A simple guide to get started
Below you will find sections on:
- What do I do about poo?
- How do I wash reusable nappies?
- How many reusable nappies will I need?
- How much do reusable nappies cost?
- How do I get the £70 reusable nappies voucher?
Thinking about reusable nappies but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. The good news is reusable nappies are much easier to use than many parents expect — and they can save you money while being kinder to your baby and the planet too.
What do I do about poo?
This is often the biggest worry — but it’s very manageable.
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- Using disposable liners makes things quick and easy. Just lift out the liner and poo and put it in the bin (don’t flush it).
If you’re using washable liners:
- Try to remove as much poo as you can before washing
- Solid poo usually drops straight into the toilet
- For younger, pre-weaned babies, poo is water-soluble, so nappies can go straight into the wash
- For softer poos, many parents use a simple poo scraper or spatula! to scrape into the toilet
How do I wash reusable nappies?
Washing reusable nappies is simpler than it sounds! In fact, it soon becomes just another part of your routine.
- Fill your washing machine to about three-quarters full
- Run a quick cold rinse with no detergent
- Follow with a long wash (the ‘Cottons’ cycle usually works well)
Wash at 40°C, or 60°C for babies under 3 months
Washing tips
- Use washing powder for best results
- Don’t use fabric conditioner – it stops nappies from absorbing properly
- You don’t need stain removers or harsh chemicals
Drying nappies
- Drying outside in the sunshine is brilliant — the sun naturally helps remove stains
- Indoors on an airer near an open window works just fine too
- Avoid placing nappies on radiators or heaters
- If you use a tumble dryer, choose a cool cycle
The good news is, there is no need to iron reusable nappies.
How many reusable nappies will I need?
If you’re planning to use reusable nappies full time, most families find around 20–25 nappies works well. That’s usually enough for 2–3 days of changes, so you only need to wash every other day.
Reusable nappies are designed to grow with your baby, so the same nappies can be used from birth right through to potty training. When you’re done, they can be reused for another child or passed on to friends or family.
Handy extras
You don’t need much, but these items really help:
- Disposable or washable liners – make poo clean-ups quicker and help protect nappies from stains
- A wet bag – perfect for storing used nappies when you’re out and about
- A bucket – useful at home for keeping dirty nappies between washes.
How much do reusable nappies cost?
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The cost of getting started depends on:
- Which nappies you choose
- Whether you use them full time or part time
- Whether you buy new or pre-loved
As a guide, buying 20 new flat nappies, 4 waterproof wraps, and disposable liners would cost around £90.
If you’re not ready to buy straight away, there are other options:
- Cloth Nappy Libraries across London let you hire reusable nappies for a small fee, so you can try them out first. Check out Barnet's nappy library in north London.
- Local nappy networks and parent volunteers offer friendly face-to-face demonstrations
Online marketplaces are great places to find good quality pre-loved nappies.
How do I get the £70 reusable nappies voucher?
You can apply for a nappy voucher worth up to £70, from your local council to purchase and test real nappies – they are easier to use than you think!
If you live in one of the north London boroughs and are an expectant parent, or a parent or foster carer with a baby under 18 months (or under 5 with a disability that requires nappies), you can apply for a reusable nappy voucher up to the value of £70. This can be used to help cover the initial cost of reusable nappies or contribute to a paid trial laundry service.
