‘Modern Cloth Nappies’ refer to reusable nappies made of fabric, designed to replace single-use disposables by washing and reusing, rather than throwing away after one use. The term ‘modern cloth’ differentiates them from older traditional nappies, which were large, bulky Terry Towelling squares requiring intensive wash routines, safety pins, and pilcher pants. Those days are well behind us! Modern cloth nappies are easy to use and care for.

Designer Bums Cloth Nappies are an ‘All In Two’ style, meaning they consist of a water-resistant outer shell and inserts (two parts), and can be paired with a range of different sized bamboo inserts to suit your little one’s size and output. They fasten with snaps on the front and adjust to fit from birth to toilet training in a trim shape that mimics underpants.

Designer Bums is Australia’s most awarded and reviewed nappy, with over 6,000 five-star genuine reviews from happy customers. We are known for our unique prints, premium fabrics, and innovative product designs, and have been a pioneer in the reusable nappy community for our hand-illustrated designer prints. Designer Bums has been voted GOLD as Australia’s favourite cloth nappy five years in a row.

You can choose to cloth part-time or full-time, and every family is different depending on their needs. Starting cloth doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Our trial packs are a great way to get a feel for cloth life before committing to a full stash. If you aren’t ready to jump in with a full-time collection, we recommend purchasing at least enough for a full day’s use, which is generally 6–9 nappies.

You can check out our 3 Nappy Trial Packs for a taste of Designer Bums, or explore our range of larger value packs.

Congratulations on choosing Designer Bums! First things first, wash your new nappy to remove any manufacturing residue. New nappies only require a short rinse cycle with a small amount of detergent and can be used once dry. Our premium custom-milled bamboo is so absorbent it works right away, and will continue to increase in absorbency with ongoing washes.

Use a spin speed of 800 RPM or less when washing shells, as high spins can stretch and damage elastics. Wash at a maximum of 60°C/140F. Hang to dry, or dry inserts on a low heat in a tumble dryer. Avoid exposing shells to high drying temperatures as this may cause damage.

While your nappy is washing and drying, check out our handy fit guide and our Beginner’s Guide to Reusable Nappies.

Each nappy comes with 3 pieces: an outer shell, an anchor-shaped insert, and a smaller snap-in insert. That’s everything you need to start your cloth nappy journey. Before getting started, familiarise yourself with the washing guidelines and fit guide on our website.

We recommend 24–36 nappies for full daytime use, depending on washing cycles and dry times. For optimal rotation and drying times over the long term, 36–40 nappies is ideal. Our nappies can be purchased individually with the benefits of package pricing.

Our nappies are designed to last between 2–4 hours. If you have a particularly heavy wetter, it will likely be closer to 2 hours. We don’t recommend leaving a nappy on for more than 4 hours during the day, as wet nappies against the skin can cause irritation. For hygiene and comfort, aim to change every 3 hours.

Like any clothing item, cloth nappies don’t have an infinite life. They withstand bodily fluids, heavy soiling, and frequent washing, so how well you follow the care instructions will dictate their lifespan. Designer Bums nappies are made with all-premium and custom materials, built to last with your growing family when cared for correctly. They can be passed along to future children, or sold on the secondhand market.

Using cloth nappies saves approximately $2,000–$3,000 from birth to toilet training compared to purchasing disposables. The savings multiply if you use your nappies for subsequent children. You can also save additional money by using cloth wipes instead of disposable ones, which are usually plastic-based and also harmful to the environment and waterways.

According to ABC News, 5.6 million disposable nappies are used by Australians each day, with two billion going into landfill each year. With population growth, these figures are assumed to be even higher today. Choosing cloth is one of the most impactful changes a family can make.

Yes! Our Reusable Cloth Nappy Trial Pack includes three of our multi-award-winning, premium cloth nappies at a discounted price. It’s a great way to experience Designer Bums before committing to a full stash. You can find Trial Packs on our website.

