the ultimate modern cloth nappy system

A few people have shown some interest in my cloth nappy obsession and asked for some tips and ideas... it has grown into more of an 'article' and this is the mark II version after I realised I had the wrong angle. Here goes...

By my research and experience, if I could have my dream nappy system it would be:
• A fitted nappy, -many people believe that a fitted nappy+cover is the best leak proof solution as there are two independent elasticized barriers to stop the wee/poop escaping and the whole nappy is absorbent and moulded to fit baby snugly - not just an insert or folded nappy/prefold that can get squished and/or out of place in a pocket-nappy or overnap and leak.
• Made of biodegradable fabric for more sustainable use of our planet’s resources.
• Has velcro closures for quick, easy and snug fitting.
• Has a pocket from which you can pull out the inner soaker for quick drying
• + A pant cover/overnap (not a wrap) that has lycra bindings instead of elastic so it forms more of a seal around bub’s leg and keeps the mess in – if it manages to get past the fitted nappy that is…!)

Does this kind of nappy system exist?
Yes, but it is new to the market and I have only found one NZ brand, one UK brand and one Canadian/US brand that make them. What follows are some suggestions of what to buy and a breakdown of pros and cons for each of my fab 4 brands of fitted naps and covers.

MONEY NOT AN ISSUE? - JUST WANT THE BEST? and you don’t mind what fabrics are used I suggest:
A full fleet of pocket fitted nappies and pant covers from:
Well known international brand -“Happy Hempys” US/Canada, hemp pocket fitted nappy @ $20 - $30 each from: www.mumandbubs.co.nz or www.trademe.co.nz or www.darlingsdownunder.com.au . (4 separate sizes)
AND/OR:
A New Zealand brand (newish to the nappy market) - “Ecobubs” cotton pocket fitted nappy from: www.ecobubs.co.nz or www.trademe.co.nz @ $20 each on average (3 sizes available)
PLUS: “Bumis whisper pant” nylon covers (Canada) from www.snazzipants.co.nz. $12 (buy 1 for every 2-3 naps).

WANT A MORE ECONOMIC SYSTEM? that still uses pocket fitted nappies - then I suggest getting:
* HALF a fleet of Pocket fitted nappies.
Newborn until 5kg: “Ecobubs” cotton based pocket fitted nappy size small @ $18 each from: www.ecobubs.co.nz .
From 5kg to potty trained: “Fluffles” microfibre pocket fitted nappy size 2 (Totsbots UK) @ $26.50 each from: www.nappydays.co.nz or www.bumbles.co.nz These can be fiddley (see end note) so if in doubt, go for another “Ecobubs” pocket fitted nap size medium @ $20 each and see how you go (other options may be in the market by then – or the “Fluffles” design might have been improved!)
* HALF a fleet of:
Standard Snazzipants cotton based fitted nappies (which don’t have pockets which means they take a long time to dry but I reckon they are the most well designed fitted nappy on the market and the best value for money) from: www.snazzipants.co.nz @ $20/$24 each or certain 3 packs for $16.50/$20 each. Size1 takes you all the way from 3.5kgs bub to 10kg+ bub (about 1yr) and size 2 right until potty trained where as other brands have 3 or 4 separate sizes to buy. These naps can be having their extra dry time while you use your pocket fitteds.
*PLUS: “Bumis whisper pant” covers (Canada) from www.snazzipants.co.nz. $12 each (1 for every 2-3 naps).
NOTE:
You could save even more $$ if you were willing to use the size 2 “Fluffle” as a one-size-fits-all nappy. It would mean that it would be quite bulky on a newborn for the first month or two and you would have to use a ‘nappi nippa’ or a ‘snappy’ to secure it until they were big enough for you to use the domes (a device that replaces the old fashioned pins – a 3 way hook thingi- costs $5 a teeny fiddle but a pretty easy fiddle). The rise can be made small by folding it down into the pocket.

DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF NYLON COVERS AND DON'T MIND CARING FOR WOOL?
Go for a Stacinator (Canada) wool cover from www.snazzipants.co.nz or www.naturebaby.co.nz also have very nice Swiss ones, $35 - $50. A much cheaper option is a hand-knitted pant cover for around $15 DIY or www.trademe.co.nz. – I’m not sure yet if they work as well as the commercial ones as I have only just ordered one for myself.

