Cloth nappies aren’t 100% natural — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t sustainable. Here’s why reusable nappies that include plastic can still be the most eco-friendly choice.
Are Cloth Nappies Really Eco-Friendly If They Contain Plastic?
If you’re exploring cloth nappies for the first time, you might be surprised to learn that many contain synthetic materials like polyester.
So… if they’re not 100% natural, can they still be considered eco-friendly?
It’s a fair question — and one we hear often.
As a mum-led brand that cares deeply about sustainability, we’ve asked ourselves the same thing. Let’s walk through the facts.
Yes, Modern Cloth Nappies Contain Some Plastic. Here’s Why.
Most modern cloth nappies are made with a soft, breathable fabric that has a thin waterproof layer bonded to it. This is essential to prevent leaks.
Natural fibres like cotton and wool are wonderful, but they:
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Absorb moisture (rather than hold it in)
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Take longer to dry
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Can feel wet against your baby’s skin
Using a waterproof outer layer allows reusable nappies to be leak-resistant, fast-drying, and practical for busy parents.
Our Cloth Nappies 2.0 are designed with this balance in mind — combining effective performance with sustainable intent.
Inside Our Nappies: Thoughtful Material Choices
At My Little Gumnut, our nappies are made with:
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A soft bamboo fleece inner, gentle against baby’s skin and naturally absorbent
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A removable insert with a 100% bamboo outer layer, filled with three layers of ultra-thirsty microfiber for long-lasting absorbency
These materials are carefully selected to give your baby comfort, dryness, and leak protection — without the bulk.
So… Can a Nappy with Plastic Still Be Sustainable?
Absolutely — and here’s why:
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They Replace Thousands of Disposables
Each cloth nappy can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Over 2–3 years, this means thousands of disposables never enter landfill.
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They Cut Plastic Waste Significantly
Disposable nappies are made of 30–50% plastic — and every single one ever used is still in landfill today. Cloth nappies dramatically reduce that impact.
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They’re Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective
Families often use the same nappies across multiple children. The environmental and financial savings are substantial — see our cloth vs disposable cost breakdown for the full numbers.
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They Promote Conscious Parenting
Cloth nappies support lower-waste habits, slower consumption, and more mindful routines — all of which help protect our planet for future generations.
Care and Drying: What You Should Know
Our outer nappy covers dry quickly on the line (usually within a day). Inserts may take slightly longer due to their high absorbency.
We recommend following our cloth nappy washing guide to get the best life and performance from each nappy.
Sustainability Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Impact
At My Little Gumnut, we don’t claim to be perfect. But we are proud to:
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Be transparent about our materials
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Design for longevity, not disposability
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Support parents with the education and tools to reuse, repurpose, and reduce waste
Our nappies may not be 100% natural, but they are dramatically better for the environment than single-use alternatives — and that matters.
Final Word
Cloth nappies that include some synthetic materials can absolutely be eco-friendly.
It’s not about being plastic-free — it’s about creating a product that dramatically reduces your family’s overall waste and environmental impact.
Ready to make the switch?
Explore our Cloth Nappies 2.0 or read more here if you’re just starting out.