How to Use Reusable Nappy Liners: Wet vs Disposable

Quick answer

Lay a liner on top of the nappy, next to baby's skin, before every change. Use a reusable fleece liner when you want to catch poo and keep the nappy drier; switch to a disposable bamboo liner when you are out, travelling, or facing a messy poo you would rather bin. Either way, lift the liner out before washing and deal with solids straight away.

Wet vs disposable: what each liner actually does

A reusable fleece liner sits between baby and the nappy. It lets liquid pass through into the absorbent layers but holds solid waste on top, so the nappy underneath stays cleaner for longer. A disposable bamboo liner does the same job for one change only, then goes in the bin. The choice is not about which is better overall; it is about which suits the next few hours.

• Reusable fleece: wash and reuse, better for everyday home use, and kinder to the nappy fabric because solids are caught before they soak in.
• Disposable bamboo: no washing, handy for outings, holidays, or days when you are already behind on laundry.
• Both types let liquid through, so neither replaces the absorbent nappy itself.

How to fit a liner without leaks or bunching

Place the liner flat across the inside of the nappy, smoothing it from front to back. For a reusable fleece liner, the hourglass shape should sit wider at the back and narrower between the legs so it follows the nappy's contours. For a disposable bamboo liner, centre it so the edges stay inside the nappy's waterproof cover. If the liner sticks out at the sides, moisture will wick onto clothing.

• Check the liner is not folded or doubled over; a crease creates a channel for leaks.
• For reusable liners, match the size option to your nappy size rather than guessing.
• After fitting, run a finger around the leg elastics to confirm the liner is tucked in.

Poo disposal: the step most parents get wrong

When you open the nappy, hold the liner by two corners and lift it away in one motion. If the poo is solid, tip it into the toilet. If it is runny, you can still flush the liner contents if your liner is designed for it, but check the product instructions first. Never put disposable liners in the washing machine, and never flush a reusable fleece liner. For reusable liners, shake solids into the toilet, then store the liner with the nappy until wash day.

• Disposable bamboo liners: scoop up the whole liner and bin it, poo and all, when flushing is not practical.
• Reusable fleece liners: shake solids off, then wash with the nappy load.
• If poo has escaped onto the nappy, rinse it before storing to avoid stains setting.

Washing and reusing fleece liners

Reusable liners do not need a separate wash. Add them to your normal nappy load at the temperature your nappy brand recommends, then air dry or tumble on low if the care label allows. Avoid fabric softener, which coats the fleece and stops liquid passing through. A liner that starts feeling damp against the skin usually needs a strip wash or a replacement.

• Wash liners with nappies, not with towels or clothing, to keep the load simple.
• Check the care label before tumble drying; high heat can damage fleece.
• Keep a small wet bag for used liners when you are out.

Step-by-step: using reusable and disposable liners

1. 1. Choose your liner for the next change: Reach for a reusable fleece liner at home, or a disposable bamboo liner when you are out or expecting a messy poo. Checkpoint: if you are down to your last clean fleece liner, switch to disposable for the rest of the day.
2. 2. Lay the liner flat on the nappy: Smooth it from front to back, tucking edges inside the nappy so nothing sticks out at the legs. Common mistake: leaving a fold or crease, which lets liquid run straight past the liner.
3. 3. Change baby and lift the liner out: Hold the liner by two corners and lift it away in one motion before it can smear onto the nappy. Checkpoint: if poo has reached the nappy, rinse the nappy before storing.
4. 4. Deal with the poo immediately: Tip solids into the toilet. Bin disposable liners; shake reusable liners and store them with the nappy. Common mistake: flushing reusable fleece liners or putting disposable liners in the wash.
5. 5. Wash reusable liners with your nappy load: Add fleece liners to your normal nappy wash, skip fabric softener, and dry according to the care label. Next step: if a liner still feels damp against skin after washing, strip wash it or replace it.

Products that fit this routine

• Disposable Bamboo Nappy Liners: Disposable bamboo nappy liners let liquid soak through into the nappy but catch the poo, so you can scoop up the whole liner and bin it. Best for outings, travel, or days when you want zero liner laundry.
• Complete Cover Reusable Fleecy Nappy Liners: Complete Cover Reusable Fleecy Nappy Liners are hourglass-shaped microfleece liners designed to catch poo and reduce soiling on the nappy. The contoured shape gives fuller coverage, which means fewer sticky messes on the nappy itself.
• Reusable Sanitary Pads Discovery Set: The Reusable Sanitary Pads Discovery Set includes panty liners, day pads, night pads, and a small double wet bag, all with bamboo and microfibre layers. If you already use reusable cloth for periods, the same wash-and-reuse habits apply to nappy liners.