How many reusable nappies do I need?
Introduction to Modern Cloth Nappies
Modern cloth nappies are a type of reusable nappy that can be washed and reused multiple times, unlike disposable nappies that are used once and then become waste society needs to deal with.
Reusable nappies are soft against your baby’s skin and won’t give nappy rash.
Cloth nappies nappies are a practical option for most families and can save you money in the long run.
You can use washable nappies part-time with disposable nappies at other times to give you flexibilty on a busy schedule. Remember every single reusable nappy used will be saving one from landfill or creating climate harming emmissions during incineration.
If you are squeamish you can even use disposable liners to help deal with poo.
Factors Affecting Nappy Stash Size
The number of cloth nappies you need depends on factors such as your baby’s age, how often you change your baby, and how often you do your laundry.
Are you going to be using cloth nappies full time or part time.
Newborn babies require more frequent changes, so you may need more nappies initially. Read our separate guide to how many newborn nappies you will need.
Consider a few factors, including the type of cloth nappies you’re using and your washing schedule.
Consider your drying facilities. The slowest times of year to air dry are spring and autumn when you don't have the heating on at home and it's damp outside.
How many reusable nappies do I need?
You want around 20 reusable nappies if you’re using reusable nappies full-time. A larger stash offers more flexibility but it will considerably increase the upfront cost of your nappy system.
20 cloth nappies is enough nappies for a full wash load and can bulk up with baby clothes and muslins.
I'm using a two part system - how many wraps do I need
If you're using a two part nappy system (fitted nappies nappy and separate waterproof cover). Then the ratio of nappies to wraps you should work to is one wrap to every four nappies.
If you have 20 nappies then you should have 5 cloth nappy wraps in each size.
Quick Check List - What Do I Need For Using Reusable Nappies?
Reusable nappies required for washing every two days: Baby age 8 weeks to 6 months old
You will need: (under 8 weeks you'd be washing daily with this list)
X | Quantity | ITEMS |
| 15 | Nappies for Daytime |
| 5 | Nappies for Night Time |
| 2-5 | Wraps for two part nappies. Ratio is 1 wrap for every 4 nappies that need a cover. |
| 5 | Boosters for Night Time |
| 6 | LINERS a) Rolls of Paper liners to cover the first 2 months |
| 20 | or LINERS b) Reusable Fleece Liners |
| 1 | Nappy Bucket |
| 2 | Mesh Laundry Bags to go in the bucket |
| 40 | Reusable Wipes (Ratio based on 2 per nappy) |
| 1-2 | Waterproof storage bags for out and about |
| 1 | Change Mat for Out and About |
Reusable nappies needed for a baby 6 months PLUS
You will need:
X | Quantity | Shopping List Based on Washing Every 2 Days |
| 12 | Nappies for Daytime |
| 3 | Nappies for Night Time |
| 2-4 | Wraps for two part nappies. Ratio is 1 wrap for every 4 nappies that need a cover |
| 3 | Boosters for Night Time |
| 3 | LINERS a) Rolls of Paper liners to cover approx. 2 months |
| 15 | or LINERS b) Reusable Fleece Liners |
| 1 | Nappy Bucket |
| 2 | Mesh Laundry Bags to go in the bucket |
| 30 | Reusable Wipes (Ratio based on 2 per nappy) |
| 1-2 | Waterproof storage bags for out and about |
| 1 | Change Mat for Out and About |
Go ahead and save the shopping list so you can refer back to it as you build your system, or print the above and tick off as you go. Can also be used as a nappy addict prevention shopping list: you really don't NEED more than this even if you WANT more!
See below for our best sellers for each item in the shopping list:
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Washing and Caring for Reusable Nappies
1. Put your dirsty nappies into your washing machine. The drum should be no more than 3/4 full when dry - basically don't overfill it.
2. Run a rinse or quick wash cycle without detergent. NOT a prewash but a separate rinse or quick wash cycle.
3. Choose the longest 40/60 deg wash your machine offers. It should be at least 2 hours long and using lots of water.
-A cottons wash is usually the best option to choose.
-Avoid an eco wash.
-Add a detergent recommended by your nappy brand (commonly powder rather than liquid detergent).
-Your detergent dose should be proportional to the size of washing load you've put in, e.g. if you have a 3/4 full drum use a 3/4 dose, half a drum load then use detergent for a half load.
-NEVER any fabric softener.
4. Dry nappies. Ideally air dry but if you tumble only do this on low.
Boosters & Liners
Nappy boosters are reusable absorbent pads that can be used inside your nappies to increase overall absorbency when needed. Bamboo or hemp fibre nappy boosters provide the best absorbency. Generally you will have 5 boosters in total, which is 1 for every night time nappy. A particularly heavy wetter may need 2 boosters per night.
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There are two options for nappy liners; fleece nappy liners which are reusable or disposable nappy liners. Disposable nappy liners can be useful for quick clean ups especially for childcare and days out. Liners catch poos and make them easier to dispose of in the bin, they also help keep baby feeling drier.
If you want to use reusable nappy liners you will need 20 fleece liners. This is one nappy liner for every nappy.
Our best selling disposable nappy liners are the Universal Ultra liners which are suitable for preweaned and weaned babies.
Drying Common Challenges
Drying. We recommend you air dry nappies as this keeps them in the best condition especially if you want to use them on subsequent children. However having a tumble drier as a back up means you can get away with having fewer nappies as you don't need to allow a longer drying time.
Compare the cost saving of buying fewer nappies but the increased cost of drying plus wear and tear on the nappies.
Using nappies from birth
You can use reusable nappies from day one, and they are safe to use with babies from any age.
Many parents prefer reusable nappies on their newborns as they experience fewer “blow outs”.
You can learn more about using reusable nappies with a newborn in our newborn guide.
You can also opt for a one-size (also called birth to potty) nappyies but these can't be used immediately from birth. Instead they start to fit around 10lbs/4.5kg to approximately 2.5 years or potty training.
£16.49
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Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Don’t wait more than three days between washing and drying nappies or ammonia will build up and damage the fibres in your nappies.
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your reusable nappies and make them suitable for use with a second child or for resale.
Conclusion
The number of reusable nappies you need depends on factors such as your baby’s age, how often you want to use them, and how often you want to wash them.
A big stash can be a large outlay, but you’ll save money in the long run if you use reusable nappies instead of disposables.
Reusable nappies are a great option for green parenting and can be a practical option for most families.
Use the free Nappy Lady advice service to fine the best reusable nappies for you and your family.
Fill in our advice questionnaire and receive a free nappy recommendation including exactly how much you need of each item:
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