21 October 2023
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Posted in Blog
Ultimate Guide to Terry Nappies & Flats
31 January 2022
Updated April 2024
If you talk to people about reusable nappies, especially the older generation, you'll often find them talking about boiling nappies and terry nappies and safety pins and rubber pants.
Thankfully the world has moved on! Terry nappies or flat nappies aren't the only option any more which means that they sometimes get overlooked, especially when modern cloth nappy systems are so popular. But there's LOTS of reasons to love terry towelling nappies - or any flat nappy, including muslins.
Helen, (aka the boss) used muslins on all 4 of her newborns, alongside Nappy Nippas and a waterproof cover. She was a BIG fan of the Jo Fold, which was grabbed with a nippa for a slim fitting and absorbent washable nappy.
Terry towelling nappies, aka terry squares, aka flat nappies are a great choice for parents seeking an economical, effective, and eco-friendly cloth nappy option. Here at The Nappy Gurus, 12 nappies (flat or terry) will cost you just £24.95!
They're easy to boost / add absorbency to front or rear depending on your baby and can be used from newborn to potty-training older children.
In this guide, we'll explore how to use terry towelling nappies, their benefits, and some tips to get the most out of this classic nappy choice.
- What Are Terry Nappies?
- How to Use Terry Towelling Nappies
- Benefits of Terry Nappies
- Common Folds for Terry Nappies
- Caring for Your Terry Nappies
- Top 5 Reasons to Love Terry nappies
What Are Terry Nappies?
Terry nappies are made from terry towelling fabric, literally what towels are made from. Traditionally made from cotton but now often made from bamboo terry or even hemp, these nappies are soft, durable, and washable.
Some terry nappies require folding to fit the baby's shape but are highly versatile to accommodate different sizes and absorption needs. However it's possible to get prefold nappies or flats also.
How to Use Terry Towelling Nappies
To use terry towelling nappies you'll need:
- waterproof nappy cover
- absorbent terry towelling nappy or flat nappy
- fleece liner
- nappy fastener
Using terry towelling nappies just involves folding the fabric into a nappy shape that fits snugly around your baby. You can leave it 'pad' shaped or shape it more like a nappy, in which case you'll need a nappy nippa or similar nappy fastener.
I remember before my first baby was due I practiced and took step by step pictures so that I knew what I was doing when baby arrived!
It can seem a bit tricky at first, but practice makes progress and it soon becomes a quick and easy task. You’ll also need a waterproof nappy cover to prevent leaks, as terry cloth alone won’t contain moisture completely. We also recommend a fleece liner to keep your baby dry and easily get rid of poo!
Benefits of Terry Nappies
Cost-Effective
Terry squares are significantly cheaper over time than disposables because they can be washed and reused for multiple children.
Eco-Friendly
By using terry nappies, you reduce landfill waste and environmental toxins from disposable nappies.
Gentle on Skin
With no chemicals or plastics, terry nappies are gentle on a baby's skin and reduce the risk of nappy rash compared to disposables.
Highly Absorbent
Terry fabric is naturally absorbent, making these nappies ideal for night-time use or heavy wetters.
Adjustable Fit
Unlike shaped cloth nappies or disposables, terry squares can be folded in various ways to fit your baby perfectly as they grow. You can have different folds for boys or girls (boys need more absorbency at the front, girls underneath). You can easily boost them too.
Super Quick Drying
Compared to all other cloth nappies, these are really fast drying which is brilliant if drying is tricky for you
Common Folds for Terry Nappies
- The Pad Fold: Simple and quick, great for changing on the go.
- The Triangle Fold: Offers more coverage and is suitable for overnight use.
- The Kite Fold: Provides excellent absorbency and a snug fit.
Each fold can be secured with nappy pins or a Snappi, a safer alternative to pins.
Caring for Your Terry Nappies
Washing Terry Nappies
Terry nappies can be washed in a machine on a hot cycle up to 60c to ensure they are clean and sanitary. This is generally hotter than more modern cloth nappies.
Drying Terry Towelling Nappies
Unlike many MCN, terry nappies can be tumble dried on low or line dried.
Storing Terry Nappies
Keep used nappies in a dry pail with a lid to manage odours until wash day.
So why do we love flat nappies so much? Well you can find our top 5 reasons to love them below, along with some super cute photos of our Guru's little ones modelling them, but really we couldn't put it any simpler than our biggest terry nappy and flat fan, Chloe! So here is her summary on why flats are just completely amazing:
"I love flats because they surprise you. You expect them to be complicated, old fashioned and rubbish. Once you try them you realise the modern flat is no less easy than any other cloth nappy, and it’s like you’re in on a secret - they’re a super reliable nappy for less than half the price of a standard cloth nappy. They’ll do days, nights, and you can fold them to suit your needs. They’re accessible on a small budget and so fast and easy to dry. My heavy wetter can go through a pricey all in one in an hour, but a Terry square or boosted flat will last him much longer and can be easily customised to suit my needs."
Our Top 5 Reasons to Love Terry Nappies:
What do our Nappy Gurus think?
Sarah tells us why she got started on terry nappies and how she ended up hooked! "I decided to give terries a go for a holiday as I'd heard they were good for handwashing and quick drying. Well, the holiday never ended up happening but we were hooked on terries! They became our standard night time set up and just love them. They're versatile, reliable, easy to wash, easy to dry - what's not to love? We learned one fold (the kite) and I still don't know any others; it's easier than you'd think to get started. I never thought I'd get into terries but they really are great"
One of our Nappy Gurus, Hazel, loves flats because "They can be repurposed as face cloths, gym towels, boosters in night nappies. So many things!" and Paige says "I love how fast drying flats are!"
Frith told us she loves "that flats can be used throughout every stage of the cloth journey and beyond."
Diane offered the brilliant advice to not be "put off by the folds; once you have tried them a few times, it becomes second nature."
Chloe thinks they are "An overlooked option suitable for all shapes and sizes" and is a huge lover of flats as they are "A cost effective option for heavy wetters and a great newborn nappy with the versatility to last all the way to potty training!"
Shovorne told us "Now that my little one has grown out of his flats and muslins they are great for all-sorts! They make perfect bibs, changing mats, puke cleaner-uppers, soak up the water spillages! You name it, if the baby did it, I use some kind of ex-flat nappy to clean it!!!"
How to fold flat nappies:
Petra's Recommended Covers For Using With Flats:
So if you're debating trying flat nappies, our best advice is go for it! Find them all here!
About the Authors: Helen Rankin and Laura: Helen Rankin, current steward of The Nappy Gurus, took the reins in 2024, building on the foundation laid by Laura, the original founder. Helen, a veteran in the reusable nappy space, started her journey when her son Archie was born, leading her to launch Cheeky Wipes in 2008. Laura, equally passionate about sustainable parenting solutions, has always been an advocate for eco-friendly alternatives. Together, they continue to empower a new generation of parents through informed, sustainable choices.
