Reusable Nappy Week Advice

Flat nappies include terries, muslins and prefolds, which are usually cotton. They will need folding and require a waterproof wrap. Flat nappies are absorbent and very versatile – they can be folded for newborns and older babies and held in place using a nappy nippa or waterproof wrap. They are good for day and night-time use.

Average Cost: £2 per nappy.

Fitted nappies have soft, elasticated legs and waist. They are made of either breathable cotton, bamboo or microfibre that do not require folding – fasten with velcro or poppers and place a waterproof wrap over the top to make it waterproof. Fitted nappies usually come sized going by baby’s weight and are particularly good for night-time use.

Average Cost: £11 per nappy.

A waterproof wrap is worn over flat or fitted nappies. They are machine-washable and come either sized depending on your baby’s weight or one size (birth-to-potty), adjusting by poppers as your baby grows. Waterproof wraps are durable, breathable and dry quickly. They usually contain polyurethane laminate (PUL). There are also plastic-free wraps made of wool.

Average Cost: £10.50 per wrap.

Liners catch solids and protect the nappy from over staining. Disposable paper liners should be thrown in the waste bin after use. Washable fleece liners help to wick moisture away from the baby’s skin and can be washed with used nappies and then reused.

Average Cost:

Disposable liners £2 per roll of 100.

Washable liners 60p per liner.

Boosters increase the absorbency of any nappy. They can be used at night-time or generally if baby is a heavy wetter. Boosters are made of natural materials such as hemp or bamboo, which are very absorbent.

Average Cost: £1.60 per booster.

Any bucket with a lid will do. You can also use a mesh laundry bag that lines the inside of the bucket allowing for easy lifting of used nappies out of the bucket to the washing machine.

Wet bags are very practical and versatile to store nappies either at home or when you are out and about.

Many reusable nappy retailers and manufacturers sell their own buckets and wet bags.

Follow the recommended nappy manufacturers’ washing instructions and product care label to maintain a nappy’s lifespan. Further details about washing and drying below.

Store used (soiled/wet) nappies dry in a bucket or wet bag until wash day. This is known as dry pailing. Remove solids off the nappy down the toilet. Throwaway the used disposable liner in the waste bin, do not flush. If using washable liners, add these to the bucket or wet bag to be washed with the nappies.

On wash day, used nappies should first go on a cold rinse cycle without detergent. The cycle will agitate the nappies, remove dirt and drain the water away from the machine.

After the cold rinse, nappies should go on your washing machines cotton wash (non-eco setting) with usually non-bio powder detergent. It is recommended to always wash at 60°C if your baby is 3 to 6 months, whilst they are building resistance to infection. Once your baby is over 6 months, you can wash at 40°C (lightly soiled) or 60°C (heavily soiled). Use the correct detergent dosage for your area (soft or hard water). It’s always recommended to follow the nappy manufacturers’ washing guidelines and product care label. 

If you do not have enough nappies for a full load – you can add reusable wet wipes to the rinse cycle and add other household washing like dirty baby clothes, towels or bedsheets to the temperature wash. 

You should not use fabric softener, bleach or harsh stain removers as this can prevent absorbency and damage reusable nappies. The UK Nappy Network have a detailed Washing Nappy Guide for further information. 

Air-dry reusable nappies where possible and away from direct heat such as radiators. Some nappies may dry faster than others due to their absorbent material. Sunshine will help deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach nappies, helping to remove stubborn stains. Even hanging on a sunny windowsill indoors will help.

Some reusable nappies can be tumble-dried on a low cool setting. However, always check the product care label first and remember, consistent tumble-drying will reduce the lifespan of a reusable nappy and use a lot of energy, so it is best avoided.