 When
I had my first child I believed there were two types of nappies,
disposables and terry cloth squares. Like most people I bought some of
those crisp white squares with dreams of white soft towelling nappies
billowing in the breeze while my happy cloth bottomed baby played
happily at my feet. Unfortunately the reality didn't really turn out
that way.
Within a few months I was completely swamped in
washing and sick of leaking nappies and having to change my little
boy's behind every five minutes (or so it felt). So as far as I knew
my only other option was the rows and rows of brightly coloured,
plastic packets containing neatly folded paper and chemical nappies
that assured me they were the best at keeping baby dry and having a
breathable cloth like outter.
This was before I discovered the
little known alternatives from elimination communication through to
modern cloth nappies and covers and compostable disposable nappies.
Modern
cloth nappies were brought to my attention with the immenient birth of
my daughter looming. Of course when someone mentioned cloth nappies I
immediately rolled my eyes and stated, "I did cloth with my first and
it was useless!" Goodness me am I pleased I found out more
before ignoring this information.
Modern cloth or MCN as they
are commonly referred to are more complex than your basic terry
square. From the basic system of using squares and covers, similar to
the terry system or even with your terry system, right through to
'all-in-ones' which go on like disposable but go in the washing machine
instead of the bin.
The Basics
You can use those cotton
terry squares you bought with modern cloth covers. Made from laminated
fabric or PUL (polyurethane laminate) with elastisied waist band and
legs they not only contain those explosive newborn messes but really
allow air to circulate through the nappy reducing the chances of nappy
rash and heat rash. Other types of MCN covers include fleece and wool
which are naturally water repellent materials so requires no plastic
lamination thus giving you superior breathablility. Covers close with
either plastic snaps or velcro.
For a basic nappy system you can
also use prefolds in your covers. Prefolds are a similar size and
shape to your terry squares but rather than the one layer they are sewn
with extra layers in the centre third to give extra absorbancy in the
middle where you need it. Prefolds can be folded in thirds like a pad
and placed in the cover or you can fold them similar to a terry with a
cover securing them in place. Prefolds can be made from cotton which
is trim and cool or bamboo and hemp which give a greater absorbancy.
Fitted Nappies
Fitted
nappies contain no water proof material and require a cover to stop
moisture from dampening clothes and bedding. Fitted nappies are made
entirely of absorbant materials, such as hemp, bamboo or cotton, in
layers which increases the absorbancy. They are shaped much like your
disposable and have elastic in the waist and legs to give you superior
coverage from leaks.
Fitted nappies are generally less
expensive than kinds which have the waterproof material built in and
are recommended for over night and for heavy wetters. You can
generally get by with less covers than nappies as you rotate the covers
allowing them time to 'air out' in between changes.
 Pocket Nappies
Pocket
nappies or pouch nappies are called so as they have a pocket where
absorbant material is added to the core of the nappy. The outside is
made of some form of water proof fabric, usually PUL, although there
are some wool and fleece pockets available. The inside of the nappy
which touches your baby's precious behind is made from a fabric that is
known for it's ability to quickly absorb liquids and draw it to the
underneath layers. This might be microfleece, suede cloth or cotton
velour.
The benefits of pocket nappies is that they are quick
drying, are adjustable, so if you need more absorbancy you can add it
or take it away and once 'stuffed' are simple to use like the popular
all-in-ones.
All In Ones
All in ones or all in twos are
just that; everything in one piece. They have the waterproof outter,
absorbant material on the inside and a stay dry liner on the top which
rests on babies skin. The absorbant part is either sewn in or clips in
and out (called an all-in-two).
The benefits of this type of
nappy is that it is very easy to use, just grab and go. However some
can take longer to dry and are more expensive then other types of
nappies.
Caring for nappies
Caring for these nappies is
relatively easy and painless. Most retailers and manufacturers suggest
what is called 'dry pailing'. This basically equates to storing all
the used nappies in dry sealed nappy bucket. Alternatively you can
leave them in asealed bucket with plain cold water.
What about
the poo you ask? Easily dealt with. Many cloth parents will share
their secrets of quick and easy poo disposable which varies according
to the age of the child. Strategies range from the age old dunk and
flush through to using a hose connected to the toilet known as a little
squirt. Me? I left mine in a bucket of water and plucked them out
with tongs come washing time, flushing the water down the toilet.
Regardless of what nappy system you use and how you choose to get rid
of the poo it is important to note that soild waste should be ALWAYS be
flushed down the toilet, in fact in some towns it is illegal to throw
human poop in the bin - just think of those people who work at the
dump, not to mention where the water runs to when it rains at the dump
- eeeww.
Other jargon
One size - these nappies fit
from birth (4-5kg) up to toddlerhood by adjusting with snaps or folding
the waist band of the nappy over. These nappies help save you even
more money as there is no need to buy nappies in different sizes.
microfleece - A type of fabric known for it's ability to draw wetness away.
microfibre - a type of material that is used as the absorbant part in your nappy
fleece
- a type of fabric that uses it's natural water repellent properties to
stop wetness from getting through to clothes and bedding from the nappy
underneath.
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