The Cloth Nappy Blog

This is what we all know and love as Velcro, but they should be of a better quality such as Velcro 2000 or Touch Tape.  Hook and loop is a generic, non-brand-name label for all the different sorts.

This is a very popular closure as they are very adjustable and easy to use. They work exactly the same as disposables with hook tabs on the arms catching the loop on the front of the nappy, which makes them popular with grandparents and day care because they know how to do them up! The adjustability is because the loop usually covers the entire front of the nappy and they can be done up anywhere on it, so you can get it in exactly the right position.

They are great for DIYers just starting out, because it can be sewn onto a nappy without anything special needed.

A minor problem is that the hooks can fill with lint during washing, but most nappies come with laundry tabs.  These are little sections of loop fabric on the inside of the nappy or cover, you fold the hook over and attach to the tabs when washing.  The idea is that the hooks are covered and shouldn’t catch on anything else.  (It took me ages to work out what on earth the extra pieces of loop were for.)

A larger problem is that they are irresistible to older babies and toddlers who rip them open and take the nappy off, although I have seen claims that Velcro 2000 is too strong for little fingers.  They seem to make a fantastic noise and both sides can be ripped at the same time, meaning they are left behind as bubba runs off.

Also a baby with very large thighs can be scratched by the corners quite badly.  When I say large, my girls couldn’t wear hook and loop because of this problem and they had 34cm thighs, so they were well above average in this area. Because they only pull around only the thighs or waist can be fitted, whichever is bigger. This is fine if your baby is nicely proportioned, but can be a problem if they have a comparatively skinny waist or thighs.

So they are easy to put on and great for little babies or skinny ones, but not so good for chubby babies or older adventurous bubbas.

So how do you keep your nappies on?

In the old days it was pins, and you can still buy nappy pins with the safety closure.  I find they’re great for putting elastic or cord through casings!  If you are using muslin or flannelette flat nappies or some prefolds, pins are still the best way to go.  Or as an alternative you can use a well fitting cover and fold the nappy as a pad inside it.  Some newborn covers are called ’snibs’ and are actually tied on to make them easier.  I’ve used snibs provided by my hospital in the early days and they’re quick and simple.

Snappis

Snappis

These are the modern alternative to nappy pins. They work by hooking on to loops on the material, not the weave itself, so they only work on terries, usually cotton or bamboo.  Many people start out with snappis because they work so well on flat nappies or diapers, and there are many basic fitted nappies that have terry outers and can be used with snappis.  They are fantastic for DIY’ers because you don’t have to buy velcro or snaps, just cut up a terry flat.  I’ve seen people claim they use a snappi on fleece, but personally I wouldn’t.  If you are hooking sharp things into the body of the fabric it is going to damage it.

The biggest advantage of snappis is that they give a fantastic fit because they pull in two directions, around the waist and at the front of the rise, and because they are pulling they look trim not baggy.  Because they have so much adjustability they will give a good fit on “odd-shaped” babies who are very skinny or have chubby thighs etc.

Nappy with Snappi closure

However, they can be fiddly. If you have one of those babies who stand up or wriggle around at nappy changes they are probably not for you, but we have been blessed with babies who lies quietly and they are the best fasteners for us. My husband actually thinks they are the easiest – obviously a case of what you are used to.  In fact think about it – over the time your baby is in nappies, you are going to do well over 3000 nappy changes.  Do you think you are going to have problems with it for long?  Or do you think you’ll be a pro after a couple of weeks (70+ changes!).

I have never had a problem, but they can work loose and the sharp hooks could scratch a baby. I have heard of one being snapped because of the stretch in the arms, but I don’t think this is common.

They are almost impossible for a baby to take off on their own, it takes too much co-ordination.  This is great for the incredible escaping baby, but not so good when toilet training.  Of course my kids just go nude then!