The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Cloth Nappies

Thinking about switching to cloth nappies but feeling a bit overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many Aussie parents love the idea of saving money and reducing waste, but aren’t sure where to start or what they actually need. This beginner’s guide to cloth nappies walks you through everything – from choosing your first nappies to washing, fitting and everyday use.

What this beginner’s guide to cloth nappies covers?

You don’t have to do everything “perfectly” to get started. Even using one or two cloth nappies a day can make a difference to your baby, your budget and the planet.

What are modern cloth nappies?

When many people think of cloth nappies, they picture big terry squares, safety pins and plastic pilchers. Modern cloth nappies (often called MCNs) are very different. They’re shaped like a disposable nappy, but made from soft fabrics with a waterproof outer and absorbent sections you can wash and reuse.

A typical modern cloth nappy has:

• A waterproof outer shell – usually made from PUL (polyurethane laminate) to help keep clothes dry.
• An absorbent insert or booster – often made from bamboo, hemp or microfibre to soak up moisture.
• A stay-dry inner layer – in many designs, this sits against your baby’s skin and helps them feel drier between changes.

At Waladi, our Modern Cloth Nappies are pocket nappies with a soft bamboo charcoal inner and a waterproof outer shell. You simply stuff the insert into the pocket, pop the nappy on and change it much like you would a disposable.

Why choose cloth nappies? (cost, comfort, planet)

Every family has different reasons for looking into cloth nappies. For most parents, it comes down to a mix of cost, comfort and wanting to reduce waste.

Cost savings over the nappy years

Disposable nappies can be one of the biggest ongoing costs in the baby years. By the time your child is toilet-trained, you may have bought thousands of disposables. With cloth nappies, you buy a set and reuse them day after day. Even if you only use cloth part-time, you can still save hundreds of dollars over a few years.

Comfort and fit for your baby

Cloth nappies are made from soft fabrics that are gentle on delicate skin. A good fit helps reduce red marks and blowouts, and many parents find cloth nappies contain mess just as well (or better) than disposables once they get the fit and absorbency right.

Reducing waste and doing your bit

Every disposable nappy used once and thrown away ends up in a landfill. Cloth nappies can be reused with your next baby, passed on to friends or sold second-hand. Even replacing a few disposables a day with cloth nappies makes a difference over time. In Victoria, for example, Sustainability Victoria highlights disposable nappies as a key contributor to household waste and encourages families to look at ways to reduce single-use items in their bins.

Types of cloth nappies (and what Waladi uses)

One thing that can feel confusing at first is all the different types of cloth nappies. Here’s a simple overview of the most common styles you might come across.

All-in-one (AIO)

As the name suggests, all the absorbent parts are sewn in. You put the whole nappy on, then take the whole thing off and wash it. They’re very easy to use but can take longer to dry and are less flexible for boosting absorbency.

All-in-two (AI2)

These nappies have a shell and separate snap-in or lay-in inserts. You may be able to reuse the shell for more than one change by swapping out the insert, depending on the design.

Pocket nappies

Pocket nappies have a waterproof outer and a soft inner layer with an opening (pocket) where you place the insert. After use, the entire nappy and insert go into the wash. They’re popular because they’re easy to fit, fast to dry, and you can customise absorbency by adding more inserts.

Fitted nappies and covers

A fitted nappy is shaped like a nappy but made entirely from absorbent fabric. It’s worn with a separate waterproof cover. These can be very absorbent but involve two pieces each change.

Flats and prefolds

These are the classic “flat” nappies (large squares or rectangles of fabric) that you fold and secure with clips or pins, then cover with a waterproof layer. They can be very economical but have a steeper learning curve.

What Waladi offers

Waladi focuses on pocket-style modern cloth nappies with:

• A waterproof printed PUL outer shell.
• A soft bamboo charcoal inner that sits against your baby’s skin.
• Adjustable snaps so one size fits most, from around 3.5 to 15 kg.

This style is a great option for beginners because it’s easy to use, flexible and dries quickly. You can explore our full range of prints here: Waladi Modern Cloth Nappies.

What do I need to start with cloth nappies?

You don’t need a giant stash to get started. A small, well-chosen set of nappies and accessories is enough to begin and see if cloth works for your family.

Core essentials

• Modern cloth nappies: A starter set of pocket nappies (see the stash suggestions below).
• Inserts and boosters: Enough absorbent inserts to use with each nappy, plus a few extras for naps and nights. For more details, read our Cloth Nappy Inserts FAQs.
• Wet bags: Waterproof bags for storing used nappies when you’re out or between washes at home. You can browse our Waterproof Wet Bags.
• Dry pail: A basket, bucket or tub to store used nappies (no soaking) until wash time.
• Cloth wipes (optional): Many families use cloth wipes with water or a gentle solution as a natural option alongside cloth nappies.

Nice-to-have extras

• Liners: Disposable or reusable liners can make dealing with solids easier, especially once your baby is on solids. Just remember to follow your local guidelines and avoid flushing anything that could block pipes.
• Nappy sprayer or scraper: Handy but not essential for removing solids into the toilet.
• Dedicated nappy-friendly detergent: A good quality detergent without fabric softeners or bleach will usually work well for cloth nappies.

Example starter stash

• 6–10 modern cloth nappies to try cloth part-time.
• 12–18 nappies if you’d like to move towards full-time cloth.
• A few extra inserts or boosters for naps and nights.

You can always start small and build your stash as you go.

How many cloth nappies do I need?

The number of nappies you need depends on your baby’s age, how often you plan to wash and whether you’re using cloth full-time or part-time. Newborns need more changes; older babies often need fewer.

