Guide
How cloth nappies work day to day, from about 3 kg and up. Read what you want, skip the rest.
Expecting, or just home with a newborn? Read the newborn guide instead
The first weeks have questions of their own — meconium, the umbilical stump and how the nappy sits on a small body. That guide starts at 2 kg.
Four things most people wonder about
Start where you feel least sure.
1. How it should fit
Two fingers at the waist, the leg openings level with the groin. If it sits right, it holds.
2. How you change it
The same handling as a disposable. After a week it comes naturally.
3. What do you do with the poo?
Before your child starts solids it dissolves in the wash by itself. After that you tip it into the toilet or wipe it off with a little toilet paper. Most people are surprised at how undramatic it is.
4. How you wash them
60 degrees, plenty of water, the same detergent as your child’s clothes.
The size is adjusted with poppers
Slim and Comfort are one-size — adjustable 3–15 and 5–17 kg respectively. The poppers at the front change the height: you fasten them up for a small child and let them out step by step as your child grows. A nappy that has been looked after can go on to the next child.
Newborn 2–6 kg has its own, neater cut for the first weeks.
Which nappy suits your child?
Start with the size — you already know that. After the newborn weeks the choice is less about age and more about shape.
Under 5 kg: Newborn or Slim. Over 5 kg: Comfort — most children grow into it at five kilos. Night, or starting after a year: Comfort. Not sure? Start with a few and add more.
Newborn · 2–6 kg
For the first weeks. A neater cut for the very smallest. All-in-one, with the insert included.
Slim · 3–15 kg
For long, slim children. A narrower cut around the legs, adjustable 3–15 kg.
Comfort · 5–17 kg
For chunkier children. A roomier fit for sturdier thighs and a rounder tummy.
Not sure? Write to us in the chat at the bottom right and we will help you choose.
What do you need at home?
Count on about 8 changes a day in the first months, 5–6 once your child is bigger. For full-time you need 20–24 changes between washes — how many nappies that adds up to depends on the system you choose. It does not have to be all or nothing: many start with a few and add more.
Covers and inserts
Slim and Comfort. The cover is used for several changes in a row, it is the insert you change.
To try: 3 covers, 5 inserts
Full-time: 8–10 covers, 20–24 inserts
Pocket nappies
The whole nappy is changed every time, so you need more.
To try: 3
Full-time: 20–24
Newborn counts the same way, one per change. Numbers and what is particular about the first weeks are in the newborn guide.
Wetbag
For the used nappies.
1 medium to try
Cloth wipes
Instead of wet wipes.
5 to try
Who is behind this
Time Ahead has been a family business since 2021. The patterns are our own, the nappies have been used in our own everyday life with children in nappies from 2016 to 2026, and we are the ones who answer the chat and pack the parcels.
What would you like to read about?
All the guides, sorted by where you are.
Getting started with cloth nappies
A guide to getting started · Cloth nappies for newborns · Which cloth nappy to choose · How the cloth nappy should fit · Washing and storing cloth nappies
More about cloth nappies
How a pocket nappy works · How a nappy cover/all-in-one works · Disposable inserts · Cloth nappies at nursery · Why the cloth nappy leaks · The benefits of preloved · Wetbag – what is it
Coming out of nappies
Elimination communication – an alternative route towards potty training · Potty training: a guide to life without nappies · Stopping the night nappy · Stopping nappies
Inspiration while you are expecting
Tips for packing your hospital bag · Birth stories · How often should you change a nappy · Nappy changes and the changing table · Cloth nappies for newborns · How many cloth nappies do you need
Our products
Starter kits · Newborn · Nappy cover/All-in-one · Pocket nappies · Washing and storage · Inserts and accessories
Start with a starter kit
What you need to try it out, gathered in one starter kit. 30-day returns.