| Nappy wraps | Nappy information |

Nappy wraps (covers)

• General information & types
• Choosing a nappy wrap
• Tips for fitting a nappy wrap
• Link for caring for your nappy wraps page.

Nappy wraps (alos referred to as covers) are a waterproof or water resistant cover to go over a separate absorbent nappy to keep clothing dry and clean. They can be made of a number of fabrics. The cheapest are usually made of plastic but are not as comfortable or durable as new high tech materials. The most popular fabric for nappy wraps is polyester bonded to a urethane laminate (you may come across the term PUL, the abbreviation for polyurethane laminate). This gives a waterproof barrier while having the soft, comfortable feel of fabric on the outside. Nappy wraps fasten over the nappy with velcro or poppers.

Polyester fleece can also be used to make wraps. These are breathable in the sense that they allow excellent air exchange through the fabric, and some of the wetness is able to evaporate. This helps to keep the nappy area cool and dryer, making them ideal for babies with sensitive skin or for night nappies. Fleece wraps are not waterproof, and some people find that if the nappy inside gets very saturated, or if the baby is sitting or lying in the same position for a very long time, wetness can sometimes pass through to clothes. However most people get on fine with them and they are a comfy night time option. Generally fleece wraps tend to be a little bulkier than PUL wraps, though not excessively so. Also, bulk is probably less of an issue as night time as you can use a bigger-sized sleepsuit and baby isn't going to moving around much so won't be hindered by a bulky nappy and wrap.

For a really natural choice wool wraps are fantastic! Naturally breathable and water resistant wool is excellent for helping to regulate the body temperature of the wearer (ask any sheep). Though it always feels warm to the touch its breathability means that vapour can escape, thus cooling the nappy area. They make a luxurious choice for a night wrap or knitted as shorts, trousers or skirts make lovely PJs or daytime clothing.

Choosing a nappy wrap
It is worth not scrimping on your nappy wraps because a nappy can only be as good as it's wrap. If the wrap is not waterproof or does not fit well then you will get leaks. When choosing a wrap your main criteria might be how comfortable a fit they give for your baby, their reliability, durability and their ease of care. We have chosen a range of wraps that we, and many, other people have found to fulfil these criteria. The type of nappy wrap you go for will be determined by the type of washable nappy you choose. Flat nappies (prefold or terries folded into pads) will require a snugger-fitting wrap because the wrap is what holds the nappy in place. We stock the very well-tested Imse Vimse wraps which are slim fitting and ideal for flat nappies. On the whole, nappy wraps designed to go over a specific shaped nappy will go over virtually all shaped nappies, although some shaped nappies do come lower down the side of the leg (especially the Sandy's), whilst some wraps are cut high here. All our wraps fit well over most of our shaped nappies but the Motherease Air Flow and the Nature Babies Classic Covers with their generous cuts are particularly versatile and cover just about everything we've tried satisfactorily, provided the correct size is used.

Tips for fitting nappy wraps
When fitting your nappy wraps make sure that all of the absorbent part of the washable nappy is tucked inside the wrap to avoid leaks or wicking (as in a candle-wick that draws up moisture!) through to the clothes. The wrap should entirely cover the nappy: if it doesn't you need the next size up. The wrap should fit tightly enough around the legs and waist so that there are no big gaps, but not so tight that the wrap will leave indentations or deep red marks. You can alter the fit of velcro wraps by altering the angle of the velcro tab: pointing it upwards makes for a narrower fit at the leg and downwards a wider fit. When doing up the velcro take care that that velcro tabs are well stuck down and do not sit higher than the top of the front of the nappy as this may allow it to scratch and irritate baby's tummy.

Please click on the link for information and tips on caring for your nappy wraps.