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Best reusable nappy brands for 2024

Find out which reusable nappy brands were rated best by parents. We also run through the different nappy types, how to wash them and how much they cost
Hannah FoxSenior researcher & writer
Reusable-nappy-lead Aug20

To find the best reusable nappies we asked parents to rate 20 brands, including Bambino Mio, Kit & Kin and Little Lamb. 

For each nappy brand, we'll tell you how parents rate the absorbency, fit, comfort, ease of use and value for money so you can choose the best reusable nappies for your little one. 

Keep scrolling for the best and worst nappy brands. Plus, tips on which nappy type to choose, how much to spend and how to wash reusables. 


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Best vs worst reusable nappy brands

We calculate a customer score for each brand, which is based on parents' overall satisfaction with the nappies and how likely they are to recommend them. You can see a preview of the best and worst customer scores below:

  • Best brand: 75% This brand scored well in all areas, but parents were particularly pleased with the fit of this brands' nappies. 
  • Worst brand: 59% Parents were less impressed with the fit of this brands' nappies and even more unhappy with their value for money. 

Reusable nappy brand ratings

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? for access to our test results.

BrandCustomer scoreAbsorbencyFitComfortEase of useValue for money
Baba & Boo (56)
Bambino Mio (94)
Bambooty (36)
Beaming Baby (40)
Blueberry (33)
Bright Bots (34)
BumGenius (40)
Results are based on an online survey of 1,030 UK parents in August 2021, who were asked to rate the reusable nappy brands they use currently and the brands they've used in the past year. Scores represent the percentage of people that gave a 'good' or 'excellent' rating. Customer score is calculated using a combination of overall satisfaction and how likely people are to recommend the brand to a friend. Sample size in brackets.

Are reusable nappies worth it?

Reusable nappies

Reusable nappies are a good way to cut costs because they work out cheaper than disposable nappies in the long run.

They also help to reduce the number of disposable nappies ending up in landfill and can be a more environmentally friendly option if you're looking to take steps to reduce energy use, such as avoiding tumble drying.

However, they need to be washed and dried after every use, so they aren’t as convenient as disposable nappies.

Reusable nappies – also known as washable nappies, cloth nappies or real nappies – have evolved significantly in the past decade and are a popular choice for eco-conscious parents.

They come in a vast range of colours and fabrics, often look like disposables, and can be just as easy to put on and take off again.

Reusable nappies: pros

  • Cheaper than disposable nappies in the long run, particularly if you use them for more than one child
  • Reduces the number of disposable nappies ending up in landfill
  • May irritate your baby’s skin less than disposable nappies as they’re more likely to be made of natural fibres

Reusable nappies: cons

  • Less convenient than disposable nappies as you need to wash and dry them after each use
  • Higher water and energy usage from frequent washing
  • Can be difficult to fit clothes over bulkier nappies

If you don't want to use reusable nappies, see our best disposable nappies instead


Reusable nappy types

Reusable nappies come in a range of different designs. Some have layers attached, while others have separate parts that you need to join together.

You may want to try out a few types of nappy before you buy in bulk, to see how you and your baby get on with them.

All-in-one reusable nappy

All in one reusable nappy

All-in-one nappies have an absorbent inner layer attached to a waterproof outer layer, and the two parts are sewn together.

Pocket reusable nappy

Pocket reusable nappy

Pocket nappies are similar to all-in-ones, but have a pouch in the nappy cover, which you stuff with a fabric insert for absorbency.

Two-part reusable nappy

Two-part reusable nappy

Nappies with a two-part design have a separate inner nappy and outer wrap. You can choose between a shaped or flat nappy.

Shaped nappies have elasticated waist and leg cuffs, and are usually fastened with Velcro or poppers.

Flat nappies are simply a piece of fabric that you fasten around your baby using a nappy grip. You can either buy Terry squares, which need to be folded to a suitable size and shape, or you can buy pre-folded nappies. These are the cheapest type of reusable nappies.

One-size vs sized nappies

One-size or 'birth to potty' reusable nappies can be adjusted to fit your baby as they grow.

With sized nappies, you'll need to buy different nappies as your baby grows. These are useful for newborns as you might find that birth to potty nappies are too big for small babies.

How much do reusable nappies cost?

Reusable nappies have a higher upfront cost than disposable nappies, but they work out cheaper in the long term, particularly if you use them for more than one child.

The cost of reusable nappies varies depending on the type and brand you choose. In 2021, the government’s money advice service estimated the average overall cost of using own-brand disposable nappies at £1,875. It puts the average cost of reusable nappies at just £400 (including laundry costs), giving an overall saving of £1,475 over the first two and half years.

