Best Reusable Cloth Nappies in Australia 2026

Best Reusable Cloth Nappies in Australia 2026: What to Look For, What to Avoid, and How to Build a Stash That Actually Works

There is a lot of information out there about cloth nappies, and not all of it is helpful.

As someone who has been using and living with cloth nappies for over eight years, and as the owner of Designer Bums, an Australian cloth nappy brand that turns 16 this year, I want to give you something more useful than a list of products with star ratings. I want to help you understand what actually matters when choosing a reusable nappy, so you can make a decision you feel confident about.

This guide covers everything from the different types of cloth nappies available in Australia, to what to look for in materials and fit, to how to build a starter stash without overbuying.

The Different Types of Cloth Nappies

Before you can choose the right nappy, it helps to understand the main types available.

Pre-folds and flats are considered “traditional” cloth nappies, made from simple layers of fabric (usually cotton, bamboo or muslin) that you fold and fasten around your baby, then cover with a separate waterproof shell.

Fitted nappies are shaped more like a disposable nappy, with elastic and fasteners, but still require a waterproof cover over the top.

These options are valued for being simple and economical options.

All-in-one nappies have the absorbent insert sewn directly into the nappy shell. They are the closest thing to a disposable in terms of ease. You put them on, take them off, and wash the whole thing together. The trade-off is that they take longer to dry because everything is connected.

All-in-two nappies have a separate shell and insert that snap or lay together. The shell can often be reused for more than one change if it stays clean, which means you need fewer shells in your stash. The inserts wash and dry separately, which speeds up drying time considerably.

Pocket nappies have a waterproof outer shell with an opening, or pocket, into which you stuff an absorbent insert before each use. They dry quickly because you remove the insert before washing. They require a little more preparation at folding time, but many parents find this routine easy to get into.

All-in-two pocket nappies combine elements of both. You can either stuff the inserts in the pocket, or layer them directly in the shell, with the flexibility to add extra absorbency as needed. The inserts are removed before washing, giving you the quick drying time of a pocket nappy with the versatility of a two-part system. This is the design Designer Bums uses across our full range, and it is the design I have used with my own babies. Once the routine is established, it is genuinely simple.

We have discussed the types of reusable cloth nappies available, now let’s look at sizing.

One size fits most nappies, often called OSFM, are designed to adjust via press studs to fit babies across a wide weight range. Most OSFM nappies on the market start at around 4 to 5 kilograms. Designer Bums OSFM nappies start from 3 kilograms, which means a surer fit from birth for many newborns without needing to start on a separate newborn size.

Sized nappies come in small, medium, and large. They tend to offer a trimmer fit at each stage, which some parents prefer, particularly in the newborn period or for overnight use.

What Designer Bums Offers

At Designer Bums, we offer three sizes, each designed as an all-in-two pocket nappy with inserts specific to that stage.

Our Little nappies are designed for premature babies and newborns from 1.5 kilograms up to 5 kilograms, making them suitable from the very earliest days. If your baby arrives early or on the smaller side, the Little nappy ensures you are not waiting weeks before cloth nappies become an option.

Our OSFM Modern Reusable Cloth Nappies cover 3 kilograms through to approximately 15 kilograms, growing with your baby from the newborn stage through to toddler years. The shell features a waterproof PUL outer and a vegan suede cloth inner lining that wicks moisture away from your baby's skin. The bamboo and cotton insert sits in the pocket and is removed before washing, keeping drying times manageable.

Our Large nappies are designed for 15 to 23 kilograms, making them ideal for older toddlers. They also work beautifully as a night nappy for younger babies who are heavy wetters and need extra absorbency for a 10 to 12 hour stretch overnight.

What Actually Matters When Choosing a Cloth Nappy

Once you understand the types, the next question is what to look for. Here is what I consider most important after eight years of using and washing cloth nappies.

Materials matter more than most people realise. The inner lining of the nappy sits directly against your baby's skin for hours at a time. Look for natural fibres like bamboo and organic cotton, which are breathable, gentle, and highly absorbent. Bamboo in particular is naturally antibacterial and softens with washing over time. Avoid synthetic linings if your baby has sensitive skin. They can trap heat and cause irritation, particularly in warmer months.

Fit is everything. A nappy that does not fit well will not perform well, regardless of how good the materials are. Look for adjustable waist and leg press studs that allow you to customise the fit as your baby grows. The leg openings in particular should sit snugly without digging in. A good fit contains what needs to be contained.

