Real Nappy Types

There are three main types of Real Nappies: 

Shaped nappies

Shaped nappies are designed to fit the baby snugly and need no folding. They have elasticated legs and waist, and fasten with Velcro®, poppers,grips (Nappi Nippas) and even ties. They require a one way liner and a cover (wrap). Some shaped nappies can be used from birth to toddler and adjusted to fit as baby grows.

Advantages:

• Easy to put on;
• Shaped to fit around legs;
• Easy to wash and dry.

Cost (in 2006):    * £4.75 to £10.99 each. 

All-in-one nappies

All-in-one nappies are shaped, with the nappy and leak-proof cover (wrap) all in one piece. They should be used with a one way liner. Pocket nappies are a type of all-in-one, which have a pouch for adding an insert, such as a folded flat nappy or pre-fold pad (see below), to soak up the wetness.

Advantages:

• Easy to put on;
• Adaptable, as you can add an insert in a pocket nappy to soak up the wetness;
• Removing inserts when washing and drying pocket nappies saves drying time. 
• Cost (in 2006):

    * £7.90 to £14.50 each 

Flat nappies

Flat nappies made of towelling are versatile and can be folded to make a variety of shapes (depending on boy or girl). These shapes are secured with a plastic grip called a Nappi Nippa or a safety pin, and covered with a wrap.

Flat nappies made of towelling or cotton can be folded to make a pad (pre-fold), which is held in place by a cover (wrap). Cotton pre-folds are commonly used by nappy laundry services. A one way liner should be used with flat nappies.  

Advantages:

• Low cost option;
• Versatile - towelling nappies can be folded to make a variety of shapes;
• Quick to dry after washing. 

Cost (in 2006):

• £1.75 to £3.50 each. 

Covers (wraps)

Covers (also called wraps) need to be used with shaped and flat nappies to ensure a snug fit and stop wetness escaping onto clothes. Modern covers are available in a wide range of waterproof and breathable fabrics, with soft edges and easy-to-use fastenings, such as Velcro® and poppers.

Covers do not normally need to be changed at every nappy change unless they are soiled. It is important to use the right cover for the type of nappy and tuck the nappy properly inside the cover to prevent dampness. Some brands come in various sizes, while others 'grow with baby' so that only one purchase is necessary.

Cost (in 2006):

• £0.43 to £9.95 each.

Liners

There are two types of liners: 

One way liners

One way liners are used to catch solids. They are placed inside the nappy (on top of the booster liner/pad, if used). The one way liner allows wetness to pass through, so the nappy can absorb it which keeps the baby's bottom drier.

 

Flushable liners, made of paper, can be lifted out of the nappy and flushed away when soiled (as long as the packet states they are biodegradable).

Liners made of fleece can also be used to catch solids. You can buy these or make them yourself from a piece of fleece. When soiled, they should be rinsed into the toilet, before being machine washed with the nappies for reuse.

Booster liners/pads

Absorbent booster liners (also known as booster pads) usually made of cotton can also be used inside the nappy to soak up more wetness, for example on long car journeys or overnight. They are easily washed with the nappies for reuse.

 

Cost (in 2006):

• Flushable Liners - Approx £0.02 each
• Washable Liners - £0.60 to £2.10 each