Where to Get Started
The different types and brands all come with their own advantages and there is no one size fits all as every baby is different. It can be quite overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you are a first time parent. The information here will give you a good starting point and build your confidence in giving them a go.
This type of nappy is very similar to disposable nappies with the absorbent inner attached to the waterproof outer. With all in ones these two parts are sewn together and with all in twos they are often attached via buttons which allows for quicker drying. Here some examples for this type of nappy and some of their key features:
- BumGenius Elemental (birth to potty/one size): made from organic cotton, particularly slim but still absorbent, requires a tiny bit of folding
- Bambino MioSolo (birth to potty/one size): great for tall and chunky babies, readily available, including in standard supermarkets
- Close Pop-in (birth to potty/one size): inner parts are attached by poppers, so they separate for quicker drying
These nappies come with a waterproof outer and a thin fleece layer. These nappies tend to require additional layers of absorbency (or inserts) which you add to the pocket opening at the back of the nappy. Some popular choices are the following:
- Baba+Boo (birth to potty/one size): made from super absorbent bamboo and comes highly recommended by parents
- Charlie Banana (birth to potty/one size): only brand we are aware of that has fastening around the leg to fit the nappy even better
As the name suggests, this nappy comes in two parts. Both, the waterproof outer (or wrap) and absorbent inner (the actual nappy), are separate from one another and will have to be purchased separately. It is also useful to note that many of the options are sized rather than one size as the above which can help with bulkiness but also means you have to buy more than one set (or stash) of nappies for the time that your baby is in nappies. Some great options include:
- Little Lamb shaped nappy and wrap (sized): bamboo option is super absorbent and great option for overnight if used with some extra boosters
- Totsbots Bamboozle shaped nappy (sized): bamboo nappy that can hold a lot of liquid, poppers allow to adjust the size
- Bambino MioDuo Wrap (sized): great for prefold nappies
- Motherease Airflow Wrap (sized): the poo explosion preventing wrap is great for night time use and fits over any nappy
Pros & Cons of the Different Nappies
| Nappy Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| All in One/All in Two | Easy to use as all parts attached – no assembly; Easy for out and about; Very similar to disposables | Not as quick to dry (all in twos better for that); More expensive initially but often one size; One size often won’t fit newborns until they are a few months old |
| Two Part System | Quicker drying; No need to change the wrap with each nappy change; Cheaper than all in ones; Due to often being sized can offer a better fit | Separate parts; Often sized and therefore necessary to buy more than one set/stash which might make them more expensive than all in ones |
| Flat Nappies/Prefold | Quicker drying; No need to change the wrap with each nappy change; Very affordable; Lots of flexibility, e.g. folds for small babies/preemies, heavy wetters; One size from newborn to potty training | Folding techniques can be a little trickier at first; Folding might create longer nappy changes |
A list of our tried and tested brands
Item |
Special Features |
Sizing |
Cost (New) |
BumGenius Elemental |
Slim fit but still accommodates a wide range of babies and is very absorbent Organic cotton inner, no integrated liner |
Birth to Potty/ One Size |
Approx. £20 |
Bambino Mio Miosolo |
Extremely similar to disposable nappies and great for taller/bigger babies |
Birth to Potty/ One Size |
Approx. £15-20 |
Item |
Special Features |
Sizing |
Cost (New) |
Close Pop-In |
As this is an all in two the inner can be removed to allow for quicker drying Bamboo or minkee inner |
Birth to Potty/ One Size |
Approx. £20-25 |
Item |
Special Features |
Sizing |
Cost (New) |
Baba+Boo |
Very versatile fit Inserts made of bamboo with fleece liner |
Birth to Potty/ One Size |
Approx. £20 |
Charlie Banana |
Microfiber inserts for quick drying Able to loosen/tighten the leg elastic to adjust the fit (on top of the usual poppers around the waist) |
Birth to Potty/ One Size |
Approx. £20-25 |
Item |
Special Features |
Sizing |
Cost (New) |
Little Lamb Shaped Nappy |
Available in bamboo or cotton Very soft and absorbent Booster included Great option for overnight with the MotherEase Airflow wraps |
Size 1 (4-8kg) Size 2 (8-16kg) Size 3 (over 16kg) |
Approx. £10-15 |
Little Lamb Wrap |
Good option for taller and bigger babies Work well with any shaped nappy |
Size 1 (3-9kg) Size 2 (9-16kg) Size 3 (over 16kg) |
Approx. £10-15 |
TotsBots Bamboozle Shaped Nappy |
Very comfortable and stretchy Good for bigger babies |
Newborn (2-7kg) One Size (4-16kg) XL (over 16kg) |
Approx. £15 |
Bambino MioDuo Wrap |
One of the longest established reusable nappy brands in the UK Widely available and affordable Use with prefold nappies |
Size 1 (under 9kg) Size 2 (over 9kg) |
Approx. £10 |
Motherease Airflow Wrap |
Great for heavy wetters and one of the most leak proof Great for babies with chubbier legs Plenty of sizes but you will likely only need 2-3 from birth to potty |
XS (3-5kg) S (4-5kg) M (4-9kg) L (9-16kg) XL (16-20kg) XXL (over 20kg) |
Approx. £15 |
Item |
Special Features |
Sizing |
Cost (New) |
Flat Nappy/Terry Towel |
Probably the cheapest but most versatile reusable nappy option Use with any wrap and nappi nippa |
Birth to potty/ One Size |
Approx. £2-5 (depending on brand and packet size) |
Prefold Nappy |
Great for pocket nappies Affordable and fast drying with less folding Allows for adjusted absorbency for boys and girls |
Birth to potty/ One Size |
Approx. £3-10 (depending on brand, material, packet size) |