Cotton

Choose organic and/or unbleached cotton if you can for greater environmental benefits.  Cotton is very absorbent and soft, and relatively quick to dry.  Some nappies are made from terry cotton which has a raised pile making it soft, fluffy and absorbent; other nappies are made from cotton twill.

---

Bamboo

Again choose organic if you can, although bamboo requires less chemicals to grow than cotton.  Bamboo fabric is up to 40% more absorbent than cotton and is incredibly soft.  However, it does take longer to dry.

---

Hemp

Another more environmentally friendly crop, hemp produces a very soft and absorbent fabric making it ideal for booster pads or night time nappies.  It also takes longer to dry than cotton.

---

Microfibre

A synthetic man-made fabric often used for booster pads as it is very absorbent and dries incredibly quickly.  Ideal if drying is a problem.

---

Fleece

Is used to make pocket nappies and liners.  A fleece layer next to baby’s skin is very soft and also keeps baby’s skin drier as it acts as a great stay-dry barrier.

---

Wool

Knitted into wraps which are naturally waterproof and breathable, and ideal for babies with extra sensitive skin.

---

PUL (polyurethane laminate)

Used to make most waterproof wraps as a coating to the cotton or polyester fabric outer, or as a hidden waterproof layer in a pocket nappy.

---