WHICH NAPPIES TO CHOOSE?
When deciding which nappy to choose, you need to take into account many factors, such as cost, size, ease of use and drying time. You may be more interested in the design or colour of the nappy. We have tried to give you as much information as we can about these nappies, to enable you to make the right decision. If you are still undecided though, please contact us to talk it through. We know how difficult a decision it can be.
Firstly you need to decide whether you want a flat nappy (known as Terrys), or a shaped nappy.
Flat nappies/Terry Squares
Terry nappies are extremely versatile - different folds can be used to suit boys and girls, newborns and toddlers, big poo-ers and big wee-ers and so on... All flat nappies are fantastic general purpose cloths for wiping up spills and vomit. One is useful in every nappy bag as a general purpose cloth which can double as a nappy if you get caught out.
The main problems with flat nappies are complexity and fit. With Terry squares you do sometimes find that there is a lot of nappy sticking out from under the wrap and this has to be all pushed back inside if you are to avoid leaks. Like most things, it does get easier with practice but if you are using child care etc. it can be difficult for them to get the hang of it when they are not putting them on every day.
Terry nappies and prefolds are definitely the most economical option for using real nappies. They are also pretty quick to dry.
Prefolds
As previously mentioned, a very economical option. The prefold is a piece of fabric that has added layers of absorbency built in. You can fold the prefold however you like and it is then simply popped inside a waterproof wrap and held in place with the wrap. The problem with prefolds is that they can move around inside the wrap so in our experience they are more likely to leak.
Shaped nappies
These are nappies which work like disposables do - they have an hourglass shape when folded out and once they are on they are in roughly the shape of underpants. Shaped nappies have extra layers of cloth sewn into the areas which require most absorbency, and are brief at the hips and thighs where it is not needed. They will also typically have elastication at back and waist which provides extra protection for poo leakage.
Shaped nappies are similar to disposables to fasten - just pull the nappy through the legs and fasten at the front. One of the good things about shaped nappies is the trim fit - no matter how well you fold a flat nappy, it's going to come some way down the thigh, whereas a shaped nappy will be closer to the line of underpants.
The only real disadvantages of shaped nappies, compared to flat nappies is the cost. You will pay more for your shaped nappies.
The next step is to decide if you want a one size nappy which will see your child through to potty training, or whether you want to go for ‘sized’ nappy system.
One size (birth to potty nappies)
These are really good nappies, especially if you want an economical option. You only have to buy the one set of nappies and they should fit your baby until they are toilet trained. Most one size nappies come with poppers so that you can adjust the fit easily. They are usually designed to fold down over the tummy area to accommodate newborns.
Sized nappies
Sized nappies are designed to fit certain weights. You would usually start with the smallest size and then move up to the largest size. Some people manage with just two different sizes and some will have three. This depends on many factors such as the baby’s birth weight and how much they grow whilst in nappies.
If money is not a key factor for you, sized nappies are a great option. You can get a really good fit with these and if you buy a nappy specifically for newborns you will know it is not going to be too bulky.
You now need to think about whether you would like an ‘all in one’ nappy, a pocket nappy or a ‘two part nappy’.
All in one nappies
All in one nappies are, as the name suggests, one complete piece with no need for separate layers. You still need to use a liner in these nappies, as you would with a two piece. All in ones are a great, practical option but they can take longer to dry.
Pocket nappies
These are comprised of one piece of nappy (waterproof wrap built in), but they have a handy pocket in the back where you can add and remove the absorbent pieces. This makes them much easier to dry as you can dry each piece seperately. The handy pocket also means that you can add or remove boosters to enable you to get the amount of absorbency that you require. Pocket nappies are available in a sized nappy or in a one size (birth to potty nappy)
Two part nappies – how they work
These consist of two different parts – the nappy which is absorbent and the second outer part, which is known as the nappy wrap. (sometimes referred to as nappy cover). The wrap contains the moisture from the nappy, so that it is not passed through into the clothing. They come in various types, PUL, Fleece and Wool. Again, you need to use a liner inside the nappy
Advantages of Two Part Nappies
- Definitely the most reliable nappy system in terms of leaks. With a well fitting nappy and seperate wrap you should have no problems with leaks..
- There is a huge choice of nappies and wraps on the market which means you can personalise your nappy to get exactly the right absorbency, fit, style etc.
Disadvantages of Two Part Nappies
- You do have two layers to put on - however once you've done it a couple of times there's really nothing to it.
- You have to purchase seperate nappies and wraps which may work out more expensive than an all in one nappy - depending on which one you go for.
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