Pros and Cons of Buying Used Cloth Diapers #fallfluff
Posted by 
September 20, 2011 •
Our beginning stash started with only a few new cloth diapers and a whole stash of Motherease used cloth diapers. I read that getting used diapers was a very economical way to start. At first that idea seemed gross to me, but then I figured it’s not much different than getting someone else’s clothes (though I wouldn’t buy used underwear…). I put a “wanted” request out on our local Freecycle community asking for fluff in good used condition to try out.
I received a rude response telling me that no one is just going to give their diapers away for free. Well, I was asking for one or whatever and asking it of people that don’t need them anymore. Besides, who cares? Why get up in arms about me asking? Does she email the people asking for free cars and PS3s?
After awhile I did get a response. A lady had diapered five children and no longer needed the box of fluff in her basement. I agreed to take it! While the pieces weren’t in new condition, it did get us into cloth full-time quicker. I was grateful, but happy to slowly collect and purchase my own that worked better for my daughter’s body type (and were much cuter!). I donated the best of those Freecycle dipes to other women in need in my area.
During that time, I also checked Craigslist, eBay, and various forums and boards. Personally, I thought most people were asking too much. That was my biggest turn off. Then I was nervous about so many using Tide or said there were stains or they just weren’t… cute. I decided that I could justify a couple extra dollars to buy new. I still watched for deals for awhile.
Here are my pros and cons of getting used diapers:
Pros:
- Save some money
- Can ask about how it fit and functioned
- Reusing items is good to do
- Don’t have to do the initial prep washes for max absorbency {Clarification: you should still wash them, they just don’t need to be washed 5 times -for example – to prepped!)
Cons:
- Not always a good deal
- Stains
- Wear and tear (especially for one size diapers and may not know how much they were used)
- Don’t know what they were washed in and will need to strip right way
- Harder to utilize manufacture warranties
Have you bought used cloth diapers? Why or why not?
Don’t forget to see what April and Mariah think about this topic!
Tags: buying, cloth leaves nothing behind, saving money, used diapers
I bought most of my diapers used. I got a set of gdiapers for free, some Kushies for really cheap, and then just bought a huge mix of pocket-style diapers from Kawaii, JustSimplyBaby, and GoGreen. I liked getting them used because it allowed me to see which diapers fit my son the best and to see which style I liked the best. I got to try the hybrid diapers, All-in-Ones, and pocket style. I decided I liked the pocket style. All of the ones I received used were in great condition with very minimal staining. I did wash them all myself after I got them but that’s what I would have done with new diapers too! I now have a stash of over 40 pocket diapers and then the Kushies and gdiapers (which I’m giving away to Moms like me) and spent less than 200 on all of it.
They can definitely be a money saver! They are nice for trying out different styles, but I think it helps to know what to look for & be aware of when going the used route. I’m very thankful for the initial stash I received used!Syrana
I have bought used before. Most of my used diapers I got through a local retailer, so I got to touch/examine them in person and ask questions about them. I also know that the woman who owns the shop washes used diapers in Rockin’ Green and suns them before putting them up for sale.
I have also purchases Seconds from retailer and I’ve always been happy with them.
Once, recently, I purchased a used diaper from a blogger I follow who was looking to decrease her current stash so she could purchase more newborn diapers for her baby on the way. The picture she had posted looked good, but when the diaper came it was in much poorer shape than I’d anticipated. It was a poor call on my part. I should not have paid what I did to try out a diaper I was unfamiliar with just because I thought it looked cute and seemed like it’d be a good deal. I felt pretty jipped on that one, but passed it along to a girl friend whose baby was younger and shaped differently than mine in hopes that it’d fit her daughter better than my son. I don’t know if it did or not, but…lesson learned. I won’t be buying blind again. :-/
I’m sorry to hear that :( it makes a difference when you know more about the diapers: who owned them, how they were taken care of, etc.
I bought a used diaper that I thought was a good deal because the way it was listed I would be getting 2. Well I got only 1 and it wasn’t much of a saving over buying new. I actually wanted the other print more. I could have picked a cuter one at the new price.Syrana
I’ve bought quite a few used diapers, some I like, some I’ve had problems with. For the most part, you can’t beat the price and the problems can be fixed with a good stripping. The only issue I’m still having is with a BG AIO that I paid $6 for. It wicks at the tag, but it was $6 so I’m not too upset! I definitely agree that Ebay and other sites can be pricey, but if you search hard enough, you can find a good deal!
