Which wrap/ soaker should I use?

Added 23rd of January 2009

Which Wrap Should I use?

PUL material, fleece or wool? Which wrap should I use over my real nappies!?

Wraps are used over 2 part nappies, where the cotton/ absorbent part is separate from the waterproof part. The waterproof part is called a wrap or soaker, and these are generally made from either PUL, fleece or wool material. Pocket nappies or all-in-ones do not need a wrap, as the waterproof part is part of the nappy itself. For more information about the different types of real nappies, please see the article "Help, which nappy?!"

PUL wraps

PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. One side has a soft rubber feel to it, the other is either a cotton or polyester fabric. PUL is a durable, waterproof material, yet is still said to be breathable. It is arguably the easiest type of wrap to use and launder. Unless it has poo on it, a wrap made from PUL will just need changing at the end of the day. It then is simply put in the bucket with your used nappies (assuming you are dry pailing- becareful about soaking PUL material). Most can be washed at 60 degrees and tumble dried (although they may last longer if left to air dry- they dry very quickly anyway)- check care instructions. PUL wraps can be used over real nappies made from any material. You may need to consider the cut of nappies- if any of the absorbent part is left showing, you will get leaks, but any site that sells nappies should be able to tell you which wraps are suitable for which nappies.

The main incompatibility will be with prefold nappies. Wraps over a prefolds need to be snug fitting and have a gusset. They should also have a flap at the front of the wrap to hold the prefold in place. For prefold nappies look out for wraps by Bamino Mio, Cotton Bottoms, Bummis, Prorap and Motherease Rikki wraps. If you are planning to pad fold terry squares, you will need one of these wraps too. These makes may also be suitable for many shaped nappies.

PUL wraps are fastened by either velcro (sometimes called Aplix) or poppers, a few are pull on, like pants. See section underneath for help on poppers vs velcro.

PUL in summary:

Easy to use and launder
Will go over real nappies made from any material (natural or man made fibres)
Reliable during day and night (providing you have a good fit)
Slim fitting
Not as breathable as fleece or wool
Sometimes the elastic around the legs and waist may leave red marks.

Fleece wraps:

Fleece wraps aren't waterproof, like ones made from PUL. They are water resistant. Because of this, they are prone to compression wicking, where moisture can be squeezed through the wrap, if the nappy underneath is wet and pressure is put in one place- so if baby is sitting in a pushchair or car seat, for example. You can also get compression wicking if clothing over the top is too tight- e.g. vest tops buttoned underneath. On the other hand, fleece is a more breathable fabric so some moisture from a wet nappy underneath is allowed to evaporate. I find fleece especially good at night time, as the nappy underneath should last a little longer- great for summer too- I think it must be cooler than a PUL wrap. I also think that wraps made from fleece are kinder around the legs, as elastic is hidden under soft fleecy material. Fleece does take on the smell of the nappy underneath. During the day, the wrap needs changing at most nappy changes. When overnight, the wrap may smell a little in the morning, but when left to air, the smell goes. I use them for about 3 nights before washing. Laundering them is easy though. They can just be machine washed with your nappies. They dry pretty quickly and don't mind being put on a radiator. Fleece wraps come in a huge range of colours and patterns and can be seriously cute, but it is a bulkier material than PUL. Fleece wraps can also be poppered or fastened with velcro. Some are pull-on in style. Some are shaped like PUL wraps, others are like shorts or long trousers.

Fleece in summary:

Prone to compression wicking- not suitable for every circumstance. Be careful what clothing you put over a fleece wrap.
Easy to wash but may need washing more than PUL during the day
Breathable fabric, so great over night or during the summer
Lots of funky colours and styles- something for all tastes
More bulky than PUL. May be a consideration if using one-sized nappies on a small baby.

Some wraps are fleece on the outside, but lined with a PUL material. These are more like PUL wraps, just have a soft, colourful outer. They do have the bulk of a fleece wrap.

For examples of fleece and PUL lined fleece wraps, see this nappysite Wahm shop:

http://www.thenappysite.co.uk/wahm-debbies-nappies/

Wool

Wool has many of the advantages and disadvantages of fleece. It is water resistant, rather than waterproof, but because it's a natural material, is many people's preferred option. It also can only be used over a nappy made from a natural fibre- cotton, bamboo and hemp- not polyester. Wool is not as easy to care for as fleece. It needs treating with lanolin upto 3 times before use, and may need hand washing. For detailed care instructions on wool covers and soaker, please read separate article: "How to use and care for wool soakers". Because wool needs a little more care than PUL and fleece, I would be careful about using on a pre-weaned baby, especially if over squares (these don't contain runny poo too well).

Don't let this put you off though. I love wool at night. Yes, it can be a hassle to wash and re-treat, but wool wraps are very effective at night. Like fleece, in the morning, the wrap will smell slightly, but after an airing, the smell goes. I only wash my wrap only about every 4 weeks. Wool comes in a variety of styles- from pull on pants, to long trousers and skirties. Very cute!

Wool in summary:

Prone to compression wicking- not suitable for every circumstance. Be careful what clothing you put over a wool wrap.

Not the easiest to launder, but they don't need washing too often. Careful with pre-weaned babies.

Not suitable for use over real nappies made from man-made fibres

Breathable fabric, so great over night or during the summer

Lots of funky colours and styles- something for all tastes

For examples of wool soakers and covers, see this nappysite Wahm shop:

http://www.thenappysite.co.uk/wahm-baa-baa-bottoms/

Poppers or Velcro (Aplix)

Poppers- (sometimes poppers fasten at the front, and sometimes are the sides):

More durable
Less likely to get caught up in the wash
Babies are less likely to undo poppers by themselves. Velcro make quite a fun noise to undo!
Kinder to sensitive skin on tummies. Sometimes velcro can rub on the tummy.

Velcro:

Quicker and easier to use- maybe easier for a childminder/ nursery?
Can start to wear out
Can get an exact fit- not restricted to placed poppers
Can get caught up in the wash

I hope this helps. If you have any question, either contact me via the site, or post a query in the nappysite forum.

Work at home mums- sell your home made items in a nappysite WAHM shop!

Sell pre-loved real nappies in the nappysite used nappy ads.