Best nappies

If there’s one thing we know about nappies - whether they’re disposable nappies, biodegradable nappies or reusable cloth nappies - it’s that they are an absolute baby essential. But with a market full of competing brands, how do you know which nappies are right for you and your little one?

Many start with trial and error, but knowing what you’re looking for, and getting advice from other parents can really help when you make your decision.

Here are our picks for the best nappies available. Our editors have chosen these nappies through research, supported by the recommendations that our experienced parents in the BabyCentre Community have shared.

The best nappies in the UK – at a glance

• Most popular disposable nappies: Aldi Mamia nappies
• Best overall disposable nappies: Pampers nappies
• Best value for money: ASDA Little Angels nappies
• Best nappies for absorbency: Tesco Fred & Flo nappies
• Best newcomer nappies: Lidl Lupilu nappies
• Best cloth nappies: LittleLamb reusable nappies
• Best eco-friendly disposable nappies: Rascal + Friends nappies

Find out more about why we love these nappies below.

How to decide which nappies to buy

What you need to know before choosing nappies

Before you hone in on which brand of nappies you’ll go for, you need to decide whether you’ll choose disposable, biodegradable or reusable nappies. All have their pros and cons, but ultimately, the decision is down to what is right for you and your baby.

Disposable nappies are usually made of a thin, waterproof plastic called polyethylene. Inside there’s a layer of small hydrogel crystals. These crystals are very absorbent. When your baby wees, the crystals in the absorbent core take in the moisture to keep your baby's bottom dry.

Because they're so absorbent it's usually easy to avoid nappy rash by changing your baby’s nappy regularly.

As disposables are very convenient, they’re often a popular choice. They can easily be picked up as part of your supermarket shop.

Although convenient and absorbent, disposables have their downsides. Most of them contain bleaching agents, dyes, latex, and other plastics. All nappies are tested before they go on sale, so although the materials are not harmful, if your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, there is a small chance of a reaction to the chemicals they contain. In many cases, swapping to a different brand will help avoid this issue.

The main reason parents decide against disposables and opt for reusable nappies is the environmental impact. Around eight million nappies are thrown into landfill waste each day in the UK, and may take hundreds of years to decompose. On average, switching from disposable to reusable cuts carbon emissions from nappy use by a quarter.

Reusable nappies have come a long way since terry squares. Poppers, velcro or plastic clips are used instead of pins and they often come as a one-size nappy which will fit for several years. There are a range of colourful and cool designs from brands available too. Reusable nappies are also chemical-free and, long-term, work out cheaper than disposables.

You can resell them or keep them if you’re planning to have more children in the future. And you can buy second-hand. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and some also come with a disposable or a washable liner which you use to collect your baby’s poo. Read more about choosing reusable nappies.

Alternatively, you could also opt for biodegradable, or eco-friendly nappies. They contain fewer or no chemicals and are made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials, meaning they’re gentler on your baby’s skin, and they’re better for the environment. However, they can be a more expensive option. Read more about biodegradable disposable nappies.

It’s unlikely that your baby will be out of nappies before they’re two, so if you’re undecided, there’s plenty of time to find nappies that suit your baby. Some parents choose a type and brand and stick with it, but others find that a brand that works for one stage, may not be as great for the next.

Our picks of the best nappies in the UK 2023

Aldi Mamia nappies

• Price per nappy: from 4p
• Our pick for: Most popular disposable nappies
• Nappies available from sizes 1 – 6+
• Nappy pants available from sizes 4 – 7
• Premium range available from sizes 1 – 3, with sizes 4 and 5 also available in selected stores

With sizes that cover newborn all the way to toddlerhood, the Mamia nappy and pant range created by German supermarket Aldi is the talk of the BabyCentre Community. From the earliest size 1 nappies, to big kid nappy pants - and even a premium nappy range – BabyCentre parents love them all!

They’ve ticked the boxes for fit, absorbency, comfort and value for money. So if you’re leaning towards disposables, Mamia could be a great place to start.

The first sizes, 1 and 2, use Dry Fast technology to help keep your baby’s bottom as dry and comfortable as possible, and once your baby starts crawling and walking, their fantastic nappy pant range is available from size 4. The Mamia nappy pants also have an Ultra-Dry Air System, for maximum dryness, and easy-tear away sides – perfect when you need a change to be quick.

Reassuringly, the range is accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.

Heads up:

The Aldi Mamia Premium range is a firm favourite among BabyCentre parents. However, there have been some reports regarding availability, so if you’re planning on shopping premium, snap them up while you can to avoid disappointment.

BabyCentre parents say:

“We go with Aldi nappies every time! I used them from newborn to size 6+ with my son, and am now using them again with my daughter. They are great value for money and, in my opinion, are better than some of the more expensive brands.”

