Nappy types and how to change a nappy

When you’re expecting your first baby, you’ll probably wonder which type of nappy to choose. If you’ve no experience yet, you’ll also want to know what to watch out for when changing nappies and how to do it properly.

We’re here to help you navigate those questions. Even if this isn’t your first child, you may still find this guide useful. It’s common that a particular nappy type suits one child perfectly, while it doesn’t work at all for a sibling – so you end up trying new options.

We won’t promote brands here. Knowing your own circumstances and values, this article should make the choice easier.

Because you might not land on the ideal type first time, it’s worth buying a few of several kinds and testing. Once you’ve found what works, stock up. This avoids wasting money on a big batch that doesn’t suit you.

Let’s start with the nappy types, since there are a few you’ll want to buy before baby arrives.

What kinds of nappies can we choose from? 

There are two main groups: disposable and washable (reusable) nappies.

We’ll look at disposables first – not because we recommend them, but because this section is shorter. (There’s more to say about caring for washables, and there are more sub-types.)

Disposable nappies – many drawbacks, though sometimes they’re the practical choice 

Washable nappies are clearly more economical and kinder to the environment and skin.
But there are situations where disposables feel more realistic. For example, if mum has little help and health issues that make housework – including laundry – tough.

They can also be the easier option temporarily for travel or a hospital stay.

Why aren’t disposables eco- and skin-friendly? 

They create large amounts of plastic waste. You can choose versions made partly with plant fibres (e.g., corn fibre or bamboo), but these still contain non-biodegradable parts, and many only break down in industrial composting.

They’re often treated with various chemicals that may irritate baby’s skin. Plastic-based nappies also breathe less, which isn’t ideal for delicate skin.

Many parents find that in disposables babies feel wetness less, which can delay toilet training.

And odours can linger at home even with frequent bin emptying.

Any advantages? 

One: convenience – you don’t wash or dry them, which helps in the scenarios above. If you choose disposables, look for options with a higher proportion of biodegradable materials. Do note, though, that often only 60–80% of the nappy is compostable – and only in industrial facilities – so in landfill it still becomes waste. Better than all-plastic, yes, but still an environmental burden.

What to watch for 

Get the right size: it should seal at the thighs and be high enough at the waist so contents don’t leak. If leaks are frequent, change size or type.

The world of washable nappies 

As noted, washables have a much smaller environmental footprint – there’s no ongoing waste.
You’ll use some water and electricity for washing, but disposables require far more water, energy and chemicals in manufacture, so washables are still gentler on the planet.

They breathe better, so baby’s skin is cooler and less clammy – with regular changes, irritation is less likely.

They’re more economical overall – even with washing costs. Especially so if you later resell them or pass them to a sibling.

Cloth-nappy babies often become toilet trained earlier.

We do recommend keeping some disposables at home for backup – you may not need them, but situations arise when nothing else will do.

Yes, washables mean laundry, but with a good routine (and a washing machine) it’s far easier than in our grandparents’ day. Let’s cover cleaning.

Washing cloth nappies 

Most people suggest washing at least every other day to prevent bacterial build-up.
Don’t put them in the machine as-is – remove solids first; they belong in the toilet. Many parents use a blunt “scraper” (e.g., an old bank card). Do this straight after changing.

Two common pre-clean approaches:

• Hand pre-treat in warm sodium percarbonate solution, including wee nappies. Wear gloves – the active oxygen released lifts stains and kills bacteria but can irritate skin. It’s still eco-friendly: after the reaction, no harmful residues remain, and the water can go down the drain. (You’ll often see it sold as “oxygen stain remover” or “stain remover salt”.)

• If you don’t want to scrub (or have health reasons), do an machine pre-wash: put nappies in the drum, add sodium percarbonate to the drum, and run a pre-wash. This uses more electricity, but for an over-stretched new parent it can be ideal – and still far greener than disposables.

Main wash:

• Many find 40 °C sufficient. Use plenty of water – avoid extra-eco programs here, as you need thorough rinsing.

• After illness (or periodically), do a 60 °C wash. Some always use 60 °C if the fabric allows.

• You can occasionally use a nappy sanitiser (especially if washing at 40 °C).

Avoid fabric softener – it reduces absorbency. You can use vinegar in the rinse instead.

