Cloth Nappy Info

EcoNaps cloth nappy review 2023

If you’re on the hunt for the best cloth nappies then no doubt you will have come across EcoNaps either mentioned in cloth nappy forums or popping up in your Instagram feed.

With stunning boho prints and a trim, versatile fit, they are one of the leading Australian-owned boutique brands, and for good reason.

EcoNaps Cloth Nappy Review

If you’re searching for an explanation of the EcoNaps nappy features (including a comparison of the new version 2.0), and honest feedback from other parents who have used them, then read on for our detailed review.

About EcoNaps: The company

Started in 2013 and based in Byron Bay, EcoNaps has a strong commitment to streamlining sustainability throughout its practices.  The company is strongly values-driven to provide easy-to-use, sustainable products that don’t compromise on quality and endeavours to provide ongoing support to its customers to ensure successful use.

Some of the sustainability practices include responsible employment practices at its China manufacturing facility, including paying above local average wages. If you are interested in learning more about the people who work for their manufacturing partner, as well as their compliance and certification programs, you can read their blog here.

The company utilise recycled plastic as one of their key raw materials in their products, and compostable and recyclable packaging and shipping materials.

EcoNaps version 2.0 are the first reusable nappies globally to achieve Plastic Neutral Certification by Plastic Bank. They are utilising recycled plastic (rPET) to manufacture the outer shells, and are aiming to adopt recycled plastic across 100% of their range by 2023 so they are trailblazing in this area.

EcoNaps also support a variety of environmental and social charities which is documented on their website blog and Instagram and Facebook pages.

About EcoNaps cloth nappy: Features, benefits, and technical bits

Info Details
Designed in
Byron Bay, Australia
Made in
China
Price (RRP)
$34.95
Nappy Type
Hybrid nappy: AI2 with optional pocket
Shell fabric
Outer: rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate or polyester) with heat-bonded TPU laminate. Lining: Stay-dry rPET recycled polyester micro-fleece
Insert fabric
bamboo terry: 85% Bamboo Viscose 15% Polyester
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified
Yes
Sizing
One Size Fits Most (approx 3.5 – 16kg)
Absorbency
High
Warranty
One-year manufacturer warranty

Summary of Pros and Cons

A quick overview of the main pros and cons of EcoNaps nappies (keep reading for full review).

Pros

  • Beautiful patterns locally designed in Byron Bay
  • Trim fit
  • Highly absorbent and soft inserts made from bamboo terry
  • High-quality materials with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification
  • EcoNaps latest version (2.0) is the first certified plastic-neutral cloth nappy by Plastic Bank globally
  • The company has a strong commitment to socially and environmentally responsible practices
  • Fast shipping

Cons

  • Some people report ‘curling’ of the edge of the inserts after washing and drying
  • As a thicker insert, they can take longer to dry
  • The inserts can be a little difficult to stuff inside the large pocket (if opting to use them as a pocket nappy)

Econaps nappy: Everything you need to know

In 2022, Econaps launched version 2.0 of their cloth nappy. While the overall design of the nappy has not changed, the shell fabric is now made with recyclable plastic, or rPET – recycled polyethylene terephthalate, which is heat-bonded with TPU for water resistance. 

EcoNaps claim theirs is the first reusable nappy in the world to achieve Plastic Neutral Certification by Plastic Bank. This is a great benefit for those who are dedicated to purchasing nappies with the highest environmental standards.

What style is the EcoNaps nappy?

EcoNaps are an All-in-Two nappy, and their standard nappy comes with the outer shell plus two bamboo terry inserts – one longer and one shorter – that snap together (see picture opposite).

The shell features two rows of snaps along the top, which can be handy for getting a good, flat fit across the tummy and also offers an option to adjust if you have a bub with chunkier thighs.

Econaps shell and inserts

They also have three rows of double-rise snaps, allowing you to adjust as bub grows. Many other brands do have triple-rise snaps across the front. I find the double rise gives a cleaner look but sometimes they do pop open when I’m putting them on wriggly toddlers.

One of the cool things about Econaps is that they are a hybrid nappy, meaning they can be used either as a straight snap-in nappy, or a pocket nappy. The two inserts snap together into the cover, and there is a pocket you can stuff the inserts into, or you can choose to lay them on the outside and tuck the ends into the small pocket.

I did initially find this confusing and tried it as a pocket nappy first, but I found it wasn’t as absorbent and I had a couple of leaks. I now find having the inserts on the outside of the pocket gives the best absorbency.

I’ve since found my preferred fit is as follows (pictured right):

  • snapping the inserts in (long one on top)
  • folding the long end over the top of the short insert
  • stuffing the ends into the short outer pocket.

Worn like this, I love the fit on both of my boys – one with a slim waist and legs and the other with much chunkier thighs.

