Embedded Files
This site is under construction 🚧🙂🚧 Message the mods at our Reddit community if you'd like to help. We'd be excited to have it!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
As governments around the world struggle with the huge amount of waste caused by single-use nappies/diapers (which make up approximately half of a household's waste for homes that use them), a growing number of them are now offering parents incentives for using modern cloth nappies instead.
Cloth nappies are a bit pricey up front, but are a great investment that can reduce a family's living costs by around 30% depending on income and other costs of living.
This page is intended to help anyone who wants to get started, but doesn't currently have the financial resources to invest in cloth nappies. The following include totally free nappies, nappies on loan or for rent, short trial periods with different types of nappies to see which suit your needs before investing in your own, and rebate or voucher programs.
The programs listed in this section are from companies, governments, non-profit organizations, and grass root/parent-led groups.
Nappy Libraries & Hire Services
Nappy Libraries & Hire Services
If you aren't sure about using washable, cloth nappies, then you may be able to find a local or national nappy library or nappy hire program. Check out our Nappy Library directory if you want to give cloth nappies a test run, without comitting to buying a set right away. Some libraries and hire services will even allow to you use their kits for months, or even up till your child doesn't need them any more.
How To: DIY Nappies/Diapers
How To: DIY Nappies/Diapers
If you don't want to use pre-used nappies, or can't find local resources, but you are feeling crafty, you may want to check out the guides in our How To: DIY Diapers/Nappies directory. We've gathered resources including step by step guides with photos, videos, and free, printable patterns in multiple languages.
Workshops Listed in This Directory
Workshops Listed in This Directory
Some Workshops have been listed along with the free supplies programs of this directory. This is for two reasons:
Some free nappy/diaper programs require local residents to take an in-person or online workshop to qualify for the free supplies.
Some of these workshops offer free supplies as a gift for completing the program.
Give or Receive Free or Supplies
Give or Receive Free or Supplies
(Also includes vouchers & subsidies)
Africa
Africa
Kenya
Kenya
MamaToto "is an early stage social enterprise that provides modern cloth diapers and laundering services (available April 2021) with delivery across Nairobi, Kenya. We serve all income levels with the aim of improved sanitation and health outcomes, while saving the environment from disposable diaper waste.
MamaToto partners with Mama Africa Kenya, a non-profit organization that trains and employs women in Kangemi, one of the slums in Nairobi, to sew MamaToto’s diaper accessories."
Asia
Asia
Japan
Japan
Kamikatsu: Clost Diaper Starter Kits "Since 2017, Kamikatsu has been giving reusable “cloth diaper starter kits” to households with infants up to the age of one." "上勝町では 「布おむつスターターセット」を希望者に進呈しています。紙おむつとの併用も可能ですの で、各家庭の事情に合わせてご使用いただければ幸いです。"
Europe
Europe
France
France
Réserver son kit de couches lavables (pour Besançon) "Demandez votre kit d’essai gratuit
Il ne vous reste plus qu’à tester et profiter du bonheur que retrouve votre bébé avec les couches lavables. Fini pour votre enfant les érythèmes fessiers. Dîtes STOP aux brûlures et aux rougeurs sur les fesses.
Place tout simplement au confort.
Cette offre est valable dans la limite des stocks disponibles. Réservez au plus vite votre kit d’essai de couches lavables, gratuit."
Ireland
Ireland
Belfast: Cloth Nappy Scheme "We are now offering parents in Belfast the opportunity to try washable nappies for free for two weeks, as well as offering a £30 refund on the cost of buying reusable nappies.
This scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time."Cloth Nappy Library "A non profit organisation run by Volunteers, set up to help you get started with cloth nappies. We provide loan kits, filled with a mix of cloth nappies, so you can try them out before you buy your own. We also run meet-ups around the country where you can speak to one of our Volunteers and find out more about cloth nappies. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch!"
UK
UK
England
Real Nappies for London: Nappy Incentive Scheme "The following Local Authorities – Barnet, Bexley, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and Westminster City Council – have joined the Real Nappies for London voucher incentive scheme. This innovative scheme helps provide a nudge to influence residents living in those boroughs to try reusable nappies and reduce disposable nappy waste. Parents and foster carers with a baby under 18 months or expecting a baby, living in a voucher participating council, are eligible to apply for a voucher to help with the cost of buying reusable nappies or contribute towards a washable nappy laundry service."
Real Nappies for London: Barking and Dagenham "If you are a parent/carer with a baby under 24 months, or parent-to-be, living in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, you can apply..."
