloth Nappies?
A) TYPES OF CLOTH NAPPY
Pre-Folds & Terries
These are the most basic type of cloth nappy. They are quite simply squares of absorbent material, which the parent folds into something more compact before putting it on baby. Both pre-folds and terries can be held inside a waterproof nappy wrap without being fastened, but they can also be fastened with pins or a nappi nippa for a more secure fit.
Advantages: This is by far the cheapest cloth nappy option. And because the nappies fold back out into a flat square after use, they are very quick and easy to dry.
Disadvantages: Pre-folds & Terries are more fiddly to put on, especially when babies get a bit older and tend to wriggle a lot during nappy changes (this can be particularly difficult if you have a toddler who likes to escape half way through changing!) They are also less reliable than other nappies, because they have no elastication round the legs or waist, meaning that leaking can be a problem. These nappies also come with a bit of a learning curve, as there is some skill in learning to fold them, and finding the best fold for your baby.
Contoured Nappies
These are similar to pre-folds, except the material is contoured to fit the baby's shape better, and they don't require any folding before putting on baby. Again, the advantages are the same as they are for pre-folds - they are relatively cheap and easy to dry. However, they can be unreliable due to lack of elastication.
Fitted Nappies - also known as Shaped Nappies
These resemble disposables in shape. They tend to be elasticated at the waist and round the thighs. They come in all sorts of different colours, materials and designs, with different fastening options. Like the 2 previous options, they require a waterproof wrap over the top.
Advantages: There are many different options available when using shaped nappies, giving you a huge choice of options depending on what suits you and your baby. The fact that the nappies require a separate waterproof wrap gives you an even wider choice of options, as you can mix & match the nappies and wraps you use. The elasticated waist and legs means better containment and fewer leaks, and they are also easier to put on than pre-folds.
Disadvantages:
These nappies take longer to dry than pre-folds or flat nappies. If you don't want to tumble dry, this means you will need a larger quantity of nappies. However, a lot of nappy manufacturers include a booster layer that folds out or detatches from the main part of the nappy, and this aids faster drying. These nappies are also more expensive than pre-folds or contoured nappies, but most cloth nappy users will tell you that this extra cost is worth it.
Pocket Nappies:
These are my personal favourite. These are waterproof nappies, usually made from PUL, with a lining inside often made from stay-dry fleece. They are shaped and elasticated in the same way as fitted nappies. At one end of the nappy, there is a gap between the outer & inner layers where you "stuff" the nappy with an insert. This insert is what provides the absorbency. Once you have stuffed the nappy, it is a simple one-piece nappy option that goes on as quicly and as easily as a disposable nappy.
Advantages: You don't need a waterproof wrap with these, making changing time quicker. They are also quick to dry, because the insert comes out of the nappy, and many inserts fold out to dry even quicker. You can easily boost pocket nappies with extra inserts at times when you require extra absorbency (long car journeys, night times etc)
Disadvantages: Some cloth nappy users feel that pocket nappies are less reliable than using a 2-part nappy system, but I personally have not found this to be true. You have to remove the insert before washing, and then re-stuff the nappy once it's dry and this can be slightly time consuming. They are also slightly more expensive than using fitted nappies. This is because fitted nappy users require fewer waterproof wraps, as they can be reused after a nappy change without needing to wash them, while the waterproof part of a pocket nappy needs changing every time.
All-In-Ones:
As the name suggests, these nappies are just that: All in one! An all in one nappy comprises of a waterproof outer and absorbent material with or without an inner lining. They resemble disposables more closely than any other cloth nappy type.
Advantages: These nappies are low-maintenance and easy. They are as easy to put on your baby as a disposable. They require no folding, stuffing or separate cover.
Disadvantages: They take a very long time to dry, as you can't separate the absorbent part of the nappy from the waterproof cover. They are also quite expensive. Inspite of their ease-of-use, they are probably the least popular option amongst cloth nappy users.
