The Different Types of Cloth and Terry Towelling Nappies - Options to Suit Your Lifestyle and Budget

So you’ve read my article The Truth About Cloth Nappies and have decided to ‘go eco’. But now the question is, which type should you choose? With the wide choice available these days, and with budgeting high on the agenda, it’s a tough decision to make. After all, you don’t want to make a mistake and buy something that won’t suit your lifestyle. So here is all of the information - positive and negative - about the three main types of cloth nappy.

These are the type of nappies that your grannies used (on their babies that is), and are basically a large square of cloth that can be folded to suit your baby i.e more padding on the front for a boy, more in the middle for a girl. They are then pinned together and covered with a waterproof cover. These days, clever inventions like Nappy Nippas and better, breathable top layers have made Terry squares much more user friendly.

Good points

These are the cheapest option available, so if you are the frugal type then they may be the best choice for you. They also wash well, and as they are thinner than the other types available, have the shortest drying time.

Bad points

They do require some dexterity for the folding. Fine if you’re the organised type that arranges several ready folded nappies first thing in the morning for use throughout the day. Not so good if you are as disorganised as I am, as folding a nappy with one hand while holding down a wriggly baby with the other is not an easy task.

All-in-ones are probably the easiest to use as they are, not surprisingly, all in one. Therefore, there’s no folding and no outer wraps - basically like a cloth disposable. There are several different makes available, such as Tots Bots, Fuzzi Bunz, Pocket PopnGro , Kooshies Ultra, Motherease , and D'Lish

Good points

Super simple to use, and probably the most attractive option. Babies look adorable in these!

Bad points

The most expensive option, and because they don’t unfold to a thinner cloth, the slowest to dry. You’ll need to buy quite a lot, or get a good tumble drier.

My system of choice, the two-part nappy is a mix of terry squares and all in ones. These consist of a slightly thicker nappy square that get a simple fold (do-able with one hand), and are then placed in a shaped waterproof nappy wrap, usually done up with Velcro or poppers. Again, there are many different makes, such as Lollipop, Bambino Mio and Bummis, and the wraps come in all sorts of cute designs.

Good points

Easy to use, easy to wash and reasonably quick to dry. Economical too, as you buy the wraps and nappies separately, so can buy the exact amount of each that you need. I currently have four wraps and 20 nappies for my 14 month old, and have never run out.

Bad points

The wraps are the expensive part, and if using on a newborn, you may need quite a few. However, they are readily available second hand on the internet.

There is also a back up plan for those days when you just don’t feel up to being an eco warrior. Eco-friendlier disposables such as Tushies and Nature Babycare are now available. These nappies contain less chemicals and are also biodegradable, reducing the time they spend in landfill. So, looking at all the options available, it’s clear that there are cloth nappies for all budgets and all lifestyles. Hopefully with this information you’ll be well on the way to adding ‘Eco-Mum’ to one of your many accolades!