Scotland
Highland Nappy Network "is a voluntary organisation run by a team of volunteers who have all used cloth nappies with their own babies. We are here to support new parents in the Highlands and Moray to use cloth nappies, via free, independent advice.
The organisation started in November 2001 under its former name (The Highland Real Nappy Project).
The Nappy Network now covers the NHS Highland area, Moray, the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland. We also have a courier service for areas where we don't have volunteers."
North America
North America
Canada
Canada
Babies In Cloth "Our mission is to help Alberta families-in-need with the rising costs associated with raising children by encouraging reusable cloth diapering. By collecting and loaning out gently used cloth diapers, we hope to offset some of the costs of baby's first 3 years."
Cloth for a Cause "is a group dedicated to providing quality, sustainable cloth diapers for those in need. Our mission is to reduce the economic pressures on struggling families by providing them with packages of quality cloth diapers.
Founded in 2011 by a single mom in Prince George, BC, we have since grown to several chapters across Canada. By refurbishing used cloth diapers and working with diapering companies, we are able to put together complete cloth diaper sets to loan to families in need."The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), in partnership with our members, works to end diaper need in the United States.
One Diaper Canada offers kits for people who want them. Just fill out a confidential application form on their website.
Caribbean
Caribbean
Janafébaby: Free Reusable Cloth Diapers "If you are a Caribbean Resident who needs some support, check out our FREE Reusable Cloth diaper Programme. Receive up to 20 reusable cloth diapers for free."
USA
USA
Help a Mother Out® "works to improve baby and family well being by increasing access to diapers for families in need.
A family’s access to a reliable supply of clean diapers reduces the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, improves baby’s health and comfort, and enables baby’s participation in early care and education programs. Our vision is a day when every baby has a healthy supply of diapers."
Share the Love "is a growing network that works to fight poverty in your community. Through volunteers, cloth diaper donations and local partnerships, Share the Love has been able to open more than 100 host sites across the country. Each Share the Love host site is run by a volunteer who coordinates all outreach efforts, including cloth diaper collection, loans and distribution." Check their map to see where you can borrow from, or scroll down further for a list of their donation/drop-off locations.
The Cloth Option "We are a collective of cloth diaper advocates working together to end diaper need. We believe that a cloth option should be available to all who choose it; that’s why we are joining together to make cloth diapers accessible to those who want to incorporate them into their family’s routine." Click here to apply for assistance.
Arkansas
Diaper Bank of the Ozarks "will provide a cloth diaper kit to qualified families via partnership with Jake’s Diapers. Please fill out the application below. You will then get an email invite to a Zoom Virtual Cloth Diaper Class. The DBO will provide you with basic information and answer specific questions about the Cloth Diaper Loan Program. Once you confirm you want a Cloth Diaper Kit, Jake’s Diapers will mail directly to your home, free of charge. Now all you need to do is, to follow a wash routine, and return the cloth diaper kit once you are done with the loan."
California
San Francisco Diaper Bank "distributes FREE DIAPERS to eligible CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal families with children under 3 years old. The Diaper Bank is a program of Help a Mother Out. Our mission is to improve baby and family well being by increasing access to diapers for families in need." Map of locaitons.
Help a Mother Out’s California Diaper Bank provides one-time diaper grants for disaster relief as well as diapers for organizations that do not have a diaper bank in their area."
Florida
Babycycle Florida "Our mission is for no child to go without necessities like diapers, wipes, clean clothing, and other basic items.
We pride ourselves on being Pinellas County’s only community diaper bank. Our goal is for no child ages 0-12 to go without basic necessities."
Georgia
Cloth for Every Bum is near Savannah, GA. We have a partnership with Operation Homefront Georgia. We teach a Cloth 101 class to the recipients that covers types of diapers, reasons to cloth diaper, and how to take care of cloth diapers. Each Participant receives a kit. Each kit contains 10-12 cloth diapers and 8-12 cloth wipes.
Starting in January 2013, we will be doing a mentoring program where local cloth diapering families can sponsor a new to cloth family and provide them with additional support."
Michigan
Cloth for Every Bum is a 6 month lending program for Southwest Michigan, with satellite programs all over the USA.
