modern cloth nappies

What are the different types of modern nappies?

There are a number of different types of modern nappies. Think outside the square! These shaped nappies have elastic in the legs and waist, usually with a closure such as snaps or hook & loop (trademark names include Velcro, Aplix and Touchtape). They can be divided into those that need a cover and ones that don'.t

Fitted nappies: These shaped nappies require a cover. They are made of fabric which absorbs liquid, usually cotton (terry, flannelette, etc), hemp, or a blend. New on the nappy fabric scene is bamboo, which is environmentally friendly and extremely absorbent and soft. Some fitted nappies are "pocket fitteds", with a stuffable area for extra absorbency. Most fitted nappies have a built in closure, which may be snaps or hook-and-loop (Velcro(tm), Aplix(tm), Touchtape(tm)). A few modern fitted nappies are closed with a Snappi or with ties.

All in Ones (AIOs): Nappies that do not need a separate cover have some sort of waterproof layer as the outside or second to outside layer. This is usually PUL or premium quality polar fleece. All-in-one nappies fasten with snaps or hook-and-loop, and may have a booster flap or extra booster for easier washing and faster drying.

There are also Almost-in-one nappies, also called All-in-twos or AI2 nappies. These have an absorbent booster that the user snaps or otherwise attaches to an outer shell (PUL, wool, or fleece). While more fiddly, these can sometimes be faster drying than true AIOs.

Pocket nappies: Consisting of an outer fitted shell sewn to a liner along three sides, pocket nappies allow for customisation of the absorbency level by changing how much absorbent material is stuffed into the nappy. The water-resistant shell might be PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric), high quality fleece, a combination of fleece with a thin extra water-resistant layer such as taslon or rip-stop nylon. Pocket nappies can be stuffed with anything absorbent! Stuffers might be specially made stuff-ins, cotton or hemp flats or prefolds, washcloths, bathmats, microfibre cloths, or a combination of these things.

cloth nappies