The most important features to look for when choosing a nappy are:
- type;
- size;
- fastening; and
- fabric
-
type:the main different types of shaped modern nappies are:
two-part nappy system, is a nappy which requires a separate waterproof wrap over the top of it;
all-in-one nappy, where the waterproof bit and absorbent bit are all part of the nappy;
pocket nappy, where the nappy has a slot opening to where an absorbent insert can be placed. Usually pocket nappies have a waterproof layer so does not need a wrap.
Other older type of nappies are:
square terries,
square muslins and
prefolds. Nappy laundry services usually uses prefolds, because they dry quicker when unfolded. The most inconvenient aspect of using these older types of nappies is that they don't fit well around the legs and so leaks can happen.
-
size: different types of nappies can be designed to fit a baby all the way from birth to potty or in several sizes.
Birth-to-potty nappies usually are designed to fold on themselves when they are being used for a newborn baby. Because of this folding some parents find these type of nappies a bit bulky for their newborn baby and would prefer the best fit from the start.
Sized nappies have the advantage of fitting better but you will have to buy a new set of nappies each time the size changes. With sized nappies, there are normally only two sizes to consider. Extra sizes might be available for premature babies and for toddlers.
-
fastening: Velcro fastening or
poppers? For the nappy to continue to fit as baby growns, almost all nappies have several poppers or velcro fastening across the tummy, and some have poppers by the legs. Velcro gives you more flexibility for the fastening so there's a perfect snuggle. With the nappies that fasten with poppers you might find that the nappy is a bit tight and the next popper the nappy is loose. Some parents don't like velcro because sometimes nappies stick together when they go through the wash. Some nappies are
fasten-free, such as Contour nappy from Imse Vimse.
-
fabric: Cotton terry is a good absorbent fabric to use for nappies. It also drys quickly.
Cotton flannelette on the other hand is not as aborbent as terry but is more economical. Using a flannelette nappy with a terry booster is the most economical and yet effective nappy system. Both terry and flannelette can be unbleached or organic.
Unbleached cotton do not use bleaching chemicals to make it white and
organic cotton is produced in accordance with environmental guidelines. There are new fabrics entering the market such as
hemp and
bamboo - we will post more information regarding these fabrics.
