Reusable nappies

What are real nappies?

Real nappies are reusable cloth nappies. They come in various styles and gorgeous designs and are easy to use. They are almost identical to using disposables. The nappy change is the same, but instead of putting a disposable into a rubbish bin, you put the nappy into your washing machine.

Learn about the cloth nappies on the market (.pdf format, 3 MB) to find out what works for you.

Your baby's health

Your baby is less likely to suffer from nappy rash in a cloth nappy because everything is breathable. Regularly changing your baby's nappy is more important in keeping nappy rash away than the type of nappy you use.

Cost

If you use the basic cloth option, you'll quickly save money on disposal nappies. Choosing the more expensive will take a little longer to see cost savings. Cloth nappies could last your baby from 8lb to 35lb, depending on the style you choose. So once bought, there is no more outlay apart from the liners.

You can save more by buying second-hand and using the nappies on a second baby. 

Even with the cost of washing, you could see savings.

Easier than you think to use

Real nappies have never been so easy. No folding or pinning is needed; they go on and off like disposable nappies in seconds. 

Real nappies only need a warm wash, and many nappies made from modern fabrics come out of the washing machine almost dry.

Which nappies are better for the environment?

Unlike disposables, real nappies allow parents to control their impact on the environment. The carbon savings are directly related to how you choose to wash them.

The life cycle analysis for disposable nappies versus reusable nappies still shows reusables to be the better option. However, certain behaviours and variables can alter those environmental benefits. It's still important to be aware of them. A detailed analysis can be found in the Life Cycle Initiative Report produced by United Nations Environment Programme.

Care instructions

Washing

Run your nappies, inserts, boosters, wet bags, and wipes on a cold rinse wash first of all with no detergent to remove the excess wee and poo.

Reduce the temperature on the main wash. Either 40 degrees (bio or non-bio) or 60 degrees (non-bio) will suffice. If you don't have many nappies, you can top the machine up with clothes.

Drying

Air dry reusable nappies, rather than use a tumble dryer. It's inevitable that electricity has to be used when washing the nappies, but we can reduce electricity consumption by not using a tumble dryer.

Reuse

Reuse the nappies as many times as possible, either with further children or by selling or donating them after use. You could also purchase second-hand nappies.  

Try real nappies with our loan scheme

If you live in Oxfordshire and would like to try real nappies, you can borrow a trial kit without obligation to buy.

Each kit contains a good range of styles and brands of nappies, with all the necessary accessories. They are held by local nappy suppliers and community groups, who will explain how the nappies work before you get started.

Contact your nearest kit holder directly to arrange your trial.

Abingdon and surrounding area

Gabbo (Abingdon) Cloth Nappy Library currently has one kit available for loan in the Abingdon area. Email gabbocloth@gmail.com 

Banbury and North Oxfordshire

Banbury Nappy Bank offers a free trial pack alongside its longer-term loan packs. They don't sell nappies but do offer impartial advice and support. Email nappybank@yahoo.co.uk.

Bicester and surrounding area

The Bicester Nappy Library offers two trial packs. For more information or to borrow a kit, email bicester.cloth.nappies@outlook.com.

Didcot, Wallingford and surrounding area

Bryony holds a trial pack for parents in this area, email bryony@slingsbee.co.uk.

Oxford

Oxon Cloth Nappy Library has four kits. Visit their website for more information and to hire cloth nappies. Email oxonclothnappylibrary@gmail.com with questions about cloth nappies.

Woodcote

Rebecca runs the Woodcote Nappy Library and has two nappy kits to loan out. For more information, email woodcotenappylibrary@gmail.com.