POCKET NAPPIESPocket nappies are the preferred choice of many parents as they can easily adjust the level of absorbancy, with a pocket opening at the back they are easy peasy to customise.
Pocket nappies are also the fastest drying nappy available, as each piece separates completely.
The inners are made with super soft microfleece that magically wick (wicking is where the wetness goes straight through the microfleece, leaving the microfleece with a stay-dry feel, so that delicate skin does not have wet fabric next to it) moisture away from baby's delicate bottom to help keep them dry and rash free and straight through onto the absorbant layers - these layers can be conventional inserts, pre-folds, old cloth nappies, basically if it is absorbant you can stuff it in and use it!
ALL-IN-ONES
These are great for parents and caregivers who love 'no fuss' when it comes to nappies, with the entire nappy all joined together.
I make these with the soaker attached at the tummy panel only and in one long piece that you fold in half to use and this piece sits on top of the nappy inner, which you then fasten as normal.
The microfibre that sits against babies’ skin is covered with microfleece.
Sewing them this way basically eliminates the disadvantage of drying time that comes with traditional all-in-ones.FITTED NAPPIESFitted nappies can be made with virtually any fabric because they are not waterproof, so the cute choices are virtually endless!
One disadvantage of fitteds is that they dry more slowly than other nappies because the absorbancy is sewn into the inner microfleece.
They also require a separate cover and depending on the choice used, they are more bulky, but as the cover doesn't need to be changed unless soiled or wet at nappy change time they can be a very economical option, some days you may only need one or two covers.
An advantage of this system is that with a nappy and a cover there is extra protection against ‘explosion’ leaks out the legs and back, so are especially suitable for newborns!COVERS
Polar/microfleece covers can be used as a cover over any nappy
OR
They can be used as a nappy with an insert (or anything absorbant) laid on the inside, pull the insert up between the legs and fasten the cover just like a disposable - extremely easy to use, making them ideal for grandparents, babysitters and wriggly babies!
It is not necessary to use a new cover each change, simply replace the insert with a clean one unless the cover has become very wet or soiled - making these VERY economical.
My fleece covers also have a hidden waterproof layer sewn in between the two layers for extra protection against wetness.
Also available are basic pul covers - pul is short for polyurethane laminate, which is the waterproof part. A layer of fabric is bonded with this layer of laminate; the laminate can be bonded with a variety of fabrics, from brushed cottons, to knits to cottons & poly cottons.
Pul covers are a single layer of pul with soft elastic binding sewn all the way around the edge. Because they have a wipe clean inner they are ideal for those quick clean-up jobs.
They can be used as a cover over prefolds, fitted nappies or flat cloth nappies. They are also an ideal back-up for night-time nappies or disposables.
I sometimes make these covers with sandwich pul, which is two layers of pul sandwiched together so that the outside and the inside have a fabric layer; meaning that these covers can go directly against the skin, which single pul covers cannot.
ABSORBANCY OPTIONS
Microfibre is a man-made fabric that absorbs fast and dries quickly but with the disadvantage that if it becomes too wet it will squeeze the wetness back out - much like a wet sponge under pressure.
Microfibre cannot be directly against babies' skin as it can strip the natural oils, so is ideal for inside pocket nappies.
Hemp is a natural fabric with it's own antibacterial qualities.Although it absorbs more slowly it absorbs a lot, but can be a slow dryer.
A combo of these two fabrics is ideal, with the microfibre being closest to baby and the hemp underneath at the bottom of the pile.
Bamboo is fast becoming a favorite among many parents as it is another natural fabric but is trimmer and dries faster than hemp, but a downside is the price, being more expensive then hemp.
I sew all my inserts in one or two layers only, that are then folded for use, so that they wash and dry easily.
They are not available yet, but will be very soon!
Blossom Bums
http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Blossom+Bums
