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 whilst pregnant with my daughter. 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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