Modern Cloth Nappies: Ultimate Buying Guide

Mums today are under a lot of pressure to be perfect. We are juggling work, home and family life, all while trying to keep our houses clean, our kids fed and clothed and looking like supermodels (or at least not like troll dolls). So when it comes to something as basic as changing our babies’ nappies, you can forgive us for wanting an easy option.

But what if there was an easy option that was also more environmentally friendly and sustainable? Believe it or not, there is – modern cloth nappies!

In this guide, we will take a look at the different types of reusable nappies on the market today. We will outline the pros and cons of each type and give a buying guide for parents to help them choose between the different options.

Let's take a look at modern cloth nappies. 

What is a Modern Cloth Nappy?

• A modern cloth nappy is a reusable nappy made from cloth instead of disposable material.
• Reusable nappies come in different styles and have evolved a lot from the terry squares our parents used years ago.
• Reusable nappies' popularity has increased in recent years as people are becoming more aware of the impact on the environment due to disposable nappies, which take hundreds of years to decompose.

What are Modern Cloth Nappies Made From?

• Modern cloth nappies typically have a PUL (polyurethane laminate) outer cover to make them waterproof and easy to clean.
• Modern cloth nappy inserts can be made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp.
• They are typically lined with fleece or suede cloth to keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable.

What are the Different Types of Cloth Nappies?

The types of reusable cloth nappies are based on their style, level of absorbency, and convenience. 

Cloth Squares

• Cloth squares are made from absorbent toweling fabric like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, similar to the nappies used by our parents.
• They are folded and fastened with pins or clips.
• They require a separate cover to hold them in place on your baby's bottom
• It is probably the cheapest nappies to buy.

Pre-folds

• Pre-folds are made of soft absorbent fabric like cotton, bamboo or hemp.
• They are folded into a pad shape and inserted inside a well fitted waterproof cover.
• Pre-folds are lighter than cloth squares but less absorbent.
• They are also a cost-effective option.

Fitted Nappies

• These are shaped like disposable nappies and have elastic around the legs and waist to keep them in place.
• Fitted nappies are made with layers of cotton, fleece, and bamboo.
• They are fitted securely with snaps or Velcro and covered with a waterproof cover.
• Additional boosters increase absorbency and control leaks.
• Fitted nappies are a more expensive option compared to other types and can be slow to dry after washing.

Pocket Nappies

• Pocket nappies have a water resistant outer shell sewn together with a stay-dry inner layer.
• These nappies have a "pocket" between the layers into which the insert is stuffed for absorbency.
• Additional inserts can be added to boost absorbency.
• It is fastened with snaps or Velcro.

All-in-ones

• All-in-one nappies have a water-resistant outer cover sewn together with a soft inner absorbent layer.
• There is no need for extra layers.
• When made with natural fabrics such as bamboo, cotton or hemp, they can take a long time to dry as the layers cannot be separated. Synthetic fabrics will dry quicker.
• It is fastened with snaps or Velcro.

All-in-twos

• All-in-twos have a water resistant outer shell sewn together with a stay-dry inner layer.
• Snap-in inserts are used as the absorbent layer and additional boosters can be added for nighttime use or heavy wetters.
• It is fastened with snaps or Velcro.
• If the nappy cover is not soiled it may be used for more than one nappy change, by just replacing wet inserts.
• The layers are separated before washing the nappy.

Hybrid Cloth Nappy (Pocket Nappy/All-in-two)

• In our view, a hybrid or convertible cloth nappy provides the best combination of features available in cloth nappies, and the reason we have decided to stock these nappies in our store.
• The nappies can be used either as a pocket nappy or as an all-in-two.
• The waterproof PUL outer cover is available in a range of colourful and cheerful prints.
• Inner stay-dry suede layer wicks moisture away from baby's skin (if used as a pocket nappy)
• 2x3 layers bamboo-cotton inserts provide superior absorbency.
• Natural inserts made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton are soft and gentle on baby's skin.
• Additional boosters can be added as needed to boost absorbency.
• Our reusable cloth nappies have a double gusset to reduce leaks and are securely fastened with a double row of snaps to provide a great fit.
• The one size fits most nappy can be adjusted to fit babies of most sizes, from birth through to toilet trained. 

So there you have it: Everything you need to know about Modern Cloth Nappies!

We hope you have fun on your cloth nappy journey. Have a look at our premium range of cloth nappies and accessories. You will love the colourful and cute patterns. And why not pair it up with a matching swim nappy, change mat or wetbag or transition to our beautiful bamboo training pants once your toddler is ready for toilet training?

Feel free to drop us a line at info@bamboogrove.com.au if you have any further questions or join our parenting community to receive $10 off your first order.