Cloth Nappy Advice - Get the Best Nappies for You!

You've made the decision to be environmentally friendly and use cloth - congratulations! But what's the next step?

Thanks to the growing popularity of cloth over the last few years, the market is literally flooded with different types and styles of nappies. While this can initially be confusing for the 'rookie', on the plus side, there's definitely something to suit everyone!

Washable Nappy Types

Before we delve into all the different types, we want to point out that there are really just two main categories. One-piece nappy systems and two-piece nappy systems. One-piece systems are literally, all in one, almost like disposable nappies. Two-piece systems are more like the old-fashioned terry type, they have an inner absorbent piece and an outer waterproof breathable wrap which keeps the moisture in. At each change, you just change the inner bit or the whole lot if the cover is soiled.

If you just remember that in reality there are only those two types it will help eradicate a lot of the confusion! I think some have made it overly confusing by breaking these types down further and further and coming up with new names, for essentially the same thing. And don't start me on acronyms. Why the need for so much jargon? So, if you are expecting another long list of confusions acronyms and jargon - don't worry, we like to keep it simple here, which will make it a lot easier for you to find the ones for your little one.

Nappy Types

So, let's go through the one-piece systems first.

All-in-one (AIO)

These are the ones that are exactly 'what it says on the tin'. They're all in one just like disposables. In appearance, these are the closest to disposables, which often makes them particularly attractive to parents. Unlike pocket nappies (see below), the AIOs don't require any stuffing.

Available in different sizes, including birth to potty (see below), these are particularly easy to put on. Which is why they are good cloth nappies for nurseries, babysitters or even granddads. If they can change a disposable, they can change these! Depending on the fabric AIOs can be quick drying or slow drying - see below!

Pocket 

Once these are stuffed with their inserts, they work just the same as an all in one. They have a waterproof outer and attached stay-dry inner, which, is designed to wick moisture away from baby's skin, ensuring that the skin remains dry and baby remains comfortable. The 'pouch' between the two layers is used to hold an absorbent insert, and this is where the pocket nappy gets its name from, this pouch is called a pocket.

Most pocket nappies come with inserts supplied, but you can always add extra absorbency as required, or replace the inserts provided with your own preferred choice of material. Bamboo makes thirsty inserts and is a good combination with micro-fibre which are quick absorbing. My favourite combination would be microfibre on top, then bamboo or hemp underneath. Because you can take this apart, it can be very quick drying - no need for a tumble dryer!

All-in-two Nappies (AI2)

Similar to the AIO cloth nappy, except that the all-in-two version comes with a snap-in layer, which can be washed separately to the outer layer. This is particularly handy if you're out and about as you only need to change the inner layer if it's wet, and pop in a new insert. Though most AI2s, you cannot use the wrap again as it's soiled so erm... they are not really AI2s. So basically, they are an all in one nappy but hey, let's confuse everyone and give it a special name just to describe the fact it has a booster which can be unpopped for washing! Yes, you might get the feeling I am not keen on confusing jargon!

Now onto two-piece systems, remember the basic principle is that you just need a waterproof cover to hold the moisture in and an inner absorbent bit.

Fitted Nappies (the inner absorbent bit)

These type are shaped to fit around your baby. This is designed to fit like disposables and can come in a variety of fabrics from bamboo nappies to organic cotton. The whole piece gets wet, which some parents can find a little shocking at first, as the baby can be wet on the sides as well. So when cleaning a baby at change time ensure you clean all the way around, on baby's hips and side. You need to use a separate waterproof wrap with these cloth nappies, as this keeps the moisture in. To keep baby happy, you can also use a stay-dry liner which wicks the moisture away from their skin, keeping them nice and dry.

Hybrid fitted Nappies (sort of inner absorbent bit sort of all in one)

These are exactly the same as the fitted nappies above, but the hybrid version comes with a built-in water repellent or waterproof layer. This means that this type of reusable nappies can be used either with or without wraps, which makes them slightly more versatile. In reality, though, most need a wrap and can only be used for a short period without one. So these are a fitted nappy in all but name. If you are new to cloth I would avoid until you have a better understanding of what works for you.

