The best reusable nappies 2024: washable cloth nappies to suit every stage

The best reusable nappies are easier to use than ever before, thanks to practical new designs and features. There’s never been so much choice when it comes to types and brands on offer, from all-in-one pieces to variations of two-part systems, so we're here to help.

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Many families are making the switch from disposable nappies to reusable ones, whether it’s their first baby or fourth. Some do it for the environmental benefits, as a washable nappy’s carbon footprint is lower than a disposable’s (even with washing, drying and manufacturing taken into consideration) and it won’t end up in landfill. Others do it for the potentially lower overall cost, as it’s estimated that cloth nappy users save hundreds over the course of birth to potty. Others simply appreciate a pretty cloth nappy print - the designs are getting ever cuter!

We hope our list of the best reusable nappies in the UK - put together after some rigorous testing, evaluation of reviews from real parents and research of advice from experts - will help you to learn about and love reusable nappies, and start your journey to finding the right ones for you and your child.

What are the best reusable nappies for older children?

While some of the brands listed above have size options for older toddlers and children who aren't yet toilet trained or may have additional needs which means toilet training isn't an option, much of the reusable nappy market is geared towards babies. We've taken a dive into which options are suitable for older children and taken pointers from Mumsnetters in the know to find the best reusable and washable nappy or pants options for older wearers. Here's our pick of the best reusable nappies for older wearers.

Why buy reusable nappies?

While disposable nappies may seem convenient, they come with a significant environmental and financial cost. It's estimated that every minute, 300,000 nappies are sent to landfill or end up in the environment globally. Yes - you read that right, every minute. Over time, the volume of this waste adds up phenomenally. However, as reusable nappies can be washed and reused multiple times, opting for them reduces the number of nappies piling up in dustbins.

They're the better option for a baby's sensitive skin too as there's less chance of nappy rash. Disposable nappies are often made from synthetic materials that can cause irritation, while reusable nappies are typically made from materials such as cotton or bamboo, which are more breathable and gentle on delicate skin.

Are reusable nappies expensive?

Initially yes, the cost of a reusable option is higher than a disposable nappy. However, while the price of one reusable nappy may seem quite high, you can save money in the long run in comparison to stocking up on disposables time and time again.

Some Mumsnetters have used them for multiple children too, so a high-quality reusable nappy is a good option if you plan on having more kids down the line.

How many reusable nappies will I need?

It depends on lots of things like your child’s age, how often you can put on a wash, your drying space etc. An average number, if you’re using them full-time including at night, would be around 15-20.

Related: The best bottle warmers for no-fuss feeding

What else do I need?

A nappy bin or bucket to toss in used nappies. A washing machine and drying space. Waterproof storage bags for outings, similar to when using disposables. Possibly boosters and/or liners to give your nappies an extra boost. And the usual changing mat and wipes (there are reusable wipes available too).

How do you wash a reusable nappy?

Wash off any wee or poo with cold water before starting a proper wash cycle at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Once washed, some reusable nappies can then be tumble dried. Others may need to be air dried.

How do I choose the best nappies for my baby?

When choosing reusable nappies for your baby, you'll want to factor in several different considerations including the absorbency, the size of your baby, how quick-drying you need it to be, and the care instructions. There's also the type of nappy to consider - here are the options you can choose between:

• All-in-one: These nappies come all in one part, hence why they're also sometimes called 'one-part nappies'. You may need to fold the absorbent inner soaker, but nothing detaches.

• Pocket nappy: These operate much like all-in-ones except the soaker is detachable when washing and needs to be stuffed into a pocket inside the nappy.

• Two-part nappies: The absorbent cloth nappy fits around your baby like a disposable would and a waterproof wrap cover adds a second and final layer.

• Prefold: The flat soaker folds, often on the third, to sit inside the waterproof wrap cover.

• Terry squares and muslins: These are folded and fastened with Nappy Nippas or pins with a waterproof wrap placed as the covering layer.

Do reusable nappies leak?

