Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each mechanism of cloth nappy

Are you considering using reusable nappies for your baby? This article explores different types of reusable nappies available in the market and provides insights into their functioning mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages. By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision and choose the best reusable nappy type that suits your needs.

Type 1: All-in-One Nappies

Mechanism Explained:

All-in-One nappies provide convenience similar to disposable nappies. They consist of a waterproof outer cover sewn together with an absorbent inner. Simply snap the nappy around your baby and toss it into your nappy bucket when soiled.

Advantages:

• Easy and quick to change in one step, just like disposables.
• Ideal for child care and grandparents.
• Saves time and mess for parents as it is a single piece for changing, washing, drying, and storing.
• Some brands offer double elastic gussets for more effective containment of poop and urine.
• Usually, they provide a slim fit.

Disadvantages:

• Depending on the design, they may take longer to dry.
• Manufacturing complexity often leads to higher purchase costs.

The PICO TANGO Difference

• Exclusive patented* One-size adjustment technology offers comfortable, durable, and effective protection for newborns.
• Features two inner absorbents with a double absorbent gusset barrier, resulting in a leak-free and poop-free system suitable for night time, naps, or longer car journeys.
• No topstitching in the groin area ensures a comfortable feeling without marks on the baby’s skin.
• Extra booster with enhanced absorption at the front for toddlers.
• Sewed-in absorbents can be turned inside out for faster drying.

Type 2: All-in-Two Nappies

Mechanism Explained:

All-in-Two nappies have an absorbent inner attached to the waterproof cover using snaps or velcro

Advantages:

• Once snapped together, they are as easy to put on as All-in-One nappies.
• Depending on their design effectiveness, fewer covers might be required as only the soiled diaper inserts need replacement, making them more economical.
• They dry quickly as the absorbent insert can be removed for washing.
• Some brands feature double elastic gussets for better containment of poop and urine.

Disadvantages:

• Most All-in-Two nappies in the market lack a double gusset barrier, making them more prone to poop and urine leaks.
• Additional waterproof covers may need to be purchased beyond the manufacturer’s initial estimation, as the cover easily gets wet in the groin after using the first pad, rendering it unusable without washing.
• They require more effort for parents, as the absorbent pad needs to be attached to the waterproof cover before and after each use, and more pieces need to be washed, dried, and folded.

Type 3: Pocket Nappies

Mechanism Explained:

Pocket nappies consist of a waterproof cover and a liner inside, usually made of synthetic material. An opening (pocket) is left between them along the back of the diaper, allowing parents to stuff an absorbent insert into it.

Advantages:

• Once pre-stuffed, pocket nappies are as easy to put on as All-in-One nappies.
• They dry quickly, as the absorbent insert can be removed for washing.
• Some brands feature double elastic gussets for better containment of poop.

Disadvantages:

• Pocket nappies are usually more prone to leaks due to:
  • Most available designs using encased elastics, which can create extra holes in the gussets during production. These holes can come into contact with the stuffed absorbent pad and cause leaks.
  • Even when designed with a double gusset barrier, the inner elastic gusset is not made of an absorbent material, allowing urine to quickly reach the outer leg gussets.
• Removing the dirty wet insert from the inside of the nappy can be unpleasant.
• They require more effort for parents, as the pocket needs to be stuffed with the absorbent pad before and after each use, and more pieces need to be washed, dried, and folded.

Type 4: Fitted Nappies

Mechanism Explained:

Fitted nappies are absorbent diapers shaped to fit your baby, closed with hook & loop or snaps. They require a waterproof cover over them, also closed with velcro or press snaps.

Advantages:

• Fitted nappies typically offer excellent poop containment due to the double gussets provided by the absorbent nappy and the cover on top.
• They are often very absorbent, making them suitable for night time, naps, or longer car journeys.

Disadvantages:

• Changing fitted nappies is not the most convenient process, as it involves fastening the absorbent part and the waterproof cover separately. This can become challenging as your baby grows and becomes more impatient during diaper changes.
• They require more effort for parents, not only during changing but also for washing, drying, and folding more pieces.
• They may cause some discomfort during tummy time due to the double fastenings around the baby’s belly.
• Depending on the absorbency of the diaper, they may take longer to dry.
• Fitted nappies usually require more material and a separate waterproof cover, making them a more expensive system.
• They tend to be bulky.

Type 5: Flats, Pre-folds, and Pre-flats

Mechanism Explained:

Flats are rectangular or square absorbent fabric pieces folded to fit inside a separate waterproof cover, which is then fastened around the baby. Pre-folds are an evolution of flats, featuring three parts divided by two vertical seams for simpler and faster folds, with the central part reinforced for additional absorbency. Pre-flats are optimized flats that are easier to put on and fit the baby’s body shape more nicely.

Advantages:

• Flats and pre-folds are the most economical options for those on a tight budget.
• The fabric can be folded in different ways to accommodate different sizes.
• Flats and pre-folds can also be used as boosters for other nappies.
• They dry quickly, as they can be unfolded into a flat piece of fabric.
• Pre-flats offer a more intuitive fit compared to flats and pre-folds.

Disadvantages:

• Changing flats and pre-folds is not the most convenient process, as they become more difficult to stay in place as the baby grows and moves during the nappy change, whether folded into a waterproof cover or secured with a snappi or boingo.
• They are more prone to urine and poop leaks when folded into a waterproof cover, as it can be challenging for the absorbent material to stay in place.
• They require more effort for parents, not only during changing but also for washing, drying, and folding more pieces.
• They need a snappi or boingo and a separate waterproof cover.

For more tips and helpful insights on choosing reusable nappies, check out this comprehensive guide on the best tips before buying.