Little Koala

The Cloth Nappy Expert

 

Nappy Encyclopaedia - good things to know ...

 

All in one nappies
Also known as AIOs, all-in-one nappies are designed much like a fitted nappy, contouring to baby’s shape with the layers (ply) sewn in for maximum absorbency in the centre. AIOs have an additional layer sewn to the outside of the diaper that serves as a waterproof diaper cover. AIOs come with either Velcro/aplix or snap closures. AIOs are as easy to use as disposables, but are cuter, softer, thicker, more absorbent and washable.

Covers
A cover is the waterproof layer that goes over the nappy to contain the wetness. Nappy covers are either made from breathable nylon, or multiple decorative fabric layers that ‘sandwich’ a waterproof laminate layer. Covers are also made from materials that naturally wick-away, repel or serve as a barrier to moisture like fleece and wool. Some diaper covers are highly adjustable with lightweight Velcro, aplix or snap tabbed ‘wings’ that wrap-around the baby’s diaper to secure close at the front or side.

Diaper Service Quality
Also referred to as DSQ, the term ‘Diaper Service Quality’ is indicative of a particular quality and durability of Prefold cloth nappy. Originally used and distributed by diaper services, these nappies are selected for their ability to withstand the rigorous washing and drying standards of a diaper service’s multiple washes without shredding, pilling or losing absorbency.

Doublers (sometimes called boosters)
Doublers are independent rectangular or contoured multiple-layered inserts that are placed in the centre of the nappy and are used to boost absorbency. The extra layers can be made from any absorbent material and are often topped with an additional layer of fleece to wick moisture away from the baby, keeping the baby feeling drier. Doublers can be used with any cloth diapering system as a way to keep baby dry through the night, naps, or even long car trips. Diaper doublers can also be used daily for heavy wetting babies.

Fitted nappies
Fitted diapers are made to contour to your baby and have layers (ply) sewn into the centre panel for maximum absorbency and they usually close with snap closures. Fitted nappies do need a waterproof cover.

Hemp
Hemp is one of the more popular cloth diapering textiles used. Noted for its naturally anti-microbial properties, hemp deters bacteria, mould, mildew and fungus, thereby protecting baby’s skin. When blended with cotton, hemp makes for a soft, highly-absorbent diapering choice. Hemp is grown naturally, without pesticides and when blended with organic cotton, hemp is a favourite for those that desire an all-natural, absorbent, earth-friendly, unbleached alternative in cloth diapering.

Liners
A liner is a single-layer of material that is placed across the top layer of any cloth diapering system and rests directly against the baby’s skin. Liners can serve multiple purposes and are made from a variety of materials. Fleece Liners will keep moisture away from baby’s skin by drawing moisture through the fleece (wicking) and locking it into the absorbent layers beneath. Biodegradable and flushable liners an also be purchased and are placed in the same manner, but primarily used to aid in quick clean-ups for the initial meconium stage and then, once baby’s stools are more solid.

Flat Nappies
Flat nappies (also called ‘square nappies’) are made from a single-ply of fabric. Unlike Prefolds, flat nappies do not have built in layers for absorbency and will require multiple folds to get the absorbency in the centre panel.

Prefolds
Prefolds are nappies that have been pre-folded and sewn into 3 vertical panels of differing thicknesses. These rectangular layers are called ‘ply’ and the maximum absorbency is found in the centre panel – anywhere from 6 to 8 layers if diaper service quality. The outer two panels usually have 2 to 4 layers (ply) of thickness. The inner panel usually has from 6 to 8 layers (ply) of thickness. Prefolds are made of several materials, but one of the more popular is cotton twill because it quilts-up and gets more fluffy and soft with each wash/dry cycle. The different choices in thickness allows for tailoring the absorbency to meet a baby’s personal needs. Edges are usually double-stitched for durability and longevity. Prefolds can be put on a baby with diaper pins or any other style fastener, or placed inside a wrap-style diaper cover and secured on baby. Prefolds require a waterproof cover.

Pocket Nappies
Pocket nappies are two layers sewn together to form a pocket. The exterior layer is usually a soft, waterproof fabric and the inner layer (that touches baby’s sensitive skin) is a 100% breathable, lush poly fleece. The fleece does not retain moisture, but dries quickly. These two layers form a pocket where a folded prefold nappy, insert or diaper doubler is placed. When baby wets, the moisture passes through the fleece to the cloth diaper or insert inside where it is absorbed and locked away from baby’s skin. Created to fit much like a fitted diaper or an all-in-one, the pocket diaper has ‘wings’ that wrap around baby and fasten at the waist and thigh with hardy plastic snaps or aplix hook & loop closures. Pocket Diapers do not require diaper pins and as long as the exterior fabric is a waterproof material, do not require covers either.

Wool
Wool is a popular textile for diaper covers. Known for its longevity and durability, wool also has natural breathable qualities and absorbs moisture, alleviating the concern for trapped heat that can cause diaper rash. Wool contains lanolin which is a natural, waterproof barrier that can be re-waterproofed as needed. Wool boasts of a high level of elasticity, which makes for a comfortable wear as it can easily adjust to baby’s movements and recover to its original shape. Wool tends to be bulkier than the nylon, polyester or laminate alternatives in diaper covers, but is a favourite for night-time and nap-time diapering as wool is easily worn over bulkier diapering systems.

