Pocket Nappies
The Pocket or Stuffable nappy combines the absorbency and quick drying qualities of a Flat nappy with the convenience of an All-in-One nappy. Pocket Nappies are available in sized versions or birth to potty and allow you to separate the absorbent part of the nappy when washing and drying. Pocket nappies are very popular but can be slightly more expensive than other types, this is balanced out by their convenience and the fact that a separate waterproof wrap is not necessary.
A pocket diaper is two layers of material sewn together on three sides leaving an opening for you to insert the amount of absorbent material you desire. A waterproof outer barrier fabric is sewn to the second component, an inner moisture-wicking fabric that keeps the skin feeling dry. These two fabrics form a pocket for the third component, an absorbent insert, to be placed. A pocket diaper usually does not require a cover. The exception would be a fitted that has a pocket.
The outer water proof layer of the pocket acts like a built in diaper cover. It is usually made of PUL or polyurethane laminated fabric. The outer can be any material backed or lined in PUL. Minky is lusciously soft and many makers offer this fabric for their pocket diapers. Minky fabric is a polyester plush velour. It actually feels like mink fur, extremely soft, durable and a high quality fabric, laminated with New Improved Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). TPU on the other hand is a composition specifically adapted to produce non-porous membranes exhibiting waterproof and water vapor transmissible. It is good for cloth diaper because it is durable, excellent water-resistant, cut and tear resistance and extremely soft.
The stay dry inner is usually made with microfiber or suede cloth. These are very soft to the touch, but are able to keep wetness inside the diaper so your baby's skin is totally dry. Some babies do have allergies to suede cloth though, so of you have persistent redness or rashes with suede cloth it could be the reason. The other inner material choices for a pocket include: velour, athletic wicking material, minky, cotton or bamboo. Different materials will feel different on the baby when wet. Of the fabrics listed above, microfleece, suedecloth and athletic wicking material are considered “stay dry”. This means baby feels dry after a pee.
The absorbent part of a pocket diaper is called an insert - it is a long rectangular piece of absorbent material, usually made from synthetic microfiber, but can be made from natural fibres as well. The insert is put into the pocket before wear and taken out before being washed. Some moms don't like to use microfiber inserts. A very popular insert material is hemp. Hemp is a natural fiber that is antimicrobial and extremely absorbent as well. Actually you can put into a pocket any material you wish. Infant prefolds do double duty as an insert as well. Simply trifold the prefold and stuff the pocket.
* Component parts secure together giving one piece to put on, so very easy to use.
* Component parts separate for ease of washing and quick drying.
* Some assembly needed, simple folding may be required.
* Pocket nappies usually come with inserts but can also be used with flats or prefolds.
* They close with either velcro or domes.
* Usually are not made with any natural materials.
* You can use a pocket diaper without the insert in place of a swim diaper.
* Generally a more expensive option, but speed of drying means less nappies may be needed overall.
Wraps are NOT needed with these nappies.
PlaySafe about pockets
One of the best things about pockets is their absorbency. You can add as little or as much as you need. If you have a heavy wetter, or need to use one for extended periods of time, then you can add an insert and a doubler. If you have a light wetter you can use a smaller insert for a nice trim fit. Pockets are a great choice for naps and nights, going out of the house, long trips and day care. They are so easy to use that you can easily leave them with daddy or grandma for the day without worrying about them knowing how to use them. However with all the man-made materials used for pockets, you might want to consider having some fitteds or prefolds on hand for playing outside during the hot summer months, so your child doesn't get very sweaty underneath the diaper. There are some pockets that have natural materials, but not many, the Tots Bots Easy Fit has a bamboo inner. Pockets are almost as easy as it gets. You simply put the insert or "stuff" into the pocket opening and then put the diaper on your baby. And pocket diapers are not only absorbent and easy, they are super cute! You can literally find a rainbow of colors for your pockets.
