Nappy Libraries
Introduction
Nappy libraries are intended to help new care-takers get used to using nappies/diapers to see if they are a good fit for their family. These libraries often have a variety of kits, meaning parents can try different types of nappies as well as other gear (some libraries also offer equipment like baby slings) without the fairly upfront cost of items that they may decide aren't right for their child at all. Libraries often charge a small fee, which helps cover the cost of upkeep for the library, as well as repairs or replacements for damaged items. The money also helps pay for new nappies, so that they have enough to loan out as more parents and care givers turn to this option.
If you can't find what you need on this page or by searching for local nappy/diaper libraries and hire services, you may want to look at our directory of Free/Cheap Nappies & Supplies to learn about charities and government programs offering free kits, rebates, coupons, and other resources.
If you are feeling crafty, we've also gathered writen and video guides for making washable nappies in various languages. Some of them also offer free patterns that you can print and cut out.
Europe
Ireland
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!"
Cloth Nappy Library Ireland CLG "is a nationwide non-profit that provides cloth nappy loans and local support. We aim to help make cloth nappies mainstream by enabling parents to try them out and get support in what will suit them best, how to use them and where to get them."
United Kingdom
The Nappy Lady: Hire Kits "service offers reusable nappy kits that you can hire and rent from The Nappy Lady Cloth Nappy Library. Cloth nappy hire kit Services are available to hire from The Nappy Lady nappy library across the UK sent to you via the post. Nappy hire kits save you the cost using newborn disposable nappies on your baby and lowers your impact on the environment."
England
Teesside Cloth Nappy Library "is a volunteer led organisation who are passionate about helping families in Teesside convert to using cloth nappies. We hire out nappy kits for a small fee and provide free advice and help."
Andover Clothing & Nappy Bank (Facebook group page) "We accept donations of baby, children’s and adults clothes, maternity wear and equipment, baby equipment, toys and books.
We hold 2 events a month to allow members of the community to come in and exchange their donations for what they need. The main event is on a Sunday and on the following Tuesday a slot booking session to keep the group smaller for people not good with crowds.
Behind the scenes we work with social services, emergency referrals, foster careers and many more to help families in need.
We also run a sling and reusable cloth nappy library"Basingstoke Reusable Nappy Library (Facebook group page) "A service for parents in and around Basingstoke to hire, trial and learn more about reusable nappies"
Bath Cloth Nappy Library "has nappies for you to try and information to share.
Regular 'Nappy Natter' meetings are held in Bath to share information and experience. You can also borrow nappies from the nappy library, so you can decide whether or not cloth is for you. Please note, the nappy library charge a small amount to cover running costs. This also helps to expand the range of nappies you can borrow." FacebookBurton & Swadlincote: Cloth Nappy Library "We have brilliant and beautiful Newborn and Birth to Potty Cloth Nappy Kits available to hire that contain everything you need to get started with cloth nappies."
Eastleigh NCT Cloth Nappy Library "is a volunteer run charity that offers a range of different reusable nappy kits to help parents who want to avoid using disposable nappies."
Farnborough Nappy Library "Whether you are new to reusable nappies, or have tried them before and need some support - we are here to help you.
Part of the UK Nappy Network and supported by Hampshire County Council, Farnborough Cloth Nappy Library is a not-for-profit venture run by parents for parents in Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham and the surrounding areas."Herts North Nappy Library "is a volunteer run, community-based service offering advice and support to anyone interested in using reusable nappies and offering the opportunity to try and test them."
Kent Cloth Nappy Library "There is no charge for help and information. If you would like to rent a kit, we charge £15 per month for the kit. Families receiving healthy start vouchers are not charged.
If you would like to use cloth nappies full time but cannot afford to buy them, we do have some nappies that are a little older, or perhaps not available to buy anymore that are not suitable for our kits which we can loan out long term. Do ask if this would work better for you."Leeds Cloth Nappy Library "set up in 2012 to provide support to cloth nappy users, introduce cloth nappies to Leeds and to provide a lending facility"
Leicester Cloth Nappy Library "We are a volunteer run cloth (reusable) nappy library servicing the Leicester(shire) area, promoting the use of cloth based baby items such as nappies and wipes. We offer the hire of trial kits to those interested in trying different kinds of cloth nappies before committing to a purchase of their own and support clients during the hire period and beyond.
We are currently applying for grants to increase the size and reach of our library. We are very grateful to DMU Local and the Leicester City Council Community Ward Funding for providing us with funding to buy new nappies for the library. If you would like to sponsor us please let us know in the form on the About Us page."Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library "We're making reusable nappies accessible to all families in the Merseyside City region.
Hire a kit, ask us all your questions & get started with confidence!
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library is a non-profit organisation, run entirely by volunteers."Overton Nappy Library "We hire to families in Overton and surrounding villages and towns."
Oxon Cloth Nappy Library "A private group for parents living in Oxfordshire, UK to share their experience, advice and love for cloth nappies."
Petersfield Nappy Library (Facebook group page)
Southampton Real Nappy Network (Facebook group page)
Reusable Cloth Nappy Library ~ NCT Reading "Reading National Childbirth Trust (NCT) coordinate a rental and advice service for reusable cloth nappies. A selection of nappies and accessories are available to try - find out how to put them on and which work best for you and your baby."
