New to reusable nappies? You’re in the right place. Our Baby Bare Reusable Nappy Guide is here to make choosing, fitting and using cloth nappies simple, whether you’re completely new to reusable nappies or looking for help getting the perfect fit.
From nappy styles and sizing to how to fit a reusable nappy and tips for getting started, we’ve brought all our helpful advice together in one easy-to-follow guide. Discover the differences between our reusable nappy styles, find the right fit for your baby, understand how our nappies work and learn everything you need to start your cloth nappy journey with confidence.
Whether you’re looking for your first reusable nappies, wondering which style will work best for your baby, or simply need a little help with fitting and sizing, our guide has you covered.
Ready to get started? Explore our reusable nappy guides below and find the information you need.
How to Size Your Baby Bare OSFM Nappies
How to Get Started with Cloth Nappies
Are you new to cloth nappies and unsure where to start? You're not alone! Many parents reach out to us, wondering what to buy for their baby. With years of experience using cloth nappies on our own children and helping countless customers, we've put together this guide to help you get started.
How Many Reusable Nappies Do I Need?
If you're considering reusable nappies for your baby, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is: how many cloth nappies do I need?
The answer depends on your baby's age, how often you plan to wash nappies, and whether you're using cloth nappies full-time or part-time. Getting the right number from the start can help you save money, avoid laundry stress, and ensure you always have clean nappies ready when you need them.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly how many cloth nappies UK parents typically need and the factors that affect your ideal stash size.
How to Wash Reusable Nappies
Looking after your reusable nappies is simple once you have a good washing routine. Our Washing & Care Guide covers everything you need to know, from preparing your nappies before first use to washing, drying and caring for them between wears.
You’ll find guidance on washing temperatures, detergent, rinsing, drying reusable nappies, using a tumble dryer and avoiding common products such as fabric softener and bleach. We also share tips for extending the life of your nappies and keeping them performing at their best.
Read our full Washing & Care Guide for Baby Bare’s recommended reusable nappy washing routine and care advice.
Frequently asked questions
There are several different reusable nappy styles, and each has its own benefits. From easy-to-use All-in-One nappies to flexible All-in-Two styles and absorbent night nappies, the best choice depends on your baby, your routine and your personal preferences. Read our Nappy Style Guide to compare the different styles and find the right reusable nappy for you.
A good fit should be snug and comfortable, with no gaps around the waist or legs and no pinching or pressure on your baby’s skin. There are three key areas to check:
- Leg seal: The leg elastics should sit in the natural “undie line”, where the leg and groin meet, rather than wrapping around the thighs. Create a gentle taco shape through the groin so the absorbent part of the nappy sits between the legs. This helps wee flow into the absorbent fabric rather than pooling around the leg elastic and causing leaks.
- Rise: Use the front rise snaps to adjust the nappy as your baby grows. There should be no loose fabric in the rise, but avoid fastening it so tightly that it pulls the nappy down and creates a gap at the waist.
- Waist: The waist should be secure without leaving marks or putting pressure on your baby’s skin. You should comfortably be able to fit two fingers between the nappy and your baby’s tummy.
To put the nappy on, position the back just above your baby’s bottom, then pull the front up between the legs towards the belly button, stretching out the elastics before fastening the waist snaps. Finally, run a finger around each leg elastic to even it out and tuck the elastic neatly into the natural leg creases.
Want to see how it’s done? Watch our Fit Guide video for a step-by-step demonstration of how to position and adjust your Baby Bare reusable nappy for a comfortable, secure and leak-resistant fit.
Most babies need a cloth nappy change every 2–4 hours during the day, depending on age, absorbency, and wetness levels.
Many Baby Bare nappies are one-size-fits-most (OSFM) and can be adjusted as your baby grows using rise snaps. Rather than relying solely on age, use your baby’s weight, shape and the way the nappy fits to decide when to change the rise setting.
You may need a booster when your baby is out-wetting their nappy before the next change. Boosters add extra absorbency without needing to change the whole nappy, making them particularly useful for heavy wetters, longer periods between changes, naps and overnight use.
If your baby is regularly waking with a very wet or saturated nappy, or you’re experiencing leaks despite having a good fit, adding a booster can help increase the nappy’s absorbency. Remember that leaks can also be caused by fit, so it’s worth checking your nappy is sitting correctly before adding more absorbency.
Explore Our Reusable Nappy Styles