I understand used diapers can be a huge money saver.. but haven’t been able to bring myself to get some. Like mentioned above I don’t know where they are coming from or how they have been treated. And there really isn’t any easy way to get used diapers in my area.. they would be to be shipped in and most stores offer shipping free.. so not worth it for me. Glad it works for some people though.
I am very hesitant on buying used diapers and I haven’t yet. I think if I were to buy used diapers I would get them thru a store (online or in person) because I feel like they usually have some sort of standard and you know you aren’t getting something that isn’t even going to work
I have not bought used diapers. I have been tempted because I don’t want to spend a lot. I don’t know how people have treated their diapers, etc. and don’t want them on my baby.
i never got used ones…it does have a sort of ‘gross’ factor to me like you mentioned, but if i were to get them free i may do it….i’ve looked at a local boutique and tgeir used diapers weren’t much cheaper than new, so to me that’s ridiculous! overall, if they were at the right price i may buy used….
For myself I would rather buy new because I find cloth sells for nearly the same used as it is new. I have resold my diapers for what I almost bought them new many times…
Most of my stash is used, either from my sister-in-law or from the kids swap. I’ve bought lots of cloth diapers at my local kids swap, and I usually get them for 20-25% of the price of new. So for me it’s definitely worth it, even if I don’t get quite as much wear out of them.
i have never bought a used diaper…my hubby would never let me. However, if you know where they are coming from and how they have been cared for, then it is a great deal! It all depends on someone’s finances, and I would never judge if someone bought used. If they are happy with their diapers, then that is all that matters.
I just actually bought some used diapers for the first time. I am regretting it big time! They have a huge stink issue, even though she said they didn’t :( I asked for my money back but she wont do it! I was hoping for all the pros you listed but unfortunately in this case the cons seem to be winning :(
Oh no! :( I hope you didn’t pay too much and hopefully stripping them will get rid of the stink. They may need to be stripped a few times though.Syrana
I received some cloth diapers used from freecycle…but found those particular ones to be kinda bulky as it was a fitted and a separate cover. Plus they felt kind of crunchy and not very soft. I guess that was probably why they were offered on freecycle.stewartheather
When I originally bought my cloth diapers, ALL of them were new. If I was doing it again, I would be looking on Craigslist and Freecycle (and other sites) for used diapers as well as new diapers. I only have a few used diapers and have good experiences with them.
Note: that’s what Freecycle is for. I don’t see why that individual went off on you asking for cloth diapers. If I’m finished with my cloth diapers, I don’t care if I give them away or sell them.mummytocharis
Most of my dipes are used!!! Only way I can afford it! I won a lot of my stash also! I have a bunch I need to sell off now that my baby outgrew. That’s one of the best parts; the ability to sell your outgrown dipes!walkwithme
I’ve thought of it. Almost hit the “buy” button. But in the end, I’m too nervous about getting screwed over. Unless I can physically see and feel something to guage it’s value, I just can’t justify the gamble of dealing with it if the sale is a lemon.
I would be hesitant to buy used diapers because I wouldn’t know what type of care they received while they were used. However, if I was on a tight budget, then I would have to consider.allnaturalkatie
When I first started CDing about 6 months ago I bought all used to start my stash and thankfully did not have any problems but I have heard enough horror stories that in the future I will either only buy from people I know or purchase seconds or try for sales.
Oh and those people on Freecycle who gripe at people asking for things are the same people who gripe at everyone about everything so I hope you didnt take it to much to heart. Luckily my local Freecycle usually has pretty good stuff up (we managed to get an EUC wooden swing set).
I’m nervous about buying used diapers since you never know how someone took care of them but I did take the plunge and bought a used goodmama from a reputable online diaper shop. It turned out to be an excellent purchase. I then ordered 4 goodmamas on ebay and am hoping that they were well taken care of. I should find out soon. But yes, there are definite pros and cons and, unfortunately, you won’t know which one until you get the diapers.
I have bought second hand diapers that were actually new and it eliminated some of the cons of used diapers and included the pros of new diapers. Best value!
the ONLY downside to this being you can’t use the warranty (rare, but occasionally needed). Had this happen once.
I’ve bought a few diapers used, the ones that have stayed in my stash were the Preston’s Pants minky ones (even after my over-a-year heavy usage, they