Cloth Nappies at Bumpy Buns - Deciding on a Nappy System

What Kind of Nappy System Should I Use?

:: Fitted Nappies (An example is pictured on the far left above)
A fitted nappy is the absorbent part of a 2 part nappy system. It replaces the old
"terry squares". These nappies require a waterproof cover and an optional liner.

Benefits:
1. Security. This is the biggest benefit of a 2 part nappy system. As fitted nappies
require a seperate cover over the top of them, it makes them almost "escape proof".
2. Natural. It is possible to nappy your baby with all natural fibres using a 2 part
system like this. (eg. a bamboo nappy and wool cover)
3. Easy. Their benefit over terry squares is that there is no origami, no pins & faster
nappy changes.

Disadvantages:
1. In comparison to a 1 part nappy system (like those below), nappy changes are
slightly longer.
2. When packing the nappy bag, you need to check both the number of nappies AND
covers. A small thing really but I'm trying to be thorough.

:: All in Ones (An example is pictured middle left above)
An all in one nappy contains both the absorbant layer and the waterproof layer, all in
one. No seperate cover is needed. These are basically the same as a disposable in
how you use them, only you pop them in the dry pail instead of the garbage bin when
you are finished.

Benefits:
1. Fast. All in ones make for a very fast nappy change.
2. Simple. Easy for other caregivers to use (even if they don't normally use cloth).
3. Good for a wriggly baby as you only have 1 thing to put on them.
4. Easy. All In Ones nappies make any nappy change easy.

Disadvantages:
1. As the PUL is included in the nappy, you don't have the option to soak your
nappies in sanitizing solution (as this destroys the PUL). You can still dry pail.
2. All In Ones tend to be more expensive.

:: Pocket Nappies (Pictured middle right above)
A pocket nappy is a waterproof nappy cover which has an opening for you to insert
an absorbent material.Generally you get some sort of flat square material and fold it
into a rectangular shape. It becomes an All In One once it is "put together".

Benefits:
1. It has all the benefits of an all in one once it has been put together.
2. Quick Drying. It is quick drying as the absorbent layer is seperated from the cover
for washing and drying.
3. Washing freedom. You are free to choose how you wash the insert (dry pail or
soak), the cover still needs to be dry pailed.

Disadvantages:
1. Putting nappies together is easy however it can be annoying sometimes when
trying to make them flat.

:: Disposable and Environmentally Friendly/Cloth (Pictured on the right, above)
These waterproof nappy covers are capable of holding either a biodegradable
disposable pad or cloth absorbency.

Benefits:
1. Affordability. With this type of system you only need to purchase 6 (instead of 24)
of the expensive part of the system - the covers. If you chose to use cloth only, then
these would represent one of the cheapest cloth systems available.
2. Freedom to choose cloth or disposable depending on the situation and who is
caring for your baby. Many cloth users decide to use a disposable at some stage -
with this type of system you are not compromising the environment.
3. Washing freedom. You are free to choose how you wash the cloth insert (dry pail
or soak), washing of the cover will depend which system you choose.
4. It has all the benefits of an all in one once it has been put together.

Disadvantages
1. Depending on what cloth insert you choose to use, you may or may not have to
fold a square into a rectangular shape.

:: SIZED VERSUS ONE SIZE NAPPIES

Sized nappies have a nice snug fit because they are designed specifically for that
sized baby. As the baby grows, more nappies will need to be purchased.

One size nappies are perfect for the parent who wants a nappy that will fit her baby
from the time he's born to the time he toilet trains, without any repurchasing. Also
great for the parent who may have 2 babies in nappies at the same time but wishes
to work with only one system so they can simplify changing time,packing the nappy
bag or reaching for a nappy in the middle of the night or while trying to hold a
wriggly baby. One size nappies are currently available as fitted nappies and
environmentally friendly disposable/cloth covers.