Cloth nappies are surrounded by a host of stubborn myths – and the truth is they scare off more parents than the nappies themselves ever would. Many linger from a time when cloth nappies meant folded squares of fabric, safety pins and plastic pants. Modern cloth nappies are something else entirely. Here we go through the most common misconceptions – calmly and honestly – so you can make up your own mind.
From Emelie: When I was about to start, I read for hours and was nearly put off by everything I “ought” to know. In forums I met just about every one of these myths. But once I actually got going, I hardly ran into any of them – reality was so much simpler. With us it should be easy to make a good choice, and that starts with taking the drama out of it.
Myth: “Cloth nappies are plasticky”
No. Against your baby’s skin there’s soft fabric – bamboo or cotton – not plastic. The only waterproof part is a thin, breathable outer layer that keeps the wet in, a far cry from the sweaty plastic pants many remember. Our textiles are OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certified – tested and free from harmful substances. A modern cloth nappy feels soft and airy – not plasticky.
Myth: “You have to fold the nappies to put them on”
No – modern cloth nappies aren’t folded or pinned. A pocket or all-in-one nappy snaps on just like a disposable – the insert is already in place or slides into a pocket. The image of fabric squares and safety pins belongs to another era.
Myth: “It’s complicated and takes ages”
No. It’s about one to two extra washes a week. You wash at 60°C, skip the fabric softener, and don’t need to sort, fold or hand-wash anything. Baby clothes need washing anyway – the main difference is that the machine gets a bit fuller. If you’d like to see how simple the routine really is, it’s all in the washing guide.
Myth: “They leak all the time”
No. A cloth nappy that fits well and has the right amount of absorbency rarely leaks. Leaks nearly always come down to fit (too loose around the legs and tummy) or an insert that needs changing more often – and both are easy to adjust. The rule of thumb is that the leg openings should sit snug in the groin and that you should be able to fit about two fingers at the waist. And something many people don’t know: poo leaking up the back is actually more common with disposables than with a well-fitting cloth nappy. All the causes and fixes are in the guide Why is the nappy leaking – and how to fix it.
Myth: “It’s unhygienic and gross”
No. One upside many don’t think about: with cloth nappies the poo ends up where it belongs – in the toilet – instead of tied up in a plastic bag in the bin, where it then sits and smells until it’s emptied. Sure, a used nappy is dirtier than an ordinary wash, but today’s washing machines handle it without the slightest problem: the nappies collect in a wet bag or pail until wash day, and a prewash followed by 60°C gets them completely clean. Many who’ve got used to cloth even find it feels a bit odd to throw a poo nappy in the bin again.
Myth: “It smells bad”
No – no more than you’d expect, and there’s actually a point to it. A wet cloth nappy can start to smell of wee if your baby’s had it on a while – but that’s completely natural and simply means it’s time for a change. A disposable hides that signal longer, thanks to a gel-forming superabsorbent that locks the liquid away and often added fragrance. Poo smells the same whichever nappy you use. And for storage, a wet bag is surprisingly good at keeping odour in – it holds it all shut until wash day.
Myth: “The washing machine gets gross”
No. The machine deals with nappy washing just like any other dirty laundry. You run it at 60°C, and that’s plenty. As with all laundry, the machine benefits from an occasional hot run and from wiping down the door and rubber seal – but that’s nothing special to cloth nappies, and washing them doesn’t make it “gross”.
Myth: “It’s expensive – and the washing uses loads of water”
No, not when you count over time. It’s a bigger cost up front, but the same nappies are used again and again for years – and often for more siblings or passed on second-hand. One to two extra washes a week also use surprisingly little in a modern machine; the water and energy for nappy washing is a small item in the bigger picture. And you don’t need to buy everything at once – many start with a starter kit and top up at their own pace.
Myth: “They only work at home”
No. Cloth nappies come along everywhere. At nursery a pocket nappy works nicely because the insert sits securely in the pocket and staff change it like a disposable. On trips and outings a wet bag is the whole secret – used ones in, the smell stays put, wash when you’re home again. We have our own guides for both nursery and travel.
So, is there anything to be afraid of?
No. Almost every myth is built on an old image or on something heard, not tried. That doesn’t mean everything suits everyone – but it should be easy to test and see how it feels for you. Start small, stay curious, and let everyday life show you the way. If you’d like a calm overview, there’s the complete guide to cloth nappies.
A common question: what do you do with the poo?
This isn’t a myth but a perfectly reasonable question – and one of the most common. The short answer: solid poo is tipped into the toilet, a thin disposable liner on top catches most of it if you’d rather not rinse, and for an exclusively breastfed baby the poo is water-soluble and simply disappears in the wash. Since so many ask, we’ve got a dedicated guide about exactly this: What do you do with the poo?
By Emelie, founder of Time Ahead Sweden — mum of three, curious about how we as parents can make thoughtful everyday choices.