All-In-One Hybrids:
Some cloth nappy manufacturers have started making all-in-one nappies that are slightly different. Itti Bitti Nappies, for example, make a "snap-in-one" nappy. This nappy contains a waterproof outer, with a pre-fold type layer inside that folds and snaps into the nappy with poppers. Once the nappy is snapped together, it is a one piece nappy system, yet it can be separated for drying purposes. Swaddlebees and Thirsties both make a Stuffable All-In-One. These are slim fitting all-in-one nappies that contain a thin built-in layer of microfibre, and they have a pocket so that you can stuff the nappy with extra inserts or boosters. Used on their own, these nappies aren't very absorbent, but they can be very absorbent when used with an extra insert or good booster. More and more hyrid AIO's seem to be coming onto the Cloth Nappy Market. The advantages and disadvantages of these nappies are similar to those of pockets, though each individual type of nappy will have it's own specific benefits and drawbacks.
Training Pants
This is cloth's answer to the disposable pull-up. These are by no means an essential purchase, though they may come in handy to potty training Mum's.
Initially, seeing all the different cloth nappy types can be rather daunting. Too much choice can be confusing! But once you've taken your time to read over the options and understand how they work, it starts to become easier. Your choice of cloth nappy will depend on a number of factors.
1) Your budget
2) The drying facilities you plan to use
3) How eco-friendly you want to be
4) Your personal likes/dislikes.
Also, don't feel that you have to pigeon-hole yourself into making a decision to stick with a single cloth nappy type. The wonder of cloth nappies is the variety, and you can benefit from this variety by choosing several different options. For instance, you may want to use pre-folds, terries or contoured nappies most of the time, as they are the most economical option, and then have a few pocket nappies or All-in-One's for babysitting purposes or to use on days out. Alternatively, if your budget will allow for it, you might want to use pocket nappies as your primary nappy choice, and use fitted nappies at night times. Or, if you are the fickle type, you might want to go for a mix from all the different types and use whichever systems suits you on the day.
Another point that I feel is important to make is that you shouldn't go and buy a load of nappies without testing them first. Bulk nappy purchases should never be a rash decision. If you are starting out, the best thing you can do is buy a few different nappies to try out first, to see what you like best and what suits your baby's shape. Babies come in all different shapes and sizes, and some nappies suit chubby babies more than skinny babies and vice versa. It is never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket by buying 10-20 of the same nappy, unless you know that they will definitely work for you!
Some people are put off buying cloth nappies because of the initial investment cost, so starting out with pre-folds or terries and then gradually building up your stash of other types of nappy may be better for you. Most UK Councils offer cash-back incentive schemes when it comes to cloth nappies - please see the link at the very bottom of this article for further details.
Generally speaking, you will require 6-8 nappies per day (10-12 for a newborn, though small pre-folds or even muslin squares will suffice for those early weeks) and you will need to have atleast 2 days worth of nappies (12+) This will allow you to have a full days supply of nappies while others are being washed or dried. If you only want to wash your nappies every 2-3 days rather than every day, you will need 16-18+ nappies.
B) TYPES OF NAPPY COVERS/WRAPS
If you are using pre-folds, terries, contoured nappies or fitted nappies, you will need a waterproof cover to go over the top. There are 3 main types of nappy cover:
PUL
Short for Poly-Utherine-Laminate, this is a synthetic stretchy plastic-like material, and it provides a very good barrier against moisture. These are probably the most popular choice of day-time wrap, and there are lots of different kinds available.
Wool
This is the non-synthetic, natural choice of nappy cover. You can buy knitted nappy covers or felted-wool nappy covers. Wool is probably the most popular choice for night-time, as it allows moisture to slowly evaporate from the nappy, while providing a barrier to stop clothes getting wet. One of the benefits of wool is that it is naturally antibacterial and it does not need to be washed regularly. So long as your wool cover doesn't get soiled, it can be used again and again without washing for up to a month! However, wool cannot be washed in with the nappies. It either has to be hand-washed or put on a special wool cycle using special wool shampoo. And in order to keep your wool covers waterproof, they have to be lanolised regularly. One of the other drawbacks of using wool covers is that moisture can wick through onto clothing when there is pressure on the nappy area (eg, when baby is sitting in a buggy) The best way to use wool as a day time option is in the form of wool longies, shorties and skirties in replacement of trousers, shorts or skirts.
