Cloth Diaper Material
The main fabrics for manufacturing cloth nappies are cotton, bamboo, hemp and polyester. Cloth nappie water resistant covers are made of wool, fleece (polyester) and PUL (polyester fabric laminated with a thin film of polyurethane).
Natural Fabrics For Nappies and Covers
Organic / Organic Cotton - Soft, easy in handling and very absorbant, cotton has been the most popular natural fibre in textiles for thousands of years. However due to the intensive use of pesticides, water consumption, gene manipulation and soil erosion the fiber bears enourmous ecological risks, especially when not organically grown. Organic cotton is a fabric material that has been grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides. Not only good for the Earth, but good for your baby. Usually unbleached and more expensive than conventionally grown cotton.
Bamboo - Bamboo diapers are popular for their environmentally friendly qualities as well as their soft and absorbent nature. Bamboo fabric retains it's unique antibacterial qualities even after 50 washings. Growing bamboo takes far fewer resources than growing cotton, especially conventionally grown cotton. Bamboo grows up to a foot a day without fertilizers or pesticides. Bamboo removes 40 percent more carbon dioxide from the air than trees do. While creating bamboo fabric still has a ways to go before it is as sustainable as it could be, it is still easier on the environment than creating synthetics. Bamboo is 60 percent more absorbent than cotton, and can absorb up to 3 times it's weight in water. Bamboo is stronger when combined with cotton or polyester. Bamboo is breathable and is often used next to the skin because it wicks moisture away quickly. It retains it's softness after many washings better than hemp or cotton. There are several different types of bamboo material to choose from, each with their own look and feel. Bamboo velour is the most popular of the bamboo fabrics. It is silky soft and works well for just about any sort of diaper. Bamboo french terry has been said to be the most absorbant, and makes a wonderful soaker material.
Hemp - Hemp fabrics are usually a combination of 55% hemp and 45% cotton. It is a popular choice for nighttime diapers and inserts because of its natural anti-microbial properties, durability and absorbancy. Hemp has a tendency to get stiff after it's been washed a few times, but will soften over time. From all three fabrics (cotton, bamboo, hemp) hemp is the most absorbant but takes the longest to dry out.
Wool - A natural fiber usually derived from sheep, and occassionaly from lamb, alpaca or angora and other such animals. Wool is primarily know for its naturally anti-bacterial and water repelling properties, as well as being extremely breathable. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in liquid without feeling wet. Wool is a wonderful choice for covers of all types. The most used types of wool are wool jersey and interlock. Wool Jersey - A single layer wool knit. This type of wool is very lightweight and makes a wonderful cover. Interlock Wool - A double layered wool knit. This wool is a medium-weight and more durable than jersey wool. Cheaper wool covers are made of recycled wool. Recycled Wool - Usually a 100% wool sweater than has been cut and sewn to make shorties, longies or a cover.
Most Used Forms Of Natural Fabrics
Many manufacturers use a little polyester in their fabrics blend to make it more durable. If you prefer 100 percent natural fabrics, always check what fabric composition/blend are you buying.
Birdseye Fabric - A thin woven fabric used for prefolds, flats or for the soaker material of a fitted or AIO. The pattern of small diamond shapes, each diamond having a center dot, suggests the eye of a bird. It is usually woven into cotton. It is very soft, light-weight, and absorbs quickly. Birdseye is woven with a loosely twisted filling to increase absorbency and launders well. No starch is applied because the absorption properties must be of the best. Material must be free from any foreign matter. It is also called "diaper cloth" and is used for that purpose as well as very good toweling. Often used as a summer dress fabric.
Muslin - One of the oldest of cotton textiles originated in India. A plain evenweave, strong cotton fabric, usually inexpensive. Muslin is available in a variety of weights either bleached or unbleached. Because air moves easily through muslin, muslin clothing is suitable for hot, dry climates.
Flannel - A lightweight fabric made of either 100% cotton, or a blend of cotton another fiber. Flannel is thickly napped on one side and soft and smooth on the other. A good material for diaper inners and soakers.
Terry - The loop formed by the pile of a fabric when left uncut. Terry is generally made with cotton and is a good fabric for cloth wipes. There are more versions of terry. French Terry - A knit fabric that has small loops on one side and is smooth on the other. It is a more absorbant and softer version of terry cloth. It can be used in combination with other types of fabrics such as bamboo or hemp.
Cotton Fleece - A soft and durable fabric, cotton fleece is made from 100% cotton.
Woven Cotton - Cotton that has been woven instead of knit for a more durable, yet less stretchy material.
Velour - A closely woven, thick pile fabric. Velour is velvety soft and smooth and is often used in combination with bamboo or cotton. It is a popular choice for fitted diapers and cloth wipes. Velour is durable and can stay soft over many washes.
Synthetic (Man made) Fiber For Nappies and Covers
Polyester (PES) - A synthetic, woven fiber used primarily in the manufacture of plastic. Polyester is often combined with cotton when used for cloth diapers to increase durability. Polyester fibres are strong and absorb hardly any moisture. They require minimal care, are wrinkle resistant, and quick-drying.
Fleece - A man made form of wool, fleece is 100% polyester and comes in many different thicknesses, or weights. Fleece can be used for the inner part of a diaper and will help wick away moisture from babies skin. Thicker varities can be used as diaper covers with their waterproof qualities.
Polar Fleece - Another form of microfleece made by Malden Mills. It has a little more of a waxy feel than regular fleece and may pill after it's been washed.
Suedecloth - Made from polyester, this fabric has the look and feel of suede, but is extremely easy to care for. Suedecloth does not pill, wicks away moisture from babies skin, cleans easily, and continues to look nice wash after wash. It is commonly used for pocket diaper inners.
Microfiber - A synthetic material made of 75% polyester and 25% polyamide. This material is a popular choice for pocket inserts as it can be very absorbent.
Microfleece - Made with a double-sided micro-fiber that is very soft and lightweight. Microfleece is a popular choice for the inner side of a diaper because it helps wick moisture from babies skin and resists staining.
Polyamide (PA) - Elastic, sturdy and easy to handle fabric (swimsuits).
PUL - Or Polyurethane Laminate, is generally a polyester interlock knit fabric (but can be any fabric) that has been laminated with a thin film of polyurethane on one side to make it waterproof. It is more breathable than plastic, very thin, very durable and can withstand high temperatures, making it a popular choice for pocket diapers and covers. It can be machine-washed and dried. Polyurethane laminate was first developed for hospital equipment, where reusable waterproof fabrics were needed. Today is laminated fabric useful as a wind and/or water barrier in the construction of fluid-splash protecting garments, shower curtains, outerwear clothing, cloth nappies / diapers and cloth menstrual pads.
