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