Fleece
Fleece is a synthetic fibre, and while it isn't completely waterproof like PUL, it does provide a barrier against moisture, similarly to wool. Like Wool, fleece can allow moisture to wick through to clothing, so it is best suited to night time use. Unlike wool, fleece can be washed in with nappies, and it does need to be washed after every use as it doesn't have the same antibacterial properties as wool.
If you are starting out with cloth nappies, and you require a waterproof cover, you are best starting out with PUL for day time use. It may be a good idea to buy a fleece wrap to see if it suits you for night time use, though if you have the time and inclination to hand wash and lanolise, wool covers work better than fleece for night time.
Generally speaking, you will only need 1-2 wraps per day, so 3-5 wraps tend to be plenty depending on how often you plan to wash them. You can re-use your wrap at each change if it doesn't get soiled, and then replace it with a clean one each day.
C) CLOTH NAPPY SIZES
Some nappy manufacturers offer 2 sizes from birth to potty, most offer 3 sizes, and some offer 4 or even 5. Obviously, the fewer sizes you have to buy, the less money you will spend. However, nappies that have more size options tend to fit the specified weight-range slightly better with less bulk.
Then there are Birth-to-Potty, or One-Size Nappies. They are designed to be very adjustable so that the same size can be used from birth, right up to potty training. They usually contain one or more detachable booster so that you can minimise bulk on a small baby, while increasing absorbency for a bigger baby. While these nappies are more expensive than sized nappies, they work out to be cheaper in the long run because you only need to buy one size.
Fitted Nappies and Pocket Nappies both offer Birth-to-Potty options, while pre-folds, terries, contoured nappies and AIO's tend to only be available in sized options (though I have recently found an AIO Hybrid Nappy that comes in One Size).
D) CLOTH NAPPY FASTENINGS
Nappy pins
These are basically large safety pins. They are not widely used anymore, but some people do prefer them to nappi nippas.
Nappi Nippas
These are strange looking stretchy rubber things with "claws" at each end. They do the same job as a nappy pin, but they are easier and more effective. They basically grip the nappy material. Nappi Nippas are good because they tend to give you the best fit. With velcro and poppers, you are confined to fastening the nappy as far as the velcro or poppers will allow. With a Nappi Nippa, you get a perfect fit every time because you can put it anywhere on the nappy fabric, and you can always overlap the tabs if you need to. Nappi Nippa and pin fastening will work on pre-folds, terries, flat nappies and fitteds. They cannot be used on pockets, AIO's or wraps.
Aplix/Velcro
This is pretty self-explanatory and the quickest way to fasten a nappy. The biggest draw back of aplix is that it tends to stick to everything in the washing machine, though most nappy manufacturers now have fold-back tabs on the nappies to avoid this. One of the other disadvantages is that little bits of fluff get caught in the aplix over time, but this doesn't really affect the performance. You will find aplix fastening on fitteds, pockets, AIO's and wraps.
Poppers
Again this is self-explanatory. It takes slightly longer to fasten a poppered nappy than an aplixed one and it can be difficult to get a perfect fit (sometimes one popper can be a bit too loose, while the next popper along can be a bit too tight & there's nothing inbetween!) However, poppers offer the advantage of side-snapping nappies, and these types of nappy can be better for chunky-thighed babies than front-fastening nappies. Poppered nappies are also harder for toddlers to take off themselves, and you also escape the problem of aplix sticking in the wash. You will find popper fastenings on fitteds, pockets, AIO's and wraps.
E) CLOTH NAPPY MATERIALS
The choices of materials are pretty vast when it comes to cloth nappies. The materials used to provide absorbency, which make up the bulk of the nappy, are cotton, microfibre, hemp & bamboo. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, as detailed below:
Cotton:
Cotton is the bog-standard material for cloth nappies. Most terries and pre-folds are cotton based, as are a lot of fitted nappies. It provides a reasonable level of absorbency, but it's not particularly great for heavy wetters.
