So what is a Reusable Modern Cloth Nappy?

Most people know about cloth nappies. You may have heard of your mother or grandmother using cotton Terry Towels that folded, wrapped and were pinned into place? These traditional flat cloth nappies are still available however a new family of cloth nappies have emerged and are taking the world by storm.

So why are they modern? New age Cloth nappies have evolved to use modern materials such as Bamboo, Hemp and Microfibre which have proven to offer maximum absorbency whilst being gentle against your little one’s skin. MCN’s (Modern Cloth Nappies) are shaped like a disposable nappy and are fitted around your baby’s legs with elastic and secured around their stomach with either Velcro or studs for a leak free, perfect fit.

There are a variety of Modern Cloth nappies on the market including

All in Ones: These are as they suggest, all in one with everything sewn into place. They are quick and easy and ready to use at all times. Their downfall is that they take longer to dry and their absorbency inserts are not interchangeable.

Prefolds: These are a modern-day Terry Towel with added absorbency layers cantered in the wet zone. They are clipped together with a pin less Snappi (phew!) and often covered with a waterproof cover.  These offer a snug fit especially for smaller and new born babies. Their down fall is you need to purchase bigger sizes as baby grows and due to the layers, you may need to pre-treat them prior to washing to avoid stains.

Pocket Nappies: These are a two-part nappy and consist of a waterproof shell or cover which has a pocket to hold absorbency inserts. As these inserts are interchangeable, different combinations can be used as the baby requires. From day nappies to night nappies or, as they get older. The covers are often covered with fashionable designs and have adjustable snaps or velcro to grow with a baby usually from about 3-15kgs. As these nappies can be pulled apart, they dry very quickly and their only downfall is the small amount of time it takes to put them back together again before use.

Tiny Tooshes specialise in studded pocket nappies. Our preference of these MCN’s comes from our positive personal experience with them which include

• Adjustable studs. This means the nappy is OSFM (one size fits most) and grows with your baby so there is no need to buy extra sizes. Studs are also our preference over velcro as they do not wear out over washes or stick to other garments and collect lint (sometimes jeopardising their sticking ability).
• The studs also help to dress the nappy centrally for a better fit as they need to align with eachother.
• The inserts are interchangeable so it makes washing and cleaning an easier and quicker process aswell as allowing you to change the insert combination as required such as adding more absorbency to night nappies, heavy wetters or as a child grows older and requires more support.
• Once ‘stuffed’ or put together they go on in one step like a disposable which is easier with a wriggly baby than a several step MCN.
• The Suede cloth inner draws moisture away from the babies skin to the inserts to keep the skin dry to remarkably reduce rashes.
• The nappies are easily placed and layed flat (without springing back) which makes positioning a baby onto them much easier.
• Most child care centres allow and welcome the use of pocket nappies as they do provide a secure and waterproof barrier and are easy enough for anyone to pick up and put on.
• Pocket nappies are available in a lot of different and fashionable prints, As these are changed with each nappy change, it makes for a fun process for the adults. Because of this they are also often used as a clothing item, so pants are options (this equals less washing).
• Last but not least, cleaning has been made easy. Messes are sprayed or washed easily of the inner materials with little to no staining.

Reusable Pocket Modern cloth nappies are the way forward for a fashionable, environmentally friendly and cost effective option.