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Cloth Nappies - where to start?

So, you're interested in using cloth nappies, but don't know where to start? There's a whole load of information out there on the web, and it can all get a bit confusing after a while, so I'm going to try and de-mystify the whole thing for you. You can see a range of cloth nappies in the THM Shop at www.treehuggermums.co.uk/shop - why not pop along once you've read this article.

First off, some basic terms explained:

Wrap This is the outer, waterproof, layer which replaces plastic pants. They are generally made of PVC or PUL (polyurethane laminate) but can also be made of wool, or polyester fleece. They can either fasten with Aplix (hook fastening, similar to Velcro), poppers, or be pulled on without any fastenings.

Terry This is the nappy we all remember from the "old days" - terry squares are squares still a fairly popular nappy, and are one of the quickest drying nappies. These can be fastened with a Nappi Nippa (no more need for pins!)

Prefold This is basically a rectangle of 3 panels of woven cotton or flannelette, with the middle panel being thicker than the outer two panels. Prefolds sit as a pad tucked in a snug fitting wrap designed to hold prefolds in place

Shaped These are the easiest to use - they are shaped to fit your baby, in the same Nappy way as a disposable nappy, and fasten either with Aplix, poppers, or with a Nappi Nippa. They are easy to use, and good for containment, but they do take longer to dry than Terry Squares or Prefolds.

One Size Some nappies are designed to fit a baby from birth to potty, through a number of fastenings. They are more expensive than the sized nappies, but work out more economical in the long run, especially if you have more than one in nappies at once.. The downside is that they can be bulky on a newborn, and a bit "micro-mini" on a toddler.

All-in-one Nappy As the name suggests, this combines both the nappy and the waterproof layer in one. They are very easy to put on, however take longer to dry, and are more expensive. Useful to have for babysitters or people who are not used to cloth nappies, however, and can be handy to keep in the changing bag.

Pocket Nappy There are a number of nappies available which are basically formed from two pieces of material sewn together in such a way that you can stuff them with absorbent material, which can be a prefold, a terry, or a specially designed inner. They are waterproofed, so you don't need a separate liner, but because the absorbent layer can be removed, they are quicker to dry than traditional All-in-ones

Liner This is a layer that goes between the baby and the nappy, which allows moisture to pass through to the nappy, but retains poo so that it can be flushed down the loo. Liners can either be of a biodegradable material that can be flushed down the loo, or made of polyester fleece, which keeps a baby's bum wonderfully dry

Booster An extra component, which you can add between nappy and liner, when you need to increase absorbency (e.g. overnight). It is generally 2 or more layers of Terry fabric, although you can get fleece boosters, which are layers of Terry topped with a layer of fleece. This is used instead of a booster and liner, so cuts down the number of components you need to fit together.

How many nappies will I need?

There is no easy answer to this question - a newborn will need changing anywhere between 8 and 12 times a day, depending in part up on whether they are breastfed or bottlefed. An older baby will need fewer changes, perhaps only 4-6 per day, and this will decrease again as you move through potty training.

It also depends upon how often you intend to wash - if you are willing to wash every day then you won't need as many nappies as if you plan to wash every other day. You may also be using cloth only part time, and this again will alter the number of nappies you need.

You will not need one wrap per nappy, however, and probably 4-5 wraps will be sufficient (allowing for washing every other day)

How do I choose?

I would first recommend that you visit http://thenappylady.co.uk - there you will find a tailored advice questionnaire that you can fill in, and receive advice based upon your answers. The information is very comprehensive, but even if you decide not to buy the system they recommend, it will help to focus your thoughts, and may raise points that you had not previously considered.

You can also email us at sales@treehuggermums.co.uk for advice on which nappies would suit your needs or for general advice on choosing and using cloth nappies.

The other main channel for advice is to consult other cloth nappy users. If you don.t know any cloth users personally, then there is are many clothies on the Baby and Kids forum here on Baby-Greenhouse. Cloth nappy users are often incredibly passionate about the subject, and are generally willing to offer their opinions on different brands.

Some things you may want to consider are:

Cost Terrys or prefolds are the cheapest option, All-in-ones are the most expensive way to use cloth

Ease of Use All-in-ones are easiest to use, as there are fewer components. Terry nappies are harder to get the hang of, until you are used to the folds and fastenings. Aplix fastening nappies are quicker to do up than poppers (but also easier for older babies and toddlers to undo...)

Absorbency v Bulk There is generally a tradeoff between absorbency and bulk. A slimmer fitting nappy will not usually be as absorbent as a thicker one (with some exceptions) and so if you have a heavy wetter then absorbency may be a key issue for you. Any nappy can of course have it's absorbency increased by using a booster.