Our multi-award-winning nappies are an All-In-Two style with three rise settings, designed to fit most babies from newborn to toilet training. When using from birth, you may find it easier to use only the snap-in insert and add the anchor insert as your little one grows and output increases. Using a liner in the first few days will also make it easier to manage meconium.

Please note: ‘flushable’ liners are a hazard to plumbing and should be placed in the rubbish or non-edible compost after solids are removed.

One-size-fits-most (OSFM) nappies fit most children, but there are times when you may need something a little smaller or larger. Premature babies may be too tiny for OSFM at first, which is where our Little range comes in. For late toilet trainers or incontinence, a larger nappy may be needed towards the end of your cloth journey.

The Little range is designed to fit babies from 1.5–5kg, making them perfect for premature and newborn babies. Our Little nappies are super soft and have a convenient snap to leave room for the umbilical cord at the front for comfort.

In some cases, especially for premature babies, they may still be too tiny for the newborn setting on an OSFM nappy. Choosing the Designer Bums Little range means you don’t need to fiddle with sizing in those early days.

Our Large nappies are designed to fit children approximately 15–23kg, depending on individual body shape. They suit older and larger children moving out of OSFM, late toilet trainers, children with incontinence, and can also be used as a night nappy where extra boosting space is needed.

Refer to our handy Designer Bums Cloth Fitting Guide on the website for step-by-step visual guidance on achieving an optimal fit.

Yes, we have a handy and printable Cloth Nappy Fitting Guide with helpful visual diagrams available on our website.

Your Designer Bums nappy comes with both a snap-in insert and an anchor insert, which is all you need to get started. The snap-in insert snaps into the two corresponding snaps inside the lining at the top of the shell, and may be sufficient for younger infants who are being changed more frequently.

For increased absorbency, fold the large anchor insert in half and place it on top of or under the snap-in insert. The larger end works best pointing towards the back of the nappy. There is also an optional pocket at the back of the shell for additional boosting.

You’ll know when to add extra absorbency when inserts are soaked through at change time, or when the time between changes decreases.

Our All-In-Two nappy is not a dedicated night nappy, but many customers use them successfully at night with extra boosting. Our Large Nappies are an ideal choice for night-time use as they provide more space for additional inserts.

If using as a nighttime nappy, it is essential to rinse the nappy out in the morning to reduce the soiling load before dry pailing. Night nappies contain a higher soiling load as they are worn for longer. If left unrinsed, you increase the chance of ammonia developing, which can cause smells, rashes, and degrade your nappy materials.

You can rinse by placing the nappy on a 60-minute machine cycle with a small amount of detergent, or by hand. For hand rinsing, use a small amount of detergent in a bucket of warm water, allow the inserts to soak for up to 30 minutes maximum, then rinse under running water. Wring out and place in your dry pail. Some families like to do this in combination with their morning shower to reduce water usage.

Please note: we do not recommend extended soaking as this will degrade your nappies.

Just the same as at home. Once a nappy is removed, pop it straight into a Designer Bums wet bag rather than a disposable bag. Our wet bags are made from water-resistant PUL fabric featuring our signature exclusive designer prints, and come in a range of sizes to store dirty cloth nappies, clothes, and anything else you need on the go.

Winter temperatures will vary depending on where you live, and those in colder climates may experience longer drying times. Ensuring you have enough nappies in your collection to see you through your drying times is an important consideration. We generally recommend 36–40 nappies for optimal rotation.

If using a tumble dryer, use a LOW setting only. Do not expose nappy shells to high levels of heat as this may cause damage.

Your Designer Bums Cloth Nappy comes with everything you need: the shell and two thirsty inserts. To complement your stash, you may also want: change pad covers or a change mat for out and about, wet bags in different shapes and sizes, additional trifold inserts for heavy wetters or extra boosting, cloth wipes (a wonderful reusable alternative to disposables), and a nappy cream. Our favourite is the Weleda Nappy Change Cream, which washes out of our inserts perfectly with the recommended wash routine.

