Navigating The Pre-Loved Cloth Nappy Market. Secondhand Nappy Guide.

It’s pretty common when I mention to anyone about using cloth nappies that they reply how they were surprised at the cost of one. It’s true the initial outlay is just to much for many families. But what if I told you there’s a really simple way to do this on a budget? And that’s buying them secondhand. It might not be for everyone, but trust me it is hygienic, easy and seriously cost saving.

Buying cloth nappies second hand is a great way to get started trying out nappies, or to buy a full stash of nappies on a budget. It is also the greenest way to cloth nappy and is easy to navigate.

There is of course always a risk of getting bad nappies with no grantees. But follow some of my easy steps and that’s unlikely to happen.

Reasons to buy preloved second hand cloth nappies.

1. Cost Saving.

2. Better for the environment.

3. Try before you buy.

4. It may not to be for you.

5. Many are unused.

1. Cost Saving.

It doesn’t matter how many tables or charts I show you on the price of disposables (find my price comparison of cloth vs disposables here), or even how much your convinced your going to save money in the long run using cloth nappies, if you can’t afford to splash out on a full time stash right now none of that matters. The fact is buying them all at once is expensive and paying out a faction for one pack of disposables a week seems like the better option.

Buying secondhand could solve problem for you. Though cloth nappies in good condition can hold their value well, especially if they are a desirable print (good if you come to sell them later on), there’s always a bargain to be had. People will often do a “de-stash” selling a number of nappies at once, so asking for a discount on a bundle and combining postage is always a win.

2. Better for the environment.

Even though choosing to use cloth nappies is by far a greener choice than disposables, the cloth nappies that you do buy still take up resources of make and be shipped from wherever they are manufactured. Some companies with be greener than others in this process. By buying pre-loved you are making sure the nappies are used to their full potential. As with clothing, and well everything really, the best place you can look first from an environmental prospective is always secondhand.

3. Try before you buy.

The cloth nappy world can be confusing. There so much out there to choose from, different styles and designs, many will tell you you won’t get on with all of it. This is why I used the pre-loved market to buy one or two of a style I had yet to try, especially when it was a style I really wanted, thinking it would work for us but was quiet expensive. More than once I have brought one second hand convinced that later that day I’ll be ordering more brand new, only to find I really didn’t it at all. I simply sold that one on instead and invested it what I knew would work for us.

Using a cloth nappy library is also great of trying before you buy, unfortunately I didn’t have one near me so pre-loved nappies was another great option without wasting too much money,

4. Cloth nappies might not be for you.

In the same vain trying before you commit any real financial cost it could be that cloth just doesn’t work out for you. That’s just fine if you’ve given it a try. Buying secondhand makes this process easier. You can re sell what you tried and not be out of pocket.

5. Many are unused.

I have come across many nappies on pre-loved sites that have never even been used. I recently spotted some on my local Facebook Marketplace just around the corner from my house. They probably wouldn’t have been ones I would have chosen if I was buying new but they were basic velcro and excellent as extras to send to nursery. I think she charged me £5 for 3, explaining she had brought them ages ago and never got around to giving cloth a go. This isn’t the first time I’ve found nappies like this and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Where can I buy second hand cloth nappies?

The Cloth Nappy UK Facebook page (join here) that I recommend everyone who is using cloth nappies is on also has a Selling Page (Find it here).

I highly recommend buying from here as most people are all apart of the community, many will know each other so most of the time your going to get great nappies for sale. Most people adhere to the standard selling “rules”, i.e lots of pictures, good descriptions and happy to answer questions. The Nappy Lady Selling Page on Facebook is very much the same and a good place to lurk to find great nappies. It’s also good to keep an eye/set up notifications on your local Facebook Marketplace, like I said before I’ve found some great deals on here. I’ve noticed people selling on the Cloth Nappies UK selling page also add it to their local Marketplace and are willing to drop the price if your coming to collect.

There are also dedicated websites for selling nappies such as Used Nappies, and Cloth Nappy Tree.

Tips for buying secondhand cloth nappies.

1. Hang out of the pre-loved Facebook sites for a while before buying.

Get an idea of how much things sell for and what brands go for a good price.

