When discussing cloth nappies with older generations, they often recount the laborious process of soaking pails filled with malodorous nappies, boiling them, meticulously folding towels, and the occasional mishaps with safety pins. However, contemporary reusable nappies have evolved to be as convenient as disposables: they come in contoured shapes, feature elastic bands, and are secured with either velcro or poppers, available in an array of eye-catching prints.
Moreover, their maintenance is simpler too; there’s no need for soaking or boiling—just toss them into the washing machine. Even when considering the energy expenses involved, reusable nappies prove to be more economical in the long run and contribute significantly less to waste accumulation.
Certain parents opt for ‘eco-disposables’, like Naty and Kit and Kin, which boast reduced plastic content compared to mainstream disposables and contain milder chemicals. While I found them pleasant to use, they come at a considerably higher price point and still culminate in nappies ending up in landfills or incineration after use.
How do I choose the best nappies for my baby?
Numerous factors come into play when seeking the perfect nappy: the size and build of your baby, their propensity for leaks, and, significantly, the washing and drying facilities available in your home. For instance, if you reside in a cold, compact, or humid environment, you’ll require nappies that dry quickly. In my evaluation, I laundered a batch of nappies every two or three days.
The paramount consideration is selecting nappies that align with your particular circumstances. Wendy Richards, the founder of The Nappy Lady, a specialized retailer, encapsulates it succinctly: “There is no universally best reusable nappy, only the one that best suits your lifestyle.”
While the options may appear overwhelming, they typically boil down to two primary choices.
One-part nappies: entail fastening a single layer around your child, akin to a disposable nappy. They are convenient and the quickest to put on but offer less absorption and containment compared to a two-part system due to their single elastic set and smaller absorbent core.
Two-part nappies: involve using a cloth nappy alongside a separate wrap. They excel in absorption and containment. The entire inner layer of the nappy consists of absorbent material, making them ideal for nighttime use, nap times, and extended journeys.
Moreover, they feature two sets of elastic, enhancing their ability to contain even the most explosive incidents. Although they typically take longer to dry due to increased absorption, if you have a heavy wetter and ample space for drying, they represent a reliable regular option. Additionally, two-part systems can be more cost-effective since you only need to purchase a few wraps to cover a stash of nappies.
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Why use reusable nappies?
To give you some perspective, if your baby were to wear nappies daily until they reached around two and a half years old, you would have likely gone through approximately 900 nappies, which take hundreds of years to decompose!
Not only do reusable nappies offer environmental benefits, but they are also reputed to be gentler on your baby’s skin. They are less prone to leaks and purportedly facilitate easier potty training.
If you’ve thoroughly researched the differences between reusable and disposable nappies and have settled on washables, you’ll be pleased to discover that they have evolved significantly and are now convenient to carry in your changing bag. Gone are the days of terry nappies and safety pins.
The best reusable nappies
Kit & Kin Reusable Cloth Nappy
The Kit & Kin Reusable Cloth Nappy earned the prestigious Gold for Best Reusable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Each nappy contributes to environmental sustainability by rescuing two plastic bottles from ending up in landfills. It boasts a super absorbent and gentle 100% naturally-derived core, ensuring your baby’s bottom stays dry and comfortable for up to 12 hours. With its one-size-fits-all design featuring convenient poppers and an adjustable waist, it adapts to your baby’s changing shape as they grow.
One parent tester expressed, “It stops me from having to make weekly runs to the supermarket for a fresh pack of disposable nappies! It’s also much gentler on my child’s skin, eliminating the occurrence of nappy rash. I would highly recommend this product to mothers seeking to reduce waste and contribute to environmental efforts – they’re fantastic!”
TotsBots Bamboozle System
The TotsBots Bamboozle System clinched the Silver award for Best Reusable Nappy at both the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.
This innovative nighttime solution comprises two essential components: the Bamboozle Nappy Wrap and Bamboozle Stretch. By combining the Bamboozle Stretch Nappy with the waterproof Bamboozle Wrap, parents can enjoy up to 12 hours of leak-free comfort, fit, and dryness for their baby.
A parent tester shared their experience, stating, “After experiencing leaks with other reusable nappies at night, we reluctantly resorted to disposables, which wasn’t our preference. Hence, we were thrilled to try the Bamboozle system. It was intuitively designed; the inner absorbent nappy paired with the wrap was straightforward. We also found the boosters necessary for overnight use. Although they fit quite bulky, we opted for a larger vest size for sleep. We were delighted with their overnight performance – exceptionally absorbent with no leaks. They lasted for up to 10 hours. I now feel less guilty about our reliance on disposable nappies.”
