Wraps

Most nappies need a waterproof, leakproof outer wrap to keep your baby’s clothing clean and dry. It is important to find the right wrap to fit over the nappies you have chosen, and that it is the correct size. The only nappies that don't need one are the All-in-Ones. Like with nappies, there is a large range; they are made from soft breathable plastic (PUL), fleece, wool or cotton. Styles include pull- on, popper or hook and loop (velcro or applix) fastening. Generally speaking, hook and loop fastening gives a snugger and more adjustable fit and is more suitable for nappies which have no fastening (such as prefolds). I usually reccommend hook and loop for younger babies as they are quicker and easier to fasten (especially in the middle of the night!). Popper fastening wraps are usually looser and are ideal for older babies, especially those who like to undo velcro! Pull-on wraps are the cheapest option, although are less popular as they are more difficult to take off when soiled. Please contact me if you want to know more about pull-on wraps.

All wraps come in a range of sizes, so you will usually need to buy 3 or 4 sizes as your baby grows. It is important that the wrap is appropriately shaped and sized for the nappy and your baby, to avoid leaking and uncomfortable red marks on your baby’s skin. It is also important to make sure that the wrap completely covers the nappy, with nothing poking out.

Wraps don’t need to be changed as often as nappies. They can be wiped clean and worn a few times before being washed with your nappies. They generally dry quickly, so a supply of 4 or 5 wraps in each size should be sufficient. I usually had a couple on the go, alternating between them at change time, with another couple in the wash.

NB you mustn’t soak your wraps in the nappy bucket and most cannot be tumble dried!

Wool and fleece wraps are the only truly breathable wraps as they allow air through the fabric and hence help to keep the nappy area cool and dryer, making them good for babies with sensitive skin or for night nappies. However, fleece wraps are not waterproof, so they are not recommended for wearing when your baby is sitting or lying in one position for any length of time (such as in the car or when carried in a sling).

I am happy to guide you through the wide range of wraps, to help you find which is best suited to your baby, and the nappies you choose.

Hook and Loop Fastening Wraps

Motherease Rikki

Top Tip! Very reliable, popular wrap. Will last for ages!

Made from soft brushed polyester, gently laminated inside

Fastens with wide band of applix at the waist ensuring snug fit

Elastic at waist and gusseted legs gives excellent containment

Suitable for any nappy - holds flat nappies in place well

Good fit on small babies

Colour: white, lemon or pale blue; also eco-theme prints: Oceans, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Asia

Available in 5 sizes

COST: £8.50

Popo Wrap

Top Tip! Similar to Rikki, but slightly more roomy - good for 'chunkier' babies

Made from soft brushed polyester with polyunethane laminated inside

Fastens with wide band of applix at the waist ensuring snug fit

Elastic at waist and gusseted legs gives excellent containment

Suitable for any nappy - holds flat nappies in place well

Good fit on small babies

Made by Popolini in Europe

Colour: white, lavender, mint, Bugs or Jungle

Available in 5 sizes

COST: £7.50 - £7.75

Tots Bots

Top Tip! Very stretchy and snug fitting

100% knitted polyester wrap with TBT free waterproof, breathable polyurethane membrane

Suitable for all nappy types (although possibly not for prefolds on slim babies)

Very stretchy fabric, giving snug fit without rubbing

Elastic at waist and gusseted legs gives excellent containment

Aplix fastening with crossover tabs at the waist - ideal for slimmer waists

Can give a neat trim fit, particularly over terry fabric

Colour: white, Aqua Stars, Orange Stars, Purple Spots or Yellow Spots; available in 4 sizes

COST: £7.50 - £8.00

Tots Bots Fleece Wrap

Possibly the brightest coloured wraps around!

