Best nappies in Australia

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Best disposable nappies: Pampers Baby Dry

Why we chose it

Pampers Baby Dry nappies are our pick for the best disposable nappies. They hold an average rating of 4.4 stars from more than 7,000 customers on Amazon.com.au and are recommended by industry professionals.

Parents using Pampers Baby Dry cite the absorbency as a standout quality, particularly during the crucial overnight period when extra absorbency means extra crucial hours of sleep for mum and dad. Very few people report overnight leakage issues, which is consistent with Pampers' claim of being able to maintain dryness for up to 12 hours.

They're less bulky than many comparable nappies, which, while not impacting absorbency negatively, does result in ever-so-slightly less environmental waste. They're a popular, reliable, go-to nappy used by countless parents across the country.

Best budget disposable nappies: Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry nappies

Why we chose it

Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry nappies are outstanding value, but they're also remarkably reliable for their price point. Bubhub forums rate these nappies at 85% across 78 user reviews, and they have received numerous awards including the 2019 Canstar Blue Award for disposable nappies.

Like Pampers, the Aldi Mamia has a sleeker profile for bub's comfort while maintaining good, reliable absorbency. They're soft and comfortable, and the tabs are easily resealable should you need to make adjustments if they've been fitted incorrectly. They're perfume-free, which is better for sensitive skin, but might result in slightly stronger urine odours. If money is tight, you won't find a better, cheaper, more reliable nappy.

Most environmentally friendly disposable nappies: Tooshies By Tom

Why we chose it

There's no getting around the fact disposable nappies create waste, but some brands are better for the planet than others. Tooshies By Tom nappies are made from sustainable plant-based materials extracted from corn, sugarcane and wheat. It's not clear how well they actually biodegrade while in landfill, but there's no denying the production process has a reduced impact on the environment.

They perform well in action, too. Chemist Warehouse customers rate them at 4.8 out of 5 from 60 reviewers. When my wife and I use disposable nappies, we go for these. Our baby finds them comfortable, and we rarely have leakage issues overnight. They're fragrance free, hypoallergenic, soft on skin and provide excellent protection while reducing your impact on the planet.

Best reusable nappies: Designer Bums

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best reusable nappy is Designer Bums, which I use for my little one at home.

The average baby will soil 6,000 nappies before becoming potty-trained. That's an immense amount of waste. The only way to significantly cut that down is by using reusable nappies. Fortunately, there's been a boom in the modern cloth nappy scene of late, and a range of funky, colourful, "Instagramable" options are now available.

They have a 5 star rating from more than 2,000 user reviews on the Designer Bums website. Admittedly, this isn't the most impartial sample, but Designer Bums nappies aren't available through large retailers so user reviews in statistically significant quantities aren't available elsewhere.

They're one-size-fits-all with adjustable straps, so they grow with your baby. Liners are inserted into an outer shell for use and removed for easier cleaning. The shells themselves feature colourful designs, often created by local artists, and are released in quarterly product lines.

Keep in mind, the most popular designs sellout almost instantly; the community, self-dubbed "Pop Tarts" after the popping sound the buttons make, are a passionate bunch.

Disposable vs cloth nappies

Nappies are one item that you need to purchase before your baby is born and you'll use them for at least a couple of years until your little one is toilet trained. There are two main types to choose from, each with their pros and cons, so it's up to personal preference which is the right option for you and your baby.

Disposable

Disposable nappies are the most commonly used and the most convenient type of nappy. They come in a range of sizes from newborn through to toddler, and are easy to use and dispose of. Most disposable nappies have elastic leg holes and waistbands so that they fit snugly on your baby, and a moisture-absorbing pad soaks up liquid. This helps to keep your baby dry and reduce the risk of nappy rash.

However, they create a lot of waste with millions of nappies going into landfills each day.

Cloth (reusable)

Cloth nappies are usually made from natural materials like bamboo, hemp or cotton, so they are breathable and kinder on your baby's skin. As they are made from cloth, they can be washed and reused for a long period of time.

While they were once just a square or rectangle piece of material that you had to fold up and safety pin together, there are now different styles to choose from that include moisture-resistant and absorbent layers, pockets to add absorbent inserts or press studs that combine waterproof and absorbent layers that can be taken apart for washing. You can still buy the original flat cloth nappies if you are on a tight budget, and these often come with a fastener so you won't need to use pins.

How to compare nappies

If you are preparing for a new baby and trying to decide on the right nappies to meet your baby's needs and your lifestyle, consider the following points before purchasing.

How to check fit

You'll know you've chosen the right nappy when you notice the following things:

• Your baby is able to move around freely. While this will not be as noticeable for newborns, it will be easy to tell if your child is crawling or walking.
• There's no leaking around your baby's legs and you can't see any liquid coming through any part of the nappy.
• You don't have to change the nappy too often, which means that it holds a good amount of liquid.
• Your baby doesn't react to the material.

How to wash cloth nappies

Washing cloth nappies is a relatively simple process, but it can be overwhelming thinking of all that extra washing to do as well as the risk of smell getting around the house in between washes.

So you can get rid of solids straight after changing, use paper liners that can be put straight into the bin. Then you can rinse the cloth in cold water and throw them into a bucket filled with water that has a lid. You can keep adding dirty nappies into this bucket until you are ready to do a load, then simply pour out as much water as you can into the laundry sink, tip the nappies into the washing machine, add detergent or washing powder and then start the cycle.

3 things to consider

1. Be prepared to try a few different options. The first pack of nappies you buy might not be quite right for your baby so try a few different brands until you find something you are happy with.
2. Don't immediately discard the idea of cloth nappies. Even though they take more work, you may find that the modern versions are easier than you think.
3. Leaving your baby in a dirty nappy for too long can lead to rashes and irritations, no matter what type of nappy you have used. Make sure to change regularly and always have nappy rash cream on hand just in case.