Be careful with spin speed – over 1000 rpm can damage some fabrics. Check your settings.

Drying: best is line-drying in the sun – sunlight helps fade stains and uses no electricity.

If that’s not possible – small flat, no balcony, winter – a tumble dryer helps. Over-drying lots of laundry indoors raises the risk of damp and mould, which is a health concern.

Types of washable nappies 

There are many – like stars in the sky. You can choose popular brands, or support small makers who sew excellent nappies.

Because different babies suit different types, don’t buy everything before birth. Have 1–2 of several kinds. You’ll learn what works for you, then buy more of that.

Newborns often need newborn-specific sizes – one-size nappies may be too big at first. You can hire newborn sets or sell them on later.

By size:

• Newborn nappies

• One-size/adjustable nappies

• Multi-size systems

By construction:

• All-in-one (AIO): the waterproof outer is sewn to the absorbent inner. You change the whole nappy each time.

• Pocket nappy: similar, but you stuff the absorbent layers into a pocket. You still change the whole thing.

• “Boat” (hybrid) system: a cotton outer holds a boat-shaped waterproof liner, and inside that sits the absorbent insert. If the liner/outer isn’t soiled, you can just swap the insert. Many find this one of the most leak-resistant systems – though what works varies by baby.

• Fitted inner + separate cover: place absorbent inners under a waterproof cover, adding boosters as needed. This is a strong night option for many families.

Covers are now made from breathable modern fabrics – not always natural, but durable. Wool covers exist too; they need lanolising and gentler care, which some parents end up loving.

Inners vary: shaped fitteds, prefolds, even classic muslins can be used.

As you approach toilet training, training pants (cloth pull-ups) are handy – like pants kids can pull down and up themselves. They’re thinner – for small accidents only.

How do you dress baby to suit the nappy?

If you’ve tried several types, you’ll notice sizing can change what clothes fit.

For disposables, choose clothing size as usual – based on baby’s length.
Washables often make a bulkier bundle, especially night sets. You may need one size up in bodysuits/rompers for comfort. Day nappies might fit true to size, nights one up – you’ll fine-tune as you go. Body extenders (press-stud extenders) are also available.

Just as nappy fabrics should breathe, so should clothing. We recommend bamboo fabrics – soft, gentle and skin-friendly – which is why we love LiaaBébé bamboo babywear.

We’ve covered the types; now for how to change a nappy. If you’re expecting your first, read on. Even if you’ve had a boy then a girl (or vice versa), this short guide helps – there are differences.

How to change a nappy 

The basics for newborns and older babies are similar; what differs is the presence of the cord stump.

Changing a newborn 

Rule one: never leave baby unattended on the changing table – keep one hand on them.

You only need to unfasten clothing from below. Care for the cord stump as per current advice. Fold the front of the dirty nappy back to wipe the bottom first – you’ll use fewer wipes. Fold the used nappy under baby’s waist, then wipe thoroughly. Start with the groin folds, then clean all soiled areas. Always wipe front to back. We cover girls vs boys below.

Hold baby’s legs with the “fork hold” as shown in the picture.

After wiping, remove the soiled nappy and place a clean one under baby so the back comes up high to prevent up-the-back leaks. If the skin looks red, apply nappy cream (ideally with natural ingredients). Creases and bottom can be creamed; for girls avoid the labia, for boys avoid the penis.

Make sure the cord stump is not covered – it needs air. Newborn cloth nappies are usually lower-rise; for disposables, fold the waistband down so the stump stays free.

Changing a girl 

The tricky bit is when stool gets between the labia. Clean it very gently, and avoid pushing soiling towards the vagina or urethra. Wipe inside out and front to back. If using cream, keep it away from the vaginal and urethral openings.

Changing a boy 

This is often simpler. Do not retract the foreskin – in newborns it’s adherent, and forcing it can injure. If needed, apply cream only to the groin creases and bottom. When fastening the clean nappy, point the penis downward to help prevent leaks.

Funny moments…

We usually laugh later. In the moment – not so much. Newborns often wee or poo mid-change. You may even get splashed. Prioritise safety first – don’t step away to change your own clothes. Never leave baby unattended on the changing table, even for a moment.

Has this happened to you? Feel free to share your story!

Sources:

NHS — How to change your baby’s nappy

NHS — Best Start in Life: Changing a nappy
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