Wrap (outer waterproof cover)

This is the outer layer needed for a two-piece cloth nappy system. It goes over your inner absorbent bit and is called a cover or a wrap. You only need to change this when soiled, so maybe every 2-3 changes or more often for a younger or breastfed baby. This wrap is usually made from PUL which is a waterproof and breathable fabric. There are two main types of waterproof covers. Wide unshaped ones, which are better to go over fitted nappies (like the Blueberry Nappy Wrap) and slimmer fitted ones, which are better over prefolds and pads (Flip Covers).

Hybrid cover system (outer waterproof cover)

The hybrid cover system comprises waterproof covers that can be used with a wide range of inserts. With the choice of a 'flip nappy system', organic cotton prefolds, stay dry pads and disposable pad options, this very versatile system provides parents with a myriad of options. So yep, basically this is describing a waterproof cover which is slimmer and fitted for use over pads rather than over fitted nappies.

Prefolds, pads or flats

These are the ones which most closely resemble the traditional terry square nappies or prefolds. As the name suggests, these need to be folded into a shape if desired and are then fastened with a 'nippa', which is the modern replacement for an old-fashioned safety pin. If you are folding around your baby, you are better using a wide unfitted waterproof wrap.

Many parents prefer to use the prefold version because there is no need to be an origami expert to get them on.

Prefolds or pads are a two-piece system which is just sewn in a basic shape. Pads are not folded into shape, they are either sewn into a pad shape, or you can fold into a pad shape and place inside a wrap. We recommend using a slim fitted waterproof wrap as it helps hold the pad in place. They are also budget-busting, proving one of the most economical cloth nappies to buy.

So that is the different types, but remember you either want a one-piece system or a two-piece system.

Sizes

You can opt to go for sized washable nappies, which means buying between 2-5 different sizes from newborn to potty-training age. However, most people these days opt for the more convenient birth-to-potty (BTP) option, also called one size fits all (OSFA). Birth-to-potty nappies can be folded or snapped down to a smaller size, which makes them extremely versatile since it can be used on a baby from about 10lbs to potty training. Great value for money makes these even more appealing - especially if you have more than one child in nappies at a time!

Nappy Fabrics

Oh where to start, gone are the days your choice was limited to just terry towelling.

• Bamboo - often cited as a natural fabric, but let's be clear, it's not. The chemical process it has to go through means this has to be labelled as viscose or rayon. However, its cheap, thirsty (good absorbency) and a great option for reusable nappies. Can be super slow drying though so if your drying facilities are limited you may want to avoid. Bamboo is growing quickly so this is a sustainable fabric choice for your new nappy system.
• Cotton - a natural fabric and used in many cloth nappy types like prefolds. Whilst this is a traditional fabric, other modern fabrics have taken over as better absorbency and quicker drying times.
• Organic Cotton - this is probably the most natural fabric you can choose and we love, love, love the jersey organic knit from bumgenius, found in their elemental nappies and flip options. This is superbly absorbent and super soft, and the inserts which fold out in it dry quickly. Very sustainable cloth nappy choice.
• Microfibre - environmentally this is a mixed bag as it's not sustainable, however, it's hard wearing and super quick drying. It's not natural and can irritate some skins so always ensure there is a barrier between the microfibre in your reusable nappy and baby's skin (like nappy liners or a stay dry layer).
• Hemp - probably the most absorbent of all cloth nappy fabrics, super sustainable and natural, however, these beasts take a long time to dry. Works best when paired with organic cotton and you won't find a better all-around booster than the hemp babies little weed, which can be used in almost all nappy systems.

How to find the best washable nappies for you and your family?

Still confused?

Even though I tried to give you a simple run through of all the different types of cloth nappies it can still feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we have all been there. If you would like to get some tailormade reusable nappy advice - just fill in our nappy questionnaire and we will get back to you with recommendations that will be a perfect fit for you and your baby!

