Reusable nappies have come a long way from the safety-pin-and-fold days. Modern cloth nappies are simple, stylish, and — once you get the hang of them — genuinely no harder than disposables. If you're considering the switch, here's everything you need to know.
Why choose reusable nappies?
The numbers speak for themselves. An estimated 3.6 billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK every year, and a single baby will typically get through between 5,000 and 6,000 of them before potty training — meaning parents with two children could easily use 10,000 to 12,000 disposable nappies in total. By contrast, a family using reusables full-time generally only needs around 20 nappies, which can then be reused for future children too. northlincs + 2
The environmental case is just as compelling. A 2023 government life cycle assessment found that reusable nappies produce 25% less CO2 than single-use nappies, with over 90% lower environmental impact from production alone. Reusables also use around 97.5% less raw material overall. Disposal has an even bigger gap — a single-use nappy's end-of-life environmental impact is roughly nine times higher than a reusable one. Scaled up, if every child in UK nappies switched to reusables, the carbon saving would be equivalent to 700 million car miles. Nappy Lady + 3
And it's not just carbon. UK single-use nappies are estimated to take 450–550 years to fully degrade, so most disposable nappies ever used are, quite literally, still out there somewhere. Baba+Boo
How a pocket nappy works
A pocket nappy has an opening at the back where you fit the absorbent inserts. They fasten with poppers, which are durable and can't be undone by baby the way hook-and-loop fastenings sometimes can. A hip popper helps stop the wings from drooping, and the front folds down via poppers to adjust the length as baby grows — so one nappy really can grow with your child.
What's inside
Our Onesize Pocket Nappies come with two bamboo absorbent inserts. Start with a single insert while baby is smaller, then add the second as they grow for extra absorbency — a simple system that adapts as your baby's needs change.
Materials that matter
The outer cover is made from PUL with a soft, stay-dry wicking jersey lining designed to keep skin comfortable and dry. Because the nappy is fully lined with wicking jersey, there's no need for a separate fleece liner — in fact, using one can cause leaks. If you do want a liner, a disposable paper liner works well, and the smooth lining makes poo removal easy.
Sizing — from 10lbs to potty training
Most babies fit comfortably from around 10lbs rather than from birth, and as with all one-size nappies, the fit at the lower end of the range is a compromise, since newborns are simply too small for a snug fit. Once baby reaches around 12lbs, they'll transition easily into an all-in-one design that lasts right through to potty training.
FAQ
What age can I start using reusable nappies?
Most one-size pocket nappies fit comfortably from around 10lbs, with an easier transition around 12lbs. For newborns, a dedicated newborn-fit nappy or folded muslins work better in the early weeks.
Do I need a liner with a pocket nappy?
Not necessarily — a fully-lined pocket nappy with wicking jersey doesn't need a separate fleece liner (and using one can actually cause leaks). A disposable paper liner is fine if you want one for easy clean-up.
How many inserts do I need?
Most pocket nappies come with two inserts — start with one while baby is small, and add the second as they grow for extra absorbency.
Are reusable nappies actually better for the environment?
Yes — even accounting for washing and drying, government life cycle research has found reusables have a significantly lower carbon footprint than disposables, alongside much lower use of raw materials.
Shop the range
Explore our Onesize Pocket Nappies — available in Woodland Animals, Boho Rainbows, Safari Animals, Fluffy Sheep, and White.