How to save money on reusable nappies

These four tips could help you to reduce the cost of reusable nappies:

  • Check whether your local council runs a reusable nappy incentive scheme. You can get free starter kits or vouchers, making it cheaper to try them out.
  • Consider buying second-hand reusable nappies.
  • Save on energy costs by line-drying nappies rather than tumble drying.
  • Use an energy-efficient washing machine. See our washing machine reviews to find out which models we recommend as Best Buys.

Not sure which products are worth spending money on? See the best and worst baby products according to parents


How many reusable nappies do I need?  

Depending on your baby’s age, how often they need changing and how frequently the nappies are washed, you’re likely to need around 15 to 25 reusable nappies. 

You won’t need as many if you’re using them alongside disposable nappies or when you’re potty training.

Where to buy reusable nappies

There are many places you can buy reusable nappies, including supermarkets, baby stores and directly from the manufacturer.

It's important that you pay attention to the returns policy, though – if you need to replace an item or claim a refund you should know your rights. 

For more details on shopping online safely and refunds, see our advice.

Here are some of the most-searched for retailers for reusable nappies:

  • Aldi has in the past stocked own-brand Mamia reusable nappies costing around £4.99 per nappy. However, they're not currently stocking any, but keep an eye out for them in case they come in during a Special Buy baby week.
  • Boots sell own-brand and branded reusable nappies. Prices start at £9.99 per nappy and go up to £20 for reusable nappies from Kit & Kin. Delivery to a store is free if you spend £15 or more, but for home delivery you need to spend £25. You can return any unused items free of charge within 35 days for a refund or replacement.
  • Ocado sell Bambino Mio nappies usually costing £16 (but sometimes on offer at £10) per nappy. They also sell TotsBots reusable nappies which cost £18 per nappy. Delivery charges range from £0 to £6.99 depending on slot availability and if your order is less than £75, there's a minimum charge of £2.99 and a maximum of £6.99. For standard orders of £75 or more, you may be offered free delivery.
  • Sainsbury's sells reusable nappies from big brand Bambino Mio, costing around £16.50 per nappy. You can pick them up in store or get them delivered. Sainsbury's has a £25 minimum order value for deliveries and charges between £1 and £7.

Aldi vs Lidl nappies: how do they compare?


How do reusable nappies work?

Reusable baby nappies

Reusable nappies are made up of an absorbent inner layer, containing a washable or disposable liner and a waterproof outer layer, called the wrap. You can also choose to add a booster pad for extra absorbency.

They’re available in a variety of materials, including cotton, bamboo, hemp and microfibre. The outer wraps can be made of fleece, wool, PUL (a type of laminated fabric) or waterproof plastic.

Instead of binning the nappy once used, you put the reusable nappy in a designated bucket ready to be washed. When clean and dry, it can be worn again.


If your child isn't feeling well, see our guide to using Calpol and other infant paracetamol pain relief. We run you through the essentials, including ingredients, dosage and price


Are reusable nappies more eco-friendly?

By the time a child is potty trained, they could get through more than 5,000 disposable nappies. According to recycling charity Wrap, this adds up to an estimated three billion nappies thrown away every year in the UK. As disposable nappies can’t usually be recycled, most end up in landfill.

The most recent study on environmental impact of reusable and disposable nappies was carried out by the Environment Agency back in 2008.

It concluded that consumers’ behaviour dictates the environmental impact of reusable nappies. Based on average washer and dryer use, the study found that reusable nappies had a worse global warming impact than disposable nappies. But if consumers take steps such as washing in fuller loads, line drying and reusing nappies with a second child, the global warming impact could be reduced by up to 40%.  

In 2021, Which? spoke with Dr Sarah West, director of the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York, about biodegradable versus reusable nappies

Dr West's opinion was that reusable nappies are still the most environmentally friendly choice. But as well as the extra water and energy required for washing, there are several other factors to consider. 

'Reusable nappies made of synthetic fibres can shed microplastics, contributing to pollution,' says Dr West. 'Plant-based materials such as cotton, bamboo and hemp are considered more environmentally friendly, however it's best to avoid non-organic cotton, as it requires high amounts of fertiliser, pesticide and water to produce.

'Taking steps such as buying second-hand and air-drying wherever possible help to reduce the environmental impact.'

How to clean reusable nappies?

  1. When the nappy is ready to be changed, take out the liner and flush any solids down the toilet.
  2. Place used nappies into a bucket containing a mesh liner. There’s no need to soak them before washing.
  3. Clean them in your washing machine every two to three days. If you’re using two-part nappies, you only need to change the outer wrap every 12 hours, unless it’s heavily soiled.
  4. Run a cold-rinse cycle first, then add detergent or washing powder and wash at the temperature recommended in the care instructions.
  5. Hang the nappies up to line dry. Some nappies are suitable for tumble drying, although this will increase costs.

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