Drying Time Depending on what drying facilities you have, this may be an important consideration. Terry squares are the quickest to dry, shaped nappies take longer. All-in-ones are the longest to dry, as drying them in the tumble drier will reduce the life of the waterproof layer, but pocket nappies can be a useful compromise.

Is there lots of work involved?

No more than with disposable nappies, in my opinion. When you take a nappy off, if it is wet, then you just put it in the nappy bucket. If it is dirty, with a flushable liner, you just flush the liner and contents down the loo. If you are using a fleece liner, then the poo will normally fall quite easily off the liner, or if it is sticking then you can hold the liner (and nappy if necessary) in the toilet and flush.

Then every day or two, you will do a load of washing. Use non-bio powder (to protect that delicate bottom!) and you will generally find that you need only half of the amount the manufacturer specifies . any more and you will be leaving a residue of powder on the nappy which may cause soreness. Do not use fabric conditioner as this will reduce the absorbency of your nappies, instead you can use a tablespoon or two of distilled (clear) malt vinegar in the final rinse . this will keep your nappies soft, and ensure that any residues of urine are neutralised.

What do I need to start with?

I would recommend that you buy 1 wrap, and maybe two different nappies to try out. You will also need liners (either paper or fleece) and if you want to try using cloth at night you may wish to buy a booster as well.

Popular choices to start with are Kissaluvs, Tots Bots, or Fuzzi Bunz for daytime use, and Tots Bots or Bumhuggers are popular as nighttime nappies. The Air Rika and Rikki wraps (both by Motherease) fit well over most nappies.

You can find more information on choosing and using cloth nappies at www.treehuggermums.co.uk.

Wrap	This is the outer, waterproof, layer which replaces plastic pants. They are generally made of PVC or PUL (polyurethane laminate) but can also be made of wool, or polyester fleece. They can either fasten with Aplix (hook fastening, similar to Velcro), poppers, or be pulled on without any fastenings.
Terry	This is the nappy we all remember from the "old days" - terry squares are squares still a fairly popular nappy, and are one of the quickest drying nappies. These can be fastened with a Nappi Nippa (no more need for pins!)
Prefold	This is basically a rectangle of 3 panels of woven cotton or flannelette, with the middle panel being thicker than the outer two panels. Prefolds sit as a pad tucked in a snug fitting wrap designed to hold prefolds in place
Shaped	These are the easiest to use - they are shaped to fit your baby, in the same Nappy way as a disposable nappy, and fasten either with Aplix, poppers, or with a Nappi Nippa. They are easy to use, and good for containment, but they do take longer to dry than Terry Squares or Prefolds.
One Size	Some nappies are designed to fit a baby from birth to potty, through a number of fastenings. They are more expensive than the sized nappies, but work out more economical in the long run, especially if you have more than one in nappies at once.. The downside is that they can be bulky on a newborn, and a bit "micro-mini" on a toddler.
All-in-one Nappy	As the name suggests, this combines both the nappy and the waterproof layer in one. They are very easy to put on, however take longer to dry, and are more expensive. Useful to have for babysitters or people who are not used to cloth nappies, however, and can be handy to keep in the changing bag.
Pocket Nappy	There are a number of nappies available which are basically formed from two pieces of material sewn together in such a way that you can stuff them with absorbent material, which can be a prefold, a terry, or a specially designed inner. They are waterproofed, so you don't need a separate liner, but because the absorbent layer can be removed, they are quicker to dry than traditional All-in-ones
Liner	This is a layer that goes between the baby and the nappy, which allows moisture to pass through to the nappy, but retains poo so that it can be flushed down the loo. Liners can either be of a biodegradable material that can be flushed down the loo, or made of polyester fleece, which keeps a baby's bum wonderfully dry
Booster	An extra component, which you can add between nappy and liner, when you need to increase absorbency (e.g. overnight). It is generally 2 or more layers of Terry fabric, although you can get fleece boosters, which are layers of Terry topped with a layer of fleece. This is used instead of a booster and liner, so cuts down the number of components you need to fit together.

Cost	Terrys or prefolds are the cheapest option, All-in-ones are the most expensive way to use cloth
Ease of Use	All-in-ones are easiest to use, as there are fewer components. Terry nappies are harder to get the hang of, until you are used to the folds and fastenings. Aplix fastening nappies are quicker to do up than poppers (but also easier for older babies and toddlers to undo...)
Absorbency v Bulk	There is generally a tradeoff between absorbency and bulk. A slimmer fitting nappy will not usually be as absorbent as a thicker one (with some exceptions) and so if you have a heavy wetter then absorbency may be a key issue for you. Any nappy can of course have it's absorbency increased by using a booster.
Drying Time	Depending on what drying facilities you have, this may be an important consideration. Terry squares are the quickest to dry, shaped nappies take longer. All-in-ones are the longest to dry, as drying them in the tumble drier will reduce the life of the waterproof layer, but pocket nappies can be a useful compromise.