Nappy Guide: Pocket Nappies

What Are Pocket Nappies?

Pocket nappies are a popular choice among parents who are looking for a convenient and customisable option for using cloth nappies on their babies. These nappies consist of a waterproof outer layer, a stay-dry inner lining, and an open pocket area in between the two layers where an absorbent insert(s) can be placed. 

Features of Pocket Nappies

Pocket nappies are designed to be easy to use, customisable, and affordable. Most pocket nappies don't come with the absorbent part of the nappy, thus you'll find they are cheaper than other types of nappies. You will however need to purchase the absorbency of your choice to ensure that the nappies will work for your little one.

Pocket inserts can be made from a variety of materials, such as microfibre, bamboo, cotton, bamboo cotton blends, organic cotton, hemp, or combinations of these materials and can be paired together to provide the desired level of absorbency. You can also use absorbencies such as flats and prefolds inside of pocket nappies and for younger babies, muslins can work as well.

What are the Pros and Cons of Choosing Pocket Nappies?

Pros:

• Customisable absorbency: One of the biggest advantages of pocket nappies is the ability to adjust the absorbency level to suit the needs of your baby. This is particularly useful for infants who may require more absorbency during nap time, or for older babies who start producing larger volumes of urine.
• Convenient to use: Pocket nappies are very easy to use, as the absorbent insert can be simply stuffed into the pocket area and the nappy can be put on the baby. They are also very easy to clean and both the inserts and pocket nappy shells can be washed together.
• Versatile: Pocket nappies can be used with a variety of absorbent inserts, which can be purchased in our insert section. This versatility allows you to choose the type of insert that works best for your baby and budget. You can also change this to suit your baby as they grow.
• Widely available: Pocket nappies are widely available across most brands as they are one of the most popular choices of cloth nappies.

Cons:

• Cost: Pocket nappies can be more expensive than other types of cloth nappies, particularly if you choose to purchase a variety of different inserts or lean towards more natural materials.
• Space: If you are hang drying your inserts, they can take up a lot of space, especially if you were doubling up.
• Bulky: Some pocket nappies can be bulkier than other types of cloth nappies, which can cause fit issues and you may find them more difficult to fit under clothes. If you're worried about bulk, simply swap to thinner inserts that still absorb as much liquid or consider cutting down on any extra inserts.

In conclusion, pocket nappies are a popular choice among parents due to their convenience, customisable absorbency, and versatility. However, they can be more expensive than other types of cloth nappies, may require more laundry space, and may cause over-stuffing which leads to incorrect fit. It's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision on which type of cloth nappy to use. Ultimately, the best option is the one that works best for your baby and your family's lifestyle.

View our collection of Pocket Nappies.