Reusable Nappies

Be Happy With a Reusable Nappy Reusable nappies are actually cloth nappies and are sometimes known as real or washable nappies.

With the coming of the very functional and convenient disposable nappies, who can ever suspect the revival of the good old nappies? Debates on the dangers that disposable nappies pose to babies’ health and the environment are drawing more and more mothers back to reusable nappies.

Reusable nappies are not what they were during the days of our grandmothers. From the first nappies made of unbleached drab squares of cloth and pins, today’s nappies have undergone dramatic innovations through the years to suit the ever changing needs of modern living.

Cloth nappies are now very comparable with their disposable cousins in terms of style, shape, size, color, and accessories. They are available in different sizes and shapes to perfectly fit your baby’s rump and a variety of colorful shades to suit mom’s taste and the occasion. Unsafe pins have been replaced by user-friendly and harmless fasteners like Velcro and other adhesive bands. For absorbability, breathability, and softness, modern day nappies are made of cotton, cotton blends, organic cotton, bamboo, bamboo fleece, hemp, and microfibers. They are likewise provided with disposable absorbent inserts or pads and leak-proof diaper wraps.

Depending on one’s personal taste and economic status, there is a wide range of styles of reusable nappies to choose from, the most common of which are the following:

• Two-in-one nappies - This type of nappy is composed of a shaped nappy and a wrap joined together. It is convenient to use because it is quick to put on. One drawback, however, is that, a two-in-one nappy tends to dry longer either on the line or the tumble dryer.

• Two-piece nappies – Simply put, these nappies come in two separate pieces, the nappy and the wrap. The nappy can be a shaped one, a pre-fold, or the conventional square cloth. The wrap is waterproof but breathable and has elastic legs and waist to keep the moisture in. It can hold badly folded or lumpy nappies in place. While it takes more time to put it on, it has an edge over a two-in-one nappy in that it takes less time to wash and dry it.

• Stuffables – This type of nappy is actually a waterproof wrap provided with inside pockets where absorbent fillings like padded liners, terry cloth, and pre-folds can be stuffed. Padded liners are disposable while terry cloth and pre-folds are washable.

• Pre-folds and shaped nappies – A pre-fold nappy consists of layers of absorbable cloth sewn together in a rectangle but which fold out when washing and drying. A pre-fold or shaped nappy can stand alone or be provided with a wrap to prevent leakage.

• One-size nappies – A one-size nappy is a shaped nappy equipped with a removable booster and adjustable poppers in front to fit a baby of any size, whether new born or older. It is also furnished with soft elastic leg cuffs and waist. Although it is relatively costly, it can end up more economical in the long run because the same one-size nappy can be used by a new born baby until he/she gets older.