The Real Nappy Glossary
On of the most baffling things I found when I started researching into the types of cloth nappies on the market was the wide terminology. Here are some of the key points - if you have any questions drop me a line via the contact form.
Nappy Systems
Shaped (Sized) Nappy
These are cloth nappies that come in a range of sizes designed to give a close fit depending on your baby's weight. They can be made from a number of fabrics, generally terry cloth, microfibre or bamboo. They have to be used in conjunction with a waterproof wrap. The fact that they are sized can be an especial advantage on newborns as it reduces bulk if there is no excess material.
Wrap
This is a thin piece of material shaped like a disposable that goes over the absorbent layer to prevent moisture escaping. These come in different sizes too, again depending on your baby's weight. Some of the materials used for wraps are: PUL (polyurethane laminate) a waterproof man-made material, organic cotton, or wool. Wraps can be used more than once with just an airing between uses as long as there have been no major poop disasters. They don't necessarily need to be waterproof, fleece wraps work by preventing moisture transfer from nappy to clothing.
All in One Nappy
This is probably the closest thing to a disposable in terms of shape and the way you put it on. Most can be used “birth to potty” by adjustable poppers and/or velcro fastenings. The outer part is generally PUL and the inner can be cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfibre etc. Most new style All in Ones have a fold out inner layer which aids quick drying as one of the drawbacks of this style used to be the long drying time or the need for tumble drying.
Pocket Nappy (All in Two)
Pocket nappies are an in between for shaped nappies and All in Ones. They consist of a pocket, which looks like a disposable, generally made with a PUL lining for waterproofing. To make the nappy absorbent you place inserts into the pocket. There are a wide range of inserts available and you can mix and match to get the right balance between absorbency and bulk. The outer part generally comes out of the washing machine almost dry after the spin cycle and the inserts are separate so dry quickly too.
Hybrid
A cross between an all in one and a pocket nappy which allows you to boost the absorbency of the nappy with additional inserts.
Other Terms
Inserts (Soakers)
Microfibre – Most pocket nappies come supplied with at least one microfibre insert. They are quite slim and are probably the medium level of absorbency. They dry quite quickly on a washing line or radiator airer. Depending on how heavy a wetter your baby is, two of these will provide dryness for up to four hours.
Terry Cloth – Terry is more absorbent than microfibre but also more bulky. This makes it a good option for a night nappy when you don't want to be changing too often and you don't have to worry about bulkiness restricting movement or stretching clothes!
Bamboo – Bamboo inserts are very slim and very absorbent. They do take quite a long time to dry though as they also hold onto the water from the washing machine. Again, this makes them a good night time option as you can then dry them through the day.
Charcoal – Charcoal layers can be combined into microfibre or microfleece which gives an insert that is not to bulky and is very absorbent. The best thing about charcoal is that it locks in odours!
Hemp – Hemp is an all natural fibre. It is very absorbent so is a good booster under microfibre or terry cloth. As with bamboo, these can take a bit longer to dry.
Liners
Put one of these between the nappy and the baby. It will catch the solid waste while allowing liquid through to the absorbent layer. You can get flushable ones made of things like bamboo paper or corn starch or you can get super soft fabric ones. You would pull these tight and shake off the solids or rinse them under the flush before putting them in your nappy bucket.
Real Nappy Equipment
Bucket
You will need a place to store dirty nappies between washes and a bucket with a tight fitting lid is the best solution. It will keep odours in and curious toddlers out! It is no longer necessary to pre soak nappies in the bucket (you can if you want to, but it means dealing with the dirty water). I find adding a few drops of naturally antiseptic tea tree oil combats the really bad smells. You can then just put the nappies through a pre rinse in the machine before washing.
Nappy Net
Most buckets will come with one or two drawstring nets which you can fit inside the bucket and pull over the rim. Then, when it is wash time you can pull it out and bundle the whole thing into the machine without having to handle dirty nappies!
Wet Bag
Usually made from PUL or cotton with a PUL lining, this is a zip up bag that you can store dirty nappies in until you get home to your nappy bucket.
Optional Extras
Wash balls eg. The Eco Egg
When washing your nappies, it is recommended you use half the detergent you would on a normal load. This is because detergent can build up in your nappies/inserts and reduce their absorbency. Wash balls are a detergent alternative that use minerals to ionize the water which makes it remove dirt more efficiently. This is an effective way to avoid detergent build up.
Reusable Wipes
If you choose to go green and use cloth nappies, you can save yourself even more money by investing in a set of washable wipes. Generally these are moistened with water and essential oils. Dirty ones can go in the nappy bucket with the nappy or some come with a dirty container which works on the same principle as a nappy bucket. Most people who use them will tell you that the fabric is much more effective at clinging to dirt (porridge or poop!) and means much more efficient baby cleaning.
