Pocket nappies

Pocket nappies are reuseable nappies with a 'pocket' to insert absorbent pieces of material. They usually come with a waterproof outer layer and several pads to insert into the pocket.
Right: 'Bum genius' one size pocket nappy. From left to right: waterproof outer cover, smaller pad for extra absorbency, main absorbent pad.

The material used for the pads and the outer covers vary with different brands. Some brands use bamboo fibres or cotton for the inserts and others use polyester. Most natural fibres will take longer to dry but will be healthier for your baby and the environment.

Some pocket nappies have tabs to change the sizing as your baby grows. Pocket nappies with this system are called 'one size pocket nappies'. A pocket nappy without these tabs will not fit your baby for as long.

Having removable layers instead of them being stitched together means that pocket nappies can be more thoroughly cleaned and will dry faster.
There are many types of pocket nappy available such as happy heinys, bum genius, smartepants, bee- bops, pea pods to name a few.

Comparison chart of cloth nappies

Click on chart to see larger image

This chart rates the nappies I have tried and compares the features of each.

Nappies were rated out of a possible score of 30. Each element was given a score out of 3 ( 3 being the highest). Bum genius and Happy heinys one size pocket nappies were the highest scoring nappies

Prefold nappies

How do I use a prefold nappy?
A prefold system consists of waterproof outers or wraps and also inner prefolds. Prefolds are cloth cotton squares (right) which have layered panels for increased absorption. You can fold the prefold into thirds or quarters and place it into the wrap (top left) before putting it on your baby.

Advantages of prefold nappies

Prefold nappies are one of the cheapest modern cloth nappy systems you can buy. NZ$200 will buy you enough nappies to survive if you wash a load every day.
Prefolds are easy to assemble and clean.

Cotton next to the skin (as in prefolds) is preferable to synthetic fabrics. You can buy organic prefolds for an even more natural option.

Disadvantages of prefold nappies

Prefolds will not last as long as other types of cloth nappies and will require changing around every 2 hours. They can also leak on occasion depending on how you fold them.

Wraps and prefolds come in small through to large sizes. You may need to buy additional nappies as your baby grows. My prefolds and wraps (medium size bummi's whisper wraps) have been adequate from age 6 months - 21 months.

Drying time is surprisingly long. My pocket nappies are dry well before the prefolds.

Verdict

Prefolds are the most underrated cloth nappy system. If you are on a limited budget they are a great option.

cloth nappies

Which nappies do I buy?

The world of reusable nappies can be very overwhelming and confusing and I can see how people give up on them so quickly. I bought many, many different types of nappies and found out the hard way that cloth nappies are not all created equal. But they are worthwhile, cheaper than disposables AND better for the planet.

There are four main types of cloth nappies:

Prefold
Fitted
Pocket
All-in-ones

We'll look at all these options in detail in further posts.