If you’ve ever thought about switching to reusable nappies but felt a little overwhelmed, you are not alone. As a mum of two, I’ve been there, done that, and discovered that it’s not about perfection. It’s about finding what works for your family, taking small steps, and feeling proud of every disposable you save from landfill.
Here are five things I wish I had known when I first started with cloth nappies.
Start Small and Build Confidence
When I first tried reusable nappies, I thought we needed a full set for every single change. I quickly learned that you don’t. Starting with four to six nappies is enough to test the waters, figure out washing routines, and see what style works best for your baby.
Pro tip: Choose a simple, one-size option so you can adjust as your baby grows.
2.
Expect a Little Extra Laundry
Yes, reusable nappies add an extra load or two, but it’s not as scary as it sounds. Modern cloth nappies are designed to go straight into the washing machine, and liners make cleaning up easy. Once you get into a rhythm, it becomes just another part of the week.
Honest note: There will be days when life gets busy. Even using a few nappies a week makes a difference.
Choose the Style That Fits Your Lifestyle
There are pocket nappies, all-in-ones, bamboo, cotton, and hybrids. My advice is to pick what feels manageable. Bamboo nappies worked well for us because they were soft, absorbent, and easy to use. Pocket nappies are great for daycare or shared care because they are slim and dry quickly.
Personal experience: We ended up using cloth nappies at home and disposables at nursery. It was a realistic compromise that kept everyone sane.
4.
Prepare for Mess Without Fear
I’ll be honest: reusable nappies can be intimidating at first, especially when dealing with poo. But liners and quick rinses make clean-up easier than you think. I found that the biggest learning curve was trusting the process and not letting worry stop me.
Mum tip: Keep a wet bag handy and rinse out solids if possible. Modern nappies are designed for ease, and once you see how quick it is, it feels surprisingly doable.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
Every nappy you use, every disposable you avoid, is a win. Even if you don’t do it perfectly or all the time, using reusable nappies even part-time reduces waste and feels really good.
Reflection: With our first child, we went full-time, with the second, a hybrid approach worked better. Both times, we felt proud of every swap we made.