Both the anchor and snap-in inserts feature a suede cloth topping to wick moisture away from your little one’s skin, so a liner is not necessary for dryness. However, we recommend using a liner with nappy creams. Some families also choose to use a reusable microfleece or disposable liner to make disposing of number twos a little easier.

Note: ‘flushable’ liners should be disposed of in the rubbish as they can block drains if flushed.

Yes, you can use a barrier cream with your Designer Bums nappy when needed. If using a barrier cream, use a hot wash (no higher than 60°C/140F) to remove oil and zinc residues and avoid build-up. We also recommend using a nappy liner alongside barrier cream.

Leaks can result from incorrect insert placement and fit, insufficient boosting, or a full nappy. First, check our Nappy Fitting Guide to ensure you’re getting an optimal fit.

If all inserts are saturated, the nappy is full and needs to be changed more frequently or have additional boosting added. If only a small section is wet and the fit is correct, try adjusting where your inserts are placed, or add extra folds to provide further layers in the area that needs it most.

If inserts are saturated, the nappy is full. We recommend changing more frequently, or adding additional boosting. If you’re already using both inserts, try inserting an additional trifold into the pocket. Our trifolds are slimline but ultra-absorbent, and can be folded to target where boosting is needed most. Check out our range of additional Cloth Nappy Inserts on the website.

To keep your Designer Bums products in the best condition, please carefully read the care and washing instructions prior to use. You can view our full Care Instructions on our website.

A pre-wash removes the bulk of soiling from your nappies so your main wash can clean them properly. It should be your shortest machine cycle with half the recommended amount of detergent for your machine size and soiling level, at a warm or hot wash up to 60°C/140F.

Pre-washing is recommended at the end of each day before dry pailing, or every 1–2 days before your main wash. Do not exceed 2 days, as leaving soiled nappies for extended periods can result in mould and ammonia build-up.

Yes, it is recommended to pre-wash shells as well as inserts. Not all soiling is visible, and urine can degrade elastics if left too long without washing. Although the inside of the shell is not absorbent, its lining can also become soiled.

Dry pailing means storing soiled nappies between washes in a basket or container with high airflow, such as a washing basket with plenty of holes. Airflow is important to prevent the development of ammonia, which causes smells and degrades your nappies. A closed storage container creates an environment where ammonia thrives.

Wet pailing in bleach was the traditional approach, but it is no longer recommended. Wet pails pose a drowning risk for little ones, and the materials used in modern cloth nappies may degrade if soaked for extended periods. Soaking also provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which will degrade materials and may cause skin irritation.

Pre-wash every 1–2 days, and do not exceed 2 days for your main wash. Leaving soiled nappies for prolonged periods can result in mould and ammonia build-up, which can shorten the life of your nappy and cause irritation to your little one’s skin.

Our recommendation is a good quality mainstream detergent. Mainstream detergents are designed for modern washing machines and wash out of items without leaving harmful residues, leaving your nappies deeply clean and smell-free.

If using a plant-based, sensitive, or eco detergent, you will get the best results at 60°C/140F. For your pre-wash, use half the recommended amount of detergent. For your main wash, use the full recommended amount for your load size, soiling level, and machine size. Do not exceed 60°C/140F as this may damage your nappies and void your warranty.

For more information on detergent choices, visit cleanclothnappies.com.

We don’t recommend liquid fabric softeners, as they can build up in multilayered products and reduce absorbency. If used occasionally, there is no need to panic. Just use a warm wash and avoid using it consecutively.

A good wash routine is the best defence against stains. With the right routine, your nappies should come out of the main wash stain-free. Key things to check: load size (front loader should be two-thirds full), detergent amount (enough to match your load and soiling level), and wash temperature (hot at 60°C/140F is recommended for long-term stain removal).

If you’re still experiencing stains after revisiting your routine, visit Clean Cloth Nappies for additional troubleshooting.

During teething, you may experience more concentrated urine, which can increase the chance of ammonia formation. Doing a daily pre-wash at up to 60°C/140F can help to reduce this. You may also want to change your little one’s nappy more frequently.