EcoNaps AI2 setup

I find I can get a pretty trim, flat fit across the front, and use the rise snaps to adjust the height as needed and ensure there is no gap between the elastic around the legs that could lead to leaks. EcoNaps are a narrow fit through the crotch which I prefer as I find it easier to get a good fit around the leg elastics to avoid leaking. In some other bulkier brands, I find it can be more challenging to get a neat fit around the legs, but this can also depend on the shape of your baby.

Although a PUL shell, it does offer some stretch which I like as I find it easier to fit on bubs and it feels like a comfortable fit across the tummy.  The cover also features a stay-dry suede lining which will wick away moisture if used as a pocket nappy.  Even using it as an AI2 nappy, I do find this means I change the whole nappy rather than just the inserts, as the stay-dry lining in the elastics is often wet or soiled.

What are the inserts like?

EcoNaps come with two standard hourglass-shaped inserts made from three layers of bamboo fibre mixed with polyester. You will notice they are very thick and soft, and most people find they offer very high absorbency. The trade-off is that they can take longer to dry than other styles of inserts.

A standard insert set comes with one longer insert and one shorter insert. There is flexibility to snap them together however you wish, however, what works for a lot of people is snapping the smaller one into the larger one and then the larger one into the cover.

Econaps inserts snapped together
Econaps long and short inserts snapped together

EcoNaps also sell separate booster kits comprising either standard inserts, Tri-Fold Boosters, or a combination. Additional sets of standard inserts can be a great option to get more from your All-in-Two nappies – if the cover is still clean you can just change for a fresh set of inserts. This is also a good option as the PUL covers will dry very quickly in comparison to the inserts, so having some extras on hand can help with the wash rotation.

EcoNaps Tri-Fold Boosters are large squares made from bamboo and organic cotton blend. These fold into three to offer multi-layered protection for babies who need extra absorbency or for overnight use.

I’ve found I’ve really loved the feel, absorbency, and ease of the EcoNaps inserts for both of my boys. However, the most common criticism I’ve seen in cloth nappy circles is that others have had trouble with the inserts curling and getting them to sit flat after washing. Personally, I’ve not had any issues with this either in a front or top loader, and I do gently stretch out and flatten when I’m hanging out to dry and snapping them back together.

What sort of prints does EcoNaps offer?

I do adore the EcoNaps prints! They are soft and understated with that Byron Bay boho vibe, all designed by local artists.

EcoNaps prints feature predominantly earthy, botanical, and ocean tones, with dreamy names like Sea Mist and Desert Cactus. They also offer about half a dozen softer, solid colours. EcoNaps release new limited edition prints annually.

Are version 2.0 covers and inserts compatible?

Yes! If you have the EcoNaps Original styles and are wanting to add some of the EcoNaps 2.0 to your stash you will have no problem mixing and matching between the two versions.

I have just purchased some of their 2.0 nappies and although very similar, there are some improvements that I’m loving. I find the new, wider elastic at the back gives a comfortable, secure fit on my son and does a stellar job of holding in any blowouts.

Notably, they have also shortened the length of the long insert which might be news to the ears of those who weren’t a fan of folding it over. The insert is now a great length for the cover without any folding. I’ve snapped a shot of the old and new inserts together so you can compare the difference. Definitely a fan!

A picture of EcoNaps original inserts vs 2.0 laying next to each other to compare length.
Version 2.0 inserts on the left, original on the right. You can see the 2.0 long insert is slightly shorter than the original and is a good length for the cover (also V2.0). I have to add that the inserts on the right are after 3 years of use - they're in brilliant condition!

What are EcoNaps reusable nappies like in terms of quality and longevity?

I feel like you can tell these are a high-quality product both in terms of materials, fit and wear.  I’m using my EcoNaps on my second child and the covers still look good as new – I haven’t had any issues with elastics, fading, or delamination.

In terms of the inserts, there is evidence of wearing and some small patches where the bamboo terry has worn slightly however this is not obvious and hasn’t seemed to affect absorbency at all. The edges do curl slightly after a few years of washing, but in comparison to other reviewers, I haven’t found this to be much of an issue. I just make sure I stretch and flatten slightly when hanging on the line and snapping back when dry. The pictures in this post are after a couple of years of use, so you can see they’re still in very good condition.

Can you use EcoNaps nappies from birth?

This is a One-Size-Fits-Most (OSFM) nappy, and EcoNaps advertise that you can use the nappy from birth (around 3.5kg) through to toddlerhood (around 16kg).

As is the case with all OSFM nappies, you might need to use a few hacks to get a good fit on a newborn. You can adjust the front and rise snaps to the tightest setting to get a snug fit around the tummy and legs, and with the two different-sized inserts you can choose whether to use either the single small or large insert or both together, depending on how much absorbency you need. If using both inserts you might find them a little bulky on a newborn. If you have a very small baby, you might find you need another alternative in those first few weeks.

I can personally attest that they are a good fit for older babies and toddlers – my slim 3-year-old could still fit in with all rise snaps undone.