Natural Momma Me Initiative "The mission of The Natural Momma Me Initiative is to provide a reliable supply of diapers, period supplies, and other resources to families in need to strengthen the community as a whole. We promote health, wellness, dignity, and independence. Our vision is to help create a community in which families have all they need to thrive." Detroit and Wayne County
Missouri
Diaper Bank of the Ozarks "will provide a cloth diaper kit to qualified families via partnership with Jake’s Diapers. Please fill out the application below. You will then get an email invite to a Zoom Virtual Cloth Diaper Class. The DBO will provide you with basic information and answer specific questions about the Cloth Diaper Loan Program. Once you confirm you want a Cloth Diaper Kit, Jake’s Diapers will mail directly to your home, free of charge. Now all you need to do is, to follow a wash routine, and return the cloth diaper kit once you are done with the loan."
New York
Jillian's Drawers "We offer both a Newborn Cloth Diaper Trial program and trial for babies over 12 lb. We know how overwhelming the choices are; let us help you get your foot in the door (or diaper)! "
Oregon
PDX Portland Diaper Bank "provides diapers and diapering supplies to low-income families with young children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities living in Portland and the surrounding areas."
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
Cloth Nappy Rebates "Reusable cloth nappies are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and with more and more local councils now appreciating the benefits of using cloth nappies, they are now offering cloth nappy rebates and free workshops to encourage parents on making the switch from disposable nappies!
We have compiled a list of progressive Australian councils that offer cloth nappy rebates. If you live in one of these areas, visit the links for more information for specifics on their rebates. You may be eligible to receive money back on your cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases."Cloth Nappy Services from Councils Across Australia "Many local councils across Australia offer cloth nappy services such as nappy hire libraries, rebates and packs, demonstration kits and workshops."
The Nappy Collective "is the only Australian nonprofit that focuses soley on collecting disposable nappies and distributing them to families in crisis.
We collect donations of new and leftover nappies - ones that little ones have grown out of or no longer need - and pass them onto our Community Partners that support families.
Through our research, we have learned that 1 in 10 families, or 280,000 children, don’t have enough nappies - a situation we have named “nappy stress”. Nappy stress can impact families facing financial hardship, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, seeking asylum or those impacted by natural disasters.
By donating nappies to The Nappy Collective, you are helping to keep disadvantaged little ones clean, happy and healthy."
Note: While this organization supplies disposable nappies which isn't what we want to encourage, they are at least ensuring that unused nappies are ending up in the hands of people who need them instead of going to landfills.
We also acknowledge that sometimes disposables can be helpful in certain situations where washables would potentially be problematic (while living in shelters, while traveling, and/or not having access to laundry facilities).
ACT
Halve Waste Cloth Nappy Rebate Program "is a waste reduction campaign that is an initiative of AlburyCity Council, Alpine Council, City of Wodonga and the Shires of Indigo, Federation, Greater Hume and Towong. Launched at Albury Waste Management Centre (AWMC) in June 2010, Halve Waste was designed to engage all sectors of the community to reduce waste and increase recycling in the Halve Waste regions and bringing businesses, schools, community groups and residents together to face waste challenges head on to decrease waste to landfill.
Halve Waste residents can receive back half of the cost of cloth nappies up to the value of $100 per household. Example: Spend $200, receive $100 rebate. Halve Waste residents may receive half of the cost on reusable Nappy products back up to the value of $100. Minimum spend of $50. Example: Spend $50, receive $25 rebate.
Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023."
New South Wales
Albury City Council: Halve Waste "Free cloth nappy workshops. 50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate."
Blacktown City Council "50% of total purchase price, maximum $200 rebate." Workshops too!
City of Wagga Wagga "Wagga Wagga City Council is offering residents from the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area the opportunity to apply for a rebate after purchasing reusable nappies and/or menstrual products.
You can receive a rebate for half the cost of reusable nappies, up to the value of $100 per child and half the cost of reusable menstrual products up to the value of $50.
Our rebate trial will apply to reusable nappies / menstrual products purchased between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024.
The rebate is on a first-in-first-served basis until available funding is exhausted." More info hereCity of Parramatta Receive up to $150 on purchases of cloth nappies, and up to $100 on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes purchases of wet bags, cloth baby wipes, reusable breast pads.
City Of Liverpool Rebates of 50% of the purchase price (max $150 rebate) for cloth nappies and swim nappies. Rebates of 50% of the purchase price (max $100 rebate) for reusable sanitary products such as cloth pads.
Halve Waste Cloth Nappy Rebate Program "is a waste reduction campaign that is an initiative of AlburyCity Council, Alpine Council, City of Wodonga and the Shires of Indigo, Federation, Greater Hume and Towong. Launched at Albury Waste Management Centre (AWMC) in June 2010, Halve Waste was designed to engage all sectors of the community to reduce waste and increase recycling in the Halve Waste regions and bringing businesses, schools, community groups and residents together to face waste challenges head on to decrease waste to landfill.