Sherpa
Sherpa is often considered one of the more luxurious diapering textiles. Sherpa is an ultra-soft, heavier-weight, knit-terry fabric that has been brushed for a fleece-like, bumpy texture while retaining both the absorbent attributes and loops of the terry. Sherpa is made from both cotton and polyester, with the cotton content tending toward 65 to 75%. Sherpa, although absorbent, does not have the ability to wick moisture away from baby’s skin.

Soakers
The word soaker originally was used to define the multiple layers either sewn-in, laid-in, or snapped-in to the stride of a fitted or all-in-one diapering system. Materials were chosen for their absorbent tendencies, such as Hemp and Sherpa.

What you will need

If you are new to cloth diapering, you might find the choice bewildering and not know where to start or how many nappies you need. The cloth diapering system you choose will vary from person to person and will depend on price, ease of use, convenience and drying time. But I hope this section will help you make a decision about the best cloth diapering system for you.

Newborns need to be changed around 12 to 15 times a day so if you are going to wash every 2 days you will want at least 24 nappies. Toddlers only need to be changed 5 to 8 times so you need fewer nappies. I usually recommend buying a variety of different nappies to cater for different occasions and different carers.

Newborn prefold diapering system

NEWBORNS (12 to 15 changes per day)
 (12) infant 4x6x4 chinese prefolds - good for normal daily use & "moderate wetters"
 (12) infant 4x8x4 chinese prefolds - good for nightime,naps,car rides,"heavy wetters"
 4 to 6 small daytime covers (if covers are only wet they don’t need to be washed only air dried and used again. Bummis are extremely fast drying)
 24-stay dry fleece liners - keeps that baby rash-free
 4 to 6 boosters/doublers- these are great for adding extra absorbency without adding a lot of bulk & can be used with any size diaper
 (2-3) Snappi fasteners - these are fabulous for keeping the prefold nice and snug around baby`s thighs ~ this is especially important for breastfed newborns. We hope to have snappis available in the next few months.

Toddler prefold diapering system
5 to 8 changes a day
12 regular 4x6x4 chinese prefolds -
or12 premium 4x8x4 chinese prefolds -
4 to 6 medium & large daytime covers

PROS of prefolds
Really economical - the cheapest nappies around
More absorbent than traditional flat nappies
Less folding than traditional flat nappies
Can be used with a snappi rather than pins
Can be used folded into a pad placed straight in a wrap-style cover - no pins, no snappi
Very quick and easy to put on when trifolded (one layer to apply)- even on wriggly toddlers
Pure, natural cotton
Infant size is very good for tiny new babies
Relatively quick drying

CONS of prefolds
Not very cute
Some folding required (difficult with wriggly toddler)
Hard to put on a wriggly toddler
A snappi may need to be used to contain newborn runny poo
No stay dry layer (although can be used in conjunction with a fleece liner or fleece topped doubler)
Needs a separate waterproof cover (wrap)

Other diapering systems

Kissaluvs fitted nappies
The Kissaluvs Size O`s have an umbilical notch and are fabulous for holding in all that newborn breastfed poo & keeping your covers unsoiled.

If using fitteds full-time, you`ll want about 18 of the newborn size and around 14 of the other sizes. They work well with all of our diaper covers.

These fitteds are great for letting your crawler or toddler "hang out" around the house without a nappy. Absorbency can be increased by adding a doubler/booster if it will be a long time between changes. These take a bit longer to dry than some of the other nappies.

PROS of fitted nappies
Extremely cute and extra soft against baby’s bottom
Snaps shut easily
Very absorbent
Can be customised with a doubler for even more absorbency
Elastic at legs and waist to contain mess
Separate cover means 2 layers of protection against blowouts, making this a VERY leakproof system
Separate cover for thorough cleaning and good fit
Can be worn without a cover around the house with no clothes - great in hot weather or for rash-prone babies who need extra `airing` time

CONS of fitted nappies
Longer drying time due to extra absorbency and style
More expensive than prefolds
Needs a separate waterproof cover

Pocket nappies
The Wanderoos are very economical because they are one size so will last from birth to potty training. You can customise your absorbency, and trimness; to meet your baby`s different needs. Use an infant prefold inside your pocket nappy for a trim fit on a younger baby during the day, or a stuffable/prefold+booster in your pocket nappy for a toddler. It is crucial that you don`t get build up of residue from your washing detergent on a pocket nappy, as this will stop it from working effectively.

PROS of pocket nappies
Comes in great colours
PUL outer for waterproof yet breathable protection
Absorbency can be customised by your choice of insert
Trimness can be customised by your choice of insert
Very quick drying
Stay-dry inner
Contained elastic at legs and both sides of the back pocket opening
Needs no cover -one simple layer to put onto baby – so easy to use
One size nappy that fits most babies from 4 to 16 kg -

CONS of pocket nappies
Separate inserts need to be purchased (although we have a good offer of 3 free prefolds with purchase of three) Absorbent inserts need to be placed into pocket and removed from dirty nappy
Both pocket nappy and insert need to be changed each nappy change
Must follow washing instructions to ensure long life of nappy
Too much washing powder can lead to residue build up on stay-dry layer

All-in-ones
These are fitted nappies that have an outer waterproof layer, so you don’t need anything else. The little lambs are the best all-in-ones on the market. Mothers on diaper pin rave about them. They are ideal for out of home use.

PROS of all-in-ones
Extremely cute
Very use to use especially with toddlers that can’t stay still
Hemp booster very absorbent
Great for throwing in the nappy bag
PUL outer for waterproof yet breathable protection
Stay dry inner
Quick drying
One size so economical

Cons of all-in-ones
More expensive than other types of nappies
Are bulkier than say the fitted nappies

 

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