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Nappy Style Comparisions

Nappy type Terry Flats Prefolds Fitted All in Ones (AIO)
Ease of use 1 2 4 5
Cost 5 4 3 2
Drying time 5 4 3 2
Absorbency 2 3 Depends on brand Depends on brand
Trim fit 1 2 3 3

Other bits and pieces | Sizes | Fastenings

Terry flats

Squares of material, usually cotton, flannelette, or muslin. They dry very quickly, but do need to be folded for use. They are usually secured with a snappi or pins. They need a cover for waterproofness. They come in one size.

Pros Cons
  • Cheapest to buy
  • Very quick to dry
  • Can reuse cover without washing (unless soiled)
  • Not very absorbent
  • Need to be folded
  • Tricky to put on
  • Need a cover
  • Quite bulky

Prefolds

Are similar to terry flats, except they have a thicker panel of material sewn down the middle. They are usually made from cotton, bamboo or hemp. They need less folding than flats, but still need securing with a snappy, and a cover for waterproofness. They come in a few sizes.

Pros Cons
  • Cheap
  • Absorbent
  • Reasonably quick to dry
  • Can reuse cover without washing (unless soiled)
  • Need some folding
  • Need a cover

Fitted or All in Twos (AI2s)

These nappies are shaped so you don’t need to fold them. They can be closed with snaps, hook and loop tape (Velcro), or snappis. They are usually made from cotton or bamboo. They will need a cover for waterproofness. They can be separate like a fitted nappy or a prefold and a cover, or attach together like the Itti Bitti Snap Ins. They are usually quicker to dry. They can be one size for all ages, or sized.

Pros Cons
  • No folding
  • Shaped for good fit
  • Usually have snaps or hook and loop attached
  • Can reuse cover without washing (unless soiled)
  • Need a cover
  • Cost more than prefolds

All-In-Ones/Pockets

These are the closest to disposables. They are shaped, with a built in cover so you put it on, do it up, and go. Pocket nappies have a ‘pocket’ or opening which can be stuffed with extra material for added absorbency. They can be made with different materials throughout the nappy, including cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfibre, and microfleece or micro suede. They can be one size or sized.

Pros Cons
  • As easy to put on as disposable
  • Absorbency can be customised
  • Trim fit
  • Variety of colours and prints available
  • Can be expensive
  • Take a while to dry
  • Need to replace entire nappy when wet/soiled

Boosters – a pad of material that is put inside a nappy to give extra absorbency. Can go into a pocket, or under a liner. Usually made from bamboo or hemp.

Liners – are designed to go onto the nappy between it and the baby's bottom. They make disposing of poo easier, and help keep the baby feeling dry. Usually made from polyester (like microfleece) for reusable liners or viscose for disposable liners which can be flushed down the toilet.

Covers – go over flats, prefolds or fitted nappies for waterproofing. They can be made from PUL (PolyUrethane Laminate), polyester, fleece or wool. They are done up with snaps or hook and loop tape (occasionally ties). These are usually sized.

Sizes

Sized nappies

Pros Cons
  • Trim fit at every stage
  • Nappies available for subsequent children
  • Have to buy more nappies

One Size Fits Most (OSFM)

Pros Cons
  • Just have to buy one lot of nappies
  • Can be bulky on newborns
  • Need extras if two (or more) children are in nappies at the same time

Fastenings

Snaps

Pros Cons
  • Harder for child to open
  • Limited adjustability

Hook and loop/Aplix/Velcro

Pros Cons
  • Can be easily adjusted
  • Easier for child to open