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.

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 best way to do this is through a dedicated night set up.

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' more absorbency is required to keep it all contained for 12 -14hrs.

The good news is though, it is absolutely doable!

There are three things to consider:

  1. An 'all absorbent' nappy 
  2. Boosting
  3. A 'cover' that able to fit over everything 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.

BOOSTING

  • Inserts that you use in your regular cloth nappies can be put into your night set up
  • Tri-folds are great to add in lots of layers of absorbency without needing to put in multiple different inserts 

COVERS

  • PUL covers (previously known as waterproofs) - these are similar to the pocket nappies, but don't have a pocket to put inserts into. They have adjustable snaps to ensure good fit.
  • Plus size nappies - great to go over large set ups to ensure you get a good fit around all the bulk of a night nappy