 One Size NappiesOne Size Nappies as the name suggests, One Size fits all. They generally fit form 8lb to 35lb. However there are some which fit from heavier weights, such as the Tots Bots Easyfit which fits from 10lb. Most One Size nappies have the same design and have rows of of poppers down the front which are used to adjust the size. Some are more adjustable than others with three rows of poppers. Other One Size nappies adjust with elastic, rather like on childrens trousers or skirts.. examples of this are Charlie Banana and Fuzzi Bunz.
The advantages of One Size nappies is that they are extremely economical as they are designed to fit your little one throughout their time they spend in nappies. The disadvantages are that there is sometimes as compromise with fit at either end of the scale. For example Tots Bots have designed their Easyfit to fit from 10lb (only two rows of poppers for adjustment). If your baby has lovely chubby baby legs then these are perfect. Tots Bots also have the Teeny Fit for smaller babies from 4lb to bridge the gap. Then again Bum Genius V4 and Close Parent Pop - ins will fit from 7lb. We used these on Issy from 7.5lb and they fitted great on her sparrow legs.
Some one Size nappies have a waterproof outer i.e Bum Genius and others require a wrap to make them waterproof i.e Tots Bots Bamboozle. |
 Sized NappiesSized nappies are the opposite to the above. They are made to fit certain weight ranges e.g small 3.5-7.5kg, medium 6.5 - 12kg. Just like you would buy disposable nappies. They are straight forward to put on with no adjustments needed and go on just like a disposable nappy. They fasten with either poppers or velcro.
They can work out to be more expensive than the One Sized nappies, however, you are getting a nappy designed to fit a certain size baby and therefore get a better, snugger and slimmer fit than a one size nappy. Especially on newborn and small babies as One Size nappies can sometimes be bulky on newborns but there not newborns for long....
Some Sized nappies have a waterproof outer i.e Charlie Banana Sized and others require a wrap to make them waterproof i.e Tots Bots Bamboozle. |
 Pocket NappiesPocket nappies are a one piece nappy with the outer layer being waterproof (laminated on the inside) with an inner lining generally made of fleece. Fleece helps to keep the skin dryer as the moisture evaperates from the surface. The absorbant material, be it microfibre, bamboo or hemp is then inserted into the pocket that these two materials make. The absorbancy can be adjusted to your requirements. Less for newborns and more when they get older. They are very easy to put on as there is no need for a wrap
When you wash a pocket nappy the absorbant inserts need removing before you wash them and then re stuffing before you put them back on.
Depending on what you use as your inserts then they can be very quick to dry i.e microfibre or can take a lot longer i.e bamboo |
 All in One NappiesAll In One Nappies like pocket nappies have a waterproof outer and are very easy to put on. The difference is, is that the absobant material is attached or sewn into the nappy so there is nothing to take apart before washing.
The easiest nappies to put on and use, especially if they are Sized All In One nappies as they go straight on as they are. They can however, take longer to dry than a pocket nappy
Examples of these are the Tots Bots Easyfit and the Tots Bots Teeny Fit |
 Shaped NappiesShaped or Fitted Nappies need a wrap to make them waterproof. Also known as a two part system. The nappy is the absorbant part, made of a variety of materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp. A Wrap is then needed to go over the top to keep everything in and make them waterproof.
These can be quite fiddly to put on as there are two parts to put on...especially when baby starts to wriggle! Although containment is good with the use of sized wrap. Shaped nappies can come in One Size or Sized.
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 Flat NappiesFlat nappies or sometimes known as prefolds are a square of material that is simply folded (cotton, bamboo,hemp etc..) and then placed inside a wrap.
These are more fiddly than other types of nappies however can be an extremely economical option. A variety of materials can be used as the absorbant part to make them tailor made for you. |
 WrapsWraps are the waterproof outer used on shaped or flat nappies. They can be mixed and matched in make and do not have to be the same make as the nappy you have chosen to use. Now a days they are laminated (Polyurethane Laminate) on the inside and allow the skin to breathe, unlike the plastic pants that used to be used, which could cause nappy rash to start.
They generally come in sizes i.e small, medium and large, however, there are few one size wraps around such as the Blueberry Coverall.
