Going Overnight with Cloth.

If there is one thing that people struggle with when it comes to modern cloth nappies, it is using them overnight.

As one who has used cloth nappies over 2 generations, starting when there were no other options, I can assure you it absolutely can be done. I think the main reason people struggle with it is actually because with disposables and MCN nappies, we are not used to seeing babies with a huge bubble butt. Whereas when cloth was the only option, no one gave it a 2nd thought. And believe it or not, babies continued to learn to crawl & walk and sleep, despite the big butt nappies. 

At the end of the day, it’s not rocket science. You just need to have enough absorbency to soak up 12 odd hours' worth of wee, and something to stop the dampness in the nappy from wicking through to cloths & bedding. 

The downside of MCNs (pocket nappies) at night is that the same features that make them so trim fitting, also means they have a limit as to how much absorbency can be stuffed into them without completely the fit. So, if you have got to the point your little one is out wetting a maximum packed pocket nappy, it is time to start looking at using a night specific option. 

 

As with everything cloth nappy related, there is no one rule for all, and kids overnight "output" varies as much as kids themselves do.

For some it is just a matter of a bit of extra absorbency added to what you use during the day, but for those with 'heavy wetters' it can be a struggle to get enough absorbency and keep it all contained for 12 -14hrs.

The good news is though, it is absolutely doable!

After having cloth nappied 8 bubs over the years, I have found a couple of go to bullet proof combinations, but they all have 3 things in common.

  1. an 'all absorbent' nappy 
  2. Boosting
  3. a 'cover' that able to fit the nappy plus additional boosting without compromising the seal around the legs and waist.

There are loads of options to make up these features.

THE ALL ABSORBENT NAPPY

  • Flat Flannel Nappy  - This is your original old fashioned square nappy, that you origami into the right shape, and hold in place with pins or snappys.
    • PROS - it is endlessly adjustable and can be easily doubled up or boosted. It is easy wash, fast dry & durable.
    • CONS - requires origami & fastenings.
  • Fitted Nappy - these come in a variety of natural fibres, are shaped to fit, have elasticated legs and have adjustable snaps to do up. Some come with additional inserts
    • PROS - Fitted nappies are easy to use and don't require separate fastenings. They hold a lot on their own, even before boosting.
    • CONS - Slow drying & when overly wet, the elastics can irritate sensitive skin (this can be avoided by covering the elastic with stay dry liner and ensuring enough absorbency that the nappy is not soaked)
  • Easy Flat (sometimes called Pre-flat) - a modern version of a flat nappy. Still held together with pins or snappys, but with shaped wings to make folding simple and made of stretch fabric. 
    • PROS - Easier to fold and achieves a better fit than original flats. Easy wash and relatively fast drying. Easy to boost.
    • CONS - requires some folding and fastenings.

COVERS

  • PUL covers (previously known as waterproofs) - these come in many forms, pull on 'bloomer' type, adjustable snap or velcro or balloon pants (PUL pull ons with fleece cuffs & waistband)
    • PROS - 
    • CONS -