Microfibre:
This is a synthetic material, and it's not biodegradable, so it's not the way to go if you want to be an eco-mama! However, just because it's synthetic doesn't mean it's completely bad for the environment. Disposables are synthetic and they get thrown away after one use, while a microfibre nappy can be reused countless times. Microfibre offers huge advantages when it comes to using cloth nappies. It dries incredibly quickly, and it stays soft when not tumble dried, making it good for people who live in hard water areas and those without tumble driers (and of course, line drying is better for the environment than tumble drying) It has a good level of absorbency, and it is superb for power-wees. It absorbs liquids faster than any other kind of material, minimising any leaks. However, it does have its disadvantages. It has a kind of "sticky" feel to it which is not particularly pleasant, so it is best kept away from direct contact with baby's skin (a fleece liner over the top of a microfibre booster works well) It also stains very easily, and the stains aren't easy to shift. Again, using a fleece liner over the top will help to minimise stains, but liquid breastfed baby poo will go straight though a fleece lining and still stain the microfibre.
Hemp:
Hemp is meant to be a very eco-friendly material, as the crop requires no pesticide use. It is very absorbent and can hold more liquid than cotton. However, after a few washes, hemp nappies will start to feel stiff and rough and this is much worse if they are not tumble dried. Only choose hemp if you have a tumble drier and plan to tumble dry your nappies at every wash. One of the other drawbacks of hemp is that it is very slow to absorb, so if you have a power-weeing baby, the wee can leak out of the nappy before the hemp has a chance to absorb it. This can be overcome by pairing your hemp nappy with a microfibre booster. Microfibre and hemp make a very good combo, as the microfibre absorbs the wee quickly, while the absorbent hemp sits behind it and soaks up wetness from the microfibre.
Bamboo:
Bamboo, like hemp, is a natural and eco-friendly material. It is also very absorbent, easily as absorbent as hemp if not more so. It is softer than cotton and hemp, and it stays relatively soft after lots of washes. Cloth nappies use 2 different types of bamboo. Loopy Bamboo, and Bamboo Fleece. Both work well, though loopy bamboo is slightly softer than bamboo fleece. The main drawback of bamboo is the drying time. It takes longer to dry than any of the other materials. Despite this, I would rate it as the top nappy fabric of choice (though that is my personal opinion!)
Fleece or microfleece is used in a lot of cloth nappies as an inner lining. Fleece lined nappies create a stay dry lining next to baby's skin, because fleece does not absorb moisture (the wee will go through the fleece, into the absorbent material underneath) This is a good feature for babies with sensitive skin, who tend to suffer from nappy rash. Fleece is also stain-resistant, protecting the nappy from permanant stains. You can buy fleece liners cheaply for use inside cloth nappies that don't already have a built in fleece lining.
F) WASHING AND CARING FOR CLOTH NAPPIES
Storing & Washing Dirty Nappies & Wraps
You will need to have a nappy bucket or pail to store your dirty nappies in. You can use any bucket with a tight-fitting lid. Ideally, it is best to purchase a mesh nappy bag to go inside the bucket. This makes it easy to transfer the nappies from bucket to washing machine. Wet nappies can go straight into the bucket after change-time. If you have an exclusively breastfed baby, his or her dirty nappies can also go straight into the bucket (this is one of the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding!) However, solid baby poo will have to be removed from the nappy first. Some people choose to buy flushable liners, but they are unnecessary and don't work particularly well either. Most poo will easily fall off the nappy with a shake down the loo, especially if your nappy has a fleece lining as the poo doesn't stick to fleece easily. If there is poo on the nappy that won't fall off with a shake, you simply have to rinse it off. This can be done in the toilet flush, or by holding the nappy over the toilet and pouring water over it with a bucket/jug/shower head or whatever else you can think of.
When your nappy bucket is full, you take the mesh bag out and put the entire thing in the washing machine. The nappies will fall out of the bag in the wash, and ones that don't will still get clean because the bag has holes in it. It is best to put the nappies on a cold rinse without any detergent before starting the main wash programme. This helps to rinse out a lot of the wee, which prevents smelly nappies. If you prefer, you can start a wash cycle straight away.
