Do I Need a Nappy Bin?

Nappy bins can be a huge benefit for busy parents who don’t want to be thinking about disposing of their dirty nappies multiple times a day. 

You probably don’t need a nappy bin, but they do come in handy. Nappy bins are an inexpensive luxury item that can help keep your routines running smoothly. However, depending on the size that you choose, nappy bins can take up a lot of space.

The rest of this article will explain what exactly a nappy bin is and why people choose to use them. I’ll be comparing the different options available when it comes to nappy bins and includes information on other alternatives that may be used instead.

What Is a Nappy Bin?

A nappy bin stores dirty nappies in a safe, odor-secure environment until you’re ready to empty them. Not only do nappy bins seal in nasty smells, but they’re also incredibly convenient and can even make your baby-changing routine more efficient. 

It can be a valuable tool to own as it’s helpful for many reasons. If you’re using a cloth or other reusable nappies, having a secure storage place to keep them until you’re able to wash the products is very useful. Suppose your outside bin is too far away, such as if you live in an apartment building, it would be helpful to have a container to store them in until you can dispose of them correctly. 

Nappy bins are available in many great designs, depending on the brand. Whether you want the nappy bin to fit seamlessly in a corner or have a flashy design so it stands out and you can easily find it, there are options for every home. 

How Much Are Nappy Bins?

Nappy bins are generally inexpensive, costing £10-70 on average. More expensive options offer additional features, and some continuing costs come with general use, as well. Some ways to save money on nappy bins include purchasing a previously-owned one and by using garbage bags as liners. 

Here’s a quick comparison of various brands and price points for nappy bin and refills:

Brand & Product	Average Price	Main Features
Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Bin	£10	Twists & wraps individual nappies to prevent odors from leaking out.Contains an Antibacterial GREEN FILM that kills germs on contact.Holds up to 28 nappies.
Chicco Nappy Bin	£60	Compatible with standard bin liners.Compact size.Holds up to 25 nappies.
Vital Baby Hygiene Nappy Bin	£40	Odors are trapped inside the system.Doesn’t require expensive refills or cartridges.Holds up to 25 nappies.
Angelcare Nappy Disposal	£20	Has a secure push-and-lock system.Doesn’t wrap each nappy individually, so this unit reduces plastic and waste.
Ubbi Nappy Bin	£70	Doesn’t need bags, refills, or inserts.Steel material keeps foul odors inside.Comes in a variety of colors and designs.

You can also save money on nappy bin liners by using a less expensive alternative brand such as the Locksmell Nappy Bin Liners. One Locksmell refill at £21.49 lasts as long as about 28 Angelcare cartridges at £135, saving you up to 80%.  

Using regular garbage bags as refills is also extremely cost-efficient because you don’t have to purchase expensive cartridge refills. 

Here’s a YouTube video on how to insert garbage bags:

How Long Will I Use a Nappy Bin For?

You’ll use a nappy bin for as long as your child requires nappies. Healthline noted that depending on your baby’s age, you could be using between 5-12 nappies per day. If potty training begins at 18 months, that equates to 6,570 used disposable nappies. 

That also equates to a lot of trips to the garbage if you’re emptying each time you change your little one.

Keep in mind, during the initial potty training stages, your child will likely be wearing nappies.

Dr. Cindy Gellner at the University of Utah noted the typical age to begin potty training is between 18 months and 2 1/2 years. From there, every child will advance at different speeds, and it’s difficult to gauge how long potty training continues before they’re fully independent.

What Alternatives Are There to Nappy Bins?

There are alternatives to nappy bins available, including standard shopping bags, sealed dog food containers, and scented nappy bags. These options can be less costly, but each have drawbacks. When choosing a nappy bin alternative, the main priority should be containing smells. 

This is pretty easy to do if you know the tips and tricks: 

Standard Plastic Shopping Bags

Although not necessarily the most glamorous option, using standard plastic shopping bags to enclose your used nappies is an effective way to dispose of the items with minimal smells once the bag is tied shut. 

The odors can often be reduced even further by adding a feminine pad spritzed with a perfume or room spray to the top inside of the bag.

Sealed Dog Food Containers

If you’ve ever been around during puppy feeding time, you’ll know that their food can smell awful. Luckily, sealed dog food containers exist to store items inside and stop the smell from escaping. 

Using one of these to keep your day’s worth of nappies is an effective and economical way to create your nappy bin. You’d still need to empty this container regularly and have a safe disinfectant to use inside, but this solution is a great one as far as containing smells.

Scented Nappy Bags

Using scented nappy bags to enclose your used disposable nappy before putting it in your main bathroom or nursery bin is a cost-effective way to keep your items tidy while reducing odors. 

Using these products generally doesn’t eliminate the smell entirely, but the scent of the bag tends to create a much more pleasant environment than if the nappies were to be in the bin without one. 

If you opt for using scented nappy sacks, you may also want to consider the effect on the environment. Since scented nappy bags are typically made of plastic, there are arguments against their use for environmental reasons.

Are Nappy Bins Essential?

Nappy bins are not truly essential, many other options are more realistic, space-saving, and less costly. However, if you’re looking for a convenient solution for storing used nappies, either for disposal or washing later, nappy bins could be a valuable addition to your home and your routine. 

Nappy bins could be considered an essential if you:

• Want to decrease trips to the outdoor bin
• Are a busy parent who wants to save time and needs the convenience of a nappy bin
• Want a more stylish bin for your home rather than a traditional open bin
• Have a small kitchen bin, and therefore, you need an additional one for your baby’s nappies

Nappy bins aren’t going to be an essential for you if:

• Saving money is important to you and you don’t mind simply tying up your baby’s nappies in a plastic bag and tossing them into the bin. 
• You have time to dispose of each nappy bag in the outside bin
• You have a large kitchen bin and can remove your kitchen bags daily to eliminate the smell