Nappy Basics

A nappy system will consist of an absorbent part and a waterproof part.  It may also need a fastener such as a nappy pin and a liner to help dispose of the solids.

Types of Nappy

2 Part Nappy

A nappy system that has separate absorbent and waterproof parts, normally a fabric nappy and a PUL or wool wrap.  Can come in a range of styles, such as birth to potty / sized or flat / shaped. 
Pros
- very easy to wash and dry
- waterproof wrap can be wiped out and reused several times before washing
Cons
- a little more fiddly to use than an all in one nappy

All in One

A nappy that contains both the absorbent part and the waterproof part in one, so it goes on and off the baby much like a disposable. 

They may fasten with hook and loop tape or poppers.  They are normally sized, meaning you need to buy more nappies as your baby gets bigger, but some birth to potty versions are now available.
Pros
- easy and convenient to use
- great for babies looked after by childminders / nursery / grandparents
Cons
- can be expensive
- can take a long time to dry
- you need to wash the whole nappy (waterproof and absorbent parts) each time the nappy is used

Birth to Potty

A nappy that will fit a baby from birth to potty training, usually taken to mean 8lbs to 35lbs (3.5kg to 16kgs).  The actual range will depend upon the brand of nappy and the shape/growth pattern of the individual baby.
Pros
- you should only need to buy one set of nappies
Cons
- you may find that they are bulky on a newborn baby

Flat Nappy

Name used to cover Pre-folds and Terry Squares.

One Size Nappy

See Birth to Potty nappies.

Pocket Nappy

A shaped nappy that works much like an all in one nappy except that the absorbent part is stuffed into a pocket in the nappy, between the lining and the waterproof cover.  This means you can add as much or as little padding as you need, and it comes out for easy washing and drying.

Most pocket nappies have a fleece lining so there is often no need for a paper liner.  Many are one sized, so you can adjust the size of the outer and the padding to fit your baby as it grows and changes shape.
Pros
- easier to put on baby than a 2 part nappy
- you can adjust the padding to suit your particular child
- much quicker drying than an all-in-one
Cons
- you will need to wash the whole nappy each time it is used
- will need to be stuffed each time, though this does only take a few seconds

Pre-fold Nappy

A rectangle of fabric that is folded and placed into a nappy wrap and topped with a liner before putting on the baby.  The nappy forms a pad between the babies legs.

The nappy is not fastened onto the baby – it is held in place by the waterproof cover. Pre-folds come in a range of sizes and are easy to boost up if you need more absorbency.
Pros
- highly cost-effective
- very durable nappy so great if you are planning on using cloth on more than one baby
- you can wipe out and reuse the wrap, so you don’t need to buy as many
Cons
- can be more fiddly to put on than shaped nappies
- some parents report more leaks than with other nappy types as the fabric is only between the babies legs

Shaped Nappy

A fabric nappy that is shaped to fit your baby.  Looks a little like a disposable nappy, rather than a square of fabric. 

Can fasten with poppers, hook and loop tape or nappi nippas.

Can come in a range of styles, such as birth-to-potty, pocket, all-in-one etc.
Pros
- easier to use than a flat nappy
Cons
- more expensive than flat nappies

Sized Nappy

A nappy that comes in a range of sizes to cope with growing babies.  Most sized nappies come in 1 or 2 sizes. 
Pros
- easier to get a good fit as the nappy is always the right size for your baby’s weight
- less folding, so quicker to put on
Cons
- more expensive as you will need to buy more nappies as your baby gets bigger

Stuffable Nappy

See Pocket Nappy.

Terry Square

A square of terry towelling fabric that can be folded in a number of ways to create the ideal nappy shape/size for your baby.

The nappy is folded around the baby and fastened with a nappy pin or nappi nippa before a waterproof wrap is put on over the top.
Pros
- cost effective and very durable
- with a little practice, you can achieve a range of folds that will suit every need
Cons
- seen as being difficult – it does take a little practice to get it right
- will need to be used with a liner and a waterproof wrap

Waterproof Wrap / Nappy Cover

The waterproof part of a nappy system.  Generally made of a breathable PUL fabric but also available in organic cotton or wool.

With all in one and pocket nappies, the wrap will be attached to the body of the nappy, with a 2 part system, it will be separate.

Nappy Fabrics

Bamboo

A fabric made from the bamboo plant.  Bamboo is seen by many to be better than cotton as it requires less water and pesticides/fertilisers and is more absorbent than cotton.

Some parents do find that it takes longer to dry than cotton.

Cotton

The traditional choice for nappies, and still very popular today.  It washes and dries well and is very durable. Many nappies are available in organic cotton, which is better for the environment, the farmers and gives a softer fabric.

Flannel

A smooth, usually cotton fabric that feels like brushed cotton.

Hemp

Very popular a few years ago due to its high absorbency but now superseded by bamboo.

Micro fibre

A synthetic fabric that is very absorbent, dries very quickly and is durable.  Some parents prefer to use a natural fibre, others love the easy to use properties of micro fibre nappies.

Minky or Minkee

A very soft, synthetic fabric that feels lovely to the touch.  Often used to make wraps.

PUL

The waterproof fabric used in the majority of wraps and waterproof covers.  Modern PUL wraps are soft to the touch and not crackly.  Many are breathable, meaning air can pass into the nappy to keep the baby cooler and reduce the risk of nappy rash, without causing leaks.

Terry

A towel like fabric that is often used in nappies.  Can be made from cotton or bamboo.

Wool

Can be used to make nappy wraps and covers.  The wool actually absorbs some of the moisture and the lanolin in the wool helps to prevent leaks.

Nappy Accessories

Booster

An extra pad that is put into a nappy to increase the absorbency.

Liner

Made of paper or fabric, to help dispose of solid waste and protect the nappy.  Paper liners can be either flushed away or put in the bin, fabric ones can be washed along with your nappies and used time and time again.

Nappi Nippa

A plastic device with 3 arms that hook into the nappy to hold it in place.  Used instead of nappy pins.

Nappy Pin

A large safety pin that is used to hold several layers of nappy together.

Nappy Bucket

A lidded bucket or pail used to store nappies in before washing. 

Nappy Fresh /Nappisan

A cleansing agent that can be used to wash real nappies.

Nappy Mesh / Laundry Mesh

A net bag that goes inside your nappy bucket to make it easier to transfer the nappies into the washing machine.  There is no need to take the nappies out of the bag, just make sure the top is open and the nappies will work their way out in the machine.

Wet Bag

A waterproof bag used to hold nappies when you are out and about.

Reusable Wipes / Washable baby wipes

Squares of fabric that you moisten and use to clean your baby at nappy change time.  They are then washed along with the nappies.

Nappy Terms

Aplix / Velcro / Hook and Loop Tape

A fastening often used in real nappies.  Aplix and Velcro are brand names.  A quick and easy method of closing nappies and very adjustable.

Poppers

Plastic poppers are often used to fasten washable nappies.  They are harder for toddlers to undo than hook and loop tape.

Wet Pailing

Storing used nappies in a water and sanitiser solution before washing.  Can be used to soak nappies.  Some brands of cloth nappies advise against soaking and wet pailing.

Dry Pailing

Storing your nappies in a dry bucket before washing, so no water is added.  If you are worried about smells, you can put a few drops of essential oil on a cloth (not the nappies) and put in the bucket.