Yes, you can start cloth nappies from birth. Here’s everything you need to know about newborn fit, absorbency, and building your starter stash.
Reusable Nappies for Newborns: What You Need to Know
Welcoming a newborn into the world is magical, overwhelming, and full of choices, including what kind of nappies to use. If you’re considering starting with cloth right from day one, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy!
At My Little Gumnut, we believe that reusable newborn nappies are one of the most rewarding choices you can make. For your baby, your wallet, and the planet. Here’s what you need to know.
👶 Are Reusable Nappies Suitable for Newborns?
Absolutely. Our newborn nappies are designed specifically to fit those tiny, curled-up bodies from 2kg to 5kg. They feature:
- A trim, soft fit to avoid rubbing the umbilical stump
- Adjustable sizing to grow with your baby
- Absorbent inserts designed for smaller bladders
They’re gentle, breathable, and better for sensitive newborn skin than many disposable options.
Looking for a larger cloth nappy? Our cloth nappy 2.0 are one size fits most nappies, which means a lot of our families prefer to go with them from the start.
💤 How Often Do I Change Cloth Nappies on a Newborn?
Newborns need frequent changes, about every 2–3 hours. It’s true whether you’re using disposables or cloth.
We recommend having at least 25 nappies on hand if you’re planning to cloth full-time from birth. This gives you enough to allow for drying time between washes. (Tip: Our Cloth Nappy Bundles are a great place to start.)
💡 Is It Worth Using Reusable Nappies From Birth?
In a word, yes. Parents who start cloth from birth often find:
- Their baby experiences fewer rashes
- They avoid overflowing bins of disposables
- The cost savings start immediately
- They feel proud of the impact they’re making
And don’t worry, if you want to ease in slowly, even part-time use makes a difference.
🧼 Are They Harder to Clean?
Not at all. Newborn poo (especially from breastfed babies) is water-soluble, so it rinses out easily. Once solids are introduced, you can use biodegradable liners to catch the mess and make clean-up even easier.
Our Washing Guide takes you through everything step-by-step.
🛍️ What Do I Need to Get Started?
A solid newborn stash will include:
- 20–25 newborn nappies
- 2–3 Wet Bags
- A roll of biodegradable bamboo liners
- Optional: a Nappy Pod for storage on the go
We’ve also created special Cloth Nappy Bundles for newborns to help you save while getting started with confidence.
Start Strong, Stay Supported
Using reusable nappies from birth is a beautiful way to start your parenting journey with purpose. Whether you go full-time or mix-and-match, know that every cloth change counts.