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.

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!

Get the best quality terry nappies, baby slings and other essentials when it comes to preparing for baby to arrive

Preparing for a baby can be fun but overwhelming. If you'd never had a baby before and this is your first, you will probably be torn between going overboard and buying everything cute and useful in sight, and being moderate and getting only what you know you'll need... but even that is hard.  What will you REALLY need?  It's actually less than you think, but this is an ideal time to get the very best of what you really need.  Instead of buying a pile of cute junk that won't last for long, get the best items when it comes to essentials.


For starters you really need some nappies or diapers.  A lot of new parents will go out and buy themselves a huge stack of newborn disposable nappies before their baby is born, and this can be a mistake.  Newborns grow really, really fast - right before your eyes it seems - and they will probably grow out of the newborn size before you can use the big box you so cleverly bought on special.  So, it is better to buy one modest box of disposables for the first week or so when everything is crazy , - preferably get all-natural, cotton lined or organic, or compostable so that they are better for your baby's skin and better for the environment.  Then, get yourself a pile of terry nappies - bamboo terry nappies are funky and attractive - and learn how to make the Jo fold or other newborn fold with these nappies.  Newborn nappies are not at all hard to wash because they can be thrown in a dry pail (bucket) or hanging pail (wetbag) and popped straight in the washing machine every other day - just put through a rinse cycle first before doing a normal wash with 1/2 amount of regular washing powder.  Until baby starts eating solids, newborn poo is not a problem to wash this way, no need for elaborate setups of cloth nappy systems etc.  Also, terry nappies will catch more of the newborn blowouts than the modern cloth nappies or disposables will.  Disposables are actually quite lacking in this respect, terry nappies are much better.  Terry nappies are also invaluable for mopping up milk spills from baby and for nappy free time on the floor.

Other baby items you will not want to be without include a quality, safe baby sling (easier than a stroller when baby is small) - NEVER use a "bag sling" but get a sling or carrier that conforms to baby sling safety rules and standards and learn to use it properly, as it's not hard to learn, and can save a baby's life.  Some examples include a ring sling that utilises SlingRings, a long woven wrap from a company like Didymos or Ellaroo, a mei tai, an Ergo or Manduca, or a stretchy wrap like Hug-a-Bub.  The picture here features a MySol by Girasol, which is a mei tai style and very comfortable and safe.


A stroller like Xplory which can face towards you is worth it too, even though expensive at first, as it can change from newborn right up to toddler then older child - a long-term useful investment.


You may also want to invest in a co-sleeper, so that you can keep baby close to your bed at night while making sure he/she is safe.  You can still purchase cute items such as baby blankets, of course, but you will have the benefit of having baby near you and able to breastfeed in the night without needing to get out of bed.  A big sleep saver!!!


With breastfeeding, it's worth having a good nursing bra for day and a night nursing bra also - and some washable breast pads for leaked milk - it's going to happen, and trust me, cloth nursing pads are much more comfortable than scratchy disposable ones - same as with cloth nappies on your baby's bottom I am sure!!


Also, get enough onesies in long and short sleeves depending on the season, and a few pants, jackets, mitts, booties and bonnets in newborn size and the next two sizes up to be on the safe side - never know what size baby will be until he/she is born, even if they think they can tell from ultrasound it's still not 100% and you don't want to be stuck without baby clothes!


Other than these things, almost everything else is optional.  Toys are hardly necessary for a newborn, as their best toy will be you.  Mostly they will just want to feed when they are small, and the rest of the time they love spending in the sling with the gently rocking movement of mum or dad.  Enjoy every moment - they grow so fast!  Don't worry about buying a lot of stuff - it's not neccesary, but in regards to essentials like terry nappies, slings and strollers, do get the best you can.

The different kinds of terry nappies explained: bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, fitted...

Nothing like a lovely white terry square...  the kind your grandmother used.  But wait, there are many other kinds of terry nappy available.  Check out your options!

There are many different kinds of terry nappy available these days.  Not only can you get plain cotton terries, you can also get a range of different sorts for all purposes.  Have you tried coloured terries like the ones available from Bright Bots?  Department stores also sell coloured terries for a very reasonable price.

What about an organic terry nappy, like Green Baby - these are always thicker and more absorbent because the cotton, when grown organically, grows better and is of a higher quality.  Organic cotton also reduces your carbon footprint even further, making your nappy choice extremely green.

Bright Bots also make plain white nappies too.

Then there are bamboo terry nappies, very thick and plush and soft and have many exceptional qualities.  For instance bamboo terry squares will not go "hard" on the washing line when you dry them, like cotton will.  This makes it very nice for newborns as they are so squishy and fragile and we all want to put only the softest most cuddly fabrics next to their skin!  Can't forget either that bamboo is grown without the use of pesticides making it a really good choice for green-ness.  When you use a bamboo terry nappy, you may be able to use a less bulky nappy fold, as they are so absorbent.

What about a hemp terry?  Yes you can get terry nappies with hemp, but usually they contain some cotton too, as hemp can be quite stiff and unyielding without having cotton to balance it out and soften it a bit.  You can find 100% hemp terry nappies if you look for them, though.  Did I mention there is French terry and there is stretch knit terry?

Then there are fitted terry nappies.  Once you get into fitteds, the world of cloth nappies really explodes into a world of choices.  It can be overwhelming, and sometimes the price tag can be higher than with terry flats, because you are paying for the convenience of not having to fold your nappies.  Of course, it only takes a moment to fold a terry nappy flat, so I tend to recommend these for price, versatility and fast drying, but there are many people who are totally delighted with their fitted terry nappies so don't hesitate to check them out if you like the sound of them.  One of the best brands of fitted terry nappy are Little Lamb.

So all these are some of the kinds of terry toweling nappies that you can get.  I hope I have helped you to understand a little more about the different types and the benefits of each kind.

Some brands you may be interested in: Green Baby Organic terry nappies, Cosatto Terry Nappies 'white'- 12 Pack, 12 X Supreme Quality Baby Terry Nappies, 100% Cotton, 12 Pack White Terry Nappies 100% Super Soft Cotton, 100% Cotton Terry Towelling Nappies, 12 Pack or 12 Terry Towelling Nappies Supreme Quality Pack.  See also Bambino Mio Nappy Sets, Tesco Terry Nappies.