What are the different types of Modern Cloth Nappies?

There are a number of different types of modern nappies.

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.


All in Twos (AI2):  These have an absorbent booster that the user snaps or otherwise attaches to an outer shell (PUL, wool, or fleece). 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.


Not all modern cloth and fitted nappies are the same!

In many cases, you "get what you pay for" - cheap supermarket fitted nappies and AIOs  are usually stuffed with synthetic polyester cushion wadding rather than cotton, bamboo or hemp, and these absorb poorly and wick dramatically.

Covers of cheap nappies are usually cheap PVC or similar, which lasts poorly and possible has risks of toxicity (outgassing).

Of other nappies, some are sewn better, some WAHM’s (work-at-home-mums) have better customer service than others, some will simply suit one baby's size, shape and wetting pattern better than others. Also, as in all industries, the "bad apples" may be few and far between, but they do exist.

Read reviews on ozcloth and other forums to get a sense of what might work for your baby, and try out one or two of a particular nappy brand before committing to a system.


 

*information taken from the Oz Cloth nappies Website*