In Australia, the garment used to cover a baby's bottom is called a nappy, but it is commonly called a diaper in other countries. There is now an amazing selection of nappies to choose from and considering newborns go through 60 to 80 a week, it is worthwhile thinking about which type(s) you might prefer to use, before your baby is born. Most parents make their decision based on cost, convenience, environmental issues and the work involved with laundering them, as well as how fashionable they may look.
You may have definite ideas about using either cloth or disposables, or you may be flexible and combine the two. Many parents use cloth at home and disposables when out and about, on holidays or at night time. Whatever you choose be open to changing your preferences once your baby arrives.
When packing for the birth, check with your hospital or caregiver about the nappies supplied. Some Australian maternity hospitals supply cloth nappies, others provide disposables and a few ask that you supply your own, making arrangements to take cloth nappies away for laundering if you wish to use these.
Cloth nappies
Traditional flat cloth
Prefold cloth
Tailored cloth
Fasteners - Nappy covers - Nappy liners
Pros and cons of cloth
birthTIPS
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. Not only are there many different styles now, but also many choices in fabrics such as:
Terry towelling - This traditional fabric has been used for many years, usually white in colour, but can now come in different colours. It is soft and very absorbent.
Flannel - A densely woven brushed cotton which comes as flannel or flannelette. Flannel is generally thicker and more absorbent than flannelette.