Cloth Nappy Info

Your guide to buying cloth nappies secondhand: important tips and things to avoid!

Shopping for a baby can be expensive, but some smart tips, such as buying second-hand cloth nappies or pre-loved baby furniture, can help you keep costs under control.

It’s also a good option for parents who want to try cloth nappies but don’t want to spend too much money.

Whether you’re buying secondhand nappies to test a specific brand or to see if cloth nappies are a good fit for you and your bub, here are some important tips to consider and some things that can help you avoid a bad experience.

Baby lying on nappy change table

What are the advantages of buying reusable nappies secondhand?

It might not be for everyone, but if you’re happy to consider secondhand nappies it can be a great way to go for a number of reasons:

  • Low investment – there are huge bargains to be had, or you might even benefit from some freebies

  • Very eco-friendly – increases the sustainability of reusable nappies even further

  • Lots of options – it’s an excellent way to try a huge variety of brands and styles

  • Easy to buy – as cloth use is increasing, there are more options than ever before to buy online, on marketplace, or even among local parent and neighbourhood groups

  • Bonus: Free advice – cloth families love to support each other and you can learn what works!

What do I need to know before buying secondhand?

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the secondhand cloth nappy market.

Nappy lingo

First of all, it can help to understand what style of cloth nappy you’re looking for and some of those abbreviations, otherwise it’s easy to get lost in the lingo! This way, you can either go in with an open mind and look for a great deal or if you have a preference for a certain nappy type, you can narrow down your search. 

If you need a refresher, our cloth nappy glossary has got you covered and there are a few more common secondhand market terms below.

Is it hygienic to use secondhand cloth nappies?

Many people might be put off by the thought of using cloth nappies that someone else’s kid has done their business in, but with the right wash and sanitise routine, you needn’t worry.

You can ask the seller what type of wash routine they have been using which will give you an indication of how they have been cared for. I definitely recommend asking for pictures and enquiring specifically about any stains so you can determine whether their wash routine has been up-to-scratch and the nappies still have enough life left in them.

We strongly recommend doing a “sanitise” procedure following the method on Clean Cloth Nappies. Even if the seller has mentioned that they have ‘washed according to CCN recommendations’ or have sanitised themselves, it is always best to err on the side of caution and sanitise all secondhand cloth nappies yourself. 

Another option is to have them professionally cleaned before you start using them.

What questions should I ask when buying reusable nappies secondhand?

When it comes to buying second-hand, you need to be able to ask the right questions that will help you assess the quality of the nappy.

  • You can ask how many babies they have been used for, as this will give you an idea of how much wear they’ve had.
  • Another good question is to ask how they’ve been washed and stored
  • You can also enquire how many nappies the owner has in their collection. This will assist you in determining how frequently they have used those nappies.

Remember, you have to shop like you would for any other product. You should ask questions and compare the prices of different brands, and you shouldn’t rush into a deal thinking it’s a great deal.  It is better to invest in premium brands because they last longer and because cheaper nappies may degrade more quickly.

Check photos for the condition of covers, stains, elastics, etc. If elastics are starting to wear, they can be replaced but can be very fiddly, so may not be worth it if you don’t have the skills to do so.

It is also necessary to be familiar with nappy condition sales terminology because you will come across words like EUC, LN, and GUC while browsing through options.

Here’s what they stand for: 

  • LN means Like New.
  • EUC means Excellent Used Condition
  • GUC means Good Used Condition

These ratings help assess the condition of the nappy but as I said, it’s always a good idea to check the photos and ask questions and decide for yourself.

Where are some good places to buy secondhand cloth nappies?

The current market is flooded with used cloth nappies, so you have a good chance of finding a great deal.

Facebook is one of the best places, especially in buy/sell/swap groups that are designed for cloth nappy mamas. There are also dedicated groups for specific brands. 

Facebook Marketplace is also a good place to find second nappies because you can check out the nappies in person. Similarly, you can check Gumtree and search in Facebook groups where mums sometimes give away nappies for free in a lottery system, commonly known as Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK).

Important tips and things to avoid

As with any secondhand purchase, it is important to be mindful of a few things so you can ensure you’re actually getting a great deal.

  1. Don’t rush into a deal. Take your time, read the details carefully and ask questions. If you’re unsure, there will always be others.

  2. Don’t like what you received? Contact the seller immediately to see if you can work out a return or refund. Don’t sanitise them prior to contacting the seller, as you may not be able to return the nappies. However, if you can’t return them, the CCN sanitise routine can work wonders, so don’t be afraid to reach out to their Facebook support group for help.

  3. When buying online, choose PayPal as a payment method where possible. It is usually the best option because it provides buyer protection if the nappies do not arrive in the stated condition.

  4. Never skip the sanitise option prior to using them for your own children.

  5. Congratulate yourself on not only saving huge amounts of money, but also doing your part for the environment. Reusable nappies that have been given a longer life through use on multiple children only amplifies their sustainability!

If buying wisely, second-hand cloth nappies can be a fabulous way to cloth on a budget, extend the life of the nappies (and double or triple the number of disposables saved from landfill), and even connect with other fellow cloth families.