Have you ever looked at a disposable nappy and thought about where it goes after you throw it in the bin? You are not alone. Parents everywhere are starting to ask questions about the waste we create.
In 2026, the cloth nappy is making a huge comeback. It is not just a square of white terry cloth and a safety pin like it was when I was young. Modern reusable nappies are colourful, easy to use, and often look just like the disposables you see in the supermarket.
Switching to cloth can feel like learning a new language. You hear words like “boosters,” “liners,” and “pre-folds,” and it is easy to feel lost. But do not worry. This guide is here to help you understand the basics so you can start your journey with confidence.
Why Choose Cloth Nappies?
There are three big reasons parents decide to make the switch: comfort, cost, and the planet.
Comfort for Your Baby
Disposable nappies are convenient, but they are made of plastics and super-absorbent gels. Some babies have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to these materials.
Cloth nappies are breathable. They are usually made from natural fibres like cotton or bamboo. These materials are soft against delicate skin and allow air to circulate. This can help keep your baby’s skin healthier.
Saving Money
It might seem expensive to buy a set of cloth nappies upfront. However, once you have them, you stop buying packs of disposables every week.
Over two or three years, the savings add up significantly. If you have a second child, you can use the same nappies again. That makes them even cheaper in the long run.
Helping the Environment
A single baby goes through thousands of nappies before potty training. In a landfill, disposable nappies take hundreds of years to break down. By using reusables, you keep all that plastic waste out of the bin.
Understanding the Different Types
When you start looking at cloth nappies, you will see a few different styles. Here is a breakdown of the most common ones.
All-in-One (AIO)
These are the most like disposables. The waterproof outer layer and the absorbent inner part are sewn together. You put it on, take it off, and wash the whole thing. They are very simple to use but can take a little longer to dry.
All-in-Two (AI2)
This system has two parts. You have a waterproof cover and an absorbent insert that snaps or lays inside. When you change the baby, you can often wipe the cover clean and just swap out the wet insert for a fresh one. This means less washing.
Pocket Nappies
These have a waterproof outside and a soft “stay-dry” layer inside. Between these two layers, there is a pocket opening. You stuff absorbent inserts into this pocket. They dry quickly because you can separate the parts.
Squares and Prefolds
This is the traditional style. You use a square of fabric (like cotton or muslin) and fold it to fit your baby. You secure it with a fastener (no pins required these days) and put a waterproof cover over the top. Brands like T-TOMI offer excellent high-quality cloth squares that are versatile and affordable.
Picking the Right Materials
The fabric you choose changes how the nappy works. Here are the main options you will find.
Cotton
Cotton is the classic choice. It absorbs moisture quickly and holds onto it well. It is durable and washes easily. T-TOMI is well-known for their quality cotton cloth nappies with fun prints.
Bamboo
Bamboo is incredibly absorbent. It holds more liquid than cotton, which makes it great for heavy wetters or nighttime use. It is also very soft and stays soft even after many washes.
Microfibre
This is a synthetic material. It absorbs liquid very fast but acts a bit like a sponge. If you squeeze it, the liquid can come back out. It dries very quickly but should never go directly against a baby’s skin because it can dry it out too much.
How Many Do You Need?
The number of nappies you need depends on how often you want to do laundry.
Newborn babies need changing often, sometimes 10 to 12 times a day. Older babies might need 6 to 8 changes.
If you plan to wash every two days, aim for about 20 to 25 nappies. This gives you enough for two days of use, plus extras while the others are drying.
You do not have to buy them all at once. Many parents start with just a few to see which style they like best.
The Washing Routine
Washing nappies is the part most people worry about. It is actually quite simple once you get into a rhythm. You do not need to boil them on the stove like your great-grandmother did.
Step 1: Remove the Solids
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, their poo is water-soluble. Technically, your washing machine can handle this without rinsing, though some parents prefer to do a quick rinse anyway.
Once your baby starts eating solid food, you need to knock the solids into the toilet before washing. You can use fleece liners to catch the mess, which makes this step much easier.
Step 2: The Pre-Wash
Put your used nappies in the machine. Run a short cycle with detergent. Ideally, this should be around 40-60°C. This cycle rinses away the bulk of the urine and soiling, so your main wash is done in cleaner water.
