Cloth Nappy Hire Services Australia

If you’re thinking of using cloth nappies with your baby but have no idea where to start or which among a variety of brands and nappy categories is the best for your baby, then cloth nappy hire can be a really useful option to try out before committing.

Read on for some info on how cloth nappy rental services work, or jump to our list below to find one near your area.

What are cloth nappy libraries?

A cloth nappy library is a service where parents can hire packs of different cloth nappies, try them out for some time, and get familiar with a variety of brands and styles to find out whether it is something they should invest in and start using instead of disposable nappies.

Why would I use a cloth nappy rental service?

Cloth nappy hire services can be a great option if:

You’re on the fence about using cloth nappies and would like to try them out before committing to purchasing a stash;

You’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the choice of brands and nappy styles on the market, and would like to try a few different types to work out which you like best;

You would like to use cloth nappies from birth but don’t want to purchase newborn nappies – instead you could hire until your baby is big enough to fit into OSFM nappies.

You’re away on holidays and don’t have space to pack your cloth nappies and would like to avoid disposables.

Although it is usually a short-term solution, cloth nappy hire is a great way to try a wide range of styles by renting a batch of different brands and models to try out. This way you will be able to work out whether the cloth nappy lifestyle is for you or not. If you decide to stick with cloth, then it would work out cheaper to buy rather than rent over the long run.

How does cloth nappy hire work?

Cloth nappy hire allows you the freedom to experiment, really understand how each nappy works, and finally decide on the one you want to go with.

Many libraries provide meetups and support groups or chats where they can answer all your questions and solve any dilemmas you might have in your transition process. Therefore, it is a great way to start your journey.

The borrowing period is usually around four weeks, giving you enough time to try out different styles and materials as your baby grows and its needs change.

Every cloth nappy library will offer you different kits and help you decide which one to choose depending on the age, size, and needs of your baby, as well as whether you want to use them during the day or at night time as well.

What do I need to know before hiring cloth nappies?

There are a few things to consider before deciding on which cloth nappy rental service you’re going with. These include:

What are the different rental options – can you hire on a casual basis or part-time basis, and can you pause your service if you need?

The type of wash routine the library uses to ensure nappies are adequately washed between customers – refer to our wash guidelines for more info.

Do they offer a laundry service as well? If you aren’t wanting to worry about washing your nappies, particularly in the early days, some offer nappy laundry services in addition.

What brands / types of nappies they offer – this can be important if you are keen to trial particular brands or styles

It is also worth checking out the services each cloth nappy library provides since some of them offer benefits such as free support, volunteers, presentations, and workshops that are very helpful when you’re first getting to know reusable nappies.

Some local councils also offer rebates on nappy hire so depending on your council’s rebate scheme, you are sometimes able to receive some cash back.
Do they offer discount for multiple children if you have more than one child in cloth?

Prior to hiring, we recommend you contact each nappy library to find out more information about how their service works including pricing, rental periods and other terms and conditions.

List of cloth nappy libraries by state

Below is a list of companies that offer reusable nappy hire. Those listed under Australia-wide will post nationally. Where noted, some also offer a nappy laundry service.

We will endeavour to keep this list up-to-date, but if you are aware of any additions or changes please don’t hesitate to contact us.