“Mamia nappies from Aldi have been amazing! We tried some other brands, but experienced leaks during the night which woke my baby up. That's when we went back to Mamia and she started sleeping longer. They have cute animal designs on the front of the nappy, an easy to see indicator - we haven't had a grumble with them yet!”

“Our go-to nappies are Mamia from Aldi. They’re cheap and they don’t smell when they are full of wee, which I’ve found other nappies tend to do. They don’t leave my baby with a sore bottom - and I’ve been using since birth! If your baby suffers from leakage, it’s time to go up a size. They’re absolutely amazing value for money. I’m now onto nappy pants and they are fab too! I highly recommend them.”

Available from AldiOpens a new window stores, and on AmazonOpens a new window.

Pampers nappies

 

• Price per nappy: from 14p
• Our pick for: Best overall disposable nappies
• Pampers New Baby available in sizes 0-3
• Pampers Pure Protection available in sizes 1-5)
• Pampers Active Fit available in sizes 3-6
• Pampers Baby Dry available in sizes 3-8
• Pampers Active Fit Nappy Pants available in sizes 4-6
• Pampers Baby Dry Nappy Pants available in sizes 3-7

Believe it or not, much-loved nappy brand Pampers began in the 1950s. Having revolutionised the way we use nappies by swapping pins for tape, Pampers has remained one of the nation’s favourites for innovative nappy care products.

To date, they offer a selection of nappy options, from Baby Dry and Active Fit (which each have a nappy pant version) to a swimmers’ range called Pampers Splashers, and of course newborn nappies in size 1.

Along with special features to accommodate comfort, fit and dryness, most Pampers nappies also include a wetness indicator, which changes from yellow to blue when it detects liquid. This feature is available all the way up to size 6.

Heads up

Although parents love Pampers, their only drawback is that they can be a little pricier than other disposable nappy brands. However, the products are often on offer in supermarkets or bulk buying on Amazon.

BabyCentre parents say:

“We use the Pampers Pure Range. They are a bit pricey but we’ve had no spillages at all. We have them on repeat order from Amazon so makes them a bit cheaper and easier because they get delivered. They have cute little patterns on them and the yellow/blue wetness strip which is amazing.”

“I recently changed from Pampers Premium to Pampers Baby Dry and they are excellent. My baby sleeps 10-12 hours with no leaks. I think they are great value for money because they are always on offer in the supermarkets.”

“I’ve always found Pampers the best for all four of my children. I’ve tried all the cheaper supermarket brands and never found them to be as good on fit or absorbency. Pampers feel so much nicer and cotton-like rather than the plastic feel on the budget nappies. I buy in bulk from Amazon and that way, they don’t seem much more expensive than the supermarket own brands.”

Available from AmazonOpens a new window, BootsOpens a new window and other major supermarket retailers.

Asda Little Angels nappies

 

• Price per nappy: from 3p
• Our pick for: Best value for money
• Little Angels Newborn nappies available in sizes 0-3
• Little Angels Comfort and Protect nappies available in sizes 3-6+)
• Little Angels nappy pants available in sizes 4-6

With the rate that babies go through nappies and the busyness which comes with being a new parent, convenience and value for money can take priority. BabyCentre parents love the ease of grabbing a pack of Little Angels as they do their weekly shop, at a price that won’t break the bank.

With a lower price, there’s always a suspicion that you get what you pay for, but it seems this isn’t the case with Little Angels. Our Community members believe that they deliver quality and quantity, with newborn packs starting at as little as 85p!

With essentially everything your baby needs, they’re rated for their absorbency, flexi-fit features, time-to-change indicator, and the special contour design on their newborn nappies which helps prevent umbilical cord irritation for newborn babies.

Heads up

Little Angels nappies range from sizes 0-6+. So once your child gets close to potty training, you may find that the nappies are a bit more of a snug fit.

BabyCentre parents say:

“I've always used Little Angels nappies from newborn up. I have a two-and-a-half-year-old and a 13-month-old. Little Angels were the only ones that didn't give both my boys a bad nappy rash. They are super absorbent, they fit well and don't leak. They're also super cheap compared to some nappies.”

“I like Little Angels from Asda they fit perfectly and they’re a great price. The jumbo sizes last forever!”

“Little Angels were the best seven years ago, with my first daughter, and have proven to be amazing still. They are fantastic value, the quality is outstanding and the have never leaked. Well done Asda!”

Available at AsdaOpens a new window.

Tesco Fred & Flo nappies

• Price per nappy: from 4p
• Our pick for: Best nappies for absorbency
• Fred & Flo Newborn nappies available in sizes 0-3
• Fred & Flo Ultra dry nappies available in sizes 3-6+
• Fred & Flo Easy-fit nappy pants available in sizes 4-6+
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Since rebranding from Tesco Loves to Fred & Flo, this Tesco own brand has worked on improving the absorbency of its nappy range. It seems the hard work has paid off, as BabyCentre parents can’t stop raving about how absorbent they are.

