Cloth nappies

Why choose cloth nappies

Better for your baby

Cloth nappies can be more comfortable for your baby, as they're made from soft materials like cotton which is gentle to your baby's sensitive skin. Studies have also shown that babies are much less likely to get nappy rash with cloth nappies. 

Although cloth nappies can be a little less absorbent, the design of disposables means the child can't always feel when they're wet. Therefore, babies in real nappies generally potty train sooner than those in disposables.

Better for you

On average each baby will need between 4000 and 6000 disposable nappies, or 25 to 30 birth-to-potty cloth nappies. Families could save between £100 and £1000 by switching to cloth nappies - and the more children in reusable nappies in a house the bigger the saving. 

For every £1 spent on disposable nappies, there is a cost to the taxpayer of 10p to dispose of them. 

Better for the environment

In the UK around eight million nappies are thrown away each day. These nappies take hundreds of years to break down and produce methane gas (a strong greenhouse gas) that contributes to global warming. By using cloth nappies we could reduce the cost to our environment with a 40% carbon saving.  

Modern design and materials

Nowadays, cloth nappies come in a variety of designs with poppers and Velcro fastenings rather than terry towelling folds and safety pins. Type 'real nappies' into a search engine and take a look.

Where you can buy cloth nappies

Many supermarkets and baby shops sell cloth nappies however, there may be a larger selection online. You can also buy and sell pre-loved cloth nappies. 

• Renappy - a free online marketplace for used nappies.
• National Childbirth Trust - search for events or groups in your area to find out where nearly new baby products can be bought or sold.
• Go Real - this independent information source provides real nappy advice and can direct you to a range of sources. 

Get the most out of  nappies

• Wash soiled nappies at 60^oC. 
• Wash wet nappies and waterproof wraps at lower temperatures along with the rest of your washing. 
• Avoid tumble drying. 
• Keep dirty nappies dry in a lidded bucket - avoid soaking them. 
• Avoid using unnecessary chemicals such as conditioners and sanitizers. 
• A few drops of Tea Tree essential oil is effective as a steriliser. 
• Never iron nappies or wraps. 
• Extend the life of your nappies - reuse them on another baby or give/sell them to someone else. 
• Use washable nappy liners.