FAB 4 PRODUCTS PROS AND CONS:

"HAPPY HEMPYS"
From those great North Americans who first brought you “Happy Heinys.” They are a “pocket fitted nappy”
+ As well as being a snug fitted nappy, they also have a pocket that you pull out absorbent material from and dry separately making this a much quicker drying option than most other normal fitted nappies.
+ They are made out of hemp which is a natural fibre that is also very eco-friendly as it does not require the pesticides etc that cotton does. They are available natural or with a microfleece liner sewn in to wick away moisture away from bottom and into the nappy.
+ They are a trim fitting nappy.
- They have 4 separate sizes and at $20 - $30 each without covers (not sure about inserts either) – comparatively expensive.
- Not made in New Zealand.
- There is not a reliable supplier in NZ at present but hopefully this will change very soon. www.mumandbubs.co.nz has them listed at the moment but when you click on it it gives you an error page. www.trademe.co.nz seems to have a supplier at the moment selling them at a good price – but who knows for how long. The only reliable place at present is www.darlingsdownunder.com.au but then you have to pay postage from Australia.
- Might be a fiddle for Dad or caregivers with the pocket business – but easy to learn I reckon.

"SNAZZIPANTS"
The most great value for money made in Aotearoa fitted nappy option available.
+ Only two sizes exist – Size 1 goes from 3.5kilos to 10+kg and size 2 goes from 10kg until potty trained. Standard style size 1 is $20 or $16.50 for a set of 3, size 2 is $24 or $20 for a set of 3. Most other brands sell at least 3 separate sizes.
+ They are made out of cotton – biodegradable fibre but also have a manmade microfleece sewn in liner to wick away moisture. Hemp options are also available which are quicker dryer but $10 more expensive.
+ They are trim fitting
+ super easy to put on as they are just one piece with Velcro.
+ Made in New Zealand
- Because they are so absorbent they are not quick to dry. In the winter, tumble drying is often required but I don’t think this would make them as expensive as other brands which require you to buy more sizes. Even in the summer I would often have to put them over a heated towel rowel overnight to finish them off. Apparently they use a fabric that is a bit better now.

"ECOBUBS"
A newish player on the NZ market, selling their own developed ‘pocket fitted nappy.’
+ Pocket fitted nappy = superquick drying compared to most fitted nappies. They have a piece of fabric that is sewn at the back of the nappy but you can fold it how you like and deposit inside the nappy pocket then open it all out to clean and dry.
+ Made in New Zealand
+ Mostly uses natural/biodegradable fabrics – cotton mainly – it is not clear on website whether they have microfleece liners.
+ Cheaper than Happy Hempys and a more reliable retailer: www.ecobubs.co.nz
- They are more expensive than snazzipants as they require you to purchase 3 separate sizes at around $20 each (5% - 10% discounts for bulk buying).
- They do not have the same brand recognition, reputation or resale value as Snazzipants or Happy Hempy/Heiny. They also look a little home-made which could be a good or bad thing. I cannot vouch for their reliability myself as they have only just been developed for the current winter season.
- Might be a fiddle with caregivers etc due to folding and inserting the soaker – but should not be a biggy.
? Don’t know how trim fitting they are but because they have multiple sizes they should be trim.
? Presumably they are easy to use as they have Velcro closures. They also have the option of snaps which some people like better. They also have some snaps at the front of their medium sized one so the rise can be tightened or loosened – this may or may not be a good thing – might cause bulkiness.

"FLUFFLES"
From the well reputed UK brand www.totsbots.com . A ‘pocket fitted nappy’ made with quick-dry manmade fabric.
+ Very quick drying as it is made out of microfibre and also has a snap-in booster than can be snapped in and out of the stuffable pocket for separate laundering and for making the nappy more trim when bub is smaller.
+ Readily available from www.nappydays.co.nz or www.bumbles.co.nz
+ Has only two sizes available just like Snazzipants – retailing at $26.50 each. Which makes them slightly cheaper than Ecobubs but not a patch on Snazzis. However, there is the option of just using the size 2 as a one-size-fits-all nappy by folding down the front and using a rubber snappy device to secure it (I cannot understand why they do not just put two rows of domes so you can dome it easily at the waist but anyhow…).
- The whole adjusting thing could be a right fiddle and confusing as it is not obvious and although it sounds good on paper – in practice I don’t think it is as well designed as it could be. It just does not have the contours of Snazzipants. The two sizes overlap a lot eg: (1) = for 2.3 – 8.2 kg & (2) = 4.5kg – 18.2.
- Not made in New Zealand.
- The least eco-friendly/sustainable/biodegradable as they are made of manmade fibre.