It is recommended that a minimum of 4 wraps per size are kept at hand. At least two a day will be needed as they are rotated at change times to allow them to dry between changes. If they are very wet or soiled a clean one will need to be introduced. |
Bamboo or MicrofibreBamboo is a great material to use for nappies. Not only is anti bacterial and anti fungal it naturally grows very easily and quickly. It is 20% more absorbant than cotton but will take a lot longer to dry depending on how it is woven. It is also biodegradable. If drying is a consideration then think carefully about choosing a nappy made completely out of Bamboo. It is however, very very absorbant and is a great material for night time. Due to its fantastic abosbancy it is also slim alternative for adding extra absorbancy to a pocket nappy.
Microfibre is a man made material. Anti bacterial. It is twice as absorbant as natural cotton HOWEVER, it will dry in a flash. It washes great on low temperatures and dries very quickly without the aid of a dryer. It can even be used after nappy life as a great cloth to clean the car! More and more nappies are being made with microfibre. You get the best of both worlds if a nappy is made with bamboo and microfibre.
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 Care of your Pocket Nappies
Care of Pocket Nappies
Caring for pocket nappies is easy, but our Do's and Don'ts and tips here will help you keep them in the best condition and prolong their life.
Do:
1. Remove a wet nappy and simply shake out the insert into your dry nappy bucket and throw in the nappy. If the nappy is soiled shake any solids into the toilet. Most should just plop down the toilet - if there is still a lot left on the nappy you will probably find this will rinse off by putting the washing machine through a pre-wash rinse cycle. If you would rather clean further before putting into the machine you can rinse more poo off by flushing the loo whilst holding FIRMLY onto a corner. Finally, put the nappy and insert into your dry nappy bucket.
2. On wash day I recommend running your nappies through a rinse cycle in your machine before washing.
3. Wash using a 60ºC wash cycle and rinse, though you may find a 40ºC cycle is sufficent. Use only a 1/2 - 2/3 of the recommended amount of detergent (for heavy soiling) to prevent build up of detergent on the fabric. There is no need to soak the nappies or wash hotter than 60ºC.
4. Ideally hang your pocket nappies to dry outside or inside in a warm place but not directly on a radiator etc. Dry pocket nappies with the lining-side-up to allow the wetness to evaporate effectively. They will dry in a few hours. You can tumble dry them if you need to, but use the lowest heat setting to maintain their condition.
5. To make pocket nappies even easier to use store them snapped down into the desired position (for one-size pocket nappies) and ready-stuffed with an insert.
DON'Ts
Caring for your nappies properly will keep them looking and performing their best. Below is a list of things that can harm your nappies and result in leaks.
*Don't use a greasy nappy barrier or balm cream with these nappies- it will leave a greasy residue on the inner lining which is very difficult to remove. If using a cream is necessary because of severe nappy rash use disposable nappy liners to prevent cream getting onto the nappy.
*Don't use any chlorine bleach products. Chlorine bleach is a strong chemical and will break down the fibres of your nappies as well as polluting the environment.
*Don't use fabric softener. It will coat the fabrics, making them water repellent and will cause leaks! Be aware that if you use dryer sheets in your dryer for other laundry this can coat your dryer and transfer to your nappies. If you encounter leaks, try hanging to dry instead. Most pocket nappies are made entirely from man-made fibres and do not need softening.
*Don't wash or dry on HOT or HIGH HEAT! The PUL layer (waterproof outer) is meant for warm or low heat only! Preserve the life of your nappies by following this recommendation.
A few tips
Do wash your nappies after every use (i.e. do not add fresh insert to used nappy pocket).
Natural-type detergents and soaps are not recommended for nappies containing polyester because of the soap build up they leave. This build up can cause repelling, leaks and rashes in sensitive skin. Cloth nappies do not require much detergent and too much can leave residue on the fibres, possibly causing your nappies to smell, leak, or leave baby with a rash. Use a standard or eco-friendly non-bio detergent.
Soaking dirty nappies (in a bucket filled with water & disinfectant or detergent) is not necessary and can cause smells to seep into the fabrics. A dry nappy bucket with a tight fitting lid works fine for storage, or a drawstring nappy storage bag is great when you have limited space.
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