Halve Waste residents can receive back half of the cost of cloth nappies up to the value of $100 per household. Example: Spend $200, receive $100 rebate. Halve Waste residents may receive half of the cost on reusable Nappy products back up to the value of $100. Minimum spend of $50. Example: Spend $50, receive $25 rebate.
Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023."Nappy Lane: Upcomming Workshops these take place in different areas "Do you need a cloth nappy workshop in your area? Alice has worked with more than 20 local councils in Sydney and NSW to educate parents who want to get started using cloth nappies."
Northern Beaches Council "Residents can attend a free cloth nappy workshop which will help parents and caregivers make a decision on if cloth nappies are for them."
Penrith City Council: Reusable Nappy & Sanitary Item Rebate "Maximum $100 rebate on cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases."
Shire of Federations & Greater Hume "Free cloth nappy workshops. 50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate."
Sutherland Shire: Reusable Sanitary Product & Nappy Rebate "50% of purchase price of cloth nappies and reusable nappy accessories (up to $50).
50% of purchase price of reusable menstrual products (up to $50)."Waverly Council: Am I Eligible? "Waverley residents can claim a 50% rebate on the purchase of reusable nappies (up to $100) and reusable sanitary products (up to $50) making it more affordable to go eco-friendly. You can also register for an Introduction to Cloth Nappies Workshop."
Wollongong City Council: Nappies "We offer free cloth nappy workshops to new and expectant parents. We also talk to ante-natal groups at Wollongong Hospital, and Early Childhood Clinics at Corrimal, Woonona and Thirroul."
North Territory
Litchfield Council Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts. This rebate is on a first-in-first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
Queensland
Brisbane City Council "Monthly draw to win back cloth nappy and reusable swim nappy purchases up to $300, and two further prizes of $50."
Livingstone Shire Council "Monthly draw to win $100 for cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases. This includes wet bags, reusable swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, cloth baby wipes and reusable breast pads."
Nest Nappies: Cloth Nappies for Newborns Workshop Pay 25 for the class, but you get a nappy of slightly greater cost for free. In Brisbane or join a Skype workshop.
South Australia
City of Holdfast Bay: Green Living: Modern Cloth Nappies 21 Jun 2023 "A 90 minute workshop providing participants with the knowledge, awareness and confidence needed to start using cloth nappies for children."
Tasmania
Cloth Nappy and Reusable Sanitary Product Rebate "The City of Hobart is offering a Cloth Nappy and Reusable Sanitary Product Rebate to help Hobart residents with the initial costs of these reusable products, which can be a barrier for people interested in switching from disposable options.
We hope to help Hobart residents get started and work together towards reaching the City's aim of zero waste to landfill by 2030."Rebate to Help Reduce Nappy Waste "Cash will be put back in the pockets of parents who switch to reusable nappies, under a rebate program launched today by the City of Hobart.
The program is a waste reduction initiative as part of the City’s goal of achieving zero landfill waste by 2030."Tassie Mums "can help babies and children (up to 12 years of age) with clothing, toiletries, nappies, bottles, nappy bags, toys and other small essential items.
The recipients of bundles and items are determined by the welfare agencies which request goods from Tassie Mums on behalf of their clients."
Victoria
Banyule Reusable Nappy "Attend a workshop and receive 2x free cloth nappies to the value of $70."
Cardinia Shire Council: Waste Rebates & Discounts Rebates up to 50% on purchases of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. This includes reusable breast pads, wetbags, reusable swim nappies, reusable cloth inserts and cloth baby wipes. You can also get a discount for other things like reducing the size of your bin.
City of Casey Rebates up to 50% on purchases of cloth nappies, reusable swim nappies, reusable cloth inserts, cloth baby wipes, wet bags, reusable breast pads.
City of Ballarat: Reusable Nappy, Period and Sanitary Products Rebate "Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable breast pads: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $50."City of Whittlesea "Residents can claim 50 per cent of what you spend on reusable nappies, reusable sanitary products or composting materials, up to the limits listed below. For example, if you spend $80 on a worm farm, you may be eligible for a rebate of $40."
Cloth Nappy Workshops at Darlings Downunder "Our workshops are done in small groups meaning that they can be personalised to your situation. There is plenty of conversation, banter, touching, feeling and trying products. Our workshops are very relaxed and we aim to make them as fun and comfortable as possible."
