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How many?
Nappy Types
Q: How many?
How many nappies will I need?
A:
The answer to this really begins with how often you want to wash your nappies. If you are prepared to wash every day, then you could start with a small number, providing you allow for drying time. But you must also consider the age of your baby. Newborns can go through a dozen nappies in a day while toddlers may use five or six per day.
So first of all work out how often you want to wash and then count how many nappies your baby goes through per day (including night time).
I prefer to wash every second or third day for two reasons: the nappy bucket is usually full by the third day, and I also believe it will prolong the lifespan of my nappies if they are washed soon after soiling. Leaving soiled nappies in a bucket for longer than three days is not advised.
For newborns I recommend using a mix of traditional flat nappies or prefolds and modern cloth nappies. These days pins are rarely used to fasten a folded nappy - the innovative Snappi does the job much faster and safer than traditional nappy pins. The flats and prefolds will work fine at home during the day using the same cover (as long as it hasn't been soiled) and changing the nappy regularly (this is where your nappy stacker comes in handy), while the modern cloth nappies are great for night time and outings. They are easy to put on and can also be rolled up small to place in a wet bag to take home. Due to the nature of newborn poo, I also advise using nappy liners. There are many types to choose from: you can buy or make your own polar fleece liners; buy flushable, disposable liners that can go straight into the toilet; use chux wipes (or similar); or try raw silk liners which are excellent at keeping nappy rash away.
For further advice on how many, or which nappy, to suit your baby, please don't hestitate to contact me.
Q: Nappy Types
What are the different types of nappies?
A:
Fitted nappies: Sometimes called form-fitted, these are shaped like disposables so they are easy to get on and off, and are made from various fabrics such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, fleece or a combination of these. They do not have a waterproof outer layer so they do require a cover. Fitted nappies are fastened with snaps, hook & loop (Aplix/Velcro), pins or a Snappi.
Pocket nappies: Pocket nappies are also shaped like disposables and fitteds but they have a pocket opening in the back (or sometimes the front) which you stuff with an absorbent insert. Most pocket nappies have a waterproof outer layer made from either fleece or PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric) - so there is no need for a cover. The absorbent inserts are usually made from cotton, microfibre, hemp or bamboo, and the more you stuff, the more absorbent it will be, but then it will also be more bulky on your baby. The trick with pockets is to experiment to see how much absorbency your baby requires. The inner lining against baby's skin can be made of materials such as microfleece or organic cotton velour but there main purpose is to wick moisture away from baby's skin and into the absorbent pad. Pocket nappies fasten with either snaps or hook & loop. The main benefit of pocket nappies is that they will dry fast because you can take out the insert.
All-in-one nappies: The easiest nappy to use is an all-in-one as there is no need for stuffing, or covers, or folding. All-in-ones have a waterproof outer layer just like pocket nappies (usually made of PUL or fleece) and an inner layer against baby's skin of microfleece or organic cotton velour. Inside the nappy, the aborbent layers are sewn in and these can be made of cotton, hemp, bamboo or a combination.
There are also All-in-two nappies which allow for faster drying times. All-in-twos have a booster featuring absorbent layers which may or may not be folded into place. The booster then snaps into the waterproof outer shell.
All-in-one and all-in-two nappies fasten with snaps or hook & loop.
Covers: Nappy covers are very handy for any nappy stash. They are made of a water-resistant or waterproof, yet breathable material such as PUL, fleece or wool. No longer is PVC the only choice. In fact, PVC pilchers may contribute to a sweaty baby and nappy rash.
Fleece covers are usually made of a high quality, anti-pill fleece with a double layer for effective water resistence, while PUL fabrics are ideal for their durability and they come in a wonderful range of colours and prints. Wool covers may be woven or knitted, and when properly lanolised, are extremely effective and 100% natural. Many mums ask "isn't wool too hot?" The answer is no. Wool is quite comfortable all year round. Nappy covers may fasten with snaps or hook & loop, or be pulled on.
Flats and prefolds: Flat nappies are the traditional squares that are folded in various ways to suit different sized babies and their sex. They are made of cotton terry, flannelette and muslin. Prefold nappies are rectangular, come in different sizes, and have a thicker central panel. They are usually made of a soft twill-weave cotton or hemp and are easier to put on a baby than a flat terry square as you fold it onto your baby, not before. Flats and prefolds dry faster than modern cloth nappies and are less expensive.
Inserts/boosters/liners: An insert is an absorbent pad inserted into a pocket nappy or an all-in-one pocket nappy. These can be made of microfibre, cotton, hemp or bamboo.
A booster is an extra absorbent pad that is either placed into a nappy or wrapped around the outside to draw the moisture away from the baby's bottom. Boosters can be folding or non-folding, made of cotton, hemp or bamboo. It is important that parents understand that while microfibre is very effective as an insert, do not use it as a booster directly against the baby's skin as it will cause irritation.
A liner is a thin layer of non-absorbent but wicking fabric such as fleece or raw silk placed closest to the baby's skin. This keeps the baby dry, helps with poo clean up, and reduces nappy rash. Raw silk is particularly helpful to heal rashes. You can also purchase biodegradable liners that can be flushed down the toilet.
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