2025’s best newborn nappies for fit, comfort and leak proof protection

Choosing the best newborn nappies can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time parent. Here at Mother&Baby, we get it. Comparing baby nappies that seem like identical options is enough to make your head spin. That's where our expertise (and our team of real-life parent testers) comes in handy; they're worth their weight in used nappies (which, as you'll soon learn, are surprisingly heavy).

Whether you opt for disposables, reusable nappies, or eco-friendly alternatives, the goal is simple: keeping your baby comfortable, dry, and happy. To save you from any nappy nightmares, we’ve tested the top options currently on the market so you can confidently make the best choice.

Choosing the right nappies for your newborn is all about comfort, fit, and practicality because, trust us, you’ll be changing a lot of them. While it’s great to stock up before your baby arrives, every little one is different, so that well-meaning bulk pack from friends might not be the perfect fit. If you end up with extras, consider donating sealed packs to food banks or fellow parents in need. Once your baby is here, key factors to look for include weight-appropriate sizing, soft materials for delicate skin, snug leg and waist elastics (to keep those explosive surprises contained), and a wetness indicator because disturbing a sleeping newborn unnecessarily is a rookie mistake. We have compiled a helpful, detailed list of things to consider later in the article.

While big brands have your baby’s best interests at heart, there are some hidden gems in the nappy world. And trust us, the most expensive option isn’t always the best at containing a full-blown poo-nami.

How we choose the best nappies for newborns

Like all our product recommendations, the best newborn nappies are chosen based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers, our experienced editorial team, and product specialists. Where possible, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product.

At times when we can’t get our hands on something personally, we’ll select products only from reputable brands, scouring reviews, forums and real parent experience to ensure all products are fit for use and deserve a space in your home.

When choosing the best newborn nappies, we looked at everything from materials and fit to comfort, plus those handy extras like wetness indicators. But we know sometimes you want more than just the highlights. That’s why many of our top picks link to in-depth reviews, where we take a deep dive into the surprisingly fascinating world of nappies.

You can find out more about how we test here.

The best newborns nappies in 2025:

How do I choose nappies for my newborn?

When your child is born, you will need to consider these factors when shopping for newborn nappies:

Weight - you will need to know what your baby weighs to select the correct newborn nappy.

Material - newborn skin is super sensitive, so you want a nappy that is soft against the baby’s delicate skin.

Leg and waist elastic - newborns lie on their backs for a lot of the time, so runny poop can often creep up their backs, and you always want them to be comfortable.

Wetness indicator - newborns and new parents need their sleep, so you will want to avoid disturbing a sleeping baby at all costs. A wetness indicator that changes from yellow to blue when wet allows you to check if the baby needs changing without removing their nappy, meaning you can leave them to sleep soundly.

Affordable— Nappies will need changing often when your baby is first born, so you’ll want a range that won’t break the bank.

Umbilical protection - For the first couple of weeks, your baby has added sensitivity around the umbilical cord.

**Size-up guide—**The main cause of dreaded leaks is wearing the wrong-sized nappy, so you’ll want to be sure when it’s time to move to the next size so the baby always gets the best protection.

What size nappy does a newborn need?

In the UK, newborns usually start with size 0 or size 1 nappies, depending on their birth weight. Size 0 is designed for premature or smaller babies under 6 lbs (2.7 kg), while size 1 suits most full-term newborns weighing 6–11 lbs (2.7–5 kg). Many brands, like Pura, offer newborn-friendly features such as an umbilical cord cutout, extra softness, and high absorbency to keep babies comfortable during frequent changes. If you prefer a reusable option, the Kit & Kin reusable nappy is designed to grow with your baby, thanks to its adjustable fit.

According to Pampers nappy guide, nappy sizes start at size 0 for newborns (some other brands start at 1) and progress up to size 8 for tots weighing 17kg and above. It's best to check the sizing guide for each brand.

ASDA offers parents the chance to refund or exchange any unopened bag of Little Angels newborn nappies if the size is incorrect. So that’s one less thing to worry about!

Disposable vs reusable nappies

As a new parent, choosing between disposable and reusable nappies can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all decision. Disposable nappies are super convenient, which is why they are arguably the most popular. They’re quick to change, absorb well, and keep things simple when you're juggling a baby’s needs.

On the other hand, reusable nappies are an eco-friendly option that’s gentle on your baby’s skin and the planet, as you can wash and reuse them over and over. While reusables require a bit more effort to wash and dry, many parents find them cost-effective in the long run.

Depending on the day, some families even use a mix of disposables for trips out and reusables for home. Whatever you choose, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your family.

Disposable nappies

Disposable nappies are very convenient and save you a lot of time if you are busy trying to juggle taking care of your newborn and a whole load of cloth nappy laundry.

Although you are producing more waste, when you're out and about, you can throw away a disposable nappy rather than carry it around with you until you get home to wash it. Disposable nappies vary in price points depending on which brand you choose to buy, so for some parents, it's easier to manage on a smaller budget but don't forget, it adds up in the long run.

Disposable nappies use harmless chemicals to lock in wetness, which is a plus so that your baby doesn't leak, but some parents may be concerned about any chemicals near their baby.

Reusable nappies

Not only are they better for the environment, but reusable nappies are also said to be softer on your baby’s skin, less likely to spill and help make potty training easier.

However, while it's assumed reusable nappies are more eco-friendly because you are sending less waste to landfills, they need to be washed and dried at 60 degrees - the recommended temperature from the Department of Health.

Depending on how you wash and dry your cloth nappies, you will need to check whether your washing machine and tumble dryer are energy-efficient. If they are not, you will produce higher amounts of carbon emissions.

Cloth nappies are cheaper than disposable nappies, but initial costs are higher. However, they are considered a more affordable option because you won't need to keep buying more.

How many nappies will I need?

During the beginning, you'll expect to change your baby's nappy between 10 to 12 times a day, according to the NHS. As your baby grows, this will change to approximately six to eight times a day.

How to discard disposable and wash reusable nappies

To discard disposable nappies, simply wrap the used nappy tightly in a nappy sack or wrapper and place it in your household bin. For reusable nappies, remove any solid waste and store the soiled nappies in a waterproof wet bag or nappy bucket. When ready to wash, run a cold rinse cycle followed by a warm wash with a gentle detergent. After washing, hang them to dry or tumble dry on low heat.

If you want to try reusable nappies, we've also put together a step-by-step guide on how to change your baby's nappies here.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.