There are three basic types of cloth nappies: the flat nappy (terries, prefolds and muslins); the fitted (shaped) nappy; and the all-in-one. Flat and fitted nappies are part of a two-part system and require a wrap. All in ones have their wrap attached as part of the nappy.

Terries are the "old fashioned" cotton terry towelling squares which are available in different sizes, thicknesses and absorbencies. Prefolds are made of several layers of ordinary cotton sewn into three panels – with the central panel having most layers. And muslins are simply muslin squares which are commonly used as burp cloths, dribble bibs and general factotums of baby wear. Flat nappies require some (simple) folding. Terries are then fastened with pins or nappy nippas, and prefolds are simply fixed into a wrap, which holds them in place. Flat nappies are the most economical and most versatile of all the nappies – the cheapest to buy; the easiest to care for; and they can be used for a variety of mopping up and cleaning jobs in years to come!

Fitted washable nappies are shaped to fit round your baby without folding - just like a disposable, and so are easier to use than flat nappies. There are two types of fitted reusable nappy. The first is a nappy which is sized to fit your baby at different stages of development, so that as your baby grows you will need to buy the next size up. The second type is a one-size fits all nappy, which will last your baby from birth to potty. Either type of fitted cloth nappy can be fixed in place with either poppers, velcro, the wrap or a combination of these. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages, some of which are outlined here:

*birth to potty nappies are cheaper to buy, as you only need to buy a set once

*sized cloth nappies give a better fit in the baby's early days

*birth to potty nappies can be bulky on a very new baby, as the fabric which will allow the nappy to fit a toddler has to be folded into the newborn nappy somehow - this can create what a customer has described as the 'teletubby look'

*in some sized cloth nappies, the larger size can be used as a birth to potty cloth nappy, which usually works out as the most economical birth to potty system

*in any event - and this is true of all the nappies - there is no particular need to commit to a complete set of just one type: there is much to be said for a mix and match system.

Wraps are the waterproof layer of the system. They are all shaped to fit over a nappy, and they all come in different sizes. It is important that the wrap fits well at the legs and waist, and so there is no such thing as a birth to potty wrap, unfortunately! However, because you don't need a clean wrap every time you change a nappy, you will find that four or five wraps in each size will be sufficient – although you may want more of the first size if you are going to breastfeed, as breastfed poo is quite runny and gets onto the wrap very easily, no matter how hard you try! Always change the wrap if you get poo on it, or it is very wet. Different manufacturers' wraps use different sizing systems, and have different amounts of adjustment.

All-in-ones are basically the same idea as disposable nappies, only washable. They consist of an absorbent terry or cotton inner, with an integral plastic, waterproof backing. Because the backing limits the speed of drying, they are the slowest drying nappy, and you may want to buy more to allow for this if these are your main nappy type. They also tend to be the most expensive to buy, and the plastic tends to wear out more rapidly than in wraps, presumably because they remain wet for longer. I would recommend using them occasionally for days out rather than as the main nappy system.

There are as many different factors to consider when buying nappies as there are babies to buy them for, but here are a few ideas which might be helpful:

• Terries and prefolds are the least expensive and quickest to dry. All in ones are the most expensive to buy, and slowest to dry.
  
• Absorbency varies from nappy to nappy, but in all cases can be increased by using a booster, or another nappy.
  
• Generally speaking, I find terry towelling is more absorbent than plain cotton or cotton flannel, as the loops present a greater surface area to the water, and allows it to be soaked up more quickly.
  
• If your baby is very wriggly, consider buying nappies and wraps which fasten with velcro or aplix – much easier to cope with on a determined escapee.
  
• If your baby can undo velcro, consider terries (pins or nappy nippas) or nappies and wraps which fasten with poppers (which can be harder to undo!).
  
• For a breastfed newborn with runny poo, a fitted nappy or a terry nappy will be the most efficient at catching the poo.
  
• For terries and prefolds, folding can be initially daunting, but soon becomes second nature.
  

Whatever you choose, you will need to buy enough nappies to meet your needs. Expect a newborn to need changing 10 to 12 times a day, dropping to 6-8 times when older, depending on their wetting pattern – which you will come to know!

The number of nappies you will need will depend on your washing cycle – fewer if you intend to wash each day, more if you only want to wash every two to three days. I have 18 nappies for each baby – enough to allow me to wash every other day if I want to. Remember, you will also need four or five wraps per size and perhaps more for a breastfed newborn.

You may want to experiment with different types of nappy before making a final decision. In this case, you might want to take advantage of the nappy trial scheme, to try the nappies in your own home before you commit to buying them. If you would prefer to experiment with your own nappies, please feel free to order only one or two of each type, or to put together a sample pack of nappies and wraps, selected from what is available. I am only too happy to help with this, and to make recommendations where you would like them.

All nappies will be supplied with full washing and care instructions and, where applicable, folding instructions.

Please remember, I am happy to provide advice and support with no obligation. Simply mail me with any queries.