Whether or not your baby needs a dedicated night nappy will depend on how old your baby is and how heavy wetting they are.
If your baby is still a newborn and waking multiple times a night for feeding, a normal daytime cloth nappy will usually suffice. Generally during the newborn stage, parents will change their baby when they wake for a feed, meaning that they are only in a nappy for a couple of hours. Newborns also tend to poo quite regularly so their nappies need changing often.
Once, baby starts sleeping for longer periods or becomes heavier wetting overnight, you may find that a standard day time nappy does not offer enough absorbency. When you reach this point you have a couple of options.....
Add absorbency to your daytime nappy:
You may get away with adding a layer of absorbency to your standard daytime nappies. However, adding too much bulk to daytime nappies can lead to leg leaks if the bulk is causing your gaps around the legs. You may want to consider add a thin but absorbent insert such as Thirsties Hemp Insert.
Add a specific nighttime booster to your nappy:
Some brands have specific nighttime boosters to add to their nappies. Bubblebubs Trifold Night Booster set is made to fit inside a Bubblebubs Candie Nappy but could also be used inside other standard nappy shells.
Use a Fitted Nappy and a cover:
Fitted nappies are completely absorbent, meaning that they are often more absorbent than an all in one or all in 2 nappy. They can also be booster either inside the nappy or between the nappy and the cover. Baby Beehinds Fitted Nappies are a great one size fits most option made from bamboo.
Fitted nappies do require a cover as they themselves are not waterproof. A PUL cover with double leg gussets, such as a Seedling Comodo Wrap or Thirsties Duo Wrap, can offer extra protection against leaks. Wool covers are also excellent options for nighttime as they not only act as a waterproof cover but also absorb extra moisture. Wool is also breathable and helps to regulate body temperature. Baby Beehinds Wool Covers and Disana Wool Covers are both made from Marino Wool.
When all else fails and you are finding that you still don't have enough absorbency with the above options, it may be time to invest in a dedicated night nappy.
Dedicated night nappies come in many forms.
Mimi and Co make an all in 2 night nappy called a Mighty Minky. It has a super soaker insert made from a combination of cotton/bamboo and hemp. When paired with the shell which also contains some absorbency it can hold a whopping 400ml of liquid. This nappy is a pocket nappy and is one size fits most. The minky shell is waterproof meaning that you won't require a separate cover.
Baby Beehinds Night Fitted Nappies are one of the most absorbent night nappies on the market. They contain up to 23 layers of bamboo fleece and, like other fitted nappies, can be booster either inside or between the nappy and the cover if needed. These nappies are completely absorbent so do require a cover.
"Fitted nappies do require a cover as they themselves are not waterproof. A PUL cover with double leg gussets, such as a Seedling Comodo Wrap or Thirsties Duo Wrap, can offer extra protection against leaks. Wool covers are also excellent options for nighttime as they not only act as a waterproof cover but also absorb extra moisture. Wool is also breathable and helps to regulate body temperature. Baby Beehinds Wool Covers and Disana Wool Covers are both made from Marino Wool."
Please contact us if you need help choosing a night nappy for your baby.