Nappy Guide
Modern real nappies are stylish, cost effective, absorbent and reduce your waste. There are many patterns, materials and colours to choose from which can seem quite confusing. To help you decide which ones are best for you they fall under 4 main styles:
Two-part Flat Nappy
These types of nappies are quick drying as they fold out flat. They are versatile as they can be folded in several ways to provide different fits and absorbency.
Prefold nappies are folded and then placed inside a waterproof cover (wrap) and they come in several sizes from newborn to extra large. More than one nappy can be used for night time. The wrap is not changed every time the nappy is changed, you will use around 1 wrap to every 4/5 nappies.
These nappies come in a range of colours and fabrics including cotton and bamboo. If you use this type of nappy system it is recommended that you buy at least 20 of each size. Prices range from £1.50 to £2.25 per nappy.
Total cost of a prefold nappy system using 3 sizes of nappies (small, medium and large) and 4 sizes of wraps (pro wraps sizes newborn, small, medium and large) is around £295 if everything is bought separately. You can buy special birth to potty kits for around £175 – £225, these kits usually contain 24 Small Prefold Nappies , 20 Medium Nappies, 18 Large Nappies, 6 Newborn Wraps , 6 Small Wraps, 4 Medium Wraps and 4 Large Wraps. Remember you only have to buy 1 size at a time rather than buying a birth to potty set.
Terry nappies are folded and held in place with a pin or a modern grip called a nappy nippa. A waterproof cover (wrap) is then worn over the top. The wrap is not changed every time the nappy is changed, you will use around 1 wrap to every 4/5 nappies. Terry nappies usually come in a standard 60 x 60cm size but quality and absorbency differ. You can get smaller 40 x 40cm ones which are great for newborns or you can buy muslin squares. Terry nappies come in a wide range of colours and fabrics including cotton and bamboo. If you use this type of nappy system it is recommended that you buy at least 20. Prices range from £1.25 to £3.95 per nappy.
Total cost of a terry nappy system using 2 sizes of nappies (40 x 40 and 60 x 60) 3 sizes of wraps (small, medium and large) and 2 packs of nappy nippas is around £204. Remember you only have to buy 1 size at a time.
Two-part Sha
ped Nappy
As the name suggests these nappies are already shaped to fit. These nappies come with either no fixings (non Aplix) these can be held together with a nappy nippa, poppers or Velcro so making them slightly more user friendly than the flat nappies but they will take longer to dry than the flat nappies as they are bulkier. These nappies also require a waterproof wrap over the top. The wrap is not changed every time the nappy is changed, you will use around 1 wrap to every 4/5 nappies. Shaped nappies come in a range of colours, patterns and fabrics including cotton, hemp, microfibre and bamboo.
If you use this type of nappy system it is recommended that you buy at least 20 of each size.
Most shaped nappy systems have just 2 sizes to fit babies from 7 – 35lbs which will be sufficient for an average size baby from birth through to potty training. You can also get premature sizes and larger baby sizes. Prices start from £4.99 per nappy but the average price is about £9 per nappy.
Total cost of an average price shaped nappy system using 2 sizes of nappies, 2 sizes of wraps and no nappy nippas is around £444 if bought separately. There are always offers on bulk buys of nappies so shop around to get the best price. Remember you only have to buy 1 size at a time.
Shaped nappies also come as one size nappies. These nappies are just one size and they are usually suitable from about 8 – 35lbs. In order for them to fit a small baby these nappies are folded down at the front and either held in place with the waterproof wrap, poppers or a nappy nippa. One size nappies are economical but are slightly bulky on small babies and may need boosting with extra absorbency when baby gets bigger. Prices start from around £7.50 per nappy.
Total cost of an average one size shaped nappy system using 2 sizes of wraps and no nappy nippas is around £244. Remember you only have to buy 1 size of wrap at a time.
Pocket nappies come in 2 parts; the first is the outer part which is made up of a waterproof layer and a fleece inner. In between these layers is a ‘pocket’ into which you place the second part, some absorbency, this can be a nappy insert, a prefold or terry nappy or some fabric. The nappy is now ready for use and they are fastened with Velcro or poppers. There is no need for a waterproof wrap as pocket nappies have one built in. When baby is changed the whole nappy goes into the bucket ready for washing and another one goes on. These nappies are very user friendly and once they have all been stuffed with absorbency they are as easy as a disposable to use. Pocket nappies are flexible as you can add extra absorbency for night time or if you have a heavy wetter.
Most pocket nappies are made with a PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) layer covered with either micro fleece or cotton velour inside. Both micro fleece and velour act as a one way fabric letting moisture pass through it while staying dry next to baby’s skin. Most fabrics can be used as absorbency but bamboo, hemp and micro fibre are favourites. You can either buy ready made nappy inserts or buy fabric by the meter and make your own. Just cut the fabric into 60 x 60cm squares, hem then fold to fit inside the pocket.
Pocket nappies are available in lots of different sizes from premature to extra large. Most babies of an average weight will be able to use just 2 or 3 sizes of nappy depending on brand. Prices start from around £9.99 with no insert and £13 with an insert per nappy. As pocket nappies dry quicker than other nappies we recommend that you buy at least 15 of each size.
Total cost of using 2 sizes of nappies (weight range 10-35lbs) is around £300. Total cost of using 3 sizes of nappies (weight range 7- 45lbs) around £540. Remember you only have to buy 1 size at a time.
Pocket nappies also come as one size nappies. These nappies are just one size and they are usually suitable from about 8 – 35lbs. In order for them to fit a small baby these nappies are folded down at the front and held in place with poppers. One size nappies are economical but are slightly bulky on small babies. Prices start from around £14 per nappy.
Total cost of an average one size pocket nappy system is around £210.
A
ll-in-one Nappy
These nappies are made up of absorbent material stitched to a waterproof outer cover, there are no detachable bits. AIO nappies are put on using either poppers or Velcro to secure them and the whole nappy is then put into the wash. This type of nappy is very easy to use and gives a nice trim fit. They might need to be boosted for night time and heavy wetters. The only drawback is that they do not dry as quickly as other types of nappies. AIO nappies come in a wide range of fabrics, colours and patterns. If you use this type of nappy system it is recommended that you buy at least 20 of each size.
AIO nappies are usually available in 3 sizes small, medium and large fitting babies from about (8 – 40lbs) although there is a limited choice of one size AIO nappies available suitable from 8-35lbs. Prices for sizes AIO nappies start from £12 and one size from £15.
Total cost of using 2 sizes of nappies (weight range 10-35lbs) is around £480. Total cost of using 3 sizes of nappies (weight range 7- 40lbs) around £900. Remember you only have to buy 1 size at a time. Total cost using a one size system (weight range 8 – 35lbs) is around £300.
There are many brands of nappies available just type in the style of nappy you like into your internet search engine for further details.
Click Nappy guide to download the Real Nappy Campaign's Guide to choosing Real Nappies.
