Reusable nappies might seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve always used disposables. But once you understand the simple routine - prepare, fit, use, wash, dry, you’ll see how easy and rewarding they can be.
Best of all, they’re gentle on your baby’s skin, kinder to the planet, and more cost-effective in the long run.
How many reusable nappies do I need?
It's the most common question that we get asked. Here is our guide to how many reusable nappies you may need:
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Using reusable nappies part-time: Based on using 2-3 reusable nappies per day on a part-time basis we recommend you have 8-10 nappies with washing every 1-2 days.
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Using reusable nappies full-time: For full-time use we would recommend 18-25 nappies. This is based on using 6-8 reusable nappies per day and to allow 1-2 days between washing.
Getting ready: before first use
Reusable nappies must be prewashed before you use them on your baby. This process helps the material become absorbent and ensures nappies perform well from the start (although, it is worth noting that your nappies will increase in absorbency once they’ve been used and washed around 10 times)
Soak in water for 24-48 hours followed by a machine wash with detergent (never use fabric softener). Our nappy buckets are great for this! Alternatively you can wash 3-5 times at 60C but this is less energy efficient.
Fitting your nappy correctly
A good fit is key to comfort and leak-free performance. Reusable nappies should be:
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Snug but not too tight around baby’s waist and legs
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Just above the hips in height
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Roomy enough to slide 2 fingers between nappy and baby, at the tummy/waistband, and one finger around the legs, for comfort
Adjust the poppers to find the right height and waist fit as your baby grows. Every baby is different, so you might need to tweak the settings a few times.
When to use Boosters
Boosters are extra absorbent inserts that help increase how much a nappy can hold without adding much bulk.
They can be used:
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With All-in-One nappies to boost absorbency for heavy wetters or longer stretches between changes
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At night to help nappies last longer while your baby sleeps
Simply place the booster inside the nappy, underneath the main absorbent layers.
Boosters make it easy to adapt your reusable nappies as your baby grows or their needs change - without having to switch nappies entirely.
What to do with poo (and when to use liners)
Handling soiled nappies is easier than you might think.
Newborns & breastfed babies:
Before solids, baby poo is water soluble, meaning it dissolves in the wash. Just rinse (if needed) and pop the nappy straight in the wash.
After solids start:
Once solids enter the picture, poop doesn’t wash out as easily. This is where our biodegradable liners make life simpler:
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Place a liner inside the nappy next to baby’s skin
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When you change the nappy, lift the liner with the solids, tip the solids down the toilet and dispose of it in the bin
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The nappy itself goes in your storage container until wash day
Disposable liners save you from scraping or rinsing solids off and make changes quicker and cleaner - especially when out and about or if someone else is caring for your baby.
Storing used Nappies between washes
Until laundry day, store used nappies in:
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A nappy bucket at home
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A wet bag when you’re out and about
These containers keep smells contained and nappies ready for washing. Always keep buckets or bags well out of reach of children.
Shop our used nappy storage options here
Washing: clean and fresh for next use
Reusable nappies are washable in your home machine - here’s an easy routine:
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Pre-rinse or rinse & spin (cold) - gets nappies wet and removes loose soil before the main wash
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Main wash at 40–60°C with non-bio detergent - this deep cleans nappies
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Avoid bleach, softeners, and harsh additives - these can reduce absorbency and damage materials
Make sure not to overfill the machine; nappies need space to agitate for a good clean. They should come out clean and free of detergent smell - a tell-tale sign you’ve used just the right amount.
Drying: the best ways to finish
Drying reusable nappies properly helps them last longer and stay fresh:
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Line dry outside - the sun naturally helps lift stains
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Tumble dry on low if needed
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Hang in a well-aired spot indoors if weather isn’t ideal
Avoid direct radiator heat, which can damage elastic and fabrics. Always check product labels for special care instructions.
Once you get into a routine, reusable nappies are surprisingly straightforward:
Prepare → Fit → Use → Store → Wash → Dry → Repeat.
With the help of liners for solids and the right washing routine, reusable nappies can be cleaner, gentler, and more eco-friendly than disposables - without adding undue hassle to your parenting days.
