Q: With all the headlines about climate change and the environment, I am thinking of doing my bit and swapping to reusable nappies. The trouble is, I'm a bit worried that it's still all huge nappy pins and terry towelling! Are there any better options on the market?

A: When you consider that 8 million nappies are thrown away each year in the UK, most of which are non-biodegradable, swapping to a reusable nappy is undoubtedly a huge contribution towards protecting the environment.

The good news is the days of bulky, rough nappies are long gone! There is now an extensive range of brilliantly soft, durable and easily washable nappies on the market; all of which are good for the environment as well as being absorbent, soft and snug on your baby's bottom.

Additionally, the huge nappy pins associated with reusables are no longer needed as they have been replaced by velcro or popper fastenings, or with plastic nappy grippers. They can also be washed on 40-60 degree cycles and tumble dried. So, with such a huge range available, the first step is to decide which type to go for.

Terry and cotton nappies are still available, and are a good all rounder as they wash well, are quick to dry and are an economical option.

If you want a slimline reusable, a good choice is the bamboo nappy. Made from the fibres of the bamboo plant, these nappies are incredibly soft, absorbent and breathable. Bamboo also has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. However, these nappies do have the longest drying time.

Another alternative is the microfibre nappy. As well as offering absorbency and comfort, these nappies have the added benefit of an extremely quick drying time as the spin cycle on your washing machine will remove most of the moisture from the nappy. These are a particularly good choice if time and space is tight.

As with most reusable nappies, you will also need to purchase separate waterproof wraps, which will ensure your baby's clothing stays dry. You also have the option of purchasing paper liners which you insert into the nappy.

These liners will catch any solid waste, meaning you can flush the liner and its contents straight down the toilet. Alternatively, you can buy fleece liners if you would prefer a reusable option.

Do you use reusable nappies? Or can nothing beat the convenience of disposables? Leave a comment below...