Smart Nappy
With loads of different brands on the market, it's no surprise that you'll be asking this question. Broadly speaking, you can choose from disposables, eco-disposables and reusables, or mix and match.
Your final decision will come down to lifestyle and attitude, so try our fun quiz and see which camp you're most likely to fall into.

1 How much research have you done into nappies?
a) Research? Don't I just go to the shop and buy a pack?
b) I'm aware of washables and disposables but don't know masses about different makes
c) I know all about the environmental credentials of different disposables and how to use pretty much every type of reusable

2 Do you know how many disposable nappies are used every day in the UK?*
a) No, but if everyone else is doing it, why shouldn't I?
b) No, but I'm aware that it's contributing tonnes to our landfill sites every year
c) Of course, and I'm not going to throw away anything that's neither biodegradable nor compostable

3 Do you know how disposable nappies are so good at soaking up wee?**
a) No, but as long as they keep my little one dry and fresh, I'm glad of the technology
b) I know it's something chemical but I'm not quite sure what
c) Yes, and I'm well aware that it's what makes disposables non-biodegradable

4 Do you have any idea how many nappies your baby will use before he's potty trained?***
a) No, I can't bear to contemplate all that wee and poo
b) No, but I shudder to think how many bins-full that will be
c) It's more than 5,000 and I'm prepared to wash every single one

Close Parent Green Pop-in Nappy
5 Would you consider using washable nappies?
a) No, I couldn't deal with the mess and the fuss
b) Possibly, but it seems like a huge outlay if I don't get on with them
c) I wouldn't use anything else, darling

6 Would you consider reusables if you could use a laundry service?
a) But they'd be sitting in a bucket all week…
b) Possibly - it might save my washing machine (and sanity)
c) But what about all the petrol the vans would be using?!

7 What about 'eco-disposables'?
a) Isn't that just a marketing ploy to make us feel guilty?
b) They sound like a good compromise
c) I'd have to check out just how 'eco' they really were before I bought any

8 How much do you think you'll spend on nappies for your baby?****
a) Don't know, but am happy to pay to keep my baby healthy and clean
b) Not sure, but I'm aware that washables could work out cheaper in the long run
c) I could do it for as little as £50 with terry nappies, but will probably go for a different washable system

9 What's the single most off-putting thing about using disposables?
a) The cost, otherwise they seem the perfect solution
b) The cost, but the landfill issue is a close second
c) The environmental devastation!

10 And what's most off-putting about reusables?
a) Having smelly nappies sitting in a bucket
b) I think they're more fiddly to use than disposables
c) The initial outlay - but I know I'll save money and the planet in the long run

Notes
* The answer is about 8 million per day, some 90% of which end up in landfill. (Source: www.wen.org.uk)
** Superabsorbents - sodium polyacrylate crystals that are capable of holding vast quantities of liquid. They are found in the core of most disposables (even eco ones, though not in such large quantities) and are indeed non-biodegradable.
*** Answer (c) is correct, assuming your baby uses and average of 6 nappies per day until the age of two and a half.
**** According to www.wen.org.uk you can buy sufficient terry nappies, waterproof pants and nappy pins to last your baby 2 1/2 years for £49.50; using branded disposables will cost you more than £900.

Your choice
Mostly As
You really like the easy life, don't you? And there's nothing wrong with that. You're unlikely to be won round to reusables, as they do undeniably take a little bit more effort, in terms of both research and care. However, you might just want to think about your environmental impact before dismissing eco-disposables out of hand, as they do perform well and will biodegrade more quickly than traditional disposables. And if you're still sold on the idea of going for the market leading brand, at least make sure you're greening up your act elsewhere.

Most likely to go for: Pampers, Huggies, supermarket own brand
Worth trying: Nature Boy & Girl, Moltex Oko

Mostly Bs
You've got a green-tinged conscience but are worried that it will all prove to be a little bit too much effort. While eco-disposables are a good compromise, I'd advise you to talk to people who have used washable nappies and be reassured that it's not going to take over your life (or your laundry!). If the washing's the off-putting factor, you may find a laundry service is what you need. Alternatively, if you're flummoxed by the notion of pins and wraps, be reassured that there are such things as all-in-one reusables, where the waterproof outer is attached to the fabric inner, so they're as easy to put on a wriggly baby as a disposable. Most brands sell trial packs so you can try different systems before you go the whole hog and by a birth to potty pack. See our guide to reusables for more [link]. And if you know there are times when you'll prefer disposables, eg, on holiday, or out on day trips, don't feel guilty about using them.

Most likely to go for: Nature Boy & Girl, Moltex Oko, Tushies
Worth trying: Nappy Nation, Kushies Ultra, Wonderoos

Mostly Cs
You're a bit of an eco-crusader, and would love to single-handedly save the planet. This is, of course, laudable, but you may find that people are put off by your all or nothing attitude. Try to remember that even small steps can make a difference, and that we can't all live the life of saints. There's no way you'll go for anything other than washable nappies, and good for you. But don't be a martyr - if you're travelling and won't have access to anywhere to store your smelly nappies, the occasional eco-disposable won't turn you into the devil incarnate. Relax and enjoy being a mum.

Most likely to go for: Schmidt Natural Clothing, Baby Beehinds organic cotton, Mother-ease organic
Worth trying: Moltex Oko, Tushies, Bambo