How do I pick what nappies to buy?
Here's our quick nappy buying guide including a nappy shopping list for you to start with.
Having a mixed selection of nappies in your stash from a variety of brands will give you plenty of variety and options to pick the best nappy for your situation.
So aim for a small selection of pocket nappies, all in one nappies, wraps or all in two nappies, fitted nappies - collectively you will have a full nappy stash and an option for every situation.
Your stash might look like this:
Pocket Nappies x 6-12 - Shop our Pocket Nappy Collection
All in One Nappies x 6-12 - Shop our All in One Nappy Collection
All in Two / Hybrid Nappies x 6-12. Shop our All in Two Nappy Collection.
Wraps / Covers x 6 and Fitted or Flat nappies x 8
Hemp or Bamboo boosters x 6
Fleece Liners x 20
Roll of disposable liner
Reusable Wipes x 20
Nappy Wet Bags - large, medium, small - Shop Wet Bags
Now you have your shopping list you can pick nappies based on budget and style.
Some features to consider when nappy shopping:
- The size range: nappies will come with an indication of the weight range usually 8-35lbs although some will cover from 6lbs or up to 40lbs. Pick a selection of nappies that will cover the widest weight range, some at the smaller end, most in the middle range and some at the bigger end, so they fit your baby as they grow.
- Insert material: how well the nappy performs depends a lot on the quality of the absorbent inserts. Nappies generally come with inserts included and you can also buy extra separately. Cotton or bamboo is great for everyday use, and should make up the majority of your inserts. Hemp will be needed for overnight use, heavier wetters and bigger toddlers. Microfiber absorbs very fast but doesn't hold a lot of liquid and is bulky, good in the earlier days but will unlikely be enough on its own as your baby grows. A nappy that comes with a hemp or organic cotton insert will cost you more than a nappy that comes witb a microfiber insert.
- Tummy panel - this is waterproof panel on the inside of the nappy, prevents leaks.
- Leg elastic - good leg elastic and nappy shape makes for a great fit, and a great fit prevents nappies from leaking. A poor fit around the legs leaves gaps and this is where nappies leak. Babies come in all shapes and sizes so it is a bit if trial and error. Thick rolled leg elastic (found in SmartBottoms or Blueberry) is great for creating a good leg seal. Or double gusset leg elastic which provides an extra layer of leak protection.
Shop our Nappy Starter Bundle for the best value and selection to get started.
Growing your Stash
When your baby gets bigger, starts to eat solids and drinks from a sippy cup - the time has come to start using extra inserts and boosters. You will need to invest in some additional Hemp or Bamboo inserts to give an extra absorbent "boost" to your nappies.
You may also find that as your baby grows, a nappy that was your favourite style for months, might not be working as well as it did previously.
As your baby grows, you can adjust the snap rise settings of a nappy and maybe add boosters - finding the right combination of absorbency and fit can be trial and error. However when you have a few different styles in your stash you can easily adjust and find the best fitting nappy option.