Zero Waste Week (7 – 13 September) is a great reminder that reducing waste doesn’t have to mean changing everything overnight. Small, practical swaps can soon become everyday habits – and reusable nappies are no different.
If you’re new to reusable nappies, here are seven simple ways to make getting started easier.
- Start small
You don’t have to switch to reusable nappies full-time from day one. Starting with a small trial pack of around four to six reusable nappies gives you the opportunity to try different types and find out what works best for you and your baby. You can begin by using them for a few changes during the day, then gradually build up your collection if you’d like to use them more often.
Your reusable nappy voucher can help towards this initial upfront cost. For full-time use, you’ll typically need around 20 reusable nappies – approximately 15 for daytime and five for night time use.
See also: Real Nappies for London: What are Reusable Nappies
- Get the fit right
A good fit helps keep your baby comfortable and prevent leaks. Make sure the nappy sits snugly around their waist and legs, with no gaps, and tuck the leg elastics into the crease of the leg. Check that no absorbent material is sticking out of the waterproof cover.
- Change regularly
Reusable nappies need changing regularly, just like disposables. A general nappy changing guide:
- Change your child’s nappy as soon as possible after a poo.
- Newborn babies may need changing around 10–12 times a day.
- As babies get older, this will usually reduce to around 6–8 changes a day.
- Always check your baby regularly and change a wet or soiled nappy promptly.
See also: (NHS Best Start in Life: Changing a Nappy) and (The Nappy Lady)
- Keep the washing routine simple
Remove any solids down the toilet, if you’re using disposable paper liners, put these in the waste bin – don’t flush them. Store used nappies in a dry nappy bucket or wet bag until wash day. Do not soak them as this can damage the elastic and waterproof material.
Wash regularly (every 2 to 3 days), following the washing instructions provided by the nappy manufacturer or retailer.
A typical washing routine is:
- Start with a fast cold rinse (no detergent), followed by a main temperature wash at up to 60°C with detergent. For babies under three months, washing at 60°C is recommended. If you don’t have enough nappies for a full load, add baby clothes, linen or towels to the temperature wash. Avoid fabric conditioner as this can reduce the absorbency of reusable nappies.
- After washing, air-dry the nappies either inside or outside where possible and away from direct heat.
- Add absorbency when needed
As your baby grows, you may find that their nappy needs a little more absorbency. Adding a booster or extra insert can help the nappy hold more liquid. Boosters come in different materials, including bamboo, hemp and cotton, and can be particularly useful for heavier wetters.
- Don’t aim for perfection
Reusable nappies don’t have to be all or nothing. You might use reusables during the day and disposables at night, or vice versa. You might use them at home but choose disposables when travelling. Find a routine that works for you and your family. Starting small and making a change you can stick with is what matters.
- Ask for help when you need it
Whether you have questions about which nappies to choose, getting the right fit, or washing and drying, a little support can make all the difference. You can contact us by email, phone (020 3150 2023) or WhatsApp for advice. There are also local nappy based community projects, such as Hackney Nappy Network, or Barnet Nappy Library and EC Hub which offer fantastic impartial advice too!
Ready to get started? Visit our getting started with reusable nappies for more practical advice, and apply for one of our reusable nappy vouchers to help towards the upfront cost (participating London boroughs only).
Your voucher can be redeemed with one of the participating retailers, manufacturers or nappy laundry services listed on our where to buy page.
Alice Walker, September 2026