Nappy Systems
Shaped (Sized) Nappy
These are cloth nappies that come in a range of sizes designed to give a close fit depending on your baby's weight. They can be made from a number of fabrics, generally terry cloth, microfibre or bamboo. They have to be used in conjunction with a waterproof wrap. The fact that they are sized can be an especial advantage on newborns as it reduces bulk if there is no excess material.
Wrap
This is a thin piece of material shaped like a disposable that goes over the absorbent layer to prevent moisture escaping. These come in different sizes too, again depending on your baby's weight. Some of the materials used for wraps are: PUL (polyurethane laminate) a waterproof man-made material, organic cotton, or wool. Wraps can be used more than once with just an airing between uses as long as there have been no major poop disasters. They don't necessarily need to be waterproof, fleece wraps work by preventing moisture transfer from nappy to clothing.
All in One Nappy
This is probably the closest thing to a disposable in terms of shape and the way you put it on. Most can be used “birth to potty” by adjustable poppers and/or velcro fastenings. The outer part is generally PUL and the inner can be cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfibre etc. Most new style All in Ones have a fold out inner layer which aids quick drying as one of the drawbacks of this style used to be the long drying time or the need for tumble drying.
Pocket Nappy (All in Two)
Pocket nappies are an in between for shaped nappies and All in Ones. They consist of a pocket, which looks like a disposable, generally made with a PUL lining for waterproofing. To make the nappy absorbent you place inserts into the pocket. There are a wide range of inserts available and you can mix and match to get the right balance between absorbency and bulk. The outer part generally comes out of the washing machine almost dry after the spin cycle and the inserts are separate so dry quickly too.
Hybrid
A cross between an all in one and a pocket nappy which allows you to boost the absorbency of the nappy with additional inserts.
Other Terms
Inserts (Soakers)
Microfibre – Most pocket nappies come supplied with at least one microfibre insert. They are quite slim and are probably the medium level of absorbency. They dry quite quickly on a washing line or radiator airer. Depending on how heavy a wetter your baby is, two of these will provide dryness for up to four hours.
Terry Cloth – Terry is more absorbent than microfibre but also more bulky. This makes it a good option for a night nappy when you don't want to be changing too often and you don't have to worry about bulkiness restricting movement or stretching clothes!
Bamboo – Bamboo inserts are very slim and very absorbent. They do take quite a long time to dry though as they also hold onto the water from the washing machine. Again, this makes them a good night time option as you can then dry them through the day.
Charcoal – Charcoal layers can be combined into microfibre or microfleece which gives an insert that is not to bulky and is very absorbent. The best thing about charcoal is that it locks in odours!
Hemp – Hemp is an all natural fibre. It is very absorbent so is a good booster under microfibre or terry cloth. As with bamboo, these can take a bit longer to dry.
Liners
Put one of these between the nappy and the baby. It will catch the solid waste while allowing liquid through to the absorbent layer. You can get flushable ones made of things like bamboo paper or corn starch or you can get super soft fabric ones. You would pull these tight and shake off the solids or rinse them under the flush before putting them in your nappy bucket.
Real Nappy Equipment
Bucket
You will need a place to store dirty nappies between washes and a bucket with a tight fitting lid is the best solution. It will keep odours in and curious toddlers out! It is no longer necessary to pre soak nappies in the bucket (you can if you want to, but it means dealing with the dirty water). I find adding a few drops of naturally antiseptic tea tree oil combats the really bad smells. You can then just put the nappies through a pre rinse in the machine before washing.
Nappy Net
Most buckets will come with one or two drawstring nets which you can fit inside the bucket and pull over the rim. Then, when it is wash time you can pull it out and bundle the whole thing into the machine without having to handle dirty nappies!
Wet Bag
Usually made from PUL or cotton with a PUL lining, this is a zip up bag that you can store dirty nappies in until you get home to your nappy bucket.
Optional Extras
Wash balls eg. The Eco Egg
When washing your nappies, it is recommended you use half the detergent you would on a normal load. This is because detergent can build up in your nappies/inserts and reduce their absorbency. Wash balls are a detergent alternative that use minerals to ionize the water which makes it remove dirt more efficiently. This is an effective way to avoid detergent build up.
Reusable Wipes
If you choose to go green and use cloth nappies, you can save yourself even more money by investing in a set of washable wipes. Generally these are moistened with water and essential oils. Dirty ones can go in the nappy bucket with the nappy or some come with a dirty container which works on the same principle as a nappy bucket. Most people who use them will tell you that the fabric is much more effective at clinging to dirt (porridge or poop!) and means much more efficient baby cleaning.