All-In-One Nappies: Baby Wipes: Contour/Shaped Nappies: Doublers/Boosters/Soaker Pads: Fitted Nappies: Flat Nappies: Liners: Prefolds: Shaped Nappies: Snibs: Wool Soakers: Wraps/Nappy covers/ Pilchers:

All-In-One Nappies: These are fitted nappies with a waterproof layer on the outside (AIO's that have the waterproof layer covered by an outer layer may wick moisture onto the outer layer). All-in-Ones tend to be expensive because of the fabrics used (usually a poly-urethane laminate) but are excellent for their convenience as no additional cover is required. Unless the waterproof fabric is autoclavable, All-in-Ones should not be tumble dried to preserve the waterproofing which may last 100-200 washings depending on the fabric used. On the down side, All-In-Ones can take forever to dry in the drier or on the line unless they are a quick dry design.

Baby Wipes: Usually flannelette, hemp/cotton, towelling or double sided combinations. Flannelette and hemp are both soft and gentle, while towelling and micro-fleece work well to remove sticky poos.

Contour/Shaped nappies: These nappies are generally hourglass shaped, although I have seen triangle and kite shaped ones. They get their name from being contoured or shaped to fit around babies. They have multiple layers of fabric laid flat without any elastic in the waist or legs. Depending on the design, contour nappies are either tied on with straps, wrapped around the baby and secured with pins/snappi's or just with the nappy cover. Some contour nappies also close with Velcro type hook and loop strips.

Doublers/Boosters/Soaker Pads: These are pads made of multiple layers of absorbent fabric such as flannelette, towelling, hemp/cotton or micro-fibre that are laid inside a cloth nappy of any type to increase absorbency. These are ideal for heavy wetters and night time and can be rectangular or hourglass shaped.

Fitted Nappies: Fitted nappies are mostly hourglass shaped (wider at the front and back waist, narrower through the crotch, have multiple layers of absorbent fabric and have elastic at the legs and waist so that they fit the baby snugly. Depending on the design, fitted nappies can be closed with pins, snapi's, Velcro type hook and loop fasteners or snaps. The absorbent layers may be sandwiched together inside the external layers of the nappy, or may be attached to the inside of the nappy which makes them quicker drying. Most fitted nappies are as easy to use as disposables. Fitted nappies are available in multiple sizes (eg small, medium, large) or one-size versions that fit from birth to toilet training (usually by folding the front of the nappy for smaller babies).

Flat Nappies: The traditional Australian square nappy made from towelling, flannelette or muslin. These nappies need to be folded for use, secured with nappy pins or a 'snappi' (a stretchy rubber thing in a t-shape with little claws on the ends that sink into the fabric which should only be used on towelling). Flat nappies will require a waterproof cover to prevent leaks. Flats can be folded in many different ways to suit boys and girls as well as different sized babies. Flannelette and muslin flats are best for babies newborns as towelling flats can be too bulky.

Liners: A single layer of fabric that is laid inside the nappy to prevents stains, make cleaning solids easier or to draw wetness (wick) away from the babys skin. For liners to have the stay dry effect they need to be made of polyester such as polar fleece or micro-fleece or silk. You can make polar fleece liners yourself with a good quality anti-pilling polar fleece (not the cheap stuff as it will get all pilly and collect lint in the wash). All you have to do is cut the fabric to size, either rectangles or shaped to fit inside your nappies. No sewing is required as polar fleece does not fray.

Prefolds: The traditional American nappy or diaper. Prefolds come in several sizes, are rectangular shaped with multiple layers of fairly thin fabric such as birdseye or gause (like muslin). The prefold has a centre strip of additional fabric and is either folded in thirds and laid inside a nappy cover as a narrow rectangle or folded in thirds with the top and bottom opened up so that they extend around the babies waist to be secured by pins. Pre-folds are not readily available in Australia.

Snibs: A waterproof cover for newborn babies that is roughly triangle shaped and is secured by tying the ends together arounf the babies waist.

Wool Soakers: Nappy covers made of wool are sometimes called 'soakers'.

Wraps/Nappy Covers/Pilchers: These are all names for the waterproof cover that goes over cloth nappies to prevent leaks. Nappy covers are either breathable or non-breathable and can be pull-up style, or secure at the front waist or sides with Velcro type hook and loop tape or snaps. Plastic, PVC and some nylons and polyesters are non-breathable while the breathable fabrics include polyester polar fleece, wool and poly-urethane laminates.

Wool is the most natural fabric for nappy covers. It is highly breathable, warm in winter, cool in summer and does not need to be washed as frequently as other covers (although some wool covers may require re-lanolinzing). Wool covers are expensive and some babies are allergic to them.

Polyester Polar fleece is the synthetic version of wool, it is very breathable and is excellent for most babies. The polar fleece used must be high quality, anti-pilling with a tight weave for it to be effective as a nappy cover.

Poly-urethane laminated (PUL) fabrics are usually polyester knits or nylon and have a coating of poly-urethane that can be either breathable or non-breathable depending on the thickness of the PUL. Cotton fabric can also be PUL, but it is usually not as waterproof for heavy wetters or over night. Breathable PUL is generally considered better, however they are not as waterproof as non-breathable and unless it is autoclavable (designed to be washed at extremely high temperatures) breathable PUL is not as durable and could last as little as 20-50 washes depending on the quality of the fabric and the washing method used. To preserve the life of the PUL, hand washing and air drying is recommended. Non-breathable, autoclavable PUL is the most durable and can be tumble dried.

Some breathable fabrics, such as polar fleece and wool may 'sweat' when compressed if the nappy is very wet. This sweating is water vapour rather than urine and can be avoided by using a nappy doubler for added absorbency, changing the nappy more frequently, and alternating the nappy cover and air drying it between each change during the day.

PVC and plastic covers are cheap - and generally nasty and best avoided. They usually don't last long before they get hard and crack which will cut your babies legs.

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