While the disposable v reusable nappies debate has been raging for some years now, there's no doubt that they have come a long way from the days when white terry nappies had to be boiled in aluminium buckets!

When deciding on whether to use a cloth nappy or a disposable, it's worth knowing that modern cloth nappies are not only good for your baby (comfy, shaped to fit and elasticated for maximum containment) and good for you (convenient, easy to use), but they're also eco friendly, environmentally friendly AND good for your bank account! So what's not to like?

Why use reusable nappies: 1. Good for the environment!

For many parents, the environmental factor is often the most important reason when opting for cloth nappies. If you think about the number of changes needed per day, it's a frightening statistic that disposables account for approximately 4% of all waste to landfill. This equates to three billion nappies weighing 690,000 tonnes per annum. Many people are disgusted to learn that all this untreated sewage is buried in landfills. They also take up to 500 years to decompose. Combine that with wrapping them in a plastic bag, which takes up to 1000 years to decompose and we can see how scary the environmental impact is.

Disposables, which are still full, are simply rolled up and thrown into the bin without a thought for the environment. Many parents simply do not realise that the contents of their baby's disposables are as polluting as adult faeces. Washable nappies are a viable alternative and offer a means of significantly reducing the disposable waste stream, whilst also benefiting parents by offering a cheaper alternative with proven carbon reduction qualities.

An Environment Agency Lifecycle Assessment report, which was published as far back as 2008, confirmed that real nappies, if used sensibly, were up to 40% better from a global warming perspective than their disposable counterpart, making them eco-friendly. To achieve this carbon saving, parents needed to wash at 60°C in full loads and use A-rated appliances. Washing at 40 and not using a tumble dryer makes them even more environmentally better. This did not take into account the time taken for disposable nappies to decompose, or ones which are wrapped in plastic bags at nappy change time, nor did it consider that cloth is often reused on second and subsequent children, so the life cycle is much longer.

If drying is an issue, we recommend avoiding bamboo shaped nappies, which take much longer to dry and opting for a quick drying type like BumGenius Freetime or Flip Stay Dry. Neither of these needs a tumble dryer and will dry very quickly in comparison to more bulky types and babies love their soft stay dry layers against their skin.

Why use reusable nappies: 2. Good for your bank account!

The financial benefits of cotton nappies are often overlooked, but research has shown that if a family uses cloth they can potentially save up to £500 over the lifetime of a child - which averages around two and a half years - and even more if used on a subsequent child. There is naturally an upfront cost when buying a starter kit (an average £150-£250 for around 25), but if you take into account the cost of disposables per month - which can average out at around £40 to £80 - you can clearly see the saving that can be made over a short period of time. Further savings can also be made by the fact that many are now available in one-size and so will last from birth until potty for each child. When BumGenius launched their one-size pocket in 2006, it revolutionised the cost of cloth! Families who have two or three children can use and reuse them time and time again, making the savings even greater! You can often find second-hand, in great condition for sale too, which means you can save even more!

Why use reusable nappies: 3. Good for your baby!

In addition to the financial and environmental benefits of using cloth, there are also advantages for your baby, since the use of natural fibres, such as organic cotton or natural materials, means that if, for example, a child has any skin problems, parents can usually see an improvement once they make the switch from disposables to reusables without chemicals that use natural fibres instead. We have found, as years go on, that allergy to disposables is becoming more and more prevalent, and this is an increasingly common reason for making the switch.

Why use reusable nappies: 4. Convenient to use!

Unlike the old-fashioned terry nappies, which also required the use of near-lethal pins, modern types come in a range of styles, so there's something to suit everyone. All-in-One (AIO) nappies are as simple to use as disposables and many styles also come with hook and loop (velcro) fastenings, poppers or clips, so they're easy to pop on and off, and you don't have to worry about jabbing your baby - or yourself - as you're working with them.

