Free/Cheap Nappies & Supplies

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

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

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

Some Workshops have been listed along with the free supplies programs of this directory. This is for two reasons: 

Give or Receive Free or Supplies 

(Also includes vouchers & subsidies)

Africa

Kenya

Asia

Japan

Europe

France

Ireland

UK

England 

Scotland

North America

Canada

USA

Arkansas

California

Florida

Georgia

Michigan

Missouri

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

Australia

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

New South Wales

North Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

New Zealand

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"

Maps

International

Grants & Funding

North America

USA