Cloth nappies don't suit everyone in exactly the same way — and that's actually a strength. There are options that fit different lives, different routines and different children. The quickest route to the right choice is to start with what matters most to you.
Here are the most common wishes we hear, and what we usually answer.
”I want something that feels familiar, roughly like a disposable”
Then the pocket nappy is the right start. You prepare it in advance — tuck the insert into the pocket — and then put it on just like a disposable. Take one from the pile, put it on, change when it's time.
It's also the model that preschools and babysitters tend to like best, because it's easy to handle without any prior knowledge.
The pocket nappy comes in our Comfort model (5–17 kg, adjusted with poppers throughout the whole nappy period).
”I want as little washing as possible”
Then Nappy cover/All-in-one is the right choice. With the nappy cover you only change the insert at each nappy change — you reuse the cover until it actually gets dirty. That means fewer nappies in the wash and fewer nappies to keep in stock.
That's the strongest economic and practical argument for covers: you buy fewer nappies in total and wash less.
Nappy cover/All-in-one comes in both Slim (3–15 kg) and Comfort (5–17 kg).
”My child is a newborn — what do I start with?”
A standard one-size nappy sits too loosely in the very first weeks. You have two options:
The Newborn model (2–6 kg) gives the best fit right from the start and is used until the baby weighs around 6 kg — for most, around 2–3 months of age, but slim and slower-growing babies can use it longer.
Slim (3–15 kg) works as an alternative if you don't want to buy a separate newborn model. For most babies it can be used right from birth.
”I want something that lasts all night”
An ordinary day nappy is enough for many children even at night — with an extra insert folded lengthways where the wee ends up most. If that's not enough, the night nappy is the step up: an extra absorbent layer made for long stretches of sleep, used together with a roomier cover (Comfort). It's one of our most-loved products.
How to get dry nights — fit, extra inserts and routine — we go through in our night nappy guide. Or see all night nappies.
”It needs to work at preschool”
Cloth nappies work brilliantly at preschool — if the preschool allows it. The most important thing is to make it easy for the staff.
We recommend Comfort pocket for preschool: prepared in advance, easy to put on just like a disposable. Pack an extra insert per nappy, since there's often longer between changes at preschool.
”I want to try before I decide”
Start with a starter kit — it contains three nappies and is just right for trying things out. Three changes give you a feel for the system, the fit and the washing before you invest in a full stash.
That's how most of us start. No one needs to get it right from day one.
Want the whole picture?
This guide starts from your most important wish right now. If you want to understand the system in more depth — the differences between fits, why covers mean less washing, what suits different ages — there's a more detailed guide:
And do you have questions no guide answers? Write to us — we answer parent to parent.
→ See all cloth nappies and starter kits.
By Emelie & Time Ahead Sweden