Cloth Nappy Anatomy - Definitions and Fabrics

Explaining the parts of a cloth nappy

 

Just started looking into cloth nappies?  It can be overwhelming and confusing.  So many abbreviations, so much lingo!  Well, hopefully this information will help you out a bit.

Any nappy consists of 3 layers and each layer is made from a fabric designed to perform a particular function.

Innermost Layer - Nappy Liner
Middle Layer - Absorbent Material
Outside Layer - Waterproof Material

NAPPY LINER
A liner is the layer in the nappy that sits closest to your baby's skin. It can be made of a washable fabric such as microfleece, polar fleece or suedecloth or a paper-like disposable material. It performs 2 functions in the nappy:

1. It makes cleaning up a breeze. A flushable liner 'catches' any solid matter that can then be simply dropped in the toilet. A washable liner is usually made of either polar fleece or micro fleece, both of which allow most solid waste to just roll off the fabric into the loo.

2. It keeps bub's bottom dry. Washable nappy liners are particularly good at wicking moisture away from your baby into the absorbent layers. They are also very soft, breathable and dry against your baby's skin. A nappy liner is a helpful but optional addition to your cupboard.

Note that fabric softener should not be used on washable liners as this clogs up the liner so that moisture will not pass through it.

Here are some instructions on how to make your own nappy liners.

THE ABSORBENT LAYER

Absorbers (Inserts)

The absorbent layer is the part of the nappy that absorbs liquid. It can either be:

• a fitted absorbent  layer, which is sewn into shape, such as the fitted nappy shown above
• an insert, sliding between the liner and waterproof layer, as in a pocket nappy
• or it can be a 'lay in' absorbent layer. This means that you simply lay the absorbent layer, usually a pad or folded square, inside a waterproof cover

Fabric softener should not be used on an absorbent layer.

The following materials are those that are most commonly used:

• Cotton Flannelette: This material makes a trim, cost effective nappy. It is the least absorbent of the materials used.
• Cotton Terry Toweling: This is the traditional material used for nappies. It is more absorbent than flannelette but does make a bulkier nappy. It can make a cost effective nappy depending on whether the cotton is organic or not.
• Hemp: Hemp is very absorbent and also very trim.
• Microfibre: Microfibre is an exceptionally absorbent material. Since it is so absorbent, it is questionable whether or not it should be directly against your baby's skin. It is therefore recommended to cover the microfibre with a liner. Microfibre is also very light, trim and quick drying. It is not a natural fibre.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is also an exceptionally absorbent and trim material . It also stays super soft after being washed and dried.

Boosters (Doublers, Extenders)
A booster is used to 'boost' the absorbency of a nappy and hence the length of time the nappy can be worn. It is a piece of material designed to sit snugly inside the nappy. A booster is especially useful for nighttime use and for use when you know that your baby's nappy can't be changed for a long time, on a long drive, for example.
Again fabric softener should not be used on boosters as they are an absorbent layer in the nappy.

THE WATERPROOF LAYER
Covers (Soakers)

The waterproof layer can either be sewn into the nappy, or can be purchased separately and used over the nappy - a cover. It is important to choose a waterproof layer that allows your baby's skin to breathe. The most common breathable waterproof fabrics are as follows:

1. Polarfleece or Microfleece or Acrylic. These fabrics are water resistent but not waterproof.They are useful as daytime covers when the baby is moving around and the nappy is changed frequently. If compressed (for example in a baby pouch), they may leak.

2. PUL (Polyurethane Laminate). Laminated and coated fabrics are very popular for use as a waterproof layer in a nappy. Regular fabrics are literally laminated which results in a fabric which is completely waterproof yet breathable.
PUL cannot be soaked in sanitizing solution as this affects the waterproof properties of the fabric. Exposure to vinegar or bleach has the same affect. PUL can be tumble dried on low for short periods of time, however it is a very quick drying fabric and  so it is usually unneccesary to tumble dry.

3. Wool.There are 2 types of woolen covers. A woven or felted wool fabric is used to make wrap style cover. Regular wool is used to make handknitted pull up covers (soakers).
Wool covers are most popular for night use. This is because it is a breathable, natural fibre. Since they neutralize odours and are usually used once a day, they can often be used for quite a few days (even a couple of weeks) before requiring a wash. As with fleece, they may leak if they are compressed.
Wool works best if it is lanolized. This is a very simple procedure that requires dissolving a small amount of wool fat (such as Lansinoh) in water, allowing it to cool to lukewarm, and then soaking the wool cover in the water for about half an hour. This is usually done after washing. Wool covers perform best with lanolizing but should still work without lanolizing.
Woven fabrics can usually be machine washed on a wool cycle. Handknitted soakers usually require handwashing. Wool should not be put in the clothes dryer.
You can get a free wool soaker pattern from:  Daisy Head Creations

PURCHASING NAPPY FABRICS/MATERIALS
Here are some great places to purchase fabric for cloth nappies.