If you’ve ever looked into cloth nappies and thought…
“How many do I actually need?” — you’re not alone.
Some guides will tell you 20. Others say 30.
And honestly? That can feel overwhelming before you’ve even started.
So here’s a realistic, mum-to-mum guide to help you figure out what works for your life.
The “standard” answer (and why it’s not always helpful)
If you’re planning to use cloth nappies full time, most advice says:
👉 Around 20–25 nappies
That’s based on:
- Changing 6–8 times a day
- Washing every 2 days
- Allowing time for drying
And yes—that’s a good benchmark.
But it’s not the only way to do cloth nappies.
Real life: you don’t have to go all in
Here’s the bit that often gets missed…
👉 You don’t have to switch completely.
A lot of parents:
- Use cloth at home, disposables when out
- Start with just a few nappies a day
- Build up gradually over time
And that means you can start with far fewer.
How many cloth nappies do you need to start?
If you want to try cloth part-time:
👉 5–10 nappies
This is perfect for:
- Testing the waters
- Using at home
- Seeing what works for you
If you want to use cloth most of the time:
👉 10–15 nappies
You’ll still wash regularly, but you won’t feel short.
If you want to go full-time:
👉 20–25 nappies
This gives you enough for:
- 2 days between washes
- Drying time
- No stress if you fall behind
Do you need different nappies as your baby grows?
Short answer: yes—but not all at once.
As your baby grows:
- Newborns need more frequent changes
- Older babies may need more absorbency
- Night-time often needs a more absorbent option
The good news?
👉 Most cloth nappies are designed to grow with your baby, so you don’t need to replace everything—just adjust as you go.
What else do you actually need?
Cloth nappies don’t require loads of extras.
To get started, you’ll just need:
✔️ Somewhere to store used nappies
A simple bucket—or a wet bag works perfectly
👉 Browse wet bags here
✔️ Your nappies
Start small and build up over time
👉 Shop cloth nappies here
✔️ Optional extras
- Liners (for easier clean-up)
- Extra inserts for added absorbency
But honestly? You can keep it simple.
How often will I need to wash them?
Most parents wash:
👉 Every 2–3 days
This keeps things manageable and avoids needing a huge stash.
Are cloth nappies hard to use?
This is one of the biggest worries—and the honest answer is:
👉 No, they’re just different at first.
Once you get into a routine, they become second nature.
And modern cloth nappies are:
- Easy to fit
- Adjustable
- Designed for everyday use
A realistic way to start (without overwhelm)
If you’re feeling unsure, try this:
👉 Start with 5–10 nappies
👉 Use them at home
👉 See how it fits into your routine
No pressure. No big commitment.
Real talk 💚
Cloth nappies don’t have to be all or nothing.
You don’t have to use them every day.
You don’t have to get it perfect.
Even using a few a day:
- reduces waste
- saves money over time
- is gentler on your baby’s skin
👉 And it still counts.
Ready to get started?
If you’re curious, you can explore our range here:
Start small, keep it simple—and find what works for you 💚