A lot of cloth nappy websites advise to only use half the amount of recommended detergent to wash nappies, but if you have a large load, it is best to use a full dose of detergent. You can also add an extra spoonful of a special nappy cleaner like Napisan if you wish. Depending on your baby's skin sensitivity, you may wish to use biological washing powder, as this helps to shift stains better than non-bio. I have been using biological washing powder on my nappies since the birth of my most recent baby, and we have had no adverse effects & I have found it cleans much better than non-bio. It is best to wash nappies on a 60 degree cycle. A 90 degree cycle requires far more electricity, and is therefore very environmentally unfriendly, and very high temperatures will also compromise the quality of your nappies and wraps over time. However, the occasional 90 degree wash won't do any harm. Some people find a 40 degree wash sufficient, but many prefer 60 for hygiene reasons. An extra cold rinse after the main wash cycle is useful, as it helps to remove any excess detergent from the nappies. NEVER use fabric softner to wash nappies, as it will build up in the nappies and reduce absorbency. Some people add a slosh of clear vinegar in the fabric softner draw to reduce water hardness, but this is completely optional.
Drying Nappies
Most nappies and wraps can be tumble dried, though it is unnecessary to tumble dry wraps & pocket nappies because they dry very quickly anyway. You can choose to tumble dry fitted nappies, pre-folds & pocket nappy inserts, or line dry them, indoors or outdoors. Any hemp is best tumble dried unless you want it to dry like cardboard! Some people like to half-dry in the tumble drier to make the nappies softer, and then finish them off on the line to save electricity. The choice is yours.
Caring for Wool Covers
Although some wool covers are machine washable on specialised wool cycles, it is usually better to handwash. Using wool shampoo, olive soap or even baby shampoo, make up a soapy solution using lukewarm water (around 30 degrees celcius) Massage the fibres of your wool covers while soaking them in this soapy solution, and then rinse in cold water. Gently press out any excess water (do not wring!) or wrap the covers in a dry towel and apply pressure so that the towel absorbs the moisture from the wool. Then hang dry (not on a radiator or in direct sunlight, and never tumble dry)
Every 4-6 weeks, wool will require lanolising to maintain its waterproof properties. If you need to lanolise your wool covers, wash and rinse as normal, then dissolve some liquid lanolin in cool water (or you can use solid lanolin dissolved in boiled water and then mixed into cold water) Put your wool covers into this cool lanolin solution overnight, and then dry as detailed above.
G) CLOTH NAPPY ACCESSORIES
There are a number of nifty optional accessories available for cloth nappy users.
Cloth Wipes
You can make these yourself by cutting up some fleece into small squares, or you can buy some nicer ones that are terry flannel on one side, and fleece on the other. Either way, they work out a lot cheaper than buying disposable wipes, which cost £1-2.50 per packet. If you are using cloth nappies, you may as well invest in cloth wipes as they can easily be washed in with the dirty nappies. You can pre-wet these wipes in a sink-full of water with some baby bath, and then store them in an air-tight wipes box, so you'll always have wet wipes to hand. Alternatively, you can make up your own wipes solution in a spray bottle, and wet the wipes as and when you need them.
Wet Nappy Bags
These are large waterproof bags with a drawstring, used to store dirty and wet nappies in your changing bag while you are out. This method is far better for the environment than using disposable nappy sacks.
Changing Mats
There are several changing mats available, that are good for both travel and using round the home.
H) WHERE TO BUY CLOTH NAPPIES?
Below are a list of UK-based websites that sell cloth nappies.
http://www.kittykins.co.uk
http://www.babykind.co.uk
http://www.nappyneeds.co.uk
http://twinkleontheweb.co.uk
http://www.weenotions.co.uk
http://www.thenappylady.co.uk
Most of these websites offer advice on buying and using cloth nappies, as well as selling them.
If you would like to buy your nappies 2nd hand, the following websites are good:
http://www.usednappies.co.uk
http://www.clothnappyaddicts.co.uk
The following places provide forums, where cloth nappy users can discuss their cloth nappy needs & problems:
http://www.clothnappyaddicts.co.uk/
http://boards.babycentre.co.uk/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=bcUKClthNappies
http://community.livejournal.com/cloth_nappies/profile
http://www.clothnappytree.com/
Most UK Councils now offer Reusable Nappy Incentive Schemes. To see what your council offers, please see this web page:
http://www.kittykins.co.uk/advice/id/34
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