In Australia, modern cloth nappies have come a long way from the reusable terry towels and safety pins our grandmothers used.
Cloth nappies are fitted, reusable undergarments that use absorbent and moisture-wicking materials to draw liquid away from baby’s skin. True wonders of technology (and seriously cute), modern styles are comfortable, easy to use and cost-effective.
Choosing the right reusable nappies for your little one takes a bit of research, so to help a mumma out, we’ve put together a list of points and styles to consider when you’re scouting out the perfect product for that little botty.
Types of reusable cloth nappies
- All-in-one nappies (AIO) are similar to disposables in that the cover and absorbent inner are attached. But while an AIO nappy means there’s no need to add inserts, it also means you’ll have to wash the whole nappy when it’s dirty.
- All-in-two nappies (AI2) are made up of an outer shell and an absorbent insert that snaps into the cover. When wet, simply change the insert for a fresh one and reuse the cover. This usually means less washing.
- Fitted nappies are reusable styles that are fully absorbent and worn with a waterproof cover over the top.
- Pocket nappies are fitted with a built-in pocket for inserting liners and boosters for extra absorbency.
- One-size-fits-most nappies (OSFM) are available in a single size and equipped with adjustable snaps or Velcro to grow with your baby. Many brands will see you from newborn to toilet training with just one size.
Know another style we should add? Let us know contact us.
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
16 modern cloth nappies available in Australia
With so many cloth nappies available in Australia, it’s hard to know where to start, so we asked the HUGE Mum’s Grapevine Facebook community which styles and brands they love. In no particular order, these are nappies they recommend.
EcoNaps Modern Cloth Nappies
Designed in Byron Bay, EcoNaps resize easily with the snap of a few buttons to accommodate bubs from 3.5-16kgs. We love that they’re wearable as a pocket nappy or with a thirsty bamboo insert for leak-free absorbency at night ($34.95).
from EcoNaps website
Pea Pods One Size Reusable Nappies
A complete unit that includes an absorbent insert, Pea Pods feature internal leg elastic that adjusts like a bra strap for a snug fit. We love the trim fit and that you can add microfleece night boosters for up to 12 hours of protection ($24.95).
from Pea Pods website
Baby BeeHinds Reusable Nappies
Available in several one-size styles, all in one, fitted and night nappies, Baby BeeHinds award-winning nappies offer high absorbency and wide coverage that keeps everything contained. We love that they also come in economical multipacks (from $30).
from Baby BeeHinds website
Bare & Boho Cloth Nappy Bundles
Available in multipacks of up to 15 items, Bare & Boho reusable nappies feature four layers of absorbent cloth and double-layered gussets for leak protection. We love that the outer shells are water-resistant and simple to wipe down ($64.95).
from Bare & Boho website
My Little Gumnut Cloth Nappies
Ready to use, My little Gumnut nappies come with a breathable, water-resistant outer shell and a super thirsty bamboo insert. We love that the clever bamboo fleece pocket wicks away moisture from bub’s skin to keep nappy rash at bay (from $16.95).
Bambino Mio Cloth Nappies
Gentle on sensitive skin, award-winning Bambino Mio reusable nappies are ‘OEKO-TEXs standard 100 certified’ and engineered for dryness. We love that the stretchy waterproof fabric caters to wriggly bubs on the move (from $31.99).
from Bambino Mio Australia
Close Parent Reusable Nappies
Fitted with adjustable poppers, Close Parents ‘Pop-In’ nappies have a waterproof outer shell and smart absorbent core that holds wetness in place. We love the adorable animal prints and that they’re as easy to use as disposables (from $24.95).
Pekpi Cloth Nappy
Made using 100% recycled materials in every shell, Pepki nappies boast double gussets, two absorbent six-layer inserts and a trim fit that reduces bulk between legs. We love that they’re printed in a neutral palette that pairs well with everything ($34.95).
Mumma Bear Cloth Nappies
Machine-washable and super fast-drying, Mumma Bear cloth nappies feature double-row snaps, tummy elastic and multiple rise settings to fit growing bodies. We love that the roomy back pocket fits extra inserts for when bubs (finally!) sleep through ($17.99).
