Getting Started With Reusable Modern Cloth Nappies

Starting with cloth nappies for your newborn - or making the switch from disposables - has never been easier. As more and more people look to reduce their household waste or live more sustainably, using modern cloth nappies in preference to disposable nappies nowadays makes a lot more sense. 

While the convenience of disposable nappies still reigns, the modern cloth nappy category is booming. Cloth nappy usage and awareness is growing significantly in Australia as more and more brands enter the market and availability increases. And it’s not just the environment that can benefit from a switch to cloth nappies - some parents have reported less irritation and nappy rash than when using disposable nappies, and higher absorbency and less smell too - not to mention the benefit to your hip pocket!

We're here to help demystify reusable nappies, and help you understand how to get started with reusable modern cloth nappies.

First things first - what ARE modern cloth nappies?

When we talk about modern cloth nappies, we are definitely NOT referring to the old towelling folded nappies pinned together with a safety pin that your parents might have used on you when you were little (ouch!). The new wave of reusable cloth nappies couldn't be more different - or easier to use. 

Modern cloth nappies are reusable, washable nappies that are made from soft fabrics that absorb liquids, and also have a water-resistant outer layer that keeps moisture from leaking through. Worn just like a disposable nappy, they fasten with press studs for the perfect fit, and have elastic around the legs to keep everything contained. They can be used with or without a disposable liner, as most will also include one or two reusable liners.

Designer Bums All-In-Two modern cloth nappies feature a snap-in super-absorbant tri-layer bamboo insert, plus an additional large anchor-shaped insert to boost absorption - handy for night time, or anytime you need a bit more absorption.

Disposable nappies vs modern cloth nappies

Every child will likely go through between 6,000-7,000 disposable nappies in the course of their lifetime - and at an average of between 16c - $1 per nappy, depending on the brand and size, that’s a lot of money spent on something you throw in the bin!

Although it may cost a little more upfront to kit your baby out with disposable nappies, there are savings long-term:

- Most nappies use a series of press-studs to ensure that your baby has the perfect fit, from newborn all the way through to toddler years.

- Modern cloth nappies, if you choose well, can be used again and again from one child to the next. There is also a thriving second-hand market for reusable nappies!

What about the environmental impact of disposable nappies vs. modern cloth nappies?

According to Sustainability Victoria, 3.75 million disposable nappies are used each day in Australia and New Zealand, and it takes about one cup of crude oil to make each nappy. This amounts to a huge amount of landfill, with regular disposable nappies taking up to 150 years to break down!

Whilst there’s an environmental cost involved with washing your reusable nappies, it’s definitely the best option if you are looking to lead a low-waste, more eco-friendly lifestyle, without potentially harmful chemicals or plastics.

How to get the right fit with cloth nappies

The beauty of most modern cloth nappies is that they are a one-size-fits-all, meaning that you can adjust them in size to fit a baby from newborn (3.5kg) through to toddler years (15kg). The handy press studs are positioned so you can ensure the perfect fit for your baby at every stage.

How do you clean reusable cloth nappies?

Cleaning reusable nappies is actually really easy! Pre-solids, rinse baby poo in the sink and then just pop your nappy in the wash as usual. For more solid baby poo, just flick it off into the toilet or you can also use a flushable eco-friendly disposable liner (usually made from bamboo) if you just want to peel that off too.

How many cloth nappies do you need?

If you’re starting from newborn, you need to consider that some babies will go through around 8-14 nappies a day, and 6-10 nappies as they get older. Add to that washing and drying time, and you’re going to want to eventually have a stash of about 20-30 modern cloth nappies in your baby’s kit.

How do you use cloth nappies when out and about?

You’re out and about with bub and you need to change their nappy. Of course it’s easy to choose a disposable nappy and just bin it, right? But it’s actually super easy with a cloth nappy as well! Just pop the nappy in a wet bag - Designer Bums make a great range of wet bags made from the same waterproof fabric as their disposable nappies, which make transporting wet nappies easy and smell-free - then simply wash as per usual at home.

Where can I buy cloth nappies?

Right here! We’ve got a huge range of cloth nappies online at One Fine Baby, with lots of super cute prints to choose from. You can also purchase a Reusable Cloth Nappy Trial Pack here for a reduced price, to help get you set up. Shop a few of our favourites below:

To help you on your way with your reusable cloth nappy journey, we’ve set up a code for you to get 20% off on bulk orders of 6 or more

Designer Bums modern cloth nappies. Simply pop code DB20 off at checkout to save!