Nappy Types
- Two Part Nappy System
- Sized Nappy
- PUL Nappy Waterproof Covers
- Stuffable/Pocket Nappy
- Liners
- Boosters
Two Part Nappy System - a nappy and separate waterproof outer are both required for this type of system. The following 3 types of nappy system are usually a two part system. You only need 4 or 5 covers to a full set of 18 (approximately) nappies for full time use.
Flat Nappy - A nappy that requires some folding i.e.: traditional terry or prefold nappy. Usually fasten with nappi nippas (please see notes on the opposite page about these) or pins. Advantages: Cheap to buy and dry quickly. Disadvantages: Containment reliant on you getting the fit right and not always as absorbent as a shaped nappy. Low second hand value
Sized Nappy - a shaped nappy that requires more than one size from birth to potty (usually 2 or 3 sizes). These usually fasten with poppers, Velcro or nappi nippas. Advantages: Containment, fit and absorbency is usually good on this type of nappy. Some top brands have excellent resale value. Disadvantages: More than one size need from Birth to Potty and drying time is often longer than flat nappies.
Birth to Potty Nappy - a shaped nappy that fits from birth to potty (8-35lb approx) often referred to as One Size nappies. Fastenings are often poppers or Aplix (Velcro) on this type of nappy. Advantages: Only one size of nappy needed and containment is usually good. Usually have a good resale value. Disadvantages: Can be bulky on an 8lb baby and drying time often longer than flat nappies.
PUL Nappy Waterproof Covers - Often referred to as nappy wraps these covers are usually made from a polyester coated breathable polyurethane laminate. Usually available with either popper or Aplix (velcro) fastening in a range of colours and styles. Usually sized by weight you will normally need at least 3 from birth to potty.
Fleece Nappy Covers - A polyester fleece cover which is very breathable making them ideal for night time use and heavy wetters. Usually available with either popper or Aplix (velcro) fastening in a range of colours and styles. Usually sized by weight you will normally need at least 3 from birth to potty.
Stuffable /Pocket Nappy - A waterproof outer with a pocket at the back where you stuff something absorbent such as terry nappy/prefold special insert or any absorbent material A quick drying alternative to an all-in-one. Advantages: Easy to use as once the insert is in place you only have one part to put on. Dry quickly as can be separated to dry. Top brands usually have a good resale value. Disadvantages: One outer and insert need for each nappy change.
All-In-One - A nappy system where the waterproof outer is an integral part of the nappy. Advantages: Easy to use, just pop in a liner and put the nappy on. Disadvantages: One nappy and outer needed for each nappy change as it is already attached. Slower to dry than most other types and can not usually be tumble dried.
Liners - A liner is primarily used to catch poo and then dispose of it easily. Liners can be either paper, polyester fleece or silk. Paper liners can be disposed of in the toilet/compost or bin. Some paper liners can be washed a few times if just wet and reused. Fleece liners will work as a stay dry barrier by wicking the liquid into the absorbent nappy and keeping it away from you babies skin. If soiled however you will have to wash off the poo. Fleece liners are then washed with your nappies and reused. Silk liners can assist in the healing of nappy rash as silk has natural healing properties, although they do smell rather strange when wet. Silk liners should be washed at a lower temperature.
Nappi Nippas - A T-Shaped hooking device which can be used as an alternative to nappy pins. They are much easier to use and safer than a traditional nappy pins and will work with any cotton nappy to hold it in place. We personally found that using by shaped nippa fastening nappies and nappi nippas we could get a neater fitting nappy than with some of the Aplix or popper fastening alternatives.
Boosters - A booster is basically extra absorbency added to the nappy and can either be pre-shaped or any absorbent material folded into a pad and placed inside the nappy. (small pre-folds, small terry nappies or micro fibre cloths work really well for this purpose). If you find you need to add more than one booster it may be best to place one inside the nappy and addition boosters between the nappy and the cover.