As a rough guide:

• Newborn, full-time cloth (washing every 1–2 days): around 24–30 nappies.
• Older baby, full-time cloth (washing every 2 days): around 18–24 nappies.
• Part-time cloth (daytime only or a few days a week): around 8–14 nappies.

Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at once. Many families start with a smaller set and see how they go before building up to a full-time stash.

How to fit a modern cloth nappy (step by step)

Getting the fit right is one of the most important parts of using cloth nappies. A good fit helps prevent leaks and keeps your baby comfortable.

Quick fit checklist

• No visible gaps around the legs or back.
• Elastics sitting in the underwear line, not halfway down the thigh.
• No deep red marks – snug but comfortable.
• Front of the nappy sitting flat, not bowed or dipping low.

It might take a few changes to get a feel for the fit. That’s completely normal. Once you find the right snap settings, it becomes much faster.

How to wash cloth nappies (simple routine)

Washing cloth nappies doesn’t have to be complicated. The aim is to remove solids, rinse away most of the soiling and then do a thorough wash so everything comes out clean and fresh.

• Soaking nappies for long periods: This can damage fabrics and elastics and isn’t necessary.
• Too much or too little detergent: Both can cause issues – follow your detergent and machine guidelines.
• Using fabric softeners or bleach: These can affect absorbency and damage fabrics.
• Very high heat: High heat in the dryer or very hot sun for long periods can damage the PUL waterproof layer.

If you’d like to dive even deeper into wash routines and troubleshooting, some independent resources and communities focus just on cloth nappy laundry. One example is Clean Cloth Nappies, which shares science-based wash advice for Australian conditions.

Using cloth nappies day and night, at home and out

Once you’re comfortable with fit and washing, you can start to think about how cloth nappies fit into your daily routine.

Daytime use

During the day, most babies will need a nappy change every 2–4 hours, depending on age and how much they drink. For heavier wetters or longer naps, you can add an extra insert for more absorbency.

Night-time use

Some families use cloth nappies overnight, others prefer disposables for convenience. If you’d like to try cloth at night, you’ll usually need extra absorbency (more or thicker inserts) and a good, snug fit. Start by testing at home in the evening and see how your baby goes.

Out and about

When you’re away from home, pack a few clean cloth nappies, some wipes and a wet bag to store used nappies until you get home. Many parents find this just as easy as using disposables once they’re in the habit.

Daycare and grandparents

Lots of carers are happy to use cloth nappies if you make it simple for them. Pre-stuff pocket nappies so they’re ready to go, show how the snaps work and provide a wet bag for used nappies. A short printed “how-to” note can also be helpful.

Common cloth nappy problems and how to fix them

It’s completely normal to hit a few bumps as you learn. Here are some common issues and simple troubleshooting tips.

Leaks

• Check the fit: Are there gaps at the legs or back? Are the rise snaps set correctly?
• Increase absorbency: If the nappy is very wet all over, try adding an extra insert or booster.
• Compression leaks: Very tight clothes or car seat straps can sometimes squeeze moisture out of the nappy.

Strong smells

• Make sure you’re washing often enough: Every 1–2 days is ideal for most families.
• Review your wash routine: You may need a better pre-wash or a slightly stronger main wash.
• Check detergent: Too little can cause build-up of bacteria; too much can leave residue.

Staining

• Light stains are usually cosmetic and don’t mean the nappy isn’t clean.
• Sunlight can help fade stains on inserts and inners – just be mindful of protecting PUL from very hot direct sun.
• Rinse quickly after messy nappies, where possible, to help prevent stains from setting.

Nappy rash

• Change nappies regularly so your baby isn’t sitting in a wet nappy for long periods.
• Use a nappy-friendly barrier cream if your baby is prone to rashes.
• Speak to a health professional if a rash is persistent, severe, or if you’re worried.

Cloth Nappies FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some quick answers to common concerns from parents who are new to cloth nappies.

Do I have to use cloth full-time?

Not at all. Many families start with a few cloth nappies during the day and use disposables at night or when travelling. Any amount of cloth used can help reduce waste and save money.

Can I use cloth nappies from birth?

Yes, you can. Some parents choose to start once the baby is a bit bigger, while others start from day one. Our one-size nappies are generally designed to fit from around 3.5 kg, but the fit will vary depending on your baby’s shape.

What about cloth nappies and swim time?

Regular cloth nappies and inserts are designed to absorb liquid, which can make them heavy in the water. For the pool or beach, it’s better to use a dedicated reusable swim nappy and read our Reusable Swim Nappies FAQs for more details.

Can I reuse cloth nappies for another baby?

Yes – one of the big advantages of cloth nappies is that, if cared for well, they can often be reused for younger siblings or passed on to other families. Check elastics, snaps and PUL for signs of wear before reusing.

Where can I learn more about inserts and absorbency?

Inserts and boosters play a big role in how well your nappies perform. To dive deeper into fabrics, layering and building the right absorbency for your baby, read our Cloth Nappy Inserts FAQs.

If you still feel unsure or have a specific question about cloth nappies, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your cloth nappies.

Many parents also find it helpful to join an online community where they can ask questions and see real-life setups. There are several Australian cloth nappy Facebook groups, such as Clean Cloth Nappies Down Under, where families share wash routines, fit tips and before-and-after results.

Now that you’ve read this beginner’s guide to cloth nappies, you’re ready to take the next step. Explore our full range of Modern Cloth Nappies, Wet Bags and accessories to build a cloth nappy setup that works for your family.