Leaks can occur if the nappy doesn’t fit well, it isn’t the right shape for your child or mistakes are made in either adjusting or washing it. On the other hand, many users find that cloth nappies can be better at containing runny milk poos than disposables because of the elastic at the waist and legs, meaning you’ll face fewer full-body changes.

To reduce the chance of leaks, you’re looking for a cloth nappy that fits low and close for full contact with your child with slight tension in the elastics. If you have any concerns, it’s worth talking to a nappy library (some even offer free introductory classes) or a retailer with a trial scheme.

How often should you change reusable nappies?

The Nappy Lady recommends changing every two-and-a-half to three hours during the day and before or after every night feed for babies under six months. This changes to every three hours during the day and as needed during the night from six months onwards.

What are the best reusable nappies to buy?

It will depend on what your baby is like and what they need - and what you like and need, as you’ll be using them! A lot can depend on your baby’s size and shape so a perfect nappy for one can leak for another. Consider trialling a set with a cloth nappy retailer or visiting your local cloth nappy library for more advice. We hope our list is a good starting point.

We chose Mother-Ease Wizard Uno StayDry All-In-One as the best overall as it’s easy, convenient, adjustable, absorbent and stylish.

What are nappy liners and boosters?

Nappy liners are thin sheets that are placed on top of the nappy, designed to catch solid waste and make it easier to dispose of.

Boosters, on the other hand, are additional pads that can be inserted into the nappy to increase its absorbency. This can be useful at night or during long trips when you may not be able to change your baby's nappy as frequently. They're also called nappy inserts.

Can I use reusable nappies overnight?

Yes, just like a disposable, they're fine to use while your baby is sleeping. Just remember that some, like the TotsBots EasyFit Star, are only intended for day use, but most are suitable for overnight.

You may want to use a booster overnight for extra absorbency or opt for an all-in-one nappies with a higher capacity though.

How we tested

We put each nappy through its paces with the same parent tester to cut out unnecessary variables. As such, we feel confident that we’re recommending the top reusable nappies for most babies.

• Safety and comfort

The baby wore the nappy as frequently as possible, taking washing into consideration, over the course of two months. Any pulling or potential for anything getting caught was noted.

• Assembly and preparation

The reusable nappy was unboxed and assembled if necessary. We scored for ease of use and assessed how complete and comprehensible the instructions were.

• Day-to-day usage

The child was changed in different settings – at home, out and about and a friend’s house – and our tester noted how easy it was to put on and remove it as well as how well it performed overall.

• Cleanliness

How well reusable nappies wash is crucial so each nappy was washed after each use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. They were all line dried. How well it washed and how long they took to dry was observed.

• Aesthetics

We took into consideration what the nappy looked like, how many prints, patterns and colours were available, how slim fitting they were and where the poppers were placed.

• Ethics

We looks at the ethical claims of each brand as well as any additional green commitments they discuss.

• Value for money

We asked whether the nappy’s function justified the price tag, whether there were any other factors that might make it good value for money and how satisfied our tester was overall.

How we chose our recommendations

First, we scanned the Mumsnet forums to see which reusable nappies were being recommended by real parents who have used and rated them - and which didn’t come out so well. We researched the nappies, as well as respected brands and newcomers, and talked with industry experts Wendy Richards (founder of The Nappy Lady) and reusable nappy consultant Sarah Smith (of Bristol Cloth Nappy Library).

We made a shortlist of 22 nappies - including pocket nappies, AIOs and two-parters - and our tester used and rated them. We combined these test results with recommendations from Mumsnetters from our forums, researched expert opinions, and reviews from trusted online sources, to compile this list of the best reusable nappies on the market right now.

Why you should trust us

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles or win a Mumsnet Best award.

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products, or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

There's no incentive for us to be lazy with our research or in our testing process. There's no reason for us to respond to pressure from retailers or brands trying to promote new products. It's actually quite the opposite and we think it's a good system, one that keeps us focused on making parents lives' easier. We hope it helps you.

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust with help of parents and experts. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles, however we never allow this to influence our coverage.

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