Introduction to Terry Nappies

Today the cloth nappy is so popular there are many different styles to choose from. It may seem overwhelming at first. Here is a brief introduction to the types if nappies you will find out there. To begin, you will typically need two pieces to your cloth nappy system - the cloth nappy itself and a plastic covering of some sort. Your choices of cloth nappy style include flats, prefolds, fitteds, all-in-ones and pockets.

Flats are generally 100% cotton, one-layer nappies. They are quick-drying and able to fit most sizes of bottom. Unfortunately there is folding and pinning or Snappi-ing involved. A plastic diaper cover is required. Terry nappies and prefolds need to be snapped, pinned/Snappied or folded into a plastic wrap-style cover. They are similar to flats but have more layers with layering in the middle as well. Fitted nappies basically look like a disposable nappy but much cuter, with plain or printed outers. They have elastic on the legs and back and are fastened with velcros or snaps. They require a plastic cover as well. All-in-ones are the absorbent nappy and plastic cover combined into a single nappy, just like a disposable. Pocket nappies consist of a fleece layer sewn to a cover that has an opening in the back so that any absorbent layer can be stuffed inside.

Prefolds are one of the most popular options and are typically made of cotton. Hemp prefolds are also available and although more absorbent than cotton, they are more expensive. Another prefold-like option is terry nappies. These are nappy squares made from terry towelling, which washes and dries fast making it an easy-wash cloth nappy. Terry nappies fit all bottom sizes, are much quicker drying than any other available nappy, and are much less difficult and much more economical to clean. Typically white in color, there are Bright Bots coloured terry nappies for those that find white too plain or boring. Or you could have a go at dyeing them yourself! Nappies are essential for your little one, and terry nappies are a great choice for any little bottom.

How to Wash Dirty Terry Nappies

Terry nappies are designed for dirty work so you need to know how to clean them. At every change you flush any solid waste down the toilet. If you are using a flushable nappy liner than you can simply flush the liner and poo together! If you are using a washable liner, or if any poo has clung to the nappy, you may have to sluice this in the toilet. It is not as disgusting as it sounds. Simply grab one corner of the nappy or the liner and rinse it while the toilet is flushing.

You can choose to store your dirty terry nappies dry or soak them until you have enough for a load. Even if you choose not to soak your nappies, it may be best to store them in a bucket to keep little hands off. Washing your terry nappies at 60°C will be more than enough to clean them and kill any germs. Pre-soaking your nappy is beneficial as it dilutes the urine in the material, prolonging the life of the nappy. Alternatively to soaking, you can give it a quick rinse in the toilet while flushing, then drop the rinsed nappy into the bucket.  Do not soak your wraps though as this damages the waterproof fabric. To minimize the chance of spills, add merely enough water to cover the nappies. Simply add more water as needed. You can add 2-3 tbsp of white distilled vinegar or 1 tbsp sodium bicarbonate or 5 drops of tea tree oil which has both antifungal and antibacterial properties.

If you have soaked your terry nappies, you must drain the water before placing them in the washing machine. Wash the nappies and liners between 40 - 60°C. Use a minute amount of non-biological washing powder. It is the temperature of the water that kills the bacteria, not the washing powder. Any residual washing powder will redissolve when it comes in contact with wee, which will react negatively on baby’s bottom. Any stubborn stains that remain are easily removed by sunlight. Dry your nappies on the line or in a tumble drier. However, there is no need to tumble dry all the time with terry nappies and it will just cost you money. Also, terry nappies hanging on the line, drying in the sun and breeze, look fresh and happy! :)

Advantages of Terry Nappies

One of the most amazing times in a woman’s life is when she finds out she is expecting. It is also a time when a woman has to make important decisions - working outside of the home or stay-at-home/work-at-home mum, breastfed or bottle (and will she express breastmilk), crib/cot or family bed, natural birth or take pain relief, and disposable or cloth nappies? Each expectant mother needs to choose what is right for her and her family and every mother’s situation will be different. There are no textbook answers to parenting. There are, however, many helpful resources available to help each mother make educated decisions.

Terry nappies are an excellent choice for baby's nappy needs.  There are many advantages to using terry nappies. Nappy contents go where they should go instead of into the landfill. If used and cared for properly, cloth nappies are more environmentally friendly than their disposable counterparts. Cloth nappies are cost effective, especially if you have more than one child. When your children have all outgrown the need for nappies, you can resell them to other parents or use them to clean other messes around the house. When wearing a cloth nappy, there are not harsh chemicals against your baby’s bottom - just all natural fibers! And let’s face it, cloth nappies are more fun than disposables because they are available in various styles, colours and patterns.

One of the most economical, versatile and quick-drying cloth nappies available are terry nappies. Terry nappies are prefold-style nappies made of terry towelling. They are very easy to care for. You can store your soiled terry nappies dry or soak them before washing in the washing machine at 60°C. No need to tumble dry these nappies either. Terry nappies dry very quickly when hung up to dry, indoors or outdoors. The sunshine helps remove any stains. Terry nappies typically are white but are available in various colours as well. The terry towel material is very easy to dye so go wild and colour them as you desire!