All about nappies

Choosing the right nappy is vital if you don't want to spend the next two years constantly doing the washing. Ill-fitting nappies mean leaks, which in turn mean an uncomfortable, unhappy baby and lots of soiled clothes for you to deal with.

But which nappy will be best for you and your baby? Your choice will depend on comfort, convenience and, of course, cost. Babies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are long and skinny, others are short and plump and just to complicate things, your baby's nappy size will change as he grows.

Finding a nappy that fits properly will usually involve a bit of trial and error. If you have been happy with a certain brand and then it starts to leak, try the next size up. Nappies that are too loose will also leak. Over tight nappies are uncomfortable and the tapes can dig into your baby.

Convenience is not just about how easy the nappies are to use: it also depends on how easy they are to buy. Nappies are bulky items and with around six or seven changes a day, that's an awful lot of unwieldy shopping to bring home on the bus. We recognise this and offer a home delivery service.

Cost is, of course, another deciding factor, but beware of false economies. Cheaper nappies tend to be less absorbent, and any savings will soon disappear if you have to use more nappies and do extra washing. On the other hand, it's pointless paying for extremely absorbent nappies that your baby doesn't need. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can save money by buying more absorbent nappies and not bothering to change your baby for hours on end. It's unhygienic and your baby could end up with nappy rash.

Our advice is buy the cheapest nappy that fits and keeps your baby dry during the day. At night, go for the most absorbent.