Econaps Cloth Nappy Review
If you’re searching for an explanation of EcoNaps nappy features and honest feedback from other parents who have used them, then read on for our detailed review of EcoNaps cloth nappies.
Hippybottomus Cloth Nappy Review
If you are looking for a pocket nappy that's also friendly on your pocket (and the environment!), then you've come to the right place. Read on for a review of the popular Hippybottomus cloth nappy.
Bubblebubs Candie Cloth Nappy Review
Highly absorbent, premium quality and limited edition prints - check out our in-depth review of the Bubblebubs Candie cloth nappy!
Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Review 2023
If you haven't jumped on the DB bandwagon yet and are wondering what you're missing, then check out this honest parent review.
Your ultimate source of cloth nappy reviews for Australia in 2023
Ok so here’s what you’ve been waiting for, the answer to one of the most commonly asked questions when embarking upon your cloth journey: which are the best cloth nappies for my child?
One of the most exciting aspects of starting with reusable nappies is shopping for your stash! And it has been fabulous to see an explosion of cloth nappy brands on the market as interest in modern cloth nappies has surged in recent years due to growing numbers of eco-conscious parents who, concerned about the pollution caused by disposable nappies, are looking for more sustainable options. Yet with so many options now available, I know from experience that it can be quite overwhelming trying to select which cloth nappies are right for your baby.
How We Review and Compare
Independent user reviews
We understand that with so many brands coming on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best cloth nappies to suit your child and lifestyle. That’s where Cloth Nappy Info comes in – we offer well-researched, comprehensive user reviews of all of the cloth nappy brands in Australia that we can get our hands on!
As each baby is different, we know that what suits one may not be ideal for another. Therefore we have collated a trove of user reviews from ourselves and other cloth nappy families to help you decide which reusable nappies are best for you.
Cloth Nappy Info is not a retailer, so we don’t sell any products and therefore our reviews are independent. However, we are reader-supported and therefore may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click on and decide to purchase through one of the retailer links on our site.
A wide range of brands and price points reviewed
The great news is that there is now a huge range of choice on the market. From the beautifully-curated, Australian-owned boutique brands to unique, work-at-home-maker (WAHM) options or more affordable lines that are now stocked at major retailers such as Kmart, Big W, Target and ALDI (Special Buys) we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re most driven by ethical considerations such as organic fibres or Australian made options, looking for unique prints, high levels of absorbency or a particular type of fit, or simply trying to work out which options suit your budget, Cloth Nappy Info is here to help. While we love to support homegrown Australian owned and WAHM brands, our aim is also to make reusable nappies affordable and accessible to all families and so in this spirit, we endeavour to offer as many options as possible.
New nappy reviews frequently added
We aim to regularly add to this page as we have a chance to review new brands. As a very small team we have limited capacity however we will do our best to cover as many cloth nappy brands as possible in order to provide you with the most comprehensive information!
Is there another brand you’d like to see included in our reviews? Drop us a line on our contact page and we’ll endeavour to check it out!
On a tight budget or interested in options that further enhance the environmental sustainability of cloth nappies? Consider our articles on what to consider when buying reusable nappies second hand or options for Cloth Nappy Hire Australia.
And don’t forget to keep your receipt as you may be eligible for a cloth nappy rebate from your local council!
Some factors to consider when choosing cloth nappies
It can be hard to know what is important when looking to buy cloth nappies, and to work out what type of cloth nappy is best for you. With so many brands and styles on the market, the options can seem overwhelming.
Reviews can be hugely helpful, which is why we’ve focused on providing such comprehensive user reviews of some of the most popular cloth nappy brands in Australia.
However, before you start comparing brands, it can also be worthwhile narrowing down your options by considering some factors based on your individual circumstances. Some helpful things to consider when buying reusable nappies include:
- What is your budget? If you are looking to set up a stash on a smaller budget, terry-towelling and prefold nappies can be cheapest options. Pocket nappies also tend to be friendlier on the hip pocket. Purchasing second-hand is also an excellent option.
- Who will be caring for your child? If bubs will be regularly cared for by grandparents or babysitters for example, or if you plan to send reusable nappies to daycare, then you might be looking for a simpler setup for those not so familiar with MCNs. In this case, pocket nappies or All-in-Ones can be a more straightforward option as there are fewer components to the nappy and they won’t have to worry about which way to snap in the inserts. See our overview of the different types of cloth nappies for a comparison.
- What sort of climate do you live in, and what washing/drying set up do you have? If you are in a cooler climate where nappies take longer to dry, you might opt for at least some nappies made from faster-drying fabrics like microfibre. If using natural fibres and/or planning on washing less frequently, you may need to purchase a larger stash of nappies to account for the longer washing and drying time.
- Are you planning to use cloth nappies from birth? A popular option is to purchase one-size-fits-most (OSFM) nappies that will grow with your baby. However, even on the smallest setting many OSFM nappies might still be a little large to use from birth if your baby is on the smaller side. In this case, you might consider dedicated newborn nappies, flats or prefolds in the early stages.
- How long do you plan to use them for? While some of the premium brands may cost more up-front, they will often last very well and therefore are an economical choice if you take good care of them and think you might be using cloth nappies for two or more children.
- Do you have a preference for certain fabrics? Do you prefer natural or organic fibres? In that case, you might opt for cotton (see terry-towelling and flats), bamboo or hemp styles. These also have the advantage of offering higher absorbency, although you will often pay more than for synthetic fibres which can be quicker to dry and cheaper, although not as ‘thirsty’. Our article on cloth nappy fabrics delves deeper.
- Are you planning to use reusable nappies overnight? If so, it is definitely worth considering a dedicated night nappy to last those (hopefully!) long overnights. However, many brands do offer additional night booster inserts that can be added to their nappies if you plan to use them overnight and don’t want to purchase separate night nappies. It is worth mentioning that it isn’t necessary to purchase night nappies for newborns since (we’re sorry to break it to you!) you will be changing their nappy more frequently in those early nights. Therefore, whatever nappies you are using in the daytime will do the trick just fine!
- How much do you prioritise environmental and ethical considerations? If you are highly motivated to use cloth for sustainability reasons, then you might be looking for certified organic fibres such as cotton, bamboo or hemp for the inserts. The great news is a number of companies are dedicated to innovation in this space and are even introducing nappy covers made entirely from recycled plastic. In addition, several leading cloth nappy brands are dedicated to streamlining sustainability and ethical measures throughout their manufacturing cycle and company practices. We know such considerations are important to many of our readers, which is why we include this brand and product info in our reviews.
We hope this has given you a bit of guidance as to where to start!
One more hot tip: You don’t always know ahead of time what style will best suit your baby, or what you’ll find easiest to clean, fit and use until you get into it. Therefore, we highly recommend trialling a few different brands and styles to work out what is right for you. With so much choice on offer, the great news is you’re bound to find the style, design and price-point that works best for you and your family.
