When considering cloth I found it really confusing! i didn’t know what to buy and there seems to be all sorts of new different types of nappies that had come out varying in price and I didn’t want to waste my money or buy the “wrong” type!

I had no friends using cloth or modern cloth and there was surprisingly little information that wasn’t from a biased source.

So here I will outline the types of cloth that I have used and the pros and cons I have with them for any mums out there considering cloth and just as confused as I was once!

FLATS

Flats are the traditional cloth nappies.

Made from terry toweling(like a towel), 100% cotton(mine look like cheesecloth), or flannelette (like pajamas) they are folded then pinned in place and then a cover is used to stop clothes and bedding becoming wet.

 

To start using flats you will need:

PACKET OF FLAT NAPPIES: most packets are about 12 nappies but as a start 12 will do to see if you like them. The standards are normally about $20 a packet.

PINS OR SNAPPYS:  pins are cheap but can rust or stick the baby if you aren’t confident or hurrying, snappys are a rubber clip that has three edges that you attach then pull to keep the nappy together you really only need one snappy but normally you can get them in a pack of three for backups for about $5

COVERS: covers or pilchers can be lots of different types of fabrics and range in prices, they need to be waterproof to keep the moisture in and they can pull on like pants or Velcro that you put over the top like another nappy. Wool, plastic, pvc, PUL or cotton are some of the different fabrics used. I found BIG W invaluable for cheap covers.

LINERS: I don’t actually use liners but a lot of mums do and I did with my daughter for a short time. Liners can be very thin like a chux wipe (in fact you can cut them up and use them as liners) and are there so poo doesn’t stick to the nappy. You can buy thick liners that look like pads for night times to increase absorbency.

TO USE: To start with you need to learn to fold a nappy and this can take practice! I think it helps to see someone else do it first and there are clips on youtube that you can learn to fold to help you along.

Once the nappy is folded and set out pop a liner in the middle (if you choose to use one), then place the baby on top, pull the nappy between the legs and the sides up, then pin or use a snappy to hold it all together. Put the cover on and your done!

I find with flats you need to change them quite a lot as they don’t draw moisture away from the skin, obviously terry toweling is better for long periods as it absorbs more than a thinner cloth but it can be quite bulky under clothes. I use plastic covers for outings and cotton “pull on” type pants at home or no covers. Flats are the cheapest option when it comes to using reusable nappies but the ick factor can be quite high sometimes! They are fine to wash in machine with everything else and don’t actually need soaking as was once thought.

FITTED FLATS

Fitted flats are just like normal flats but they are cut to size and have Velcro or snaps that keep them closed.

 

To start you will need:

FITTED NAPPIES: Around 12 fitted nappies OR just buy a couple to try until you decide if they are for you. Fitteds are often sold individually and are sized by weight or how many months old your baby is just like clothes.

COVERS

The same as flats.

TO USE: place baby on nappy and secure, then pop a cover over it.

Fitteds are another great cheap option for cloth, easy to use and can save a lot of time especially when changing toddlers or when your out and about! They still need covers because they are not waterproof and will leak on clothes. Fitteds are easy to wash just pop them in the wash with everything else. You can buy trendy homemade fitteds on ebay and use them without covers at home when you can change regularly. They can be very cheap in shops like BIG W and range from about $5 to $15 for really cute ones with extra padding.

POCKET NAPPIES

Pocket nappies are fitted nappies that have an insert (generally bamboo) like a pad that absorbs everything, so rather than a cover you “stuff” the cover.

To start with pocket nappies you need:

POCKETS AND BOOSTERS: most pocket nappies (like peapods) are around $20 each and come with a booster and a waterproof bag for traveling with. Start with one or two and see how you like them or buy in bulk packs to get a discount. You can buy extra boosters for night time.you can also make your own.

TO USE: a pocket nappy is just what it sounds like, it’s like a cover with a pocket build into it that you put a pad in that absorbs everything! peapods are microfiber so poop doesn’t stick to it and the pocket can be reused without washing and just “restuffed” if it hasn’t been pooed in. the booster is like a really soft handtowel that you fold, I guess that’s the best way I can describe it!

To use a peapod you fold the booster and slide it into the pocket (some boosters don’t need folding with different types of pocket nappies) then put on like a disposable and clip up. Most pocket nappies are covered in snaps so they fit over a long time but are still fitted. Nappy sizes are small, medium and large and range from a newborn to a much older child. Nappies and boosters are washed with half a cup of washing detergent on a hot wash for best results and boosters need to be “strip washed” every few months to clear detergent residue out of the bamboo.

 

Ive found peapods to be the best for travelling and day time, nights they can need an extra booster, they wash well dry quickly and don’t smell.they are really easy to use GORGEOUS to look at and come in a range of different colours.peapods are the nappies i use the most!

 

AIO NAPPIES

All in one nappies are just as they sound, there are no covers, no pins, no stuffing with boosters. AIO are just like disposables but are washed.

To start with you will need:

 

NAPPIES: start with one of a few different types and see which ones you like best or buy in bulk and save money they can range from anything from $20 to $40 depending on the brand.they come in a range of colours and types. You can also make your own.

BOOSTERS: The popular brands like baby behinds will normally come with a booster for nights and travelling to increase absorbency , the boosters for baby behinds are slim look like a pad in shape and do not need folding.

TO USE: the nappys are just like disposables in the fact that everything that’s needed is built in, just place baby on top and secure with the Velcro or snaps.

Ive found AIO are the best nappies for nights as they seem to be the most absorbent and ive never had leaks. They do need strip washing regularly or they will smell! The bamboo is inside the nappy and very absorbent and will also take in odours if not washed properly and with some types once peed in they can take on a farm animal type smell. Washed correctly they are terrific! They can take a couple days to dry properly so extra nappies are often needed as backup but they are also the most absorbent of all the nappies on trial.

 

I hope this article helps someone whos looking into cloth! Sorry its so long! My suggestion to anyone starting out is to try lots of different types and find the type that works best for them! you dont have to buy 24 of one type of nappy to start.