Buyer's guide to reusable nappies
Taking the plunge and using cloth or reusable nappies can seem like a minefield — we're here to answer all your questions about how to use and wash them, plus how much they cost and whether they're eco friendly
How do you use reusable nappies?
Reusable nappies come in different shapes and sizes, so finding one which works for you and your baby is straightforward. Most nappies will fit from birth to potty training, or from around 8lbs (newborn) to around 35lbs (approximately 2 years old) and will be fastened with either velcro, poppers or ‘nappi nippas’, a modern version of a nappy pin.
Nappies include four main parts – the shell or wrap, which is waterproof and covers the outside of the nappy, the absorbent nappy inside, a booster which can be added for extra absorbency and liners which can be either disposable or reusable and which help remove and dispose of poo.
- All in one nappies — Close to a disposable nappy in shape, these nappies are one piece and the whole nappy gets changed with each nappy change.
- All in two nappies — The inner nappy attaches to the outer lining and so at nappy change time, the inner nappy gets changed and a new one reattached to the outer layer.
- Pocket nappy — The outer layer has a lining attached to it, normally of fleece, to keep the baby dry. At either the front or the back of this pocket, there will be an opening for the inserts to be added. Pocket nappies are normally made up beforehand and then you would change the whole nappy, like an all in one.
- Two-part system — The outer shell and the inner nappy are not attached, the shell simply goes over the nappy. At changing time, the inner nappy is changed and the shell reattached.
How do you use cloth nappy inserts?
Boosters, or inserts, are placed inside the nappy to add extra absorbency. These can either be inserted into the pocket between the lining and outer layer, as in a pocket nappy, or they go in the inside of the nappy with a liner on top. You can layer them up if you need a nappy to last overnight, or put one insert in at a time.
Inserts can be made of all kinds of materials, from microfibre to hemp and even bamboo charcoal. It is worth considering that each material will have different absorbency levels and will also take different lengths of time to dry. For example, hemp is a very absorbent material and can hold a lot of liquid, but it will take much longer to dry than microfibre or cotton.
For some inserts, especially microfibre ones, you will need to top with a liner to make sure the insert material doesn’t irritate your baby’s skin.
How many reusable nappies do I need?
It depends whether you are planning to use cloth nappies full time or part time. Some parents decide to use them only during the day or only at night, others want to start with one reusable nappy a day (which still saves 365 disposable nappies from landfill each year).
To use cloth nappies full time, experts recommend around 24 cloth nappies, which would be the equivalent of around 2 days worth of nappies. It’s worth remembering you can often buy trial kits of nappies, buy nappies secondhand or see if there is a local nappy library you could borrow from to help you get started.
How do I wash/clean cloth nappies?
Washing cloth nappies can seem like a challenge but once you have a routine established, it isn’t difficult. Whilst each nappy brand will have specific instructions, nappies will normally need to be washed before use, some up to three times, to ensure they are absorbent and ready to do their job. Once a nappy is dirty, any poo should be removed from the liner and flushed down the loo.
The nappy can then be stored in a nappy bucket or wet bag. Most manufacturers recommend putting the nappies in dry, without soaking them, but if you choose to soak the nappies then you should only use water.
Dirty nappies shouldn’t be stored for longer than 2 or 3 days. If the nappies are stored longer than that before washing, then you will need to put them through several washes at 60 degrees.
Once you have enough nappies for the machine to be three-quarters full, put the nappies through a cold rinse or wash cycle. Then run a full wash cycle at either 40 or 60 degrees. It’s important not to use an eco or short cycle, as this won’t clean the nappies.
Add detergent as instructed on the nappy or following dosage instructions but don’t add fabric softener.
When the nappies are clean, hang them to air dry. Some nappies will be suitable for tumble-drying, but follow brand instructions.
What is “stripping” and how do I strip reusable nappies?
Strip washing reusable nappies is the equivalent of giving them a ‘deep clean’. If there has been a build up of residue from detergent or ammonia, if the nappy suddenly starts to leak or if the nappy has lingering smells, then a strip wash could solve this problem.
The Nappy Alliance suggests a cool rinse or quick wash, without detergent, followed by a hot wash on a long cycle with detergent, then a hot wash without detergent and, if there are still soap bubbles in the machine, an extra rinse. The hot wash temperature should be either 40 degrees or 60 degrees, depending on the nappy manufacturer's instructions.
How do I store dirty reusable nappies?
Once the poo has been removed from a dirty nappy, it can be stored either in a nappy bucket which is usually a large bucket with a tight fitting lid or in a wet bag (handy for nappy changes out and about) which can be zipped shut. Some wet bags will have two compartments, one for dry, clean nappies, and one to contain the dirty nappies.
Manufacturers no longer recommend soaking the dirty nappies, but nappies should be washed every two days.
How much do reusable nappies cost?
Reusable nappies may seem like an outlay at first, but in the long run especially when used for more than one child, there are savings.
The average child will use more than 4,000 nappies by the time they are potty trained, with disposable nappies becoming more expensive as they get bigger.
A single reusable nappy could be priced between £10-£25 and as a full-time cloth nappy user, you may need up to 25 reusables. However, reusables can be brought secondhand or borrowed from a nappy library. You can also sell used cloth nappies when your baby has finished with them.
How long do reusable nappies last?
As long as you follow the washing instructions, reusable nappies can last between three to five years.
Are reusable nappies more eco-friendly?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs assessed reusable and disposable nappies in a report released in 2023. In it, data shows reusable nappies not only produce less carbon dioxide than disposables, but the environmental impact of producing and disposing of disposable nappies is higher too.
As nappies are reused for additional children, the eco credentials only increase.
Are there any incentives to help buy cloth/reusable nappies?
Many local council authorities have a Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme, to encourage parents to switch to reusables, and you can find out if your council is involved by searching online. The schemes could include money off or cashback on reusable nappies, or vouchers covering the cost of a starter kit.
Schemes are also run by various suppliers in connection with local authorities, for example Real Nappies For London, The Nappy Lady or The Nappy Gurus.
What do I do with old reusable nappies?
When reusable nappies stop working as well as they could, they can be repurposed into cleaning cloths or even sanitary towels. However, when they’re no longer usable, they can be recycled at your local textiles recycling point.
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Pics: Getty