Modern Cloth Nappies Pearl Pocket One Size All-in-One Reusable Nappy
The TotsBots Bamboozle System garnered both Gold and Bronze accolades for Best Reusable Nappy at the esteemed Mother&Baby Awards in 2023 and 2024.
The Modern Cloth Nappies Pearl Pocket, a one-size all-in-one reusable nappy, boasts over 30 color options and complete adjustability to accommodate your growing child. Designed to span from babyhood to toddlerhood, this nappy accommodates children weighing approximately 3.6kg to 16kg and is crafted from OEKO-TEX certified materials.
Versatile in function, it can be enhanced for nighttime or heavy wetting. Equipped with a tummy panel to prevent moisture leakage, it prioritizes both comfort and fit.
Charlotte, one of our parent testers, expressed her enthusiasm: “I absolutely adore Modern Cloth Nappy nappies! They’re incredibly user-friendly and easy to clean. The designs are charming, and the nappies are exceptionally well-crafted! While they take a bit longer to dry, placing them near the radiator speeds up the process. They fit my little girl perfectly, feeling incredibly soft and gentle against her skin.”
Seedling Baby Multi-Fit Pocket Nappy
The Seedling Baby multi-fit pocket nappy, recognized with the Bronze award at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Reusable Nappy, is designed to accommodate children weighing approximately 4-16kg.
Crafted from 70% bamboo viscose, 30% cotton prefold, and featuring a microfibre booster, this nappy offers exceptional leak protection with its double gusset at the legs. Its one-size design, equipped with three sets of size-adjusting snaps, ensures a comfortable fit from birth through toilet training.
The outer layer, made of waterproof and breathable PUL, enhances durability and comfort. Each nappy includes a microfibre booster layer to address leaks or heavy wetters effectively.
Helen, one of our parent testers, shared her experience: “I was pleasantly surprised to receive this nappy all the way from sunny Australia. My family there has recommended this brand in the past, and I’m thrilled with its versatility. I can use it as a pocket with my boosters, or with the pre-fold nappy inner supplied. The included instruction booklet was helpful, especially as the fold differs from my previous experiences with little lambs and close pops.”
Mamia Reusable Lion Nappy
The Mamia reusable nappy offers an eco-friendly alternative to disposable diapers, contributing to your efforts in sustainability one step at a time. Featuring an adorable design, this nappy is not only gentle on the planet but also ensures comfort for your little one.
Saying goodbye to disposable nappies and embracing reusables has never been easier with Mamia. This nappy is designed for convenience, making it easy to use, wash, and dry. Its adjustable poppers ensure a comfortable fit for your baby, allowing for ease of use and adaptability as your child grows. Make the switch to Mamia and take a positive step towards a greener future for your family and the planet.
How to change and wash reusable nappies?
While reusable nappies offer environmental and financial benefits, cleaning them requires more effort compared to disposing of a nappy in the bin. When changing your baby’s reusable nappies, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to washing them.
One helpful tip is to use a nappy liner between your baby and the nappy. This liner acts as a permeable layer, preventing solid waste from reaching the nappy directly. Using a liner significantly simplifies the washing process. You can easily dispose of any solid waste wrapped in the liner by placing it in the bin before washing the nappy. Many nappy liners available in the market are 100% biodegradable, adding to their environmental appeal.
Conclusion
The journey through the realm of reusable nappies, as tested by various mothers, reveals a landscape rich in options and benefits. Each nappy carries its own unique features and advantages, offering parents an array of choices to suit their preferences and needs.
From award-winning designs like the Kit & Kin Reusable Cloth Nappy to the innovative TotsBots Bamboozle System and the versatile Modern Cloth Nappies Pearl Pocket, these products represent not only convenience and comfort for babies but also environmental consciousness and financial savings for families.
The insights shared by parent testers shed light on the practicality, effectiveness, and eco-friendliness of these reusable nappies. As mothers navigate the journey of parenthood, they find solace in the reliability and sustainability of these products, contributing to a cleaner planet and brighter future for generations to come.
Ultimately, the exploration of the 9 best reusable nappies serves as a testament to the power of informed choices, thoughtful innovation, and collective efforts towards a more sustainable and nurturing world for our little ones.