Nappy Glossary

To help you through the maze of nappies, wraps and accessories.

Square or Flat Nappies – as the name suggests these are your traditional terry square nappies. Also in this category are prefolds which are rectangular cotton nappies which are folded into three to create a pad. Flat nappies are best used with Velcro wraps.

Shaped Nappies – come in a variety of fabrics and sizes but all have one thing in common, they are shaped to fit baby nice and snug thereby providing better containment.

One Size Nappies – these are nappies which are designed to fit baby from birth to potty. In practice these nappies are often bulky on newborn babies and tend to suit larger babies (10lbs+) or babies aged 6 months or more.

All-in-One Nappies – these are nappy and wrap together in one item. They offer simplicity but containment can be a problem with young breastfed babies.

Pocket Nappies – these are wraps lined with fleece which creates a pocket in which nappies or inserts can be stuffed. Once stuffed, pocket nappies then behave like

All-in-Ones presenting all the simplicity and convenience that All-in-Ones have to offer but with the benefit of being able to pull the nappy apart to allow better cleaning and quicker drying.

Wraps – this is the cover or pant that keeps wetness (and mess) inside the nappy where it should be! Available with velcro or popper fasteners or as pull-up pants in a variety of natural and man-made fabrics.

Boosters – pads which can be placed inside a nappy to make it more absorbent.

Inserts – these fit inside pocket nappies, usually slim in design but highly absorbent.

Liners – placed inside the nappy to catch solid waste. Fleece liners are washable liners which help to keep baby feeling dry, whilst flushable liners are flimsy and usually made of paper.

Wet/Tote Bags – for when you are out and about these bags will store those wet and dirty nappies until you get home.

Laundry Nets – these are mesh nets which are used in the washing machine to help stop losing those little bits of laundry down the plumbing. Larger nets will fit inside buckets allowing you to transfer the dirty nappies from pail to washer without touching the offending items!

Nappi Nippas – a clever device that has replaced nappy pins and is used to fasten nappies.

Page updated 03/06/2005