ALL IN ONES
Nappies that are all in one piece.
You change the whole nappy every nappy change as the waterproof layer and absorbent layer are attached.
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Pros - super easy to use, most like a disposable, very little time to put them together to use.
Cons - can take longer to dry, tend to be more expensive than some other options
Great For:
Childcare, Grandparents, those wanting nappies most like a disposable.
ALL IN TWOS
These Nappies are in two parts. The waterproof layer and the absorbent layer come apart. Normally you can use the outer wrap for a few changes and just change the absorbent layer.
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Pros - more cost effective, easy to add extra nappies to your set without costing much, faster drying time
Cons - slightly more complicated to use
Great For:
Parents, Slight cost saving,
Likely to be a bit more complicated for childcare but great for use at home
POCKETS
In two parts. You place the absorbent part in a pocket inside the waterproof wrap. You change the whole nappy each time.
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Pros - easy to add extra absorbency if you need to, easy for childcare to use if organised in advance
Cons - 'stuffing' the nappies after washing takes a while
Great For:
customisable inserts and layers, childcare if putting nappies together in advance, some great low cost options
Absorbent Nappies
These are nappies made completely of an absorbent material such as hemp or bamboo. They require a seperate wrap to contain moisture.
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Either in birth to potty size or sized (where you need to buy different sizes as baby grows).
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The absorbent nappies are super thirsty and can last overnight.
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Pros- good fit, the absorbent nappies are super absorbent, easy to put on
Cons - have to buy different sizes if fitted, absorbent nappies are bulky,
Overnight
Older children where only one size will be needed
A good fit and simplicity to put on.
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Terries, Muslins and Flats
These are the traditional but still very much used option of folding material into a nappy shape and securing it (usually with a snappi these days) in place.
Terry - like a towel you fold up into a nappy shape
Prefold - you fold it into a rectangle along stitched lines
Muslins - you fold either to a rectangle or nappy shape.
Flats - material like cotton or bamboo similar to muslins
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Pros- absorbent, low cost, quick to dry
Cons - bulky, more difficult to put on,
Wraps
This is the waterproof layer that you use over fitted absorbent nappies, terries, flats, muslins etc. It is also what the outer part of all nappy systems is called. Usually made from a type of PUL it keeps all the moisture in the nappy.
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These also come in other materials such as wool and can either be in the shape of a nappy or a pull up type.