Fitted nappies which require a separate waterproof cover tend to be particularly popular for night-time use, although many people use them for daytime as well. Whilst some parents are put off by having to work with a two-part system, like bamboo nappies, particularly when they're trying to deal with a wriggling baby, they tend to be a lot more economical and you wash less so slightly better for the environment. BumGenius Flip is a two piece pad system and is our most popular style as once you have your waterproof breathable flip wrap, you can choose organic, stay dry or disposable pads for the inner part. Whichever style appeals to you most, there's a fantastic range of options available in today's market.

When you're first starting out, the wide range of shapes and sizes available can be a bit daunting, so try a few types before you buy a bulk pack. Fortunately, you can buy most in single packs, which allow you to try them out on your baby before deciding which brand to opt for, so take advantage of this before you splash out!

Also natural fibres, like organic cotton, make great options when toilet training as they help babies to feel the wet, so help to get the cause and effect which will aid in potty training. In the months before you start to train, remove the stay dry layer and this will help make the process.

Why use reusable nappies: 5. Convenient for washing

As we said, the old-fashioned image of aluminium buckets filled with terry nappies steaming away on the cooker is long gone! Today's types are easily washed in the washing machine which eliminates the need for soaking, making them convenient for today's hectic lifestyles.

The process is convenient and easy to factor into your daily routine. You simply store your nappies in a wetbag or nappy bucket until you have enough to make up a load in your washing machine. Your baby's bowel movement is collected in biodegradable liner sheets, which can be flushed away and, in any case, poo isn't an issue until your baby is on to solids! Alternatively, you can simply use washable stay dry liners. Whether you choose a wetbag or a nappy bucket is entirely up to you. You can read more about the pros and cons of the different nappy storage options HERE!

If there is any dried-in poo, then use your machine's pre-wash to loosen it and rinse it out, before going onto the main wash. Wash the nappies on a 60°C wash cycle or 40°C - the choice is yours. You can, of course, if you wish, soak them prior to washing, but it's no longer a requirement, and actually a bit of a chore!

Why use reusable nappies: 6. Sleek design

While the benefits of using cloth over disposables are many and varied when it comes to your choice of designs, the sky's the limit! The range of colours and styles available on today's market is amazing and you'll have great fun choosing designs that appeal to you - and your baby! Over the last few years, they have evolved into a range of funky designs, and today you can get them in practically any colour and pattern! Or of course, you can just buy white!

Why use reusable nappies: 7. Nappy Rash

We have done a blog to explain this in details, but just a quick summary to say NO, using cloth does not cause it more than disposable. In fact, if your child is allergic to disposables, they will more likely cause a rash!

Ask the experts!

Do reusable nappies cause nappy rash?

Nappy rash is a common problem among babies and it's not difficult to see why! From birth, the delicate skin is exposed to high levels of moisture and bacteria, not to mention chemical irritants, in the nappy area. In addition, nappies enclose a baby's skin for most of the time, and this not only keeps the air out, but can also cause friction in the skin.

You can rest assured that babies in reusable nappies are no more likely to have a bad nappy rash than kids who wear disposable nappies. In fact, research carried out at Bristol University clearly showed this in tests. The simple fact is that most babies will suffer from nappy rash at some point, whether in infancy or toddlerhood. And looking wider, if cloth nappies caused skin irritation or rashes, then with the prolific use of disposable nappies over the last 40 years, it would have disappeared as a problem if this were the case! 

Triggers 

Nappy rash is basically irritation that’s most commonly associated with urine and faeces being left in prolonged contact with the baby's delicate skin, though sometimes the introduction of new foods into a child's diet, or an illness, can also be a trigger.

Some children appear to be overly prone to due to highly sensitive skin, allergic reaction, or abnormal pH in their urine and faeces. An imbalance in acidity and alkalinity can also leave them more susceptible to repeated irritation.

