Do you need a nappy bin?
WHAT IS A NAPPY BIN?
A nappy bin is a dedicated and hygienic place to dispose of nappies. It is usually kept wherever the baby’s changing area is, often the nursery, but sometimes also in the bathroom, kitchen, just outside the baby’s room or by the back door.
What are the reasons for getting a nappy bin?
The main reason is that they are usually designed to hygienically seal in bad smells so that your kitchen bin doesn’t become very smelly. If this is a concern, you will probably want one.
They are more necessary for users of cloth nappies. Most have some kind of lidded bucket to store them between washes. Some come with mesh laundry bags to make this even easier. But you could also just use a reusable nappy wet bag for storage.
The downsides of nappy bins are that for many, you need to buy refill cartridges and they do still need to be emptied periodically, which won’t be the most pleasant job.
37% of experts and a panel of 133 parents said they would recommend a nappy bin, so just over a third believe they are worth getting. See below for everything else they suggested.
What are the alternatives to a nappy bin?
Many just use their usual bin plus nappy sacks to minimise bad odours. If a nappy is particularly smelly, you could double bag it.
If you have an easily accessible outdoor bin, you could just place dirty nappies directly there.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NAPPY BIN
There is a wide range of nappy bins available to buy so it can be hard to know which is right for you. Here are the main features to consider.
Odour control
The elimination of bad smells is one of the main reasons for getting a nappy bin and some do this better than others. A steel bin will not absorb bad smells as much as plastic. Some, like the Tommee Tippee Twist and Click bin, seal the odour of each individual nappy so you are not hit with any pungent aromas every time you open the bin. Others have special seals to trap the bad smells.
Additional expenditure
Some nappy bins use regular bin bags and others require special refill cassettes which, in the case of newborn babies, will need to be changed approximately once a month. A pack of 6 Angelcare refill cartridges costs around £25.
Capacity
Check how many nappies the bin will hold if you don’t want to be emptying it too regularly.
Eco-friendly features
While using disposable nappies is not the most eco-friendly option, your environmental impact can be reduced by choosing plastic-free bins and biodegradable bags.
Ease of opening
When you have a baby, the more that can be done with one or no hands the better. Some bins can be used one-handed and others have foot pedals to open them.
Child safety lock
Useful when your child gets to the inquisitive age.
Can be used with disposable and reusable nappies
If you plan to use a mixture of cloth and disposable nappies, there are some bins which cater for both.
THE MOST POPULAR NAPPY BINS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6th January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Tommee Tippee twist and click nappy disposal
This bin twists and wraps each nappy to prevent bad smells even when the lid is open.
There is an antibacterial film that kills 99% of germs.
It holds up to 28 nappies.
The refill cassettes are made from 98% recycled plastic.
The refill cassettes will last about a month with newborn nappies. This one comes with six refills.
2. Angelcare nappy disposal system
This bin also uses refill cartridges but the nappies are not individually wrapped so it uses less plastic.
Odour-Seal technology traps bad smells.
It is easy to use with one hand.
Holds up to 28 nappies.
They claim to use four times less plastic than other systems as they don’t individually wrap each nappy in the bin.
Each refill lasts up to one month. Some refills are included.
3. Ubbi nappy bin
Award-winning bin that locks in bad smells.
Made from steel which doesn’t absorb odours in the way that plastic sometimes can.
No special bags or refills are required.
Holds up to 55 nappies.
Child safety lock.
Comes in a range of colours and designs.
4. 14 Litre Nappy Bucket with Lid
A good value bucket which is great for reusable nappies.
It has a tight-fitting lid and a handle.
5. Bambino Mio nappy bucket
A bucket for reusable nappies that can hold a whole load of washing.
It’s also possible to buy mesh laundry bags which makes transferring dirty nappies to your machine easy.
There are internal hooks to secure the bags.
6. Vital baby nappy bin
This bin has a patented odour trap seal.
Uses ordinary bin liners.
Suitable for both disposable and reusable nappies.
Holds up to 25 nappies.
7. Rotho babydesign nappy bin
Can be used with standard rubbish bags.
One-handed opening and closing.
The secure lid keeps odours sealed inside.
Capacity of 11L.
Comes in a variety of colours.
Has a carry handle.
8. Korbell classic nappy bin
Available in three sizes.
A double seal keeps odours locked in.
Opens with a foot pedal.
The lid has a childproof safety lock.
Holds up to 45 newborn nappies at a time.
Comes with 4 rolls of scented biodegradable liners, each of which can last up to 10-11 weeks. But the unique design means you can empty the bin whenever you want by using the inbuilt cutter and then tying the bottom of the new bag.
Can be used with normal bin liners once your nappy-changing days are over.
9. Chicco Nappy Bin
A cassette-free option. It can be used with normal bin liners.
Holds up to 25 nappies.
Easy to operate with just one hand.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Changing bags • reusable nappies • disposable nappies • changing mats • cots and cot beds • nursery chest of drawers • wardrobes • Moses baskets, cribs and bedside cribs
FROM THE BLOG
Some baby products are useful for longer than others. If you’re in two minds about whether to buy something, it can be worth considering its lifespan. The longer you use it, the better the cost per use and the more it will justify its place in your home. Here are thirteen baby products that are still in active service with my now five-year-old.