When you first look at cloth nappies, they can seem really quite expensive and yes, there is definitely more up front costs, but it honestly doesn’t have to cost the earth!
I truly believe that everyone should have the option to try cloth when they want to, so I have put together this blog with lots of information and tips on how to go about making it much more cost effective and manageable.
Find what actually works for you
Firstly, it’s super important to test out a range of different nappies to find out what actually works for both you and your baby. On one hand, you need to find out what works best on baby in terms of fit and absorbency, etc, as, of course, not all babies are the same; what works for one, won’t necessarily be what works for your baby…just like us and clothes hey. Then, you also need to work out what best suits you too: in convenience, drying speeds and work out how to best make use of those pennies too. (I learnt this the hard way and wasted so much time and money)
You can test out a range of cloth nappy options a couple of different ways: buy a selection including a good variety of different nappies or hire a nappy kit from an expert.
Flats
Now, I know flats can scare some people…they 100% did with me…but they don’t actually have to be hard. Yes you have the traditional way of using flat nappies: the old school terry folds, but you can simply fold a variety of flat nappies, such as prefolds or cotton birdseye flats, into a rectangular pad to use as an insert either inside a pocket or just laid into a wrap! Plus, you can come by them really cheap, even new!
True All in Two (AI2)
Basically, a true AI2 is using some sort of wrap (that has no fabric lining to it) with whatever you want to use to create your absorbent inner. This could be inserts laid in, trifolds, prefold or other flats folded into a pad or even technically any flat or fitted nappy inside a wrap.
The reason true AI2s can be great financially is that, because there’s no fabric lining to get pee soaked, the wraps can be reused 3 or 4 times during a day (so long as they don’t get pooped in). This means that you can buy much less of the outer wraps and just more of the inner absorbency elements.
Mostly avoid All In Ones (AIO)
Although many people love an AIO for its simple convenience, if it’s saving money you’re after, this may not be the way to go. Firstly, they tend to be the most expensive type of nappy, especially AIOs that actually have really good quality absorbency built in. In addition, you also tend to find that they are a slower drying nappy and can’t even be popped in the tumble dryer to help speed this drying time up; this generally means that you need much more of them too (adding to the expense) or at least need some alternative, faster drying nappies in your stash to account for this drying time.
Preloved
Preloved aka second hand nappies, can be another good way to keep the cost down. However, it can be good to think about a few things. Firstly, you want to make sure the seller is clear about their condition and ask for extra pictures if you need to. Then pricing, you want to make sure they are priced sensibly enough compared to RRP as not only have they already been used, but you’ll have to add postage and fees on which when you’re having to buy from multiple people, can build up too.
Cloth Wipes
Not only do I think cloth wipes are cloth nappies best friend, but, if your budget allows it, cloth wipes can be a massive saver over the longer term. If you’re anything like I used to be, disposable wipes would end up being used for so many different jobs so I would go through a pack fairly quickly. Now, although you can get them pretty cheap, you’d be surprised how much they add up to over the time you’re using them!
Incentive schemes
Another great thing to look out for is any incentive schemes available, be it locally by your council (not all have them though) or nationwide by different nappy brands. It’s worth researching what’s out there.
Final Thoughts
Finally, it is not all or nothing! You can, 100% , use cloth nappies part time, build up as a when you want to or your budget allows it!
Well, I’ve given quite a few different ideas and tips for how to best save those pennies and be able to use cloth nappies, even when on a tighter budget. I sincerely hope they help! However, if you have any questions or would like any help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.