We recommend washing shells and inserts together at a temperature up to 60°C/140F. Hot washing is recommended for long-term removal of soiling. Do not exceed 60°C/140F, as this may degrade your shells and void your warranty.

Hot washes (up to 60°C/140F) are recommended for long-term avoidance of stains and smells. Cold washing is usually not adequate over the long term. If your machine does not have a hot tap connection, check whether it heats its own water, or consider adding hot water from a kettle to a top loader, being careful not to exceed 60°C/140F.

We recommend line drying or tumble drying on a LOW setting. Do not exceed LOW and do not expose your nappy shells to high heat, as this may lead to damage.

Smelly nappies are often the result of ammonia, which can develop from low airflow in your dry pail, extended dry pailing, or a wash routine that isn’t removing all soiling. It can also crop up during teething or in night nappies.

Check your dry pail airflow, ensure night nappies are rinsed in the morning, and audit your wash routine for load size, detergent amount, and wash temperature. If using bleach to sanitise, use the bleach calculator at cleanclothnappies.com to ensure correct dilution.

The first sign of ammonia is usually the smell, which ranges from a dirty toilet smell to a sharp cat urine or hair dye smell. If not resolved, small holes will begin to develop in your nappies as the material degrades. Ammonia can develop when nappies are stored in a closed environment, or when the wash routine is not removing all urine. The best defence is a consistent, good wash routine, and resolving any build-up as soon as you notice it.

Strip washing is a specific process to lift soiling from the deeper layers of your nappies, usually required when a wash routine has not been optimal. If you follow a good routine using water at 60°C/140F and the right amount of detergent for your machine, load size, and soiling level, you should never need to strip wash.

If you follow a good wash and storage routine, you may never need to sanitise. We only recommend sanitising in rare circumstances: ammonia build-up, medical conditions such as fungal growth or persistent rash, mould, or when you have purchased secondhand nappies and are unsure of their history.

In these cases, we recommend sanitising inserts with dilute bleach. For shells, take extra care to mix bleach with water before submerging, and ensure shells are fully covered during the process. Use the bleach calculator at cleanclothnappies.com for correct dilution ratios.

Anti-bacterial treatments such as Canesten or Dettol rinse can be used if needed, but we do not recommend regular use. These products contain Benzalkonium Chloride, which can cause skin irritation, cannot be used with septic systems, and do not break down naturally. If used, ensure the item is thoroughly washed afterwards.

Once clean, assemble your nappies using the best insert configuration for your little one. This makes change times faster and allows others to more easily change bums when needed. Store in a dry area close to your change station, ensuring the storage spot is consistently dry.

Before washing, carefully unsnap all inserts and separate parts by holding the snaps rather than pulling on the fabric. Place solids into the toilet and give your shells and inserts a brief rinse under the laundry tap. Wring out to remove maximum liquid, then store in a dry pail for up to 2 days.

Following this routine will prolong the life of your nappies and help avoid mould, ammonia, and waste build-up. Do not leave longer than 2 days, particularly in hot climates.

Pilling is a natural part of washing due to the agitation needed to clean your items, and does not impact the function of your nappy. It can be accelerated by washing with towelling, wipes, jeans, or tea towels, but can occur eventually even without other items.

The short answer? Yes, and the numbers speak for themselves. Research shows the average family spends around $2,700 AUD on disposables from birth to toilet training. A full cloth nappy stash? A fraction of that. And because our nappies are one-size-fits-most and built to last, they will see your little one from newborn all the way through to potty training, and potentially your next child too. Many of our limited-edition prints even hold strong resale value on the secondhand market. Think of it less as a purchase, and more as an investment in your family.

Welcome to the family! Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll receive 10% off your first order. It’s our little hello. You’ll also be the first to hear about new print drops, restocks, and seasonal news straight to your inbox. No spam, just the good stuff.

Absolutely, and we’d actually encourage it! Starting cloth doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Our trial bundles are designed for exactly this: a curated handful of nappies at a great price, so you can get a real feel for cloth life before going all-in. Many of our community started with just a few nappies and gradually built their stash over weeks or months. There’s no rush, no rules, just whatever works for your family.

