The Mothercare Smart Nappy includes a soft, washable nappy outer that fastens at the side with Velcro tabs. Inside is a cradle into which you can insert a disposable or ultra-absorbent reusable pad. Elasticated comfy-fit leg openings help protect against leakage. You also need to buy disposable top liners, which can be removed when soiled, allowing the reusable pad to be washed and used again.
Alternatively, you can choose the disposable pads, which are 90% smaller than a standard disposable nappy, meaning less waste going into landfill. These are also lightweight and chlorine-free.
The fabric outer and disposable pads come in four different sizes and the reusable pad is available in three. For newborns, the outer has a belly button cut out as well as a two-fold extra absorbent reusable pad, which can then be used as a booster pad in the larger nappies.
The starter pack contains four Smart Nappy outers and eight reusable pads.
What we love
The Mothercare Smart Nappy system is extremely simple to use. I was able to put the nappy on almost as quickly as a disposable.
The nappy outer is made from soft, quick-drying, lightweight easy care fabric and I found them extremely easy and quick to wash and dry. The outers also feature Soft Tip™ tabs, which fold back to avoid damaging other garments during washing and drying.
The washable pad is easy to use – you simply need to fold it in thirds and add a liner. The disposable is even easier – you just slot it into the cradle and then throw it away once it's soiled.
Joe seemed to find the nappies comfortable and, even though they are slightly bulky, they were fine under his clothes.
I'd always wanted to try reusables, but - thanks to being both lazy and easily confused - I'd never quite managed it. I love it.
What to watch out for
It would be good if the starter pack also included a pack of liners since it's advertised as a 'starter pack' and so should, in my opinion, include everything you need to start using the system.
The washable pads are just slighlty less absorbent than the disposables, but still absorbent and do work well regardless.
Who is the Mothercare Smart Nappy system best for?
Mums looking for an inexpensive and viable alternative to disposables.
The Smart Nappy system is both foolproof and flexible. It’s easy to wash and simple to pop on at nappy change time. You can choose what type of pad is most convenient for you at the time. These reusables make going green an easy option. Just make sure you buy liners if you get the starter pack.
