What are the different types of nappies?

There are many different types of nappies. Most fit into 1 of 2 categories: cloth (reusable) nappies or disposable nappies. Most nappies come in different sizes with varying levels of absorbency so that you can choose the best one for your child.

There are a few things to think about when deciding which type of nappy to use, such as:

• absorbency and potential leakage
• comfort and fit
• closure
• cost
• environmental impact
• convenience

Disposable nappies

Disposable nappies are designed for one-time use and are thrown away afterwards. They have a waterproof plastic outer layer, an absorbent middle layer and an inner layer that helps to draw moisture away from the baby's skin.

Cloth (reusable) nappies

Cloth nappies can be washed and reused many times.

Modern cloth nappies (MCNs) are easier to use than traditional nappies, and most types don't involve nappy pins or complicated folds. They use elastic, Velcro or press studs to get a good fit.

A wide variety of styles of modern cloth nappies are available in a range of natural and synthetic absorbent materials. The main styles include:

• all-in-one (AIO) — absorbent material sewn into a waterproof cover
• all-in-two (AI2) — a waterproof cover into which you place an absorbent insert or pad
• pocket nappies — a waterproof cover with an inner 'stay-dry' liner, with a pocket for the absorbent insert
• fitted nappies — these are shaped and fastened onto your baby with Velcro or press studs and are used with a leak-proof cover
• pre-folds — these are absorbent inserts that are folded into a pad shape and placed in a leak-proof cover
• traditional cloth or terry squares — these are folded and fastened onto your baby with pins or clips. They are generally the cheapest to buy, but can be bulky.

Each style has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to washing and convenience.

Use the nappy guide outlining different types, to help choose the best nappies for your baby.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloth nappies?

Advantages of using cloth nappies

• Environmental impact: Cloth nappies are generally thought to be kinder on the environment as they are not thrown away, but are washed and reused instead.
• Cost savings: They may also save you money in the long-term. While they cost more upfront than disposable nappies, most modern cloth nappies can be easily adjusted to fit your growing baby, so they will usually last from when your baby weighs about 4 to 5kg until toilet training. A set of modern cloth nappies washed on a cold wash and line-dried will cost about half as much as disposable nappies over the same period.
• Cloth nappies can also be reused for multiple children, or sold, contributing to further cost savings.

Disadvantages of cloth nappies

• Convenience: Washing cloth nappies takes more time and energy than using disposable nappies. Some fabrics take a long time to dry.
• Some parents prefer to use a nappy washing service, where a company regularly collects dirty nappies and drops off clean ones. This increases convenience but can add to the cost.
• Upfront expense: The upfront cost is higher than that of disposable nappies.
• Experience: For some parents, the thought of washing cloth nappies is unpleasant.
• Leakage: Cloth nappies may not be as absorbent as many disposable nappies, requiring more frequent clothing and bedding changes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of disposable nappies?

Advantages of disposable nappies

• Convenience: Disposable nappies don't take up time or energy to launder. They also tend to be small and compact, making them easier to pack and store.

Disadvantages of disposable nappies

• Environmental impact: There is an environmental cost with disposable nappies, which create tonnes of landfill around the world each year. Manufacturing disposable nappies also uses a lot of water and energy. Biodegradable disposable nappies are made from bamboo, paper pulp and other materials that break down more easily. They may be more environmentally friendly, but they are generally more expensive.
• Cost: Disposable nappies need to be bought continuously until your baby is toilet trained.

How do I choose which nappy is best for my baby?

It's worth researching what type of nappies to use, and what suits your situation. Cost, convenience and environmental factors all play a role. Some parents swap between different types of nappies as their baby grows.

Lifestyle factors that might influence your nappy choice at different times include:

• travel
• laundry access
• garbage disposal access
• cost

How often should I change my baby's nappy?

The frequency of nappy changing depends on how many times an individual baby wees and poos and how they are feeding. Nappies should usually be changed every 3 to 6 hours, or when your baby has done a poo.

Breastfed babies tend to have looser poos, whereas, babies who are formula fed have poos that are more solid. As babies grow older, they may not need nappy changes as often.

Many parents find it a good habit to change their baby's nappy before each feed. This helps babies feel more comfortable. If your baby is unsettled or fussing, it could be useful to check their nappy in between feeds and before settling them for a sleep.

Changing a boy's nappy

Make sure the penis is pointed down to avoid spraying you, their clothes and the furniture. Gently clean the area, being careful not to pull back the foreskin (if they have one).

Changing a girl's nappy

Wipe from front to back, towards their bottom, to reduce the chance of infection. Gently clean all the crease, but avoid spreading the labia.

What about their skin?

The goal is to remove the wet or dirty nappy, clean their skin and replace the nappy with a clean one. If your baby has a very dirty nappy, they may need a bath.

If possible, try to give your baby some nappy-free time each day, especially if they suffer from nappy rash

What products are safe for my baby?

Aim to use nappy change products which are labelled 'suitable' for babies and young children. Water or hypoallergenic wipes help to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Using plain water on cotton wool or a washcloth is a cheaper alternative to buying wipes and is generally better for your baby's skin, though it is less convenient. Experiment with what works for you and your baby.

• Avoid using powder on your baby's skin, especially their nappy area.
• Nappy rash creams help to create a barrier between a wet or dirty nappy and the baby's skin. It is not necessary to remove barrier cream if some is left from a previous application.
• Change your baby's nappy more often if they have a nappy rash and see your child health nurse or GP if a rash does not clear after a couple of days.
• Thrush can cause nappy rash and needs a special type of cream or ointment to treat the yeast infection.

Safety tips for nappy changing

It can help to have everything you need for nappy changing within reach and in one place. Here are some important safety tips:

• Be prepared before starting.
• Place your baby on a change mat or table and always stay with them. Never leave your baby unattended when changing their nappy — this can be unsafe. If you need to walk away, take your baby with you or place them in their cot.
• Keep nappy disposal bags out of your baby's reach. They can be a suffocation risk.
• Always wash your hands after changing your baby's nappy. It's important to keep your hands clean so you can reduce the risk of you or your baby becoming unwell.

Resources and support

Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has a fact sheet about nappy changing.