Reusable Nappies

Benefits Of Reusable Nappies

Switching to reusable nappies, also called cloth nappies or 'real' nappies, instead of disposable ones, has many benefits. These benefits are for you, your baby, and the environment.

Reusable nappies are a better choice for the planet. They can also save you money in the long run. Your baby may also experience fewer skin irritations with cloth nappies. The benefits of reusable nappies are:

• a chemical-free option, so less chance of nappy rash
• a great money saving choice
• easy to use on all ages
• free from single use plastics
• and much more aesthetically pleasing and cute than disposables!

Starting With Reusable Nappies

Reusable nappies can seen daunting at first, with lots of different nappy brands and styles available on the market. However, here at The Nappy Gurus we aim to break it down and keep cloth simple!

If you're looking to start with reusable nappies, take a look at our Beginners Guide to Cloth Nappies as a handy starting guide, with all of our nappies sectioned into handy shopping categories.

Our best advice for getting started with reusable nappies, is to just give it a try and ask for support when you need it. Choose a nappy you like, or one recommended to you, and just go for it!

Most parents opt for one-size reusable nappies, as these will grow with your baby from birth through to potty training. Meaning you only ever need to buy one set of nappies, and can use them again if you have more children in the future. One Size nappies come in different styles:

• Pocket Nappies - quick drying, easy to use and have customisable absorbency and a built in fleece liner
• All in One Nappies - super easy to use, but are slower drying
• All in Two - can be very economical and usually fast to dry
• Flats & Terries - super fast drying and very economical
• Fitted Nappies - recommended for night time nappies and heavy wetters
• Nappy Covers - needed over the top of fitteds, flats and terries.

If you need more help to choose the right reusable nappies for you, we offer free reusable nappy advice from our expert team. 

Washing Reusable Nppies

One of our cost commonly asked questions is 'How do I wash reusable nappies?', and the answer is super straighforward! To wash reusable nappies:

• store your nappies in a nappy bucket, pail or wet bag ready until wash day
• cold rinse in the washing machine (no detergent)
• long 40 degree wash with detergent (both bio and non-bio detergents are fine, powder is better than liquid or tabs)
• avoid fabric softener which can affect the absorbency of your nappies
• air dry where possible. Some inserts can be tumble dried but check manufacturers instructions. Nappy wraps

Read our full guide to washing reusable nappies.

Reusable Nappies For Newborns

Choosing whether to use washable nappies from birth is completely up to you. Some people will have their nappies ready to use from birth, whereas other parents will choose to wait a few weeks and use disposable nappies before starting with reusables.

There is no right or wrong way of doing it, but if you choose to go straight for reusables from birth you will need some newborn sized nappies. you can buy newborn specific sized nappies, these usually fit from around 5lbs.

Alternatively, some nappies, such as the Revolutionary Reusable from Bambino Mio, will fit from 5lbs right the way through to potty training. For more advice on reusable nappies for newborn babies, read our guide.

Reusable Nappies For Older Children

We offer a range of larger size reusable nappies that will fit your child up to around 70lbs. We also have a wide range of potty training essentials and reusable training pants. This includes our bestselling brand, and award winning range, from My Carry Potty. If you're looking to use reusable nappies on your toddlers or older children, you can find our recommendations here.

Reusable Wipes vs Disposable Wipes

Reusable wipes are a natural and chemical-free alternative to single use wipes. They can be used to clean bottoms, messy hand & faces and even as make up wipes.

Reusable wipes are super effective, you will likely only use one at a time which is hugely different to the 5/6 needed disposable ones. By buying a Washable Wipes Kit, you can also save an average of £525 by switching to reusable wipes.

Even using the cheapest supermarket brand baby wipes will cost you £254 over 3 years.. and that's just for bums! You can read our full guide to reusable wipes.

Why Shop With The Nappy Gurus

Here at The Nappy Gurus, our nappy ladies have been supporting parents on their sustainable parenting journeys for over 14 years.

We only stock products loved and trusted by our team of experienced Gurus and we pride ourselves on providing as much in depth information and real life photographs so you can see exactly what you're buying.

We stock bestselling nappy brands such as Tots Bots, Bambino Mio, Little Lamb, Baba + Boo and Bells Bumz. We also offer a range of other essential parenting products from award winning brands including My Carry Potty, Babymel and ErgoBaby.

We also offer a 100 day happiness guarantee, same day dispatch and a wide range of advice services. Find out more about us and our team here.