Nappy types

Please note: Real Nappies for London and your local council cannot endorse any particular brand or product.

Real nappies come in many different shapes, sizes, fabrics and colours. It can be confusing, especially for a new parent, but we hope that the information on this page will help simplify things a little, and lets you have a little fun choosing yours!

As one mum from Hackney puts it, I started using real nappies with my first child in 2001 (basic flanellette with a waterproof wrap) but the selection and variety available nowadays is amazing! With such cute prints, different & lovely materials let alone the choice between different types to choose from, using real nappies has become a pleasure and joy and I can't stop recommending them to every new parent! Thank you so much for the voucher and good information about the chioces!

All-in-ones

Particularly easy to use and closest to disposables in design. All-in-ones are shaped and fitted, with a built-in wrap and Velcro or popper fastenings.

A real nappy-using mum in Hammersmith & Fulham says: We use an all-in-one variety with an absorbent insert and poppers. My baby loves them and her father has jumped right in with them too. Initially he'd go for a disposable if one was around but now he's totally onboard & involved with them. Now I'm back at work our childminder loves them too & prefers them to the disposables her other charge wears.

Cost:

from around £8 each.

Advantages:

• the easiest cloth nappies to put on
• good for childcare situations eg babysitters or for those not confident using cloth nappies.

Disadvantages:

• not as long-lasting as two part systems
• extra drying time needed
• unless you buy one size, you will need larger sizes as the baby grows
• most expensive.
  
  
  

Shaped nappies

No folding needed. These are shaped and fitted, with soft, elasticated legs and waist. They generally have a neater fit than flat nappies and are very easy to put on. Most have Velcro fastenings or poppers. The main types are ‘one size’ (birth-to-potty) or ‘sized’ (small, medium, large and even XL). They wash and dry easily, although some fabrics take longer to dry than others. All shaped nappies need a waterproof covering wrap.

This Tower Hamlets mum uses shaped nappies with wraps: I'm very impressed by all aspects of real nappies - ease of use, containment. I would recommend them to others.


Cost:

from around £4 each.

Advantages:

• easy to put on, wash and dry 
• poppers and Velcro mean you can adjust to your baby’s size, increasing reliability
• widely available
• can be used on more than one baby.

Disadvantages:

• birth-to-potty nappies and some brands may be bulky on a new born
• unless you buy one size, you will need larger sizes as the baby grows.
  
  
  

Pocket nappies

Also called stuffables, these are wraps with a pouch into which you can insert any pads eg folded terries, shaped inserts, prefolds or pads you have made yourself from absorbent fabrics; like creating an all-in-one. They do not require a separate covering wrap as this is integral to the design. Very versatile as you can add pads for night times and use fewer during the day. The inserted pads can dry quickly after washing.

Cost:

from around £7 each; special inserts around £2.

Advantages:

• easy to put on, wash and dry
• useful when out and about or for nursery as they can be prepared in advance
• very versatile.

Disadvantages:

• more expensive than two part nappies
• unless you buy one size, you will need larger sizes as the baby grows.

Flat nappies

These include traditional terries, prefolds, muslins, and continental tie-ons. They need some folding to fit the baby and a waterproof cover (wrap). No pins are needed if you use a little plastic gripper or special wraps.

Pre-folds are popular and slim fitting; the nappy has a stitched, prefolded centre and is then folded into a pad and fits inside a wrap designed for them. Most nappy laundry services supply pre-folds.  If you use a laundry service you may have to buy the wraps yourself.

A mum from Hammersmith & Fulham has this to say: Terry squares are very quick drying... they are all still white! There are plenty of 'how to fold' demonstrations on the internet, and once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy - the 'bat' fold is great for very young babies, now we've graduated to 'Gaynor's fold for girls'!

Cost:

from around £2 a nappy, £5 a wrap.

Advantages:

• best value for money & can be used on more than one baby
• very absorbent
• quickest to dry
• available in high street shops
• versatile - fold in different ways to suit baby’s needs, e.g. for increased absorbency at night.

Disadvantages:

• folding terries can be a bit fiddly at first and not so good for an older wriggly child.
  
  
  

Wraps

A waterproof wrap is worn over flat or shaped nappies (not with pocket or all-in-ones). Most are soft, durable, breathable and machine washable. Fabrics vary from waterproofed nylon, polyester or cotton to wool. Styles range through popper and Velcro fastening to pull-on; all allow for quick and easy nappy changes. Avoid polyurethane and PVC wraps and pants.

Cost:

from about £5.

Liners

Biodegradable (flushable) paper liners or washable (cotton, silk and fleece) liners can be placed inside nappies to contain faeces. After changing the nappy simply remove and flush the contents down the lavatory. If only wet and not soiled, some biodegradable liners can even be washed for reuse. Biodegradable liners are around £3 for 200, and washable liners from around £2 each.