In 2026, we’re big believers in fair and transparent pricing, which means you’ll always find our products at their best, honest price, every single day. No waiting for a sale, no wondering if you paid too much last week. When you shop with us, you can feel confident you’re getting real value, always. Our nappies are made to the highest standard, with premium materials, exclusive artist-designed prints, and built to last through multiple children. We price them to reflect that, without the smoke and mirrors of changing the sale % every 2 weeks.

We do believe in discounts - where it makes sense.

New customers can receive 10% off when signing up to our newsletter or SMS - see the popup or signup form in the footer.

Our Camp DB rewards program rewards our customers with points for every purchase, which accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for voucher code at any time.

We offer bundle and value pack discounts across a wide range of products to make getting started with reusables or building your nursery a little easier.

We believe that sustainability extends to pricing, and in providing fair and transparent prices every day, though we will discounts when it makes sense.

From 2026, we offer a welcome discount, reward program benefits, bundle and value pack discounts at all times, without turning the whole store into a permanent sale. We also move items into the Outlet permanently, when we need to move the stock, we're down to last items or we need to make space in the warehouse.

Our value pack discounts are the savviest way to stock up. The more you buy, the more you save, with the discount percentage increasing with your bundle size. It’s our way of making a full stash as accessible as possible for families who are ready to make the switch. Take a look at our Value Pack page to find the right fit for where you’re at. We also offer Starter Bundles at excellent value to make starting out more affordable.

We may go on sale once or twice a year, and this will be announced well in advance. Elysia values transparency so there will be no surprises, no last-minute further reductions, and no panic-buying necessary.

We are doing everything we can to keep prices steady, though we will review prices when underlying costs change. Supplier, freight and operating costs have increased more than 30% this year alone, and we must also consider what is sustainable for a small family business.

Fair pricing to us means providing the highest quality products at a reasonable price, and being transparent about the fact that this small business needs to remain viable. We would rather build trust with our customers over time than running a new sale constantly, keeping you guessing about whether you should wait until next week, or regret not buying yesterday (or wonder why we don't change the 'real' price to be the sale price permanently!)

Designer Bums make genuinely beautiful, meaningful gifts, and our gift bundles take all the guesswork out of it. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully packaged, they are available across a range of price points. Whether it’s a baby shower, a new arrival, or just because, gifting cloth is gifting a better start for both baby and the planet. Alternatively, a gift voucher lets the recipient choose something they’ll truly love.

It’s true, and it’s brilliant! A growing number of Australian local councils offer rebates or subsidies to families who choose reusable nappies, as part of their commitment to reducing landfill. Rebates vary by council but can be worth anywhere from $50 to over $200 back in your pocket. Designer Bums nappies are recognised by many of these programs. Check with your local council directly to see what’s on offer in your area, and visit our Council Rebates page for more information. Every little bit helps!

Not at all, and neither do you need to commit to a full stash on day one to enjoy cloth nappies. Many families use a mix of cloth and disposables, especially at the start, and build their stash gradually over time. Some councils accept receipts from multiple purchases, so check the terms of your local rebate scheme. The most important thing is that you start, however that looks for your family.

Your tax receipt can be found by clicking the link in your order confirmation email. If you’re unable to find it, or if you shopped via our expo stand, we’re happy to send one through. Just contact us at info@designerbums.com.au.

Yes! Camp DB Rewards is our loyalty program created to reward your commitment to eco-friendly parenting and celebrate our amazing Designer Bums community. Points accumulate with every purchase and can be redeemed for vouchers. To sign up or find out more, visit our Camp DB Rewards page.

You can find the sign-up form on our Camp DB page. Make sure you are logged in before checking out to ensure every purchase earns you points!

If you no longer wish to be part of Camp DB, please contact us at info@designerbums.com.au and ask to leave the program. We’ll unenrol you, and please note that any Moon Miles you have earned will be lost.