Types of nappy

From CntWiki

There are a number of different types of cloth nappy: flat, prefold, fitted, pocket, all-in-one (AIO) and all-in-two (AI2). Each type of nappy comes in a range of colours, sizes and materials.

Flat nappies are the cheapest and quickest drying cloth option. They may be terry squares or muslins. Flat nappies need folding before use and are fastened with a nappi nippa or safety pin. They need a wrap to make them waterproof.

Prefold nappies are rectangles of cloth, which have a thicker layer in the centre third. They may be folded into three and laid inside a wrap or they can be folded and fastened with a nappi nippa or safety pin before being covered with a wrap to make them waterproof.

Fitted nappies are also known as shaped nappies. These are slightly more expensive than flat nappies, as they are shaped (so look more like a disposable nappy). The nappy itself is absorbent and requires a separate waterproof wrap to stop leaks. They may fasten with aplix, poppers or nappi nippas/safety pin.

Pocket nappies are the same shape as a fitted nappy, but are not in themselves absorbent. They consist of an inner layer and a waterproof outer layer, in between which you stuff an insert through an opening at the front (or more usually) back of the nappy. Pocket nappies are fastened by poppers or aplix. One advantage of pocket nappies is that they are completely customisable to how heavily your baby wets, as more or less inserts can be stuffed into the pocket as required. In addition, the inserts can be taken out of the pocket and separated before washing, meaning quicker drying times. Pockets are more expensive than fitted or flat nappies.

All-in-ones/All-in-Twos (AIO/AI2s) are the nappies most like a disposable in terms of look and use. They have an absorbent part and waterproof layer all in one system, so you just need to put the nappy on and go. The absorbent part of the nappy may be sewn to the waterproof outer (AIO), or may be poppered onto it, so that it pulls apart for quicker drying (AI2). AIO/AI2s are fastened by poppers or aplix. The nappies are similar in cost to pocket systems.