EcoNaps have some useful guides, videos, and infographics on their website that walk you through how to size and boost your EcoNaps.

Can EcoNaps be used as night nappies?

EcoNaps advertise their nappies can be used overnight if you boost them with additional inserts to increase absorbency.  They do sell dedicated Tri-Fold Night Booster inserts which are a double-layered bamboo cotton blend. Like all tri-folds, they are a large piece of layered fabric that folds into thirds to provide heavy-duty boosting. You might need to experiment with different combinations, but a good starting point would be to add the Tri-Fold underneath the standard inserts.

EcoNaps also suggest using the nappy as a pocket nappy for overnight use. This would mean that the stay-dry microfleece pocket lining is against the baby’s skin. As explained in this article, the stay-dry layer will wick the moisture into the absorbent layers, meaning the moisture won’t sit against the baby’s skin, offering better comfort. However, if you find it tricky stuffing that many layers into the pocket (I found it a bit challenging just with the regular two inserts), you could experiment with setting it up as an AI2 nappy and just adding an extra thin stay-dry layer on top.

Where can I buy EcoNaps cloth nappies?

You can purchase EcoNaps directly from their online boutique. They also have a range of online and in-store stockists across Australia, such as Biome, Flora and Fauna, and Nest Nappies.

EcoNaps do ship internationally, and they currently also have stockists located in New Zealand, the USA, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, Poland, Iceland, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Do EcoNaps have deals and sales?

In short, yes they do. They usually offer a 10% discount off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. There is also a discount if you purchase one of their bundle sets which includes 6 nappies, a wet bag, and a change mat.

From time to time they do offer discounts on trial packs, and if you’re lucky you might catch one of their sales of up to 30% off. You can check out their offers on their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

EcoNaps also offer a refer a friend program. This works by sending a unique referral link to a friend on the ‘Gift $15, Get $15’ page of their website, giving you each $15 off once your friend (valid for first-time customers only) makes their purchase.

EcoNaps user reviews and feedback

As all babies (and parents!) are different, we collate a range of reviews from other EcoNaps users to give you a fuller picture.

What other parents loved:

The slim fit: EcoNaps are a very popular choice for parents wanting a nappy with a slimmer fit but still very thirsty – this can be a hard balance to achieve! With their beautiful prints and trim but adjustable fit, they offer a very sleek look. They are also narrow in the crotch and quite long if used without rise snaps, which has been great for both of my babies as they have grown into tall toddlers.

EcoNaps nappy fit

The cover prints and quality: The majority of people find their shells and inserts to be of very high quality, long-lasting, and easy to use.

Their adjustable sizing and versatility: Most users love that they are quite versatile in terms of being able to adjust the size, inserts, and way they sit across the tummy and legs. I can attest to this, having used them successfully on both my slim and chunkier boys. 

Several parents have reported they were able to use Econaps successfully on their newborns following the tips to adjust them to the smallest setting and use only one insert. This is a huge plus, as many people do struggle to get a good fit on newborns with OSFM nappies.

They can double as night nappies if you purchase the additional Tri-Fold Boosters. Therefore, despite being a higher price point, you might find that if you can use them throughout the newborn stage as well as overnight, they are actually a much more economical option than having to buy other dedicated newborn and night nappies.

The sustainability of the product and company practices: EcoNaps are a popular choice for parents who are selective about buying quality, environmentally responsible, and socially conscious products and brands.

What other parents weren’t so keen on:

The shape of the inserts: The main complaint with EcoNaps tends to be the curling up of the edges of the inserts after washing. This is reportedly not such an issue with the V2.0 inserts so it sounds like they have addressed this feedback.  

Some people also aren’t a fan of the longer insert, as it does need to be tucked over to fit inside the cover. I haven’t found this too much of an issue once I got used to it, particularly as I have two boys who need the extra absorbency in front.

A common workaround for those who found the inserts problematic is swapping them out for another brand with compatible inserts. Several people find the Fluffy Ducks branded inserts work well with EcoNaps covers.

Fit may not be ideal for bigger legs: As a trimmer fitting nappy, some people have found they are a bit tight around babies with chunkier thighs. With a double-row snap at the top, you could experiment with snapping the bottom row into a wider snap to offer more room around the legs.

Our verdict

Without a doubt, Econaps are one of my top picks for both of my boys – I find they’re a great fit, very absorbent, and one of the easiest nappies to snap back together after washing and drying.  In my opinion, they offer that perfect balance between high absorbency and a comfortable, slim fit. An overwhelming number of user reviews echo these sentiments.

They weren’t one of the first nappies I tried, but if I was starting over I definitely would have purchased one of their bundle sets as I just find them one of the easiest to use, and their gorgeous nappy prints are one of my favourites!

I also love the company’s ethos and commitment to sustainability. While they are at a higher price point, given the quality, and social and environmental benefits I think they are absolutely worth it.  If you manage to pick them up at a discount – even better!