The Basics
Absorbent fabric + Waterproof cover = Reusable Nappy
Origami-style
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The original folded flat nappy has served the world well for several thousand years and still works fine. Most people born before the eighties are living proof!
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Modern terries wash in modern washing machines at 60degrees, no boiling or bleach required, and come in bright colours. Muslins can be used for a less bulky look on newborns.
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Although pins are still available, most terry-folders use Nippa clips to fasten nappies.
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Cheap and cheerful, quickdrying. Wraps or plastic pants required.
Pad-style
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No fastening required, just fold into a pad and wrap in a staydry liner. Can be used in any wrap with leg gussets.
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Cotton prefolds are very cheap, like a teatowel with extra layers sewn into the centre. They are quick to dry and not bulky to store.
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Flat terries and muslins can also be folded pad-style.
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Compostable pads are available for a semi-disposable nappy system.
Shaped Fasten with velcro, poppers or Nippas. Take longer to dry than flat.
Birth to Potty aka One Size aka Multifit
Does exactly what it says on the packet! Nothing to grow out of, very good value for money, great if you have two kids in nappies.
Can be quite bulky-looking on newborns but there’s nothing wrong with weebles!.
Examples: MEOS, Popolino Ultrafit, Earthwise, ImseVimse
Shaped and Sized
These come in different sizes so should have a good fit. Because you need to upgrade as your baby grows, you have a perfect excuse for continuous retail therapy!
All-in-Ones
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Easy to use (great for nurseries and sitters), less to carry around with you.
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Waterproof layer so no separate wraps required, sometimes no staydry liner either.
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Can be expensive to use exclusively.
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Some AIOs can be slow to dry without a tumbledryer. Stuffable AIOs are a faster drying option – stuff with something absorbent eg a prefold or terry, cut-up old towel etc.
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Examples: Kushies Ultra, MEAIOs, Fuzzibunz, Snazzypants.
Nappy Jargon
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Booster pad: extra pads of absorbent material for night times, heavy wetters, stuffables. Tailor each nappy’s absorbency to suit your child’s needs.
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Staydry liner: Catches poo and keeps wetness away from skin. Can be flushable or washable eg polyester fleece.
- Booster liner: a fleece-covered booster!
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Wrap: Separate waterproof cover to protect clothes from wet nappies. More fun than the old fashioned plastic pants. Let your baby make a fashion statement as well as a green one!