How do cloth nappies work?
Cloth nappies are washed after use and can be used throughout your child's whole nappy changing period. In short, a cloth nappy consists of an absorbent insert on the inside and a waterproof cover on the outside. Today's cloth nappies are modern, functional — and honestly rather lovely. They are a far cry from what many people imagine.
Here at Time Ahead you'll find pocket nappies and covers/all-in-ones — two simple styles for everyday life.
If you want to go deeper, you'll find it all gathered in the complete cloth nappy guide.
Why do parents choose cloth nappies?
A considered choice for your child
Our nappies are designed for good comfort, with materials that breathe and draw moisture away from your child's skin. Soft, stretchy fabrics and several adjustment options give a secure fit. The materials are certified to OEKO-Tex Standard 100 — tested for harmful substances — and free from fragrance.
In truth, modern cloth nappies work just like disposables. The difference is that you wash them and use them again and again.
Reusable — you'll notice it in the bin
Every cloth nappy you wash is one disposable fewer that needs to be made and thrown away. It's a simple, tangible difference in how much single-use material leaves your home each week — and a benefit that grows the longer the nappy changing period lasts.
The money side
If you go all in on cloth nappies you can save up to SEK 10,000 — and even more if the nappies are used for a sibling. But cloth nappies don't have to be all or nothing. In purely financial terms, swapping out just one disposable a week is enough to start saving.
There's also an active second-hand market for cloth nappies, with buy-and-sell groups on Facebook and Tradera.
→ More on cost, the environment and health — cloth nappies vs disposables 2026.
How many cloth nappies do you need?
For full-time use, around 24 is a good benchmark — that's enough for most families if you wash every third day. More on how many you need.
Washing and storing cloth nappies
Most people wash their cloth nappies every 2–4 days. Store used nappies in a wet bag or a bin that isn't completely airtight — the air needs to get in, which keeps the smell at bay.
- Inserts/inner nappies (the absorbent part) are washed after every change
- Pocket nappies are washed after every change
- Covers are reused until they get dirty — you simply change the insert
→ The full washing guide, step by step.
Ready to begin?
A Starter Kit is built to make getting started easy — you get nappies, inserts and a wet bag in one.
If you'd like to read more about cloth nappies, there's also Blöjupproret — Sweden's association for EC and cloth nappies.
Choosing well should be easy.