Research has indicated that there are seven key trigger times when your baby is more likely to develop it. These are usually times when your baby's stools become looser. The most common causes of looser stools are:

Diarrhoea: Obviously, since it is associated with prolonged contact with urine and faeces, it stands to reason that it’s more likely to occur when your baby has diarrhoea and is peeing and pooing more regularly.

Weaning: A change in diet from liquids to solids can lead to looser stools.

Common cold: When a baby has a cold, their stools are likely to become looser.

Teething: flame ups during teething are very common, usually as a result of the accompanying diarrhoea.

Antibiotics: These can upset the digestive system and can consequently lead to diarrhoea and skin flares.

Starting to sleep through the night: When your baby begins to sleep through the night, nappy changing may be delayed, making it more likely to develop.

Change in diet: Just as with weaning, moving on from breast milk can lead to more frequent, watery stools.

Bacterial Infection or yeast infections can occur.

Signs

Though it's commonly called nappy rash, the term does, in fact, refer to numerous types of skin conditions, which are found in the nappy region.

At first glance, a red, raw bottom or genital area generally and is sometimes accompanied by yellow pustules or weeping blisters. Bleeding is also quite common.

Types of nappy rash

Chafing dermatitis: Although this is the most common form of nappy rash, it actually causes babies the least discomfort and is marked by infrequent redness due to friction.

Candidal dermatitis: This bright red rash with pus-filled spots is found in the skin folds of the groin area and can be extremely sore. If left untreated, it can develop into thrush.

Impetigo: Caused by streptococci or staphylococci bacteria, impetigo appears as either thin blisters, which leave behind a yellowish crust, or thick yellow scales encircled by redness. It can spread from the bum region to the thighs and lower abdomen, as well as to other parts of the body.

Perianal dermatitis: Redness specifically found around the anus of the baby that is caused by more alkaline stools of a bottle-fed baby. This can also be found in breastfed babies, though generally not until they have started eating solids.

Depending on the severity, your baby's demeanour may range from irritable to downright miserable and may also be accompanied by a low-grade fever.

Can you prevent nappy rash

When it comes to it, prevention is most definitely preferable to cure! The most common cause is leaving a baby in a soiled nappy for too long, followed by not cleaning the genitals and bottom well enough. Here are our tips for keeping your baby happy and healthy:

• DO change your baby's nappy frequently, especially after bowel movements. Newborn babies should be changed after every feed, at least six times a day
  
• DO clean the nappy area thoroughly with cotton wool and water, or with unscented wipes at each nappy change
• DON'T use scented baby wipes or skin products if your baby has sensitive skin. Cotton washable wipes with water are all you need.
• DO use a zinc-based barrier cream like zinc oxide or coconut oil to protect the nappy area after washing and drying. If using cloth nappies, remember to use a paper liner to prevent the creams ruining the nappies.  With all nappy creams, little and well rubbed in is always best. Check the ingredients for any nasties, you may be surprised what lurks inside baby toiletries! Rest assured, the ranges we sell are 100% natural.
• DO wash cloth nappies with a biological detergent and make sure to rinse them well, then rinse again. Washing powder build-up can cause irritation. Rinse the washable nappies until you see no suds in the machine and they smell of nothing.
• DON'T over frequently clean the nappy area with soaps and detergents, as this will only irritate and encourage a rash to develop. Again, use natural baby toiletries or simply washable wipes with lukewarm water.
• DO expose your baby to fresh air whenever possible and allow them some nappy-free time by letting them kick and play on a changing mat for at least ten minutes a day. Do this as often as you can, its fantastic for the skin.
• DON'T introduce more than one new food at a time if you are weaning your baby. If a reaction develops, it will be hard to determine which food caused it.
  
• If it is a fungal infection, sanitise your nappies thoroughly.

How to treat 

If, despite your best efforts at prevention, your baby is unfortunate enough to get a skin outbread, then try the following steps:

• Wash your baby’s bottom with just warm water. Soap can irritate and talcum powder is a no, no, no! So just opt for plain, simple tepid or warm water. Or use washable wipes which have been soaked in chamomile tea, which is very soothing for your babies bum.
• When you’re putting your baby down for the night put extra padding into the reusable nappy. This will provide extra absorbency. Fleece layers may help keep the skin dry, but thick fleece may cause heat rash so a nice slim fleece liner like the bumGenius stay dry liners are best.
  
