Cloth Nappies ... Which Nappy?
Cloth Nappies ... Which Nappy?
With the modern convenience of disposable nappies I am sure you thought cloth nappies were a thing of the past. You’re wrong! Cloth nappy use is still popular and unlike when your Mum used them they have changed and are even easier than you could imagine!
Whenever you mention cloth nappies to your parents generation they cringe and you can see all the memories flooding back to them – nappy buckets, soaking, bleaching, hand scrubbing, washing, plastic nappy covers, nappy pins and so many more!
Cloth nappies are no longer hard work in fact they are just as easy as disposables and can save you thousands of dollars and also (more importantly) save the environment!
When you first start looking at cloth nappies all of the terminology can be a little confusing! Reading terms like AIO, SIO, PUL etc can be very daunting and most people are so confused they give up! If you want to read more about the cloth nappy terminology Click Here
Which Nappy?
The first question people ask is which nappy will suit my lifestyle. This is a question only you can answer.
The choice of nappy will depend on a number of factors. How often do you want to wash? What climate do you live in? How many nappies can you afford to buy?
These questions will influence your decision. Here are the most common cloth nappies on the market today.
AIO – All In Ones: These are the fool proof nappies! As the name suggests they are all in one. No need for anything extra unless you would like to add an extra booster if baby is a heavy night wetter. These nappies are complete and all of the materials are enclosed inside the nappy.
Pros: All in one, no need to mess around with added boosters. The best beginner nappy or nappy for those who want a no-fuss system.
Cons: Because they are “all in one” they take longer to dry on the line and need to be dried completely which can take from a few hours to all day depending on the climate and where they are hung.
SIO – Snap In Ones: These nappies are an outer shell with boosters that snap into place in the crotch area of the nappy. These nappies are for those who like to control the absorption themselves. Some babies are heavy wetters and require more boosters – they snap in nice and easy. Also some babies are light wetters and require less boosting so you can snap in the boosters you need making the nappy lighter and more comfortable for baby.
Pros: Great for controlling the absorption. Quicker to dry than AIO’s as you can separate the boosters and hang them separately to dry.
Cons: Not a no-fuss system. They are a little fiddly sometimes depending on the brand and when you bring them in from the line it will take a small amount of time to reassemble them.
Fitted and Covers – These nappies are great for really heavy wetters or overnight. They consist of 2 parts – Fitted nappy and the cover.
The fitted nappy is completely absorbent (unlike the other nappies where only the crotch line is absorbent). The fitted nappy has no waterproof layer so it does require a cover to prevent leaking.
Pros: Perfect for heavy wetters and night time.
Cons: Requires you to buy 2 separate pieces meaning they are more expensive. A little more fiddly especially with a toddler who won’t lay still for nappy changes! Having to put 2 pieces on makes it a little more challenging.
Terry Flats – Terry flats are the old style nappies your Mum would have used for you. These are a flat piece of Terry Cloth that you will need to fold and pin in place. You will need to use a cover to prevent leaking.
Pros: cheap! A pack of 12 terry cloth nappies costs around $25 so they are perfect for the super budget conscious.
Cons: Require more frequent nappy changes are they are not absorbent and will also require soaking. The plastic covers used with them are not comfortable for baby and if the nappy is not changed frequently baby is more likely to experience nappy rash because the moisture will sit on the surface of the nappy.
As you can see they all have pros and cons and the nappy you choose will depend on your lifestyle.
My recommendations
You want an easy no fuss nappy, have the money to invest in enough to last 2 days or more and also have enough time to allow for drying? Then AIO’s are for you!
Do you have a baby who is a heavy or a light wetter and you want more control over your nappies. Or you want faster drying time? If you don’t mind the fuss than SIO’s are for you!
Do you have a baby that wets through everything and you want maximum absorption? Then a fitted with a cover is for you!
Are you after minimal cost no matter what? Then Terry Flats are for you!
