Best reusable nappies for newborns, babies and toddlers UK 2022

2022-08-27 07:09:29 By : Mr. YIFAN YIFAN

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The best reusable nappies, tested by a mum of two.

Considering swapping single-use for reusable nappies? If you're on the fence, it's worth knowing that over three billion nappies are sent to landfill in the UK each year. And worse still, it takes at least 500 years for disposable nappies to fully decompose.

By using cloth nappies you can reduce your carbon footprint by 40%. But it’s not just your eco-credentials that’ll be in credit, switching to reusable nappies will save you money too – even more so if you use them for subsequent babies.

If you're short on time and reluctant to get your hands dirty, it's also worth knowing that reusable nappies have come a long way since the days of scrubbing hot cloths in the kitchen sink – today’s offerings are made from highly absorbent materials that keep your baby dry, comfy and protected from nappy rash. Some also repel odours and stains, and they’re all fast-drying.

Start saving money – and the planet – today with our round up of the best reusable nappies on the market, tested by a mum of two.

The clue is in the name! A reusable nappy is quite simply a diaper that can be washed and reused a number of times, while disposable nappies are only used once before being thrown away.

There are several types of reusable nappy on the market, made using a variety of materials including cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfibre. While each brand approaches the concept in its own unique way, the end goal remains the same: containing your baby's pee and poo without making them uncomfortable.

Nappy types typically fall into the following categories, but this list is by no means exhaustive! There is no perfect nappy, so it's worth doing your research before you buy, to ensure you choose the brand that best suits your family's requirements.

Need a helping hand? Head over to The Nappy Lady for further practical tips and advice on choosing your ideal cloth nappy brand.

To make the most of your reusables, always refer to the individual product guidelines. But for the most part, the following tips will also help you prolong the life of your nappies:

You don’t throw reusable nappies in a traditional nappy bin – we want to avoid landfill! So buy a reusable nappy bin and mesh bag liner. These usually come in packs of two, so that while one is in the washing machine you have a fresh one in your bin.

When you change the nappy throw the disposable liner (if you’re using one) into the bin, then place the booster or wet nappy in the nappy bin, wipe the baby’s bum and then pop a fresh nappy on. Bingo!

If you’re keen to use reusables day and night, then you’ll need about 15-20 nappies – plus boosters. But if you just want to use them part time, 8-10 will do the job. This will make sure you’re not washing nappies every day.

After the early newborn days where you can get through 10-12 nappies a day, most babies settle into about six nappies a day, which means you can do a nappy wash every 2-3 days and still have a decent supply available.

From Bambino Mio to Kit & Kin, keep scrolling for our reviews of the best reusable nappies for newborns and toddlers, tested by a mum of two.

If you're looking for an easy to use, super-fast-drying and reusable nappy then Bambino Mio's All-In-Ones are a game changer. We found them to be lightweight, slimline and well-fitting. They behaved just like our favourite disposable nappy – only we get to use them time and time again! The six layer super-absorbent core and breathable, fast-drying fabric helped to keep baby happy and dry, while Velcro straps held everything comfortably in place.

Extras: Available in 28 colourful designs including cats, elephants, birds and lemons!

Newborn-sized nappies make all the difference if you have an extra small or brand new baby in the house. This dinky Pop-in pack from Close Parent comes with a two-part system that includes a wipeable and waterproof outer shell and removable inner soaker, which can be popped in and out for quick, frequent changes. The slimmer profile will also keep your littlest arrival dry and comfortable with a shape designed for their smaller proportions, plus the front is contoured so it sits under the umbilical cord. Ah, those precious newborn days!

Extras: We love the selection of super-cute pastel hues including green, yellow, pink and grey.

We are big fans of this super-cute and reusable cloth nappy from Kit & Kin. The soft inner layer is made from Tencel and hemp, both of which are plant-based, kind to skin and 50% more absorbent than cotton. These nappies are also vegan, cruelty-free and made using sustainable materials, plus 100% recycled polyester for the waterproof outer shell. Thumbs up for the planet!

Extras: We love the playful animal-themed designs including a fox, lion and zebra.

Reusable swim nappies should be a total no-brainer whether you use reusables for everyday use or not. Unlike disposables, these swim nappies from Totbots cost a fraction more but you can use them time and time again so they save you money in the long run. Plus the designs are super-cute, they're well-fitting and keep any accidents inside the nappy, which ultimately is the aim of the game!

These high-tech reusable nappies from ModiBodi have been tested extensively in the lab and came out leak-proof every time, so they will keep even the biggest wetters drier for longer. The easy to use, all-in-one design makes changing easy and the antimicrobial layers fight lingering odours to prolong the nappy's life.

Extras: We particularly liked the black polybrush lining, which is stain resistant, repels solids (to combat sticky poos – handy or what?) and feels soft on the skin.

If you’re ready to make the jump, this complete set from Bambino Mio is worth the investment – plus, you can split the payments to make things more budget-friendly. With 16 MioSolo nappies, plus three extra absorbency inserts and 100 nappy liners included, all you need to do is wash them and get started.

Extras: The pack also includes an at-home nappy bin, on-the-go storage bag, gentle baby laundry cleanser and a little guide to reusable nappies too – everything you’ll need for a hassle-free reusable nappy experience.

Still on the fence? A small starter kit is a great way to see if reusable nappies work for you. Available in two different cute and colourful sets, each kit contains three different styles including the EasyFit All-In-One, the 2-part Bamboozle Nappy Wrap, three reusable fleece liners to boost absorbency and a set of Day to Night Pads too. They come with both poppers and Velcro tabs and give you the chance to see what style of reusable nappy suits you and your baby.

Extras: Available in Dreamtime rainbows and clouds, or Yellow with bumblebees and birds.

Looking for an extra absorbent night option? These super-fluffy cotton and bamboo nappies from LittleLamb have become our go-to at bedtime. Available in four sizes, they have elasticated back and thigh seams for a great fit and to help contain any explosions! And the little lamb print fabric is simply adorable. Extras: The two-part system contains a fitted reusable nappy with its own booster and a stylish waterproof wrap outer, but you will need an extra booster for nighttime.