How to Use a Snappi

If you're using flat, prefolded cloth diapers, you should learn how to use a Snappi. The Snappi is an alternative to diaper pins, and it's a mom-created invention. Who knew that a little piece of rubberized plastic could revolutionize cloth diapering? One major complaint people have in reference to cloth diapers is the potential for injury represented by diaper pins. The Snappi fastener is one snappy solution! Learn how to use one today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snappi diaper fastener
• Cloth diaper

Using a Snappi Pinless Cloth Diaper Fastener

1. 
    

   Place the cloth diaper on the baby by folding the front into thirds and bringing it up between the baby's legs. Fold any excess diaper inward. If the baby is already walking, you might want to twist the entire front section over, to create more room for his legs to move.

2. 
    

   Press the plastic teeth of one side of the Snappi into the side of the cloth diaper. Since the teeth are smaller, you don't have to worry about poking the baby with them, since any quality cloth diaper will be thick enough to protect the infant. Beware of drug-store cloth diapers that are simply glorified burp rags. Order Indian, Chinese or unbleached pre-folds from an online distributor or local cloth-diapering store.

3. 
    

   Pull the Snappi across the front of the cloth diaper and press the plastic teeth into the side of the diaper. At this point, the Snappi is completely secured, and only the bottom, stabilizing clip is free.

4. 
    

   Pull the third section of the Snappi down; this stabilizes the fastener so the baby's movements don't loosen it up. Pull it down as far as it can go and press the teeth of the clip into place.

5. 
    

   Put a cover over the top of the cloth diaper if you want to dress the baby; but if she's merely playing at home, it's OK (even preferable) to allow her to wear just the cloth diaper and the Snappi. This enables you to change diapers more frequently, which prevents diaper rash and increases the baby's comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy more than one Snappi fastener; if yours becomes soiled, you won't want to go back to diaper pins.
• A Snappi is faster than diaper pins, so you should be using them on babies who like to crawl away in the middle of a diaper change.
• Try not to put your Snappi in the dryer. The rubberized plastic will last much longer if it isn't regularly exposed to heat.