Product Focus: Snappi Diaper Fastener

Introduction to Snappi®:

The Snappi® is a PINLESS diaper fastener that offers a practical and reliable way to fasten a cloth diaper. It is a T-shaped fastener made from polyurethane, with grips on each end. These grips hook into the diaper fabric in a triangular shape, enabling a snug-fitting diaper that helps prevent leaks, but with enough natural movement for the baby's comfort. Snappi®s are available in a variety of colors and come in two sizes. Many parents, who are nervous to cloth diaper using pins, can now opt for this healthier diapering choice using this "pinless" and easy to use diaper fastener.

History:

The Snappi® fastener was invented by a father, Hennie Visser, in South Africa over 25 years ago. Hennie was actively involved in raising his daughter, which included his fair share of cloth diaper changes. Hennie commented:"I simply became frustrated whenever I had to change my baby's diaper because I most often ended up pricking my finger with the diaper pin, and left with a diaper that didn't fit securely!" He knew there had to be a better, safer and easier way to fasten diapers instead of using the old fashioned pin method. This was when he thought of a diaper fastener with rubber bands and tin grips, which marked the birth of the Snappi® fastener. After many prototypes and adaptations, the Snappi® was commercially available in 1987. It was launched at a large trade show in South Africa, proving an immediate hit with retailers and pharmacies. In 1990 the international market took notice of this product with exports to Australia, the United Kingdom and Brazil proving a consistent seller.

In 2001, Kate Braithwaite, co-owner and marketing director for Snappi® Baby, was approached by a friend, one of the patent attorneys of the Snappi® diaper fastener, to become their official distributor for North America. Having used and become reliant on the Snappi® when she cloth diapered her daughter Jordan (now 17), she knew the value of this incredible invention that could improve the lives of many.At first, selling the Snappi Cloth Diaper Fastener in a disposable diaper dominated market was a daunting challenge, but as the market became more health and environmentally conscious, the demand for cloth diapers increased and Snappi sales started taking off. Kate recalls: "I remember the first few months we could hardly give the Snappis away! Now, 8 years later, Snappi has become a cloth diapering essential with sales growing exponentially. We have new stores calling and ordering almost every day, saying that customers are asking for Snappis! We are very encouraged by this growth in our sales. Patience, perseverance and belief in a wonderful product are starting to pay off. We are also grateful to our wonderful, loyal retailers who do an outstanding job of marketing our product, and also the cloth diapering parents who use our product, for it is their word of mouth advertising that has given Snappi the success and credibility it now enjoys."

Snappis have revolutionized cloth diapering worldwide, and they have become one of the most important cloth diapering accessories. Over 65 million Snappis have sold internationally to date. Hennie is still involved in Snappi® Holdings in South Africa serving as managing director. Through his invention he changed not only the course of his own family's life, but also millions of other families around the world.

Why Choose Snappi®:

The benefits of this fastener include:

• Reliable - a snug fitting diaper to prevent those dreaded leaks
• Economical - affordable fastener that works well with the less expensive flat, prefold or contour cloth diapers
• Safer than pins - no more pinpricks for baby or parent!!
• Easy to use - allows first time parents, grandparents and people with arthritic problems to cloth diaper with ease. It is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3