Step 3: The Main Wash
Now run a long, heavy-duty cycle. This should be a full cycle, usually 2.5 to 3 hours long. Use the full amount of detergent recommended for heavily soiled laundry. A temperature of 60 degrees is great for killing bacteria and getting things really clean.
Important: Do not use fabric softener. It coats the fibres and stops the nappies from absorbing liquid.
Step 4: Drying
Line drying outside is free and environmentally friendly. The sun can also help bleach out any lingering stains.
If you need to use a tumble dryer, check the labels on your nappies. High heat can damage the waterproof layer (PUL) and the elastics. It is usually safer to hang the waterproof shells and only tumble dry the absorbent inserts.
Dealing with Nappy Rash
Some parents worry that cloth nappies cause more rashes. Actually, cloth is often better for skin, but you do need to be careful.
Change Frequently
Because cloth nappies do not have the strong chemicals that turn liquid into gel, your baby might feel wet sooner. Change them as soon as they become wet to prevent ammonia from coming into contact with their skin.
Use Liners
If your baby is sensitive to wetness, use a fleece liner. Liquid passes through the fleece into the absorbent part underneath, leaving the top layer feeling dry against the skin.
Barrier Creams
You can use barrier creams, but check if they are safe for cloth nappies. Some thick creams can clog the fabric, causing it to repel water. If you need a heavy-duty cream, use a liner to protect the nappy.
Storage and Smells
You do not need a bucket full of soaking water. In fact, soaking is bad for the elastics and creates a drowning hazard.
The best way to store dirty nappies is “dry pailing.” Get a large basket or bin with lots of holes for airflow.
Put the dirty nappies in the basket until wash day. Air circulation stops smells from building up. It sounds strange, but a sealed bin actually smells much worse than an open basket because the lack of air encourages bacteria to create strong odours.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best routines have hiccups. Here is how to fix common problems.
Leaks
If the nappy is leaking, check the fit first. It should be snug in the groin area, like underwear, not loose on the thigh.
If the fit is fine, check absorbency. Your baby might be outpeeing the nappy. Add an extra booster or insert to hold more liquid.
Smells
Clean nappies should smell like nothing. If they smell like ammonia (strong urine) when your baby wets them, they might not be getting clean enough. Try increasing your detergent amount or making sure your wash cycle is long enough.
Making it Work for Your Lifestyle
Using cloth nappies does not have to be all-or-nothing. Many families use cloth at home and disposables when they go out or travel. This is sometimes called “part-time cloth.”
Every disposable you swap for a reusable one is a win. Do not put pressure on yourself to be perfect. Start with one nappy a day if that is all you can manage.
If you are sending your child to nursery, ask them about their cloth nappy policy. Many modern nurseries are happy to use them, especially the simple All-in-One styles.
Next Steps
If you are ready to give it a try, start small. Look at the different types and see what appeals to you.
Check out the range of cloth nappies available to see the different styles. For reliable basics and beautiful patterns, explore the T-TOMI brand page.
Using cloth nappies is a journey. It takes a little practice, but soon it will be just another part of your daily routine. You are doing something great for your baby and the world they will grow up in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to wash nappies at 60 degrees?
Current advice suggests washing at 60 degrees is best for hygiene, especially if your baby is under 3 months old or unwell. It ensures bacteria are killed effectively. For older babies, some parents wash at 40 degrees with a good detergent, but a periodic 60-degree wash helps keep them deep-cleaned.
Can I wash nappies with my other clothes?
Yes, you can. Do your “pre-wash” cycle with just the nappies first. Once that rinse cycle is done, you can add your other small laundry items (like baby clothes or towels) to the machine for the main long wash. This helps bulk out the load, allowing the machine to scrub everything cleaner.
How do I handle poo when out and about?
Take a “wet bag” with you. These are waterproof bags with zips. If you need to change a nappy, just put the dirty one in the bag and zip it up. Deal with the mess when you get home. It is easier than it sounds.
Will cloth nappies delay potty training?
Many parents find the opposite is true. Because cloth nappies do not feel as dry as disposables, toddlers become aware of wetness sooner. This connection can sometimes help them learn to use the potty earlier.
Are second-hand nappies safe to use?
Absolutely. Buying pre-loved nappies is a great way to save money. Just perform a “strip and sanitise” wash before you use them. This usually involves a long, hot wash with plenty of detergent and sometimes a specific laundry sanitiser to ensure they are fresh for your baby.
