November 2004: The latest disposable nappy reviews are here

Below we list the reusable nappies that scored highest amongst mumsnet members when they were rated on four different criteria. The final score isn't everything, however. It's always worth looking at the nutshell comments to see what our members had to say. To see the scores for each category, click on the nappy names listed below. And remember: if you don't agree with our verdict or can't find your favourite brand rated, you can help to make this guide more thorough and accurate by sending a review

Beginner's guide to buying nappies

Disposable or reusable?
Nappies, like everything else in childcare seem to go in cycles of popularity. Five years ago, few parents would even consider anything but disposables - there's no doubt they are convenient and readily available from all supermarkets. These days, though, more and more parents are eschewing the disposable option for reusable nappies. Things have certainly improved since the days of soaking terries in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Nowadays you have the choice of either buying and washing the nappies yourself or using one of the nappy laundry services available in most major towns and cities in the UK. The alarming statistics showing the damage caused by disposable nappies will certainly make you think about doing your bit to save the planet.

• Nine million disposable nappies are thrown away daily in the UK.
• 50% of all the rubbish in a one-baby family is made up of disposable nappies.
• Nappies make up 4% of UK household waste.
• Some research suggests that a disposable nappy can take anything from 200 to 500 years to decompose.

Although the initial outlay for reusables is a lot, in the long run, you can save considerable amount of money. There's also the argument that they are better for your baby's skin because of the many chemicals and gels used in disposables. One tip is to have a go with a free trial pack offered by many reusable nappy manufacturers and see how you get on.

On the downside they can be complicated both to put on and to collect together all the necessary parts - nappies, wraps, clips etc - or though you can now buy all-in-one reusables. Another thing to watch out for is how long they take to dry - particularly if you don't have an automatic dryer. Having every radiator in the house strewn with nappies is not an edifying prospect.

For those concerned about the environment but not quite ready to commit themselves to reusables (and even if you get them laundered you've still got to organise it), there is the option of environmentally-friendly disposables. These usually contain a portion of biodegradable components.

Some folks combine the two using reusable at home, and disposables when out and about, or starting off with disposable with a newborn (when nappies need to be changed endlessly and you're totally whacked) and moving on to do your bit for the environment when poos are a bit more predictable/ less frequent. Whatever choice you make, the ultimate aim is obviously a dry, comfy child. To achieve this you should look out for:

Effectiveness
The absorbency of a nappy certainly varies from brand to brand so it's worth a) shopping around and b) taking a look at the nutshell comments in our survey if your child is a champion wee-er. The big test for nappies is obviously overnight - when your child will be wearing the same nappy for up to 12 hours. You may even decide to go with a different (perhaps more economical) brand in daytime and a super-absorbant one at night.

Comfort
Some nappies appear incredibly bulky and heavy even before they have been soiled, if it worries you there are certainly some that are more slim-line than others, so again, shop around. Another thing to look out for is that your baby may be more prone to nappy-rash by wearing a certain brand of nappy. A good barrier cream can help with this. Beware narrow sticky tabs that can stick/ cut into your baby's skin.

Fit
Again, brands of disposable nappies vary tremendously in shape. Some are narrower - if your baby's stocky and plump you'll find it will be tight round the waist and hanging down to the knees when full. Judging from our survey some also suited boys better than girls, so try out a few before you buy the super-size economy box. And remember what's called a junior by one brand could well equate to a maxi in another, so if you're switching brands don't bulk buy until you're sure you've found the right size. And even then don't go too mad as little bottoms grow fast - particularly in the first few weeks - you may be left with scores of nappies that only fit your child's teddy.

What the mumsnet members said- a sprinkling of the more pertinent comments about choosing reusable nappies from some of our members:

"Reusables are great value in the long run - the initial outlay may seem large, but we saved at least £400 over disposables."

"These help me to not have nightmares about the world being taken over by dirty disposable nappies."

"The major down point is the fact that they take an eternity to dry if you don't have a dryer."

"I love the glow of self-righteousness that using non-disposables gives me and actually have found that once you have worked out a system for washing/drying, using them has not been difficult."

"Amazingly cheap, can be passed down from child to child, sold on or even used as dusters/ floor cloths after the last child in the family."

"Beware travelling with reusables - think soggy bags in a warm car..."

"Reusables help to potty train earlier...my son was happily using the potty at 19months and I'm sure they had something to do with it as kids can feel more of what's going on inside the nappy."

November, 2004