Deciding on cloth nappies is such a personal choice and I hope this guide has helped you make a better decision about the right system for you!
Images by Itti Bitti
Whenever you mention cloth nappies to your parents generation they cringe and you can see all the memories flooding back to them – nappy buckets, soaking, bleaching, hand scrubbing, washing, plastic nappy covers, nappy pins and so many more!
Cloth nappies are no longer hard work in fact they are just as easy as disposables and can save you thousands of dollars and also (more importantly) save the environment!
When you first start looking at cloth nappies all of the terminology can be a little confusing! Reading terms like AIO, SIO, PUL etc can be very daunting and most people are so confused they give up! If you want to read more about the cloth nappy terminology Click Here
Which Nappy?
The first question people ask is which nappy will suit my lifestyle. This is a question only you can answer.
The choice of nappy will depend on a number of factors. How often do you want to wash? What climate do you live in? How many nappies can you afford to buy?
These questions will influence your decision. Here are the most common cloth nappies on the market today.
AIO – All In Ones: These are the fool proof nappies! As the name suggests they are all in one. No need for anything extra unless you would like to add an extra booster if baby is a heavy night wetter. These nappies are complete and all of the materials are enclosed inside the nappy.
Pros: All in one, no need to mess around with added boosters. The best beginner nappy or nappy for those who want a no-fuss system.
Cons: Because they are “all in one” they take longer to dry on the line and need to be dried completely which can take from a few hours to all day depending on the climate and where they are hung.
SIO – Snap In Ones: These nappies are an outer shell with boosters that snap into place in the crotch area of the nappy. These nappies are for those who like to control the absorption themselves. Some babies are heavy wetters and require more boosters – they snap in nice and easy. Also some babies are light wetters and require less boosting so you can snap in the boosters you need making the nappy lighter and more comfortable for baby.
Pros: Great for controlling the absorption. Quicker to dry than AIO’s as you can separate the boosters and hang them separately to dry.
Cons: Not a no-fuss system. They are a little fiddly sometimes depending on the brand and when you bring them in from the line it will take a small amount of time to reassemble them.
Fitted and Covers – These nappies are great for really heavy wetters or overnight. They consist of 2 parts – Fitted nappy and the cover.
The fitted nappy is completely absorbent (unlike the other nappies where only the crotch line is absorbent). The fitted nappy has no waterproof layer so it does require a cover to prevent leaking.
Pros: Perfect for heavy wetters and night time.
Cons: Requires you to buy 2 separate pieces meaning they are more expensive. A little more fiddly especially with a toddler who won’t lay still for nappy changes! Having to put 2 pieces on makes it a little more challenging.
Terry Flats – Terry flats are the old style nappies your Mum would have used for you. These are a flat piece of Terry Cloth that you will need to fold and pin in place. You will need to use a cover to prevent leaking.
Pros: cheap! A pack of 12 terry cloth nappies costs around $25 so they are perfect for the super budget conscious.
Cons: Require more frequent nappy changes are they are not absorbent and will also require soaking. The plastic covers used with them are not comfortable for baby and if the nappy is not changed frequently baby is more likely to experience nappy rash because the moisture will sit on the surface of the nappy.
As you can see they all have pros and cons and the nappy you choose will depend on your lifestyle.
My recommendations
You want an easy no fuss nappy, have the money to invest in enough to last 2 days or more and also have enough time to allow for drying? Then AIO’s are for you!
Do you have a baby who is a heavy or a light wetter and you want more control over your nappies. Or you want faster drying time? If you don’t mind the fuss than SIO’s are for you!
Do you have a baby that wets through everything and you want maximum absorption? Then a fitted with a cover is for you!
Are you after minimal cost no matter what? Then Terry Flats are for you!
Deciding on cloth nappies is such a personal choice and I hope this guide has helped you make a better decision about the right system for you!
Images by Itti Bitti
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