Snowdrop Doula Community Interest Company: Cloth Nappy Library "Our Cloth Nappy Library covers Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Blackburn, Darwen, Rossendale, Hyndburn."
Teesside Cloth Nappy Library "is a volunteer led organisation who are passionate about helping families in Teesside convert to using cloth nappies. We hire out nappy kits for a small fee and provide free advice and help."
Winchester NCT Nappy Library "We have 2 types of cloth nappy kit available to hire: newborn and birth to potty." "On the second Thursday of the month our nappy library volunteers host a coffee morning at Open House Deli. Its a great opportunity to meet like minded, cloth bum parents and get advice or find out more about using reusable nappies."(Facebook group page)
Northern Ireland
Zero Waste North West: Zero Waste Nappy Library "We’ve rebuilt our Nappy kits and they are once again available for lending.
Get in touch if you’re interested in one of our beautiful Newborn or Birth to Potty kits.
You can now try cloth nappies BEFORE deciding to start your own stash AND GET SUPPORT along the way!
Would you like to be a Cloth Nappy Librarian?! Please do get in touch if you would like to join our team."
Scotland
Ayrshire Sling & Nappy Library "We are a not for profit organisation run by volunteers offering peer to peer support.
We hold a small stash of cloth nappies and accessories which we are able to hire out free of charge, all we need is a refundable deposit of £30. You are able to hire the nappies for 4 weeks (which can be extended to a max of 12 weeks). During which time you will be able to try them out and decide if they are for you, how different brands fit and how easy they can be. We will be around to give you advice and offer our help via email and facebook as well as at the meets.
We run alongside the Sling Library, come for one or come for both. See the facebook page for up to date information on meet days www.facebook.com/ayrshirenappylibrary"
Wales
Awesome Wales Cloth Nappy Library "Exciting news! We’re launching a reuseable nappy library scheme from our Cowbridge Store.
The nappy library will enable you to borrow a set of 20 washable nappies for a month, allowing you to trial different sizes and styles of nappy. Each kit will contain a mixture of single sized and adjustable nappies, plus waterproof wraps, boosters, liners, wet bags and a carry bag to keep everything together."
North America
Canada
Cloth Diaper Library on Lend Engine "We're so excited to see that you're interested in trying out cloth diapers."
USA
Michigan
Cloth for Every Bum is a 6 month lending program for Southwest Michigan, with satellite programs all over the USA.
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)! "
Oceana
Australia
Australian Cloth Nappy Rental: Cloth Nappy Hire "Our cloth nappy library has a bundle to suit your unique needs, whether you want to try part time or full time, or start with your newborn baby or wait until they are a bit older. Over 6 weeks you will master the ropes of reusable cloth nappy use and find your favourite brands and styles with support from us for the whole time! Every bundle comes with a personalised printed washing guide specific to your washing machine and detergent to have in your laundry."
The Cloth Stash: Hire Cloth Nappy Library "Just like an ordinary purchase, we can post out hire nappies to anywhere within Australia" "Free pick up is available from Weston Creek, Canberra"
Eco Bums: The Cloth Nappy Library "Our mission at eco bums is to help you find the perfect nappy system for your family. We have different brands and styles that you can try before you buy. We have sourced what we believe to be the best that the market has to offer and packed them into trial kits for you to hire.By hiring out a kit of nappies you can use the different types at home and decide what suits you and your baby best without the initial outlay."
The Nappy Guru’s Modern Cloth Nappy Library "is the ultimate “try before you buy” service that makes it an easy and stress free and economical way to start your cloth nappy journey with all the additional accessories and support you need to succeed!"
Puggles Nappy Library "our library allows you to try a range of modern cloth nappies
from newborns through to toddlers, we can help you find the right nappy for you and your baby."
NSW
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."
EcoBums: The Cloth Nappy Library "Our mission at eco bums is to help you find the perfect nappy system for your family. We have different brands and styles that you can try before you buy. We have sourced what we believe to be the best that the market has to offer and packed them into trial kits for you to hire. By hiring out a kit of nappies you can use the different types at home and decide what suits you and your baby best without the initial outlay."
Tips for Running A Library
Top 5 Tips for Running a Library
Firstly, read the guidance on the UK Nappy Network’s website about starting a library. Get in contact with your council to see if there is any funding you can apply for, that is how Stockport Cloth Nappy Library started.
Build up slowly kit by kit. This gives you time to get used to your new systems and processing kits.
Put all your systems online so everyone involved can access them. We have our schedule, finances and hire agreement forms all online.
Get others involved. Running a library as a team is much more enjoyable and everyone brings different skills to the table.
On the rare occasions that all the kits you hold come back at the same time ensure you have the space to store them!
These tips came from Helen, a volunteer with personal experience, who was interviewed by Baba and Boo
Lending Software
LendEngine "Sling and cloth nappy libraries around the world use the Lend Engine to manage inventory, members, loans and payments. Everything is online, accessible anywhere, any time."