• Use a nappy cream. Simply apply a fine layer and make sure it’s well rubbed in.
• If your baby develops a severe rash, speak to your Doctor.

Changing bags: the essentials for reusable nappies

No matter how experienced you are with reusable nappies, it's still tempting to use disposables when you're out and about with your baby, isn't it? But, while it can certainly be a handy 'convenience' to carry the odd disposable as one of the items in your bag, with a little careful planning, you can ensure that you have the best cloth changing bag contents possible! A lot of people think it's not possible to go out when using cloth, but modern cloth nappies and some fantastic accessories make it super easy - it is not a barrier at all. If you are still thinking soaking, buckets, terries, erm nope! Peruse our wide range and you will see those days are thankfully gone!

When it comes to changing your baby, just remember that it's exactly like doing it when you're at home. The only difference is that you need to carry the necessary items with you and that's where the key to success lies...great pre-planning and organisation!

Which changing bag do you recommend when using cloth nappies?

There are lots of suitable baby changing bags which work for reusable options - there is no one ‘perfect’ changing bag, it very much depends on what is perfect for you, your style and your circumstances. Much depends on the style and brand you prefer and whether you want to buy a luxury changing bag or a budget buster. In our shop, we have made the experience that the Pink Lining Blooming Gorgeous changing bag is big enough for cloth and many mums like the style.

The first question to consider is what type of nappies do you have? If you have bulkier ones, like bamboo nappies or fitted nappies then ensure the bag you buy has plenty of room. If you have a slim fitting type, like flip, then this is not an issue. What you will need room for along with your baby essentials is your waterproof nappy bag, your essential item when using real nappies outside the house.

Do you even need a special baby bag? I’ll admit I just used a large handbag which was a backpack and put my waterproof wet bag in it, along with a couple of other essentials. But I did not need an insulated bottle compartment, as we did not bottle feed so that was also a consideration in this. I also never used a baby changing mat, a towel and my lap were all I needed, but again that may not be the choice for many people. Although you can always buy washable changing mats and put them in your bag.

If you have a pushchair, you will want to consider if your bag can attach to it or even, for example, it can attach to the shopping cart. Either with its shoulder strap or some have special stroller bag clips included. A shoulder bag will have longer straps, but most tote bags will also fit. The great thing about many today is that, in addition to being extremely stylish and highly portable, most come with hooks and clips, which means that they can be easily attached to a stroller or a pram.

What Do I need to pack?

First of all, make sure that the contents are prepared and organised before you and your baby leave the house. This doesn't mean that you have to go out looking as if you're fully prepared for a two-week camp....no, this is where careful planning comes in. Here's what you'll need on your checklist:

Changing mat - many public toilets and restaurant bathrooms now provide the pull-down baby changing trays, but it's always a good idea to carry a changing mat for your own convenience and for your baby's safety - especially if the strap on the pull-down tray is broken.

Nappies – when travelling with cloth, you’ll need to ensure you have enough to last you for the journey. So if you are planning to pop out for an hour, you won’t need 20! Usually, 2-3 will last an afternoon, but you know your child better than anyone, and how often they need changing. So plan ahead and ensure you have enough to last the length of your journey, plus a spare one for emergencies.

It can be a good idea to opt for an all-in-one or pocket type for when you're on the go, but whatever you're happiest with... If you have two children of different ages, who are both in nappies, then it's a good idea to go for birth to toddler ones, or else flat types, as these will be suitable for both children and will, therefore, cut down on the number that you need to carry with you.

If you have a range, make sure you take the most reliable and absorbent one(s) for changes when out, as this is not the time to be caught out. Generally, fleece (especially) and wool wraps are best avoided if the child is likely to be sitting in a car seat or buggy for long periods, as they will tend to let damp through because of the pressure and the fact that they are technically water resistant rather than waterproof.