Made from very dense polar fleece

Breathable and holds moisture in exceptionally well

Double layer in the crotch area

Slim fitting and can be used over shaped or flat nappies

Aplix fastening with crossover tabs at the waist - ideal for slimmer waists

Colour: red, rainbow or polka dot; available in 4 sizes

COST: £7.50

Nappy Nation Wrap

Top Tip! Ideal for bigger newborns and for larger toddlers

Made from anti-allergenic soft brushed polyester with polyunethane laminated inside

Fastens with wide band of applix at the waist ensuring snug fit

Suitable for both prefolds and shaped nappies

Roomy design, allowing plenty of growth

Deep in the rise

Elastic at waist and gusseted legs gives excellent containment

Largest size is up to 40lbs, so large enough for bigger toddlers or later potty-trainers

Made in UK

Colour: white, lavender, turquoise, blue; available in 3 sizes

COST: £7.00

Bummis Polar Fleece

Top Tip! Slim fitting wrap

Soft Micro fleece bonded to breathable waterproof layer

Waterproof membrane means its less likely than other fleece wraps to leak under pressure (eg car seat), although some wicking may still occur

Has leg gussets

Suitable for all types of nappy

Colour: natural; available in 4 sizes

COST: £9.95

Bumpy Wool

Top Tip! Ideal for babies with sensitive bottoms, also ideal for night-time

Made from top quality wool which breathes better than any other fabric

Good option for babies with sensitive skin or prone to rashes

NB not suitable if baby is allergic to lanolin

Elasticated waist and leg gussets gives good containment

Extra popper for added security with older babies

Exceedingly good for night-time use (would only need one if just using at night)

Wool doesn't hold onto bacteria - needs less frequent washing than other wraps

Can be hand washed using wool shampoo or olive soap or machine washed at 30°c

Use with prefolds or shaped nappies

Needs to be treated monthly with a wool cure to retain their waterproofness

Not a cheap option, but very long lasting

Colour: natural; available in 5 sizes

COST: £17.99

NB other, cheaper wool wraps are available - please contact me for more information.

Prorap

Top Tip! Robust wrap

Polyester with PUL inner

Designed as a wrap for use laundry services so can withstand very hot washes - a robust wrap

Suitable for most nappies; double elasticated leg gusset holds pad folded nappies well

Soft and strong hook and loop fastening is soft and strong although not stiff

Colour: white; available in 5 sizes

COST: £5.99 - £6.75

Litewrap

Soft polyester knit with PUL inner

Quick drying

Very adjustable TouchMate non scratch Velcro plus single popper for added security

Fits chunky babies especially well, a good fit for most babies

Generous leg gusset gives good containment

Suitable for prefolds, terries and shaped nappies

Newborn size has special cut out for umbilical cord to promote healing

Colour: white or print (pastel farmyard or bright toys); available in 5 sizes

COST: £6.95

Kushies

Top Tip! Not breathable

Made of PVC so can feel stiff and plasticky

NB no breathability

Use with shaped nappies or terries

Colour: white or assorted prints; available in 2 sizes

COST: £5.00

Popper Fastening Wraps

Motherease Air Flow (previously known as Air Rika)

Top Tip! Can also be used as pull up pants with Motherease Sandy Nappy - particularly useful for potty training or for older toddlers for night times

Made from soft brushed polyester, gently laminated inside

Side air vents allow air exchange through flaps between poppers, making wrap more breathable

3 sets of Poppers at leg and waist

High in the rise to suit shaped nappies, but too loose for pad folded nappies

Elastic at the legs and waist ensure a comfortable leakproof fit

Colour: white, lemon or pale blue; also eco-theme prints: Oceans, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Asia

Available in 5 sizes

COST: £8.50

Nature Babies

Top Tip! Good value for money

Soft polyester knit with PUL inner

Suitable for all nappies, shaped and pad folded

Fastens with poppers at waist and at thigh

Well elasticated at the waist

Multi-sized wraps - extra set of poppers on the front fasten down to reduce the height, giving larger weight range

Made in UK to a very high finish

Variety of colours and prints - please contact me for more information; available in 3 sizes

COST: £7.00

Bummis Super Whisper

Top Tip! Not for high waisted nappies

Made from polyurethane laminated polyester

Has no gussets but is cut slim to accomodate a pad folded nappy

Single row of poppers at waist

Suitable for both prefolds and some shaped nappies

Colour: white; available in 5 sizes

COST: £7.25

Stacinator Deluxe Fleece Wrap

Made from anti-pill polar fleece

Double layer throughout

3 sets of poppers at waist and thigh

Elasticated legs and waist

High in rise and suitable for all types of nappy

Colour: plain colours, prints or blue stripe; available in 5 sizes

COST: £11.95