Newborn Cloth Nappies Explained: Which Type Is Best for Your Baby?

If you've started looking at newborn cloth nappies, you've probably discovered one slightly terrifying thing: there are A LOT of different types.

All-in-ones. Pockets. All-in-2s. Fitted nappies. Preflats. Flats. Covers. Snaps. Velcro.

And if you're expecting your first baby, it can feel like you need to become a cloth nappy expert before you've even met your baby!

The good news? You don't.

There isn't one perfect newborn cloth nappy that works for every baby or every family. Different styles have different strengths, and once you understand the basics, choosing becomes much easier.

So let's break down the main types of newborn cloth nappies, what they're good for, and who might love them.

What makes a cloth nappy a "newborn" nappy?

A newborn cloth nappy is designed specifically for the smaller proportions of a newborn baby.

Standard one-size-fits-most (OSFM) nappies are designed to grow with your baby, but they can be quite large or bulky on a very small newborn.

Newborn nappies generally have:

• A smaller overall fit
• Smaller leg openings
• A smaller waist circumference
• A shorter rise
• Less bulk between baby's legs
• A shape designed around newborn proportions

This can make a big difference during those first few weeks.

A good newborn nappy should sit comfortably around your baby's legs and waist without gaping, while still allowing plenty of room for movement.

It's also worth remembering that babies come in all different shapes and sizes. A nappy that fits a 3kg newborn beautifully may not fit a 4kg newborn in exactly the same way.

That's one of the reasons we don't recommend choosing nappies based on weight alone.

The main types of newborn cloth nappies

Let's look at the main systems you're likely to come across.

 

1. All-in-One (AIO)

An All-in-One, usually shortened to AIO, has everything you need built into one nappy.

The absorbent part is attached to the waterproof outer, so you don't need to assemble separate pieces.

What is it?

Think of an AIO as the closest cloth nappies get to the simplicity of a disposable.

You take the clean nappy, put it on your baby, adjust the snaps or Velcro and you're done.

Pros

• Very simple to use
• No separate cover required
• No stuffing or assembling
• Great for grandparents, babysitters and childcare
• Everything stays together in the wash

Things to consider

• They can take longer to dry because all the layers are attached
• You have less flexibility to customise absorbency
• Depending on the design, some AIOs can be bulkier than other newborn options

Who might like an AIO?

AIOs are a great option if simplicity is your priority.

They're particularly useful if you're new to cloth nappies and don't want to spend time learning how different components fit together.

 

2. All-in-2 (AI2)

An All-in-2, or AI2, is a two-part system made up of an absorbent insert and a waterproof cover.

The insert snaps into the cover, keeping the two pieces together while your baby wears the nappy.

One of the great things about this system is that the waterproof cover can often be wiped clean and reused if it hasn't been soiled.

What is it?

You have:

• A waterproof, wipeable cover
• A snap-in absorbent insert

The insert provides the absorbency, while the cover provides the waterproof barrier.

Once the nappy is soiled, you remove the insert and replace it with a clean one. If the cover is clean, you can simply wipe it down and use it again.

Pros

• Simple two-piece system
• Inserts snap securely into the cover
• Absorbency can be changed or increased
• Waterproof covers can often be wiped and reused
• Less washing of covers when they haven't been soiled
• Inserts can dry relatively quickly when removed from the cover
• Easy to customise as your baby's needs change

Things to consider

• You need to manage separate inserts and covers
• You'll need to make sure you have enough clean inserts
• There can be a small learning curve while you work out how many inserts you need

Who might like an AI2?

AI2s are a great choice for parents who want something relatively simple but with more flexibility than an AIO.

They're particularly useful if you like the idea of being able to reuse a clean cover and simply change the absorbent insert.

 

3. Pocket Nappies

Pocket nappies have a waterproof outer layer with a stay-dry inner layer and an opening, or "pocket", where you place the absorbent inserts.

What is it?

You stuff an absorbent insert inside the pocket before putting the nappy on your baby.

Once it's prepared, it goes on much like a disposable nappy.

Pros

• Simple to put on once they're prepared
• Inserts can be customised
• Easy to adjust absorbency as your baby grows
• Usually dry relatively quickly because the insert can be removed
• Lots of flexibility with different inserts

Things to consider

• You need to stuff the nappies before use
• Inserts need to be removed before washing
• Some parents don't love the preparation involved

Who might like a pocket nappy?

Pocket nappies are a great middle ground between simplicity and flexibility.

If you like the idea of an easy-to-use nappy but want the ability to change the absorbency, pockets are worth considering.

 

4. Fitted Nappies + Cover

A fitted nappy is an absorbent nappy that wraps around your baby, but it isn't waterproof on its own.

You put a separate waterproof cover over the top.

What is it?

The fitted nappy provides the absorbency.

The cover provides the waterproofing.

This means you have two separate pieces.

Pros

• Excellent containment
• Very absorbent options are available
• Great for newborns who are having frequent bowel movements
• The cover can often be reused between changes if it hasn't been soiled
• Lots of flexibility with absorbency

Fitted nappies are also a popular choice for nights as babies get bigger and their absorbency requirements increase.

Things to consider

• Two pieces instead of one
• Can be bulkier than some other newborn systems
• You'll need to learn how the fitted nappy and cover work together

Who might like fitted + cover?

This system is particularly appealing if leak protection and containment are high on your priority list.