We love flips for travelling and out and about. As they are a two-piece system, you only need to change the inner absorbent pad, and it is super slim. The outer wrap is made from waterproof breathable fabric and will hold all the moisture in. They also have that added convenience of being able to take flip disposable inserts. These are exceptionally small and a couple in your bag at all times for emergencies is always a good idea. We never know when a child will have a sudden tummy bug, so keeping 2-3 in a zipper pocket is something you will barely notice, they take up no room, and I always recommend it as they may save the day! I’ll not tell you about the tale of my 60-minute flight from Dublin to Birmingham on my own with 4 children, 2 in nappies… let's just say… who knew both children would suddenly develop bad diarrhoea on a 60-minute flight (I definitely didn’t!), and if flip had been invented then, it would have saved me from awful embarrassment! This story definitely counts as one of my top 10 parenting fails. As parents we will have many fails, sometimes you just have to laugh!

Muslin - if you have space, why not pop in a couple of muslins? In fact, many people actually consider muslin one of their essential baby items! That means that, if you do happen to run out of inserts, you can simply pop a muslin into the wrap until you get home and they make fantastic portable changing mats, and cover-ups. They are just one of those great baby essentials that are useful for so many things!

Washable wipes - instead of going for the packs that need to be resealed, invest in a small reusable wetbag that you can simply refill. Washable wipes will save you so much money and are very convenient to take out and about. You can prepare these in advance and just grab and go, putting any dirty ones in your waterproof nappy bag. These are also great for cleaning down kids and spills and all sorts. Some people recommend Cotton wool as always handy in case you need to apply a drop of bum rash cream or barrier cream to your baby's bottom while you're out. Again, we would recommend switching to cotton wipes, they do the same job but can be washed hundreds of times and will save you creating unnecessary waste.

Plastic bags - You might think you need plastic bags to hold dirty nappies until you get home and put it into your bucket, bag or washing machine but DITCH them! You don’t need these, use a waterproof wetbag, which has a zipper to seal and a waterproof liner to keep the moisture in. These ones can be washed, dried and reused hundreds of times, saving you money and saving the environment. I’m not sure when the idea of plastic nappy bags as a necessity came into being, to me they are one of the worst inventions, ever. Disposable nappies take up to 500 years to break down on their own. Plastic waste is one of the worst things in our landfill and plastic bags can take up to 1000 years to decompose. So the idea of putting a disposable, into a plastic bag to extend its life to up to 1500 years… just beggars belief! I’m sure most people using them are not aware of their environmental impact, but thankfully there is an environmentally friendly option, as there is nothing a plastic bag can do, that a reusable wet bag can’t do better!

Nappy Liners - whether you use paper liners or fleece liners make sure you have them packed if indeed you use them. Many AIO’s have an in-built fleece liner so it's not necessary, but if using shaped or organic cotton ones you may need them.

Creams or skin barrier lotions and potions. If you need or use them then make sure when you are doing the bum change you have them on hand.

Babies toys - always useful to have a few rattles or wooden baby toys to keep them happy and occupied when travelling.

Potty training - if you are midst way through toilet training your toddler, then again with a little planning this can be done when on the go. We recommend potty training pants, those which have a little light absorbency and waterproof layer, and spare pairs of clothes! Oh, and a sense of humour, it will be needed!

When you're out and about with your baby or toddler and it comes time to change them, above all else, try and stay calm! Even the youngest of children will pick up on your stress and it will only make the situation worse. If you find that changing a cloth or reusable nappy is raising your stress levels, then simply use the occasional disposable or the best option in this instance would be to use flip disposables. These have the benefits of both cloth and disposable so can be seen as the best of both worlds! Above all, though, just remember that, when it comes to choosing the essential items for your changing bag, it’s about keeping you and your baby calm and relaxed when you’re on the move!