Tips for Buying Used Cloth Diapers

Although it may surprise you, buying gently used cloth diapers can help you stretch your budget or save the environment.  Here are our tips for buying second-hand cloth diapers.

Used Cloth Diapers? Really?

Although it may surprise you at first, buying second hand diapers is a fairly common practice for those looking to stretch their budget or save the environment. Many parents start with cloth diapers by testing out a number of different cloth diapering options. As they get used to cloth diapering, they may choose to narrow down the choices in their diaper stash, and will offer gently-used cloth diapers for sale.

If properly prepared, second-hand cloth diapers do not pose a sanitary concern. If you know and trust the source of the diapers, a good washing is enough. But if you are unsure about the seller or the diapers are not in the best of shape, you should disinfect them. 

Here are simple directions on a few effective methods of disinfecting cloth diapers. 

Try Before You Buy!

If you're looking to test-drive cloth diapers before you spend a ton of cash, second hand cloth diapers can be the perfect solution!

Buying used diapers can be a great way to test out brands before you invest a lot of money into new ones! Plus, if you're lucky, the mama that owned the diapers may even be willing to help you get started - she can answer those cloth diaper questions that you're unsure about!

Find Out What You're Buying

Many of the second-hand diapers you will see listed for sale are in great condition, but be sure to contact the seller and ask lots of questions!

Some consignment shops, especially those on-line, have standard rating systems that will help you understand the condition of the diapers. Change-Diapers has a great used diaper photo guide that may help you understand what to expect with each of the different conditions buyers may list their diapers in:

• BNWT = Brand New With Tags (also NWT = New with Tags)
  
• NIP = New in Package (also NOOP = Never Out of Package)
• LN = Like New
• EUC = Excellent Used Condition
• VGUC = Very Good Used Condition
• GUC = Good Used Condition
• UC = Used Condition
• Needs Repair

To be sure you're not buying diapers that may have problems, be sure to find out how the manufacturer recommends caring for the products you are interested in, and then inquire to the seller to find out how they cared for the items you are interested in purchasing.


You'll want to confirm how long they were used and how they have been cared for. For example, you don't want to purchase items that shouldn't have been washed with bleach, nor do you want to buy products that were dried on high heat when the manufacturer recommends air-drying.


Ask whether the diapers were stored in a wet or dry pail, and also whether diaper creams were applied with the diapers since both can affect the lifespan of the diapers. You'll also want to find out the condition of the snaps or Velcro, elastic, and PUL.

The leg elastics often show signs of use.  Top diaper has relaxed leg elastics, which will reduce resale value, while bottom elastics are like new on this diaper used only a handful of times.  Microfleece insides of pocket diapers pill very quickly, so this isn't a good sign of wear.

Previously Loved Cloth Diapers: Ensuring a Positive Experience

Keep in mind that buying used diapers is not risk-free; just like other second-hand purchases you might make, be sure to ask for pictures, check for seller feedback, and request a delivery confirmation number.


Before you buy any previously-owned cloth diapers, be sure to check out the reviews on them. Popular brand names will command a higher price, and those in almost-new condition will also be worth much more than those that have been worn for several months.


There is a strong resale market for good quality second-hand cloth diapers, so if you find something you want to purchase, you will likely have to make a decision quickly. While gently used cloth diapers may be a great deal, be sure to factor in costs such as shipping.

Where to Buy Used Cloth Diapers

If you are in a larger center, buying used cloth diapers locally can save you a lot of money on shipping and PayPal fees.  Check out Craigslist and Kijiji, local buy/sell/trade groups (especially those geared toward parents), and mom-to-mom sales for deals.  Don't forget to inquire about trades with other cloth diaper mamas - she may be be looking for something you no longer need, too!

If you are one of the first in your local area to cloth diaper, buying used is still an option!  Look to on-line diaper consignment shops, general and brand-specific buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook, and even cloth diaper retailers for used inventory.  Here are a few places where you may be able to find gently-used cloth diapers:

• Cloth Diaper Trader - this has been one of my favorite places to buy and sell my own stash.
  
• Many online retailers, like Cloth Diaper Outlet sell used cloth diapers.

If you plan to purchase or trade diapers online, keep in mind that PayPal offers buyer protection within 45 days of purchase.  If you haven't received your diaper, be sure to file the claim before the 45 day window runs out.

Most Buy/Sell/Trade groups recommend PayPal backed trades as well for the protection of all involved.  In a PayPal backed trade, each person pays the other the value of the trade as a "Goods or Services" (personal gifts to friends and family incur no fees but DO NOT have purchase protection so don't go this route!)  PayPal backed trades can be especially important for wool longies, hard-to-find prints, and other high value items, but you may want to consider it even for smaller lots.  If one party's diaper doesn't arrive or isn't in the condition that was disclosed in the listing, they can go back via PayPal to dispute the "sale", whereas a normal trade wouldn't be backed at all.

Prepping Used Cloth Diapers

When you buy used cloth diapers, you have the benefit of knowing that the fabrics are already "broken in" and will (likely) be fully absorbent.

No matter what, second-hand cloth diapers should always be washed before use, if only to remove any dirt left from storage or packing! Unless you are confident of their history, you should also disinfect them. 

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