It's also a great system for parents who don't mind an extra step in exchange for flexibility and absorbency.

 

5. Preflat + Cover

Preflats have become a very popular option for newborns.

They're a shaped piece of absorbent fabric that folds around your baby, usually with additional inserts added for absorbency, and they're worn underneath a waterproof cover.

What is it?

A preflat is essentially a modern take on the traditional flat nappy.

Instead of starting with a completely square piece of fabric, the nappy has been shaped to make folding and fitting easier.

You can then customise the absorbency by adding inserts.

Pros

• Very flexible
• Great for newborn proportions
• Absorbency can be customised
• Can be relatively trim
• Can be used in different ways as your baby grows
• Often quick to wash and dry

Things to consider

• There is a little more folding and preparation
• You'll need a separate cover
• It can take a few tries to become confident with the fit

Who might like a preflat?

Preflats are a fantastic option for parents who want flexibility without the complexity of traditional flats.

They're also a great choice if you like being able to customise the absorbency for your baby's needs.

 

6. Flat + Cover

Flats are one of the most traditional cloth nappy systems.

They're essentially a large, flat piece of absorbent fabric that you fold to fit your baby and secure before adding a waterproof cover.

What is it?

There are lots of different ways to fold a flat nappy, from very simple folds to more customised techniques.

Once folded and secured, you put a waterproof cover over the top.

Pros

• Very versatile
• Excellent drying time
• Easy to wash
• Can be folded in different ways as your baby grows
• Can be very economical
• A useful option for newborns

Things to consider

• There is a learning curve
• You need to fold them
• You'll need a separate cover
• They may not be the first choice for parents looking for the simplest possible system

Who might like flats?

Flats are fantastic if you like simplicity, versatility and excellent drying time and don't mind learning a couple of folds.

They're also a great option if you want a system that can be used in lots of different ways.

 

Which newborn nappy is easiest?

This really comes down to what you mean by easy.

For some parents, easy means:

"I don't want to think about it. Just give me something I can put on the baby."

In that case, an All-in-One may be your favourite.

For another parent, easy might mean:

"I don't mind stuffing or folding if it means I can customise everything."

That parent may prefer pockets, AI2s, preflats or flats.

And for another family, easy might mean:

"I want something really absorbent and reliable, even if it has two pieces."

That's where fitted nappies and covers can be a great option.

There's no prize for choosing the most complicated system!

If you're new to cloth nappies, start with the system that feels manageable for you.

You can always experiment with other styles later.

 

Which newborn nappies are best for tiny babies?

This is a really common question, particularly if you're expecting a small baby.

For very tiny newborns, fit is more important than the style of nappy.

A newborn nappy needs to be small enough to sit snugly around the legs and waist without leaving large gaps.

Some newborn nappies are designed for babies from around 2kg, while others have a higher minimum weight.

So if you are expecting a particularly small baby, look closely at the manufacturer's recommended size range.

It's also important to remember that weight ranges are a guide, not a guarantee of fit.

Two babies weighing exactly the same can have completely different body shapes.

If you're unsure, we're always happy to help you compare the options available and work out which styles are likely to suit your baby's size and shape.

 

What about Velcro vs snaps?

You'll also notice that newborn nappies come with different fastening systems.

The two you'll see most often are snaps and Velcro-style hook-and-loop fasteners.

Both have advantages.

Snaps are secure, durable and give you lots of adjustment options.

Velcro is quick and easy to adjust, which can be particularly appealing when you're dealing with a wriggly newborn at 3am!

There's no universal winner here either.

Your personal preference, your baby's shape and how you plan to use the nappies can all make a difference.

We'll go into the differences between snaps and Velcro in much more detail in our next article.

 

Do you need more than one type?

Yes!

Well... you don't have to.

But many cloth nappy families find that having a mixture of styles makes life much easier.

You might love an AIO during the day because it's quick and simple.

You might prefer an AI2 because you can snap in an insert and wipe the cover clean between changes.

You might choose a fitted nappy and cover for naps or longer stretches.

You might use a preflat when you want a trim, customisable option.

And you might keep a couple of flats handy because they're incredibly useful and dry quickly.

There's no rule saying you have to commit to one system.

In fact, one of the biggest advantages of buying from a multi-brand cloth nappy retailer is being able to try different systems and find what works for your family.

Your baby's needs will also change.

The nappy that works beautifully for a two-week-old may not be your favourite once they're sleeping for longer stretches or becoming more active.

 

So which newborn cloth nappy should you choose?

If you're feeling slightly overwhelmed, here's the most important thing to remember:

There isn't one "best" newborn cloth nappy.

The best nappy is the one that suits your baby, your preferences and the way you want to use cloth.

 

Here's a quick recap:

 

And if you're still not sure? That's completely normal.

You don't need to work it all out before your baby arrives.

At Darlings Downunder, we stock a range of newborn cloth nappy styles and brands, which means we can help you compare the options rather than trying to convince you that one particular nappy is the answer.

If you're expecting a baby and wondering "Which newborn nappies should I actually buy?", get in touch with us.

Tell us your baby's expected size, what you're hoping to get from cloth nappies and how much involvement you're comfortable with.

We'll help you work through the options and find a newborn cloth nappy system that makes sense for your family.

You don't need to become a cloth nappy expert. You just need to find a system that works for you.

You can find all of our newborn cloth nappies here. 

Shop our cloth nappy packages here.