|
Types of Nappy
Shaped Nappies
Shaped Nappies
Shaped nappies vary widely in style from simple layered cloth shapes which are pinned on, to fitted nappies with elasticated legs and waist. These usually fasten with Velcro or poppers and some have an absorbent ‘booster’ pad, either attached or detachable. They are made of layers of absorbent material, usually cotton, polyester and/or bamboo fibre and may come in white, unbleached, organic and coloured/patterned. Some are adjustable so that one size fits all, with others two or three sizes will be needed. They are easy to change, with the nappy being put on first then the cover fitted over it, and give good poo containment. The disadvantages are that shaped nappies are generally slower to dry and more expensive than terries or prefolds.
‘All in Ones’ Nappies
All-in-One Nappies
‘All in ones’ are similar to shaped nappies but with the outer waterproof layer permanently attached. They are more expensive than other types, but no separate cover is needed. Two or more sizes will be necessary as the baby grows. They are very quick and easy to change but take a long time to dry.
Pocket / Stuffable Nappies
Pocket/stuffable nappies are shaped, with an outer waterproof layer and an inner layer usually made from fleece. The pocket in between is stuffed through an opening with an absorbent layer which can be a purpose-made insert, booster pad, folded prefold or terry, or any absorbent cloth. More or less stuffing can be used as needed. There are one-size and sized pocket nappies. They are easy to put on and quick-drying, but as you need a fresh pocket and insert at each change they are relatively expensive.
Terry Squares
Terry Square Nappy
Terry squares are still popular and by far the cheapest option. They can be folded traditionally and fastened with a pin or the modern plastic alternative, a NappiNippa, or folded into a pad and held in place with a cover. They are very absorbent, fit all ages and dry quickly, but they can be quite bulky. For newborn babies muslin squares are much less bulky and can be used just like a terry.
Prefold
Prefolded Nappy
Prefolds are made of layers of soft cotton stitched into a rectangle. They are folded over into a pad shape, placed inside a close fitting cover, then the whole lot is put on the baby like a disposable. Two or three sizes are usually needed but they are relatively cheap. They are quick to dry, very hard wearing and not bulky, but are less absorbent than some other types, and on some babies don’t contain poo quite as well.
Covers (or Wraps)
Nappy Cover (or Wrap)
Covers (or wraps) are needed to go over terry squares, prefolds and shaped nappies. There is a wide variety of types available. They are made from waterproof, but usually breathable, fabric and have soft edges to avoid rubbing the baby’s skin. They are held on with either Velcro or popper fastenings, or pull on like pants. Several sizes will usually be needed. Some nappy/cover combinations work better than others – HRNP or nappy companies can advise on the best cover to use with a particular nappy type.
Guide to Nappy Folding
We have produced a comprehensive PDF guide to folding nappies. You can download this file by clicking here.
|
