We love cloth nappies and it is amazing how easy they are, you don’t even need to soak our Snazzipants. We also love the practical idea of part time cloth. Use disposables (if you want to) at night and when out and about and use our Snazzipants when you are home during the day. Did you know – if you save 3 disposables a day from landfill, that is over 1,000 a year! Imagine that impact on the environment and your wallet.
Where To Start– Different Types of Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies have come a very long way from the days of a towelling square you had to fold into origami like shapes, use pins and then a pair of plastic pants. Night time cloth is quite a bit more involved than day time. It’s up to you whether you want to try both, or just start with day time and see how you go. At Brolly Sheets we concentrate on day time cloth nappy wear.
All in Ones
These are the simplest style and are very close to a disposable to use. An All In One has the absorbent pad and waterproof cover all sewn into one piece. So there is no pins, no folding and no stuffing of pads into the nappy itself.
What to Look For
- Adjustable sizing. This is most commonly done through snaps on the front that can change the length of the nappy from waist to crutch, and an adjustable waist. I think if you can get a nappy that is adjustable it is a lot easier to get a good fit. Some kids are the same weight but long and slim, others short and chubby. Nappies need to fit well if you don’t want what should be in the nappy, outside the nappy.
- If they use Velcro, make sure there are “fold back” laundry tabs. This gives you something to attach the “teeth” part of the Velcro to so it doesn’t snag on everything else in your machine.
Positives
- Very convenient because you only have one piece to put on your baby.
- All the nappy parts are sewn together, so it is all in one piece. easy to use
- Very popular with day-cares, dads and grandparents.
Negatives
- They take longer to dry as you cannot remove the absorbent pad to dry separately.
Pocket Nappies
Pocket nappies are almost as easy to use as an All In One. The only difference is that there is a pocket to insert the absorbent pad into. The waterproof cover is still part of the nappy so it is a 2 piece system. Still no pins or folding.
What to Look For
- Adjustable sizing. This is most commonly done through snaps on the front that can change the length of the nappy from waist to crutch and an adjustable waist. I think if you can get a nappy that is adjustable it is a lot easier to get a good fit. Some kids are the same weight but long and slim, others short and chubby. Nappies need to fit well if you don’t want what should be in the nappy, outside the nappy.
- If they use Velcro, make sure there are “fold back” laundry tabs. This gives you something to attach the “teeth” part of the Velcro to so it doesn’t snag on everything else in your machine.
Positives
- Quick drying as you remove the pad to wash and dry
- If your pad isn’t dry, you can use any absorbent fabric inside the pocket. Fold up a flannel etc.
Negatives
- When dry, you need to slide the pad back into the pocket and its ready to go.
Nappy Liners
You can buy washable or disposable liners. A liner is a thin piece of fabric, paper or a composite that you place inside your nappy and dispose of after every nappy change. It makes it easier to collect solids to shake down the toilet. No more rinsing mucky nappies.
What to Look For:
- Chemical free
- Super soft and non-irritating
Wet Bags
Wet bags have heaps of uses. Cloth nappies users take them when they are out and about as they are great for dirty nappies but you can also use them for dribbled on bibs, wet wipes or just about anything you do not want in your handbag. When you are home again, just turn inside out and pop in the machine.
What to Look For
- Check the size will suit your needs. At Brolly Sheets we do 2 sizes with the larger size called Large Wet Bags.
- A tag is a good idea so you can hang on a hook if need be
- That’s it.
Positives
- Washable and reusable. Saves using plastic bags – better for the environment
- Small and light to carry around in your hand bag
Other Uses
- Dirty nappies (cloth & disposable)
- Dirty bibs after you have been to that lovely cafe for lunch
- Potty training - undies that have been “caught out”
- Wet swimsuits
- Travel laundry (keep your undies separate from your shoes) or for separating dirty laundry from clean
- Kids travel bag – when you are out and about, just pop in a car or two, some raisins, a note book and a pencil.