In addition to being an absolute bargain, they also include the must-have wetness indicator, a soft-cord protection feature, breathable material, and a fantastic size guide on the nappy which shows you when you need to go up a size.

Heads up:

Although Fred & Flo do have a range of nappy pants, it seems they’re not always available in smaller stores with limited stock, so make sure you stock up when you’re at a Tesco Extra.

BabyCentre parents say:

“Fred and Flo by Tesco are a super soft, well-fitting, and absorbent nappy. They’re also one of the lowest prices on the market, so definitely value for money. The designs are lovely and the Fred and Flo range offer a selection of good quality baby items, making purchasing in bulk more convenient and better value.”

“I use Fred and Flo by Tesco. I think they're great at absorbing wee. My baby sleeps 11 hours at night and her skin is still dry in the morning. The price is great too!"

“Fred and Flo are great! Never had a leak, great value and always available in my local store. My little one is now 16 months and I’ve tried so many different brands. This is the only one that we’ve had no leaks at night with (which was the main issue)! The nappy pant version is also great for daytime.”

Available at TescoOpens a new window.

Lidl Lupilu nappies

• Price per nappy: from 4p
• Our pick for: Best newcomer nappies
• Lupilu Soft & Dry nappies available in sizes 1-6+
• Lupilu Soft & Dry nappy pants available in sizes 4-6+

Lidl’s Lupilu baby brand includes this now well-established nappy and nappy pant range. Lupilu is one of the cheapest brands on the market, yet among the favourites for quality in fit, absorbency and overall comfort.

The nappies include patented 'magical air tubes' with three absorbent channels and a fast-dry system that help absorb liquid and keep it away from your baby’s skin. They’re also latex free, skin-friendly and dermatologically tested.

At such a low price and with such great reviews, they’re definitely worth a try.

BabyCentre parents say:

“I use Lidl’s Lupilu nappies and find them just as good as some of the more expensive brands. They are great value and we’ve found them very absorbent. They also have cute designs on the front which I love.”

“I’ve tried every brand and the best ones for us has been Lidl’s own, Lupilu, in size 4+. The absorbency has been great and we’ve yet to experience a leak.”

Available at LidlOpens a new window.

LittleLamb reusable nappies

 

• Price per nappy: from £8.49
• Our pick for: Best cloth nappies
• Lots of different kitsOpens a new window available (amounts can be tailored)
• LittleLamb also have a range of individual cloth nappies and boosters available.

LittleLamb is a family-run business who sell reusable cloth nappies with no dyes, gels, perfumes or latex. They’re gentler on your baby’s skin and reduce your carbon footprint.

LittleLamb sell nappies separately, but also sell cost-effective kits which include everything you need to start your cloth nappy journey.

Our community parents note that although the initial cost may feel expensive, in the long run, you’re making a big saving in comparison to the cost of your average disposable nappy.

Heads up:

The summer is ideal for outside drying, however, drying the nappies indoors during the winter can sometimes become an inconvenience.

BabyCentre parents say:

“I love LittleLamb’s fitted nappies. My daughter moved into size 2 at seven months, and still has loads of room at almost 14 months – they should last until we start potty training! I love that the same 25 nappies have lasted for seven months and are still going strong.”

“We use LittleLamb pocket nappies. They are expensive, but not unreasonable for what they are. I like the bamboo soaker as it's very absorbent and makes it the most reliable nappy. My baby is larger so the fit is great and should take us as close to potty training as we can get. They're great for the environment too.”

Available at littlelambnappies.comOpens a new window.

Rascal + Friends nappies

• Price per nappy: from 12p
• Our pick for: Best eco-friendly disposable nappies
• Nappies available in sizes 1-6
• Nappy pants available in sizes 4-6
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Rascal + Friends is an eco-friendly brand that creates disposable eco nappies. This means no latex, fragrance, lotions, formaldehyde or glyphosate. Although the nappies are not yet biodegradable, they’re made of sustainable pulp.

The company is based and designed in New Zealand, but the range is sold exclusively at Tesco – great for convenience!

BabyCentre parents love that Rascal + Friends don’t have the chemical smell some nappies have, yet they’re still just as absorbent. In addition to their premium range, they also have a range of nappy pants.

Heads up:

The only downside parents have noticed is that the nappies don’t have the wetness indicator which many other brands have to help detect when nappy changes are needed.

BabyCentre parents say:

“We love Rascal + Friends from Tesco. They have a high waistband which is soft and thick. Our little one is a wriggler so the waistband helps prevent leaks. They also don't have that chemical smell most nappies have.”

“I have three children under three, all in nappies. I swapped to Rascal + Friends about a year ago - best decision I’ve made. I try and live as chemical-free as possible and these are a great middle product. Still disposable, but with the chemical-free benefit you get with a reusable nappy.”

Available exclusively at TescoOpens a new window.

See something you like? Don't forget to add it to your Amazon baby wishlistOpens a new window.

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