Mimi & Co Reusable Nappies
A true birth to toilet training nappy, Mimi & Co reusable all-in-two nappies feature a jersey stay dry layer, stretchy PUL and neutral prints. We love that each nappy is customisable with a snap-in or pocket insert to cater for all absorbency needs ($34.99).
from Mimi & Co website
Modibody Reusable Nappies
Lab-tested to hold over one litre of liquid, Modibody reusable nappies feature a unique black lining that wicks away moisture, resist stains and stops solids from sticking. We love that they are machine washable and as simple to use as disposables ($38.50).
Little Eco Baby Easy Snap Cloth Nappies
Both eco-friendly and effective, Little Eco Easy Snap nappies combine a waterproof cover, made using recycled plastic bottles, with two interchangeable bamboo inserts. We love that compatible bamboo liners are available to buy separately by the roll ($34.95).
from Little Eco Baby website
Ella & Maeve Cloth Nappies
Made in Australia, Ella & Maeve cloth nappies feature breathable outer shells and a suede stay-dry layer to reduce wetness. We love that they’re also available in a teeny-tiny premature size for newborns weighing as little as 1.8kg (from $44.95).
from Ella & Maeve website
Alvababy Pocket Nappies
Breathable and waterproof, Alvababy OSFA nappies are fitted with comfy leg elastic and adjustable snaps to fit babies from 3-15kgs. We love the nature-inspired designs and being able to choose from four different compatible inserts (from $8.95).
Monarch Store Cloth Nappy
Playful and practical, Monarch Store’s hand-painted nappies include up to four stackable inserts for high absorbency. We love that these are super adaptable and even double as swim nappies just by changing the insert! (from $22.95).
from Monarch Store website
Colmena Modern Cloth Nappies
From Spot and Thomas to Playschool and The Wiggles, Colmena one-size nappies feature prints from Australia’s most loved children’s characters. We love that they come with a choice of bamboo-blend inserts plus thick back elastic to prevent gaping (from $16.95).
Tips for starting out with Cloth Nappies
Thinking of starting with cloth nappies? We asked the huge Mum’s Grapevine Facebook community for their top tips for mums starting out with cloth nappies.
“That you might not save any money because you end up with a stash of 200, the prints are addictive” – Cindy
“Hire a kit first to find what works best for you and bub before buying an entire stash” – Katrina
“Need larger sized clothes than a standard disposable nappy baby wears” – Michelle
“Having a breastfed and cloth nappied baby is very cheap!!!!” – Simone
“Ask for them as baby shower gifts.” – Louise
“That’s it’s not that hard!!!!!! And not as scary as everyone thinks.” – Nadia
“Get a silicone type dish scrubber to help clean the nappies but better yet, use a liner.” – Lillian
“Spending more money on quality inserts is well worth it!” – Jahs
“Start at 3 months of age, that way you don’t feel like you are washing 10-15 diapers a day as babies use a lot in the initial stage.” – Raquel
“That you need a decent washing machine that actually reaches the required temperatures and lengths of washes for it to work and be sanitary.” – Lana
“Don’t go cheap… go quality and try lots of brands.” – Christine
“You need a dryer. So much harder if you only have a small amount and require the sun to shine.” – Elle
See all comments from the Mum’s Grapevine Facebook Page below – or join the conversation!
How many cloth nappies do I need?
You’ll need at least 25 if you plan on using reusables exclusively right up until toilet training. The exact number will vary depending on the nappy composition and your bub’s toileting habits, but our mums recommend having about three or four day’s worth available at any time.
How often should I change a cloth nappy?
Just like you would with disposables, you should change your baby’s cloth nappy every two or three hours, or whenever they do a poo.
How do I clean modern cloth nappies?
First, scrape off any solids into the toilet and rinse the nappy well prior to washing. Then, either hand-wash or machine-wash the nappy in warm water with gentle laundry detergent. Avoid using hot water and high drying heat because it can damage waterproof covers.
This article is lovingly curated by our editorial team and may include affiliates and/or paid inclusions, we would never recommend a product we wouldn’t use ourselves. See our Disclosure Policy.
Seen some cloth nappies in Australia we dould add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been doing this for collate product roundups like this for 14 years and we’re always happy to support new brands.
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