Cloth nappies have come a long way in recent years, with a seemingly endless range of variations from the traditional white squares of terry towelling that were commonly used by past generations (now referred to as
flat nappies). The most common alternatives to flat nappies are
prefolds and
tailored nappies.
If you choose to use traditional flat cloth nappies or prefolds and perhaps some types of tailored nappies, you will need to buy additional fasteners and/or nappy covers. You may also choose to buy nappy liners. You can read more in
Fasteners - Nappy covers - Nappy liners.
There are many advantages and disadvantages of using either cloth or disposable nappies and many people want to weigh up the pros and cons before making a final decision. Your choice of nappy will generally come down to your personal preferences, cost and environmental considerations. You can read more in the
Pros and cons of cloth.
birthTIPS
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Shop around. There are many different types, fabrics and styles. Some companies offer starter packs to trial before buying a large amount. You might like to bulk purchase with a friend and offer cash for a further discount. |
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If possible, buy good quality nappies or fabrics if making your own, as they will last longer (and often for more than one baby) working out cheaper in the long run. |
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Pre-wash nappies once or twice before your baby is born. This softens the fibres and makes them capable of doing their job, which is absorbing fluids. |
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Invest in a good quality washing machineIf if you don't already have one (and you have somewhere to put it). |
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If using pins or fasteners, buy plenty of spares, as it is not unusual for them to go missing, leaving you holding the nappy in place while you search under pillows and cushions to find them. |