Free delivery on all UK orders over £20.00.

Delivery times may be a little longer than usual during the next 2 weeks, 24th July to 8th August, while we take some holiday time going out and about with our children. Please allow about 7 working days for delivery during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding .

Covers

These fall into five categories. They are generally available in velcro fastening, popper fastening, or pull on style

Plastic covers.
These are generally made of vinyl or PVC and may still be available in large national baby clothing chains and chemists. They are totally waterproof and not breathable.

Pros, they are the cheapest covers, from less than £1.00 to £5.00 each.

Cons, the vinyl covers don't last very long and need frequent replacements, the PVC ones are a little better. The temperature inside the nappy can get quite hot, so these are not good for babies who are prone to thrush and other nappy rashes. Not suitable for frequent machine washing. Can get a bit hard and brittle, which can chaff baby's legs. Not generally recommended these days.

Breathable waterproof covers The best modern waterproof covers are in fact breathable as well as waterproof. They are made of PUL (polyurethane laminate) fabric, which consists of a nylon, polyester or cotton fabric outer layer, bonded to an inner microporous polyurethane layer that allows exchange of warm moist air, in the same way that breathable rainwear does. The fabric is similar to the brand named Gortex fabric. The micropores in the polyurethane layer are too small for liquid to pass through, but vapour can escape and fresh air can get to the nappy. The temperature inside the nappy is lower than with plastic covers, but the covers still offer excellent waterproof protection. They cost a little more than waterproof covers, but one set of about 4 covers per size will last the whole time they fit your baby, so in the long run, tend to work out cheaper than using the thin plastic pull on covers that you may find still available in large national baby clothing chains. Average prices around £8.00 each. Most modern cloth nappy covers fall into this category.

Pros, remain very soft, can be machine washed at up to 60 degrees (although 40 or less is recommended for the longest life), they offer some breathablilty, only one set required per size as they are very durable.

Cons, initially more expensive than plastic wraps, although long term they work out cheaper.

Wool covers
These are made of soft 100% sheep's wool, usually non itchy merino wool. They are the greenest option, being all natural, and capable of decomposition. Wool is a protein based fibre and therefore has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The wool wraps are capable of absorbing up to 40% of their own weight in fluid before it starts to come through to the other side, so they add some absorbency to the nappy system, and are therefore popular over night. The lanolin, naturally present in the wool makes the wrap water resistant, but the open structure allows evaporation of some of the fluid, which in turn reduces the temperature within the nappy by several degrees. An excellent option for babies prone to frequent rashes. Wool covers cost from £10 to £20

Pros, they are totally breathable and add absorbency to the nappy system. Also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Don't need washing very often. Excellent for overnight (after lanolin treatments). The temperature inside the nappy is lower, avoiding overheating.

Cons, more expensive than other types of cover, need to be treated with lanolin wool cure every few weeks to maintain water resistance in the fibres and to neutralise urine. Most need hand washing, although this is infrequent. Take a long time to dry compared to other covers and need to be air dried, can't be radiator or tumble dried for speed.

Polyester fleece covers.
Some babies are sensitive to lanolin or wool (although this is extremely rare), in which case polyester fleece is an excellent alternative. Polyester is synthetic and naturally water resistant, so offering the same advantages as wool, although it is synthetic and won't decompose in the same way. Polyester fleece covers cost around £8. and up

Pros, totally breathable, and very easy to wash. Machine washable and fast drying when machine spun. Polyester fleece is very affordable and some is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.

Cons, Polyester fleece needs washing after most uses or it can smell badly, and sometimes may need to be washed in soap to improve water resistance.

Pocket covers/nappies
Pocket nappies or pocket covers are the latest inovation in modern real nappies. Basically, they are waterproof breathable PUL covers (see above), with an extra inside layer and an opening at one end to allow stuffing with an absorbent insert. The inner layer is often made of polyester fleece, but may also be other types of polyester lining. An absorbent insert is placed bewteen the outer PUL layer and the breathable fleece. The fleece layer allows wetness to pass through to the absorbent insert, and then holds the wetness away from baby's skin. Solids fall away from the fleece layer easily and the whole system is separated for easy washing and fast drying. Sometimes the pocket cover is sold on it's own, although it is becoming increasingly common for it to be sold with one or two absorbent inserts. Prices around £14 each.

Pros, very easy to use, easy to wash and dry, some are designed to fit from birth to potty.

Cons, Not as leak proof as other nappy/covers, some brands are expensive.