Indigo Shire Council, VIC
Halve Waste Cloth Nappy Rebate Program "is a waste reduction campaign that is an initiative of AlburyCity Council, Alpine Council, City of Wodonga and the Shires of Indigo, Federation, Greater Hume and Towong. Launched at Albury Waste Management Centre (AWMC) in June 2010, Halve Waste was designed to engage all sectors of the community to reduce waste and increase recycling in the Halve Waste regions and bringing businesses, schools, community groups and residents together to face waste challenges head on to decrease waste to landfill.
Halve Waste residents can receive back half of the cost of cloth nappies up to the value of $100 per household. Example: Spend $200, receive $100 rebate. Halve Waste residents may receive half of the cost on reusable Nappy products back up to the value of $100. Minimum spend of $50. Example: Spend $50, receive $25 rebate.
Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023."Hobson Bay City Council: Reusable Rebate Program "Maximum $130 rebate on cloth nappy, incontinence and/or reusable sanitary product purchases."
Mitchell Shire Council: Cloth Nappy Program "Participants in the program will receive online small group workshop, a cloth nappy go-to guide and a starter cloth nappy pack valued at over $150 including. In return, participants agree to complete 4 surveys over the next 12 months and take part in a 15-minute phone interview."
Mornington Peninsula Shire Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts.
Wyndham City Council Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products.
Western Australia
City of Armadale "50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop)."
City of Augusta Margaret River: Cloth Nappy and Sanitary Products Subsidy "Rebate up to $100 towards the cost of cloth nappies and $50 towards the cost of sanitary products."
City of Bayswater: Cloth Nappy Rebate "City of Bayswater residents are able to apply for a 50% rebate of up to $100 for either the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies.
The rebate is supported by the WA Government and administered by the Waste Authority."City of Cockburn: Cloth Nappy and Sanitary Product Rebate "For residents looking to reduce their disposable nappy and sanitary product waste, the City is offering a rebate of up to $50 on sanitary product purchases and up to $100 on cloth nappy purchases." You may need to attend the local workshop to qualify.
City of Fremantle Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $150) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
City of Melville Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
City of Vincent: Modern Cloth Nappy Subsidy Initiative "City of Vincent is offering a 50% rebate on the hire of a Cloth Nappy trial pack for a four week period. It is also now offering a rebate of 50% of the cost of your reusable sanitary product purchase, up to a total rebate value of $50."
Town of Bassendean Rebates of 50% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $100.00 for Cloth Nappies, and 50% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $50.00 for Cloth Pads.
Town of East Fremantle Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
Town of Victoria Park: Nappy Rebate "50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
Rebate of up to $50 on new reusable sanitary item purchases (including menstrual cups, reusable sanitary pads, reusable incontinence pads and period underwear).
Rebate of up to $50 on cloth nappy repairs. This service keeps nappies in circulation for longer and promotes second hand purchases. Cloth nappy repairs can be done by any sewing/alterations people/tailors or even at repair café’s for free."
New Zealand
New Zealand
Aukland Council Waste Free Parenting workshops "Learn about your different nappy choices at a Waste Free Parenting workshop.
The workshops will help you gain confidence to try reusables and includes practical advice on:
which nappies are suitable for your baby
how to wash cloth nappies
how to reduce waste in your household.
The sessions are two hours long and registration costs $15 for an individual or couple.
We run some workshops in conjunction with other events, so costs may vary.
Attendees receive a free cloth nappy pack worth $80 - one per family.
For more information including dates, locations and bookings, see the Waste Free with Kate website"
Waste Free With Kate: Cloth Nappies, Parenting and More "We have sessions all over NZ coming up this year!!!
However, if you can't make it to a live event we have loads of Online Learning Courses available... you can learn in the comfort of your own home and we will have your special Cloth Nappy Starter Pack delivered directly to your door!!"Aotearoa Cloth Community PIF Group "This group has been created to help families in Aotearoa give cloth nappies a try through providing them with a pack of nappies to get them started. The group is run by volunteers and supported by wonderful members of the community donating their used cloth nappies to be passed on to others."
Ruapehu District Council: Cloth Nappy Initiative "If you are a resident or ratepayer in Ruapehu you can take advantage of Council's special introductory cloth nappy offer."
"You can buy a modern cloth nappy starter pack worth $100 for only $20 from your local Council office."
Europe
Europe
Locate Your Local Nappy Guru or Advisor (Interactive)
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
North America
North America
USA
USA
Help a Mother Out’s California Diaper Bank provides one-time diaper grants for disaster relief as well as diapers for organizations that do not have a diaper bank in their area."
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse