Cloth Nappy Types Explained

Modern cloth nappies are usually categorised in three types.

All-in-one nappies (AIO) are, as its name suggests, in one piece rather like the disposable. The nappy consists of layers of absorbent material sewn to the waterproof outer layer
advantages:easy-to-use one-piece
disavantages: longer drying time because waterproof layer prevents air going through some of the other layers when drying
show all all-in-one nappies

Pocket nappies are made from a waterproof material on the outside and a single layer of soft fabric on the inside. The nappy has a slot, normally located at the back, where an absorbent insert is fitted in. The absorbent insert can be removed for washing and to dry quickly.
advantages: easy to use, super-absorbent materials and very quick to dry
disavantages: made mainly from man-made materials, e.g microterry
>show all pocket nappies

Nappy + Wrap system, (also called the two-part system. Some online sites also refer to it in a simpler term as "the shaped nappy") consists of a shaped nappy made entirely from a absorbent material. The nappy then will need to be used with a separate waterproof wrap (also called nappy cover), making it a very reliable system.
advantages: the absorbent area is the entire nappy itself - so bigger absorbent area, and choice of cloth nappies made from natural materials, such as cotton, organic cotton, hemp and bamboo
disavantages: two separate pieces (nappy and wrap) purchased separately although you will only need 1 wrap for every 5 cloth nappies
The waterproof wraps are no longer made from uncomfortable crackly plastic. They are now manufactured in soft polyester called PUL. This is a breathable waterproof material that will not condense the moisture inside the nappy.
>show all shaped cloth nappies for the nappy+wrap system
>show all waterproof wraps

Other more traditional cloth nappies are square terries and prefold nappies