Insert quality determines absorbency. The shell of a nappy is only as good as the insert inside it. Look for inserts with multiple layers of absorbent material, and check whether the brand offers booster options for overnight use or heavy wetters. A single insert that works well during the day may not be enough for a 10 to 12 hour night stretch.

Durability is where the real value lies. A well-made cloth nappy should last through multiple children. Look for double stitching, quality snap closures that do not wear out, and shells that retain their waterproofing after hundreds of washes. This is where the investment in a quality nappy pays for itself many times over.

What to Look for in an Australian Brand

Buying from an Australian brand has practical advantages beyond supporting local business.

Shipping times are faster, which matters when you are building a stash and need nappies in hand before baby arrives. Customer support is in your time zone. And Australian brands are generally more familiar with the council rebate programs that exist across the country, which can reduce your upfront cost significantly.

Speaking of which: many Australian councils offer rebates on cloth nappy purchases, covering nappies, wet bags, cloth wipes, and more. Some offer up to 50% back on your purchase. Designer Bums maintains an updated list of councils currently offering rebate programs. It is worth checking before you buy.

Also look for brands that have been around long enough to have a track record. Fifteen years of customer feedback, product refinement, and community trust tells you something. It is not a guarantee, but it is a meaningful signal.

How to Build a Starter Stash

One of the most common mistakes new parents make is buying too many nappies before they know what works for their baby and their routine.

My recommendation for a starter stash is 6 to 8 nappies. That is enough to trial cloth nappies without a significant financial commitment, while giving you enough to rotate through a day without running out before the wash is done.

If you are not sure where to start, Designer Bums offers a trial pack that includes one nappy in each of our three sizes: Little, OSFM, and Large. It is the best way to experience the fit, feel, and quality before building out a full stash.

Once you have settled on what works, a full daytime stash of 20 to 24 nappies is comfortable for most families washing every two to three days. If you are using cloth overnight as well, factor in your night nappies separately.

The Approach I Wish I Had Known

When I started, I did not buy everything at once. I built gradually, getting comfortable with the routine before adding more. This kept the upfront cost manageable, and by the time I had a full stash I knew exactly what I wanted and why.

A full time stash for me was 24 OSFM plus 3 night nappies with my first baby, but I added some nappies to my stash before having my second baby. I found 36 nappies in rotation was more comfortable, with less pressure to be on top of washing and drying.

Give yourself permission to start small. You do not need to have it all figured out on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cloth nappies do I need? For a starter trial, 6 to 8 nappies. For a full daytime stash washing every two to three days, aim for 20 to 24. Add night nappies separately if you plan to use cloth overnight. Many families report a comfortable full time stash is 30 to 36 nappies.

What age can I start using cloth nappies? From birth, and even earlier for premature babies. Our Little nappies fit from 1.5 kilograms, designed specifically for the smallest newborns and premature babies. Our OSFM nappies start from 3 kilograms, which means many babies can go straight into OSFM from birth. Most other OSFM nappies on the market do not fit until 4 to 5 kilograms, which is worth knowing when comparing options.

Are cloth nappies really better for the environment? Yes! Each baby uses an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies before toilet training. Disposable nappies take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. A set of cloth nappies that lasts through multiple children displaces thousands of disposables from landfill over its lifetime.

Do cloth nappies leak? A well-fitted cloth nappy with the right insert for your baby's absorbency needs should not leak. Most leaks come down to fit or absorbency rather than a fault with the nappy. If you are having issues, reach out to our team. We have been helping parents troubleshoot cloth nappies for over 15 years.

Can my council help cover the cost? Possibly, yes. Many Australian councils offer rebate programs on cloth nappy purchases. Check our updated list to see if yours is included.

Where do I start? Our trial pack is the easiest first. One nappy in each size, so you can experience the fit and quality before committing to a full stash. To explore more sizes and value offerings, see our Nappy Value Packs.

The hardest part is starting.

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Designer Bums has been making award-winning reusable cloth nappies and eco-friendly parenting essentials since 2010. 100% Australian owned, voted Australia's favourite cloth nappy by parents five times over, and trusted by more than 150,000 families worldwide, we have spent 15 years refining products that are beautiful, practical, and built to last. With over 60 industry awards and a community of parents who have made the switch and never looked back, we know what it takes to make cloth nappies work for real families. If you have questions, we are here.