With household budgets under increasing pressure, many parents are looking for simple ways to reduce the cost of raising a baby. Cloth nappies, also known as reusable nappies or washable nappies, can be a great way to save money while also reducing household waste.
While disposable nappies might seem like the easiest option, the cost quickly adds up. Babies can go through thousands of nappies before they are toilet trained, making nappies a significant ongoing expense for families.
The good news is that modern reusable nappies are nothing like the cloth nappies of the past. Today's cloth nappies are available in convenient, easy-to-use designs that can look and feel similar to disposable nappies. Many are simply put on, removed, washed and reused – with no complicated folding or assembly required.
Are Cloth Nappies Cheaper Than Disposable Nappies?
Yes, cloth nappies can save you money compared with using disposable nappies, particularly when they are used for an extended period or for more than one child.
Disposable nappies can cost around £30–£40 per month, depending on your baby's age, how frequently they are changed and which brand you buy. Over two or three years, this can add up to a substantial amount.
A reusable nappy stash, on the other hand, can be purchased as a one-off investment and used again and again. Depending on the nappies you choose, you could create a complete stash for around £200, with the nappies lasting from babyhood through to toilet training.
There are also ways to reduce the initial cost further. Check with your local council to see whether they offer reusable nappy vouchers, incentives or cloth nappy schemes in your area. These can make switching to reusable nappies even more affordable.
You Don't Have to Use Cloth Nappies Full Time
One of the biggest misconceptions about reusable nappies is that you need to use them for every nappy change.
You don't!
Even using one or two reusable nappies a day can reduce the number of disposable nappies you need to buy. You could use cloth nappies at home, at weekends or whenever it suits your family. Check out our guide to using cloth part time here.
There is no need to make an all-or-nothing switch. Start small, see how you get on and gradually increase the number of reusable nappies you use if they work well for you.
Save Money with One-Size-Fits-Most Cloth Nappies
Choosing one-size-fits-most reusable nappies can make your cloth nappy stash even more economical.
With Baby Bare nappies, adjustable rise and waist snaps allow the nappy to grow with your baby. This means you don't need to keep buying larger sizes as your child grows.
A single nappy can be adjusted to provide a comfortable fit at different stages, helping you get much more use from your initial investment.
Cloth Nappies Can Be Reused for More Than One Child
Planning to have another baby? Your reusable nappies can potentially be used again for your next child.
Unlike disposable nappies, which are used once and thrown away, cloth nappies can be washed and reused hundreds of times. If you use the same stash for two or more children, the cost per child becomes even lower.
This is one of the biggest financial benefits of reusable nappies: the initial cost can be spread across several years and potentially multiple children.
How to Save Money When Buying Cloth Nappies
You don't need to spend a fortune to get started with reusable nappies. Here are some simple ways to keep the cost down.
1. Start with a Cloth Nappy Trial Pack
If you're new to reusable nappies, you don't need to buy a huge stash straight away.
Starting with a cloth nappy trial pack is a great way to try reusable nappies before making a larger investment. You can find out which styles, absorbency levels and fits work best for your baby before buying more.
This can actually save you money in the long run by helping you avoid buying a large stash of nappies that aren't right for your family.
2. Use Reusable Cloth Wipes
If you're switching to reusable nappies, consider making the change to reusable cloth wipes at the same time.
Cloth wipes can be washed alongside your reusable nappies and used again and again. They're ideal for nappy changes and can also be useful for wiping hands, faces and general everyday messes.
Unlike disposable wipes, you don't need to keep buying a new packet every few weeks.
3. Look for Nappy Bundles and Multi-Buy Offers
Buying reusable nappies in bundles or multi-packs can often reduce the cost per nappy.
Rather than buying a complete stash all at once, you could gradually build your collection when special offers become available. This can make it easier to spread the initial cost while still taking advantage of bundle savings.
4. Look Out for Cloth Nappy Sales and Special Offers
Another easy way to save money is to keep an eye out for cloth nappy sales, clearance offers and special promotions.
Sign up to the Baby Bare newsletter below and follow us on social media to hear about new offers, bundle deals and clearance stock.
Our Sale section is also a great place to look for reduced-price reusable nappies.
How Much Can You Save with Cloth Nappies?
The exact amount you can save will depend on how many nappies you buy, how often you use them, washing and drying costs, and how long you use your reusable nappies for.
However, the potential savings can be significant.
If you replace even some of your disposable nappy changes with reusable nappies, you'll buy fewer disposable nappies every month. If you use your reusable nappies full time, continue using them until toilet training and then use the same stash for another child, the potential savings become even greater.
And don't forget the additional savings from switching to reusable wipes too.
Are Cloth Nappies Worth It?
For many families, reusable nappies are a cost-effective alternative to disposable nappies.
They require an initial investment, but unlike disposable nappies, you aren't constantly buying replacements. A well-chosen stash can last for years and potentially be used for more than one child.
Modern cloth nappies are also designed to make reusable nappies much easier to use than traditional terry-towel nappies. With convenient designs, adjustable fits and highly absorbent inserts, switching to cloth doesn't have to mean making life complicated.
Most importantly, you don't have to use reusable nappies full time to make a difference.
Start with a couple of nappies, try them at home or at weekends, and see what works for your family. You may find that once you've got used to them, using cloth nappies becomes a simple part of your everyday routine – while saving you money at the same time.
Ready to Try Reusable Nappies?
At Baby Bare, we believe cloth nappies should be affordable, practical and easy to use. That's why we offer a range of modern reusable nappies designed to grow with your baby, including all-in-two and all-in-one nappies that are simple to put on and reuse.
Start small, find a style that works for you and build your stash over time. Your bank balance – and the number of disposable nappies going into the bin – could both benefit.