Be aware that some buy pre-loved for particular patterns that aren’t sold anymore. These will go for a higher price and will go quickly. Unless you too want these particular prints avoid these as you’ll end up paying closer to retail price. P.s if your new to the cloth nappy world you’ll soon find out it can be a little addictive and will pay silly prices for a pretty pattern.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask how they have been washed and the state of the elastic.

The more pictures there are of the state of the nappies the better but if there aren’t ask for some more.

I’m not usually to worried about stains because I strip wash second hand nappies and most stains will come out in the sun too. But the condition of the elastic is important. If they become slack you may not be able to get a good fit and could get leaks. Simply ask, most will give you a good answer, and if they don’t and the elastic is bad you’ve got your messages there as a good case for a refund.

3. Always use PayPal.

It’s what most people use and makes things straight forward. If goods are faulty PayPal may be able to help you get a refund depending on the situation.

4. Try and aviod super popular brands.

Motherease and Baba and Boo are favorites of mine, in fact most peoples. I very rarely see them come up on pre-loved sites and when I do the price isn’t far off retail. Obviously if you see a great deal snap it up, but don’t set your sites on finding those particular brands because you’ll be disappointed or end up paying more than you would like, in which case it’s probably better to buy just a few new ones.

5.Check if the nappu is a brands older version.

Brands release new, better and updated versions of their nappies all the time. If you already have some of the newer versions and then receive the older style you might be disappointed. Just ask when buying, most nappy user will know. I however, actually prefer the older version of the Bambino Mio so I look out for these.

How to test secondhand nappies are good.

When you nappies arrive give them a good once over. Don’t worry if they smell strongly of washing powder, I always give them a good strip wash anyway but your going to want to check the PUL.

PUL is the waterproof plasticky layer on the inside of the nappy cover. Does it have any visible cracks? If it does you can give it the tea towel test. Here’s how to do the Tea Towel Test.

What happens if I receive faulty secondhand nappies.

Contact the seller. Explain in detail, with pictures what the problem is. If they do not wish refund you, contact PayPal and raise a case.

Are secondhand cloth nappies hygienic?

Modern washing machines are highly efficient at killing bacteria so you do not need to worry about secondhand being unhygienic for your baby. I would however recommend giving them a good wash at 60 degrees and/or strip washing.

How to strip wash your secondhand nappies.

The Nappy Lady as a good step by step guide on a simple strip, this works well if your nappies smell strongly of detergent. My daughter is particularly sensitive to certain detergents so I always use this process to make sure they are well rinsed. This guide also washes twice at 60 degrees which is enough to kill bacteria. Any hotter could damage your nappies. Find her guide here.

If you want the deepest of deepest clean however, I always recommend Clean Cloth Nappy Down Under’s Strip and Sanitize. You now have to pay to get their guide but I think it’s worth it, they are a get resource and should be supported. Find their Strip and Sanitize here.

Buying secondhand nappies on eBay.

You can buy second hand nappies on eBay but be wary as eBay’s policy is to not allow it. People get around this but listing them as new and explaining that they are secondhand in the description. This is fine unless you receive faulty goods, eBay will not help you claim a refund.

a guide to selling secondhand cloth nappies.

1. Takes many photos.

More than you think is necessary. If people want to buy they will want to see lots of photos, every detail, zoom in. The more photos you upload the more interest you’ll get.

2. Give a detailed description.

As above the more you give the more interest you’ll get. It means you’ll get less questions from interested parties which makes it easier for everyone.

3. Be Honest.

If their are stains show them, if the elastic is a little slack say, if the velcro has seen better days let them know. As long as your charging a fair price for what your selling it’s likely that even well worn nappies will sell. Many will repair nappies, get rid of stains, only want them for a short period of time or may be using them for demonstrations etc.

4. Learn what is a fair price.

Simply look through selling pages to see what others are selling and how much for. Have a look at comments and people “in search of”. This will also give you an idea or what is particularly desirable. You don’t want to over charge but you also don’t want to miss out on a good sell if you find your selling something many people want and are willing to pay for.

Good luck, I hope these tips have helped you navigate the pre-loved market.

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