Where to Buy New Cloth Diapers

Whether you plan to shop from the comfort of your home (and what can be better when you're at home with a brand new baby?!?), or you're looking for a more hands-on shopping experience with product demonstrations and try-before-you buy sizing, we've got insider tips to make sure you get the best experience when you buy.

1.  Internet Cloth Diaper Stores

As much as I love hand-made diapers, my absolute favorite place to buy cloth diapers is from internet cloth diaper retailers.  You usually get top-notch support from experienced cloth diaper users who are familiar with the brands they sell.  They allow you to buy a wide variety of brands and accessories and may offer free shipping, volume discounts, or other incentives.  Ask if they have a referral or rewards program - many reward their loyal customers with savings on future purchases!

I work with several cloth diaper affiliate programs and have worked with many great businesses.  When I order my own diapers, I always check these 3 retailers first - and I have always had a great experience with each of them!

• Nicki's Diapers (US)
• Diaper Safari (US)
• Lagoon Baby (Canada)
  

Be sure to check out our Discount Cloth Diaper Sales Round-up for regularly updated sales from some of our favorite cloth diaper retailers!

2.  From Handmade Businesses

There are literally hundreds of moms out there that sew cloth diapers from their homes.  While they all take great pride in their work, some produce only a few diapers per week during their little one's naps, while others manage to stock dozens every week.  Many of these businesses also produce one-of-a-kind diapers with "hard-to-find" (HTF) fabrics or "send-your-own fabric" (SYOF).  As they grow, many businesses run their own on-line stores, but most stock their diapers for sale on Hyena Cart and Etsy.

This WAHM-made hybrid fitted from Butt-Ons features a Lillestoff European knit outer and was purchased from Butt-Ons Hyena Cart store.

Hand-made diapers aren't for the faint of heart.  Once a brand "gets discovered", the laws of supply and demand can kick in quickly.  Hundreds of shoppers can be vying for a dozen diapers, making it nearly impossible to purchase a full stash of your favorite brand. Some of these diapers will sell for more used than they did new, simply because of the brand (and the fabric's) desirability.

Tip:  You may be able to get into a brand by buying gently used diapers!  Check to see if the brand you are watching has a Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook.  Get familiar with prices and signs of wear, and ask for lots of photos before you shell out top dollar for a diaper in "Excellent Used Condition" (because EVERYONE lists in EUC!)

3.  Direct Through the Manufacturer

There can be lots of reasons to buy cloth diapers directly from the manufacturer's website.  This may be the only way for you to access smaller brands.  As the number of cloth diaper brands has grown, retailers often select only a few to carry.  Lots of cloth diaper brands (especially up-and-comers) aren't yet big enough to be sold in retailers.

If you plan to purchase a large number of the same brand, the manufacturer may have the best selection of sizes and prints/colors.
You may also be able to purchase "seconds" (diapers with small sewing flaws) and combine with new diapers on your order.

4.  Baby Boutique or Specialty Stores

If you are brand new to cloth diapering, one of the best places to buy cloth diapers can be from a specialty baby boutique.  While their assortment of diaper brands may be limited to 2 or 3, you will still get to examine the diapers up close before you buy.  Plus, instant gratification - you (obviously) get to take home what you buy that day!

The downside is that store staff may or may not be knowledgeable about the use of cloth diapers, and they may only carry a limited inventory.

5.  Amazon

Who doesn't love Amazon?  Orders often qualify for free super-saver shipping direct to your door and free returns, and you can even combine diapers with other (totally unrelated!) goods to meet the minimum order requirements.  Plus, Amazon is often a great source for user reviews too!  Check out the selection of cloth diapers on  Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

Keep in mind that Amazon can be a great place to buy big-name diaper brands .  Do not be tempted by cheap, unknown brands - the quality may not be consistent so that even if there are positive reviews, you may not get the diapers you hoped for.  Buyer beware - when you purchase from Amazon's authorized sellers, they may charge you for shipping.

6.  Department Stores

As cloth diapering has grown in popularity, department stores such as Babies R Us, Target, and Wal-Mart have taken notice.  It's great to see cloth diapers available for sale in mainstream stores, and it makes them more available in centers that don't have a cloth diaper retailer close by.

Please do your research before you buy them!  Store staff are not usually able to answer questions.  Keep in mind that for popular brands (such as bumGenius, gDiapers, Charlie Banana), the prices will generally be no different than they are from dedicated cloth diaper retailers.  Watch for quality as well - I often hear of parents who got duped into buying cute but generally crappy cloth diapers in a department store.

Deal of the Day Websites

I love deal of the day websites, and have made many purchases from them.  But I would NEVER recommend purchasing cloth diapers through a deal of the day website like Zulily, Mamabargains, or the many others.  While you can often get new cloth diapers, wet bags, and other accessories for 50% off (or even more), you don't often see huge savings on popular brands if they are even available through these channels.  The savings are usually on "rebranded" diapers - Alvas and the like - that are available directly through those manufacturers for a much lower price.  Don't get duped!

Keep in mind that these sites may back-order stock or hold shipments for several weeks, and returns are usually not allowed.  Quantities, colors and options may be limited, and shipping is usually not included.

New Cloth Diapers: Ensuring a Positive Experience

Be sure to prepare your new cloth diapers before you use them! Plus, read our article on washing cloth diapers here.


And don't forget, most new cloth diapers will last through more than one child. If you buy new, you may be able to re-use your cloth diapers on your next baby, pass them onto a friend, or recoup some of your initial investment by selling them to another parent looking to buy used cloth diapers. Yes, there is a strong resale market for good quality second-hand cloth diapers!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, and your experience with the product may differ from mine. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, see our Disclaimer and Copyright.

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