Cloth Diaper Types on the Market and Their Merits and DetractionWhat makes a good cloth diaper? How can a cloth diaper be made where quality and price don't have to cancel each other out. It happens so often that when the price to the consumer is lowered the quality of the cloth diaper suffers. This article gives insight into the different types of cloth diapers systems on the market and which type offers the best price without compromising quality. It happens so often that when the price to the consumer is lowered the quality of the cloth diaper suffers. It doesn't have to be the case. Quality does not always have to suffer for the sake of price. Manufacturing a cloth diaper with price and quality in mind is possible. This article gives insight into the different types of cloth diapers systems on the market and which type offers the best price without compromising quality.Focusing on using the very best quality materials available combined with clever design, expert buying and production control is the only way to produce an uncomplicated and effective system that is easy to use, versatile, durable, comfortable yet affordable. In contrast most systems have attempted to improve ease of use through adding pockets (for you to stuff the nappy in to) or sewing cloth diaper and cover together and or combining these approaches with a one-size fits all approach to sizing. The outcomes have added unnecessary complexity to the manufacture, resulting in significantly increased cost while also having to trade functionality (often ironically in an attempt to cut costs) with regard to a combination or all of the following parameters: absorbency, leak protection, durability, versatility, comfort, ease of care. Essentially there are three main types of modern reusable cloth diaper systems using either a multi-size or one size fits all approach: First there are the Pocket Cloth Diapers designed to be less fiddly. Stuffed with absorbent padding or the nappy fits inside a built in pocket. Once they are stuffed and ready to put on they then go on just like a disposable, with only one part to worry about. However, unlike the two part systems where you would only change the cover once soiled (every 2 to 3 changes) you will need to wash the cover with every change. This increases the amount of washing and wear and tear and also means you have to buy at least twice as many covers ? quite significant when you consider that a baby will average about 6+ changes a day and a newborn needs changing 8 to 10 times a day! Also there is a limit to how much stuffing you can get in the pocket. If you try to stuff them with the amount of boosters that you would need for a heavy wetter for a whole night or long car journey, they will start to gap at the legs and leak. Sometimes combining a one size fits all approach to sizing. Next are the All-In- Cloth Diaper - Absorbent nappy and wrap in one. Goes on like a disposable so very easy to use and ideal for when other people are changing your baby's nappy. The disadvantages are that they, just like the pocket cloth diapers, have to be washed with every change with all the same disadvantages and on top of this generally take a lot longer to dry because everything is sewn together. They are therefore the most expensive type of nappy. You may find that you have to use a booster inside the nappy if the amount of absorbent material the manufacturer has used doesn't suit your baby. If you do have to boost them, it takes away the main advantage of being one piece in the first place! Third is the One-size-fits-all ? These cloth diapers are designed to adjust by some clever folding down and fastening to fit babies from birth through to potty training. However no one size nappy is perfect whatever the manufacturers say! Some fit newborns better, some fit toddlers (and contain all the extra boosting that some toddlers need!) much better than others. In our experience no system can truly cover the full spectrum. You simply have to compare the size (surface area and absorbency) difference between one of our newborn and toddler pre folds to appreciate the problem. Generally a newborn in this type of system is saddled with a very bulky, awkward and uncomfortable nappy while on the other hand the toddler is left with one that is less than adequate. Another thing to consider with one size cloth diapers is the wear and tear factor. One set of nappies used for 2.5 years will obviously have had a lot more punishment than say a multiple age appropriate sizing system. Also, (and this is the last point, I promise!) if there is a chance that you will have two babies in nappies at the same time, you may have to increase the number of one size nappies that you have, whereas with a multi sized set, the new baby would be in the small set while the older baby would be in the large set. Finally there is the Two Part Pre-fold System - The Real Nappies system is a two part multi-size system consisting of a pre-fold nappy (the absorbent inner part) and a waterproof cover or outer. Essentially, we chose this style of system as it addresses all of the disadvantages resulting from the other approaches described above. At the risk of repeating myself - offering four sizes, we believe, provides the optimum combination of leak proof fit, absorbency and hence functionality and comfort for your baby. Wear is also spread over four sizes and the same set of nappies and covers can be used on two babies of different ages at the same time. Due to the fact that we use a very high quality cotton diaper (in terms of absorbency and durability) across a range of sizes, construction of the cover becomes very straight forward and as a result combines to provide the most affordable system. Being a two part system the cover need only be washed every 2 to 3 changes and is very easy to care for and wash (by hand if you wish) drying instantly for reuse if needed. Nappies being separate to the cover dry quickly. That covers the superiority of a Two Part Pre-fold System so now inevitable the discussion will move to maintaining the quality. At the heart of the Real Nappies Two Part Pre-fold System is a very high quality 100% cotton pre-fold. Pre-folds are rectangular nappies that have more layers in the middle and fewer layers on the sides. Pre-folds are wonderful nappies: versatile, absorbent, long lasting, multi-use, and very affordable. Pre-folds have more absorbency and fabric thickness (crucial to stopping heavy flows of urine) right where you need it - in the middle. The Real Nappies pre-fold is 100% woven cotton, as cotton combines affordability and durability as well as being the material less likely to react with sensitive skin. Quality cotton cloth diapers can be expected to serve the needs of several children and evolve into favorite cleaning cloths and rags. People tell stories about quality cotton diapers remaining useful (mostly as cleaning clothes) 20 years later. Real Nappies Two Part Pre-fold System covers are made from a three layer PUL (polyurethane laminate). This is a very soft yet tough, durable and waterproof fabric that breathes. It was first developed to provide the waterproof barrier on re-usable materials needed in the medical field that can survive multiple institutional washings and a high heat steam sterilization process. The PUL used with a high quality elastic and commercial grade (yet soft) Velcro ensures extremely high cost-to-quality ratio. These things combined together make up the Real Nappies Two Part Pre-fold System, a system so good that Real Nappies guaranties them for at least two of your children. It happens so often that when the price to the consumer is lowered the quality of the cloth diaper suffers. It doesn't have to be the case. Quality does not always have to suffer for the sake of price. Manufacturing a cloth diaper with price and quality in mind is possible. Real Nappies Two Part Pre-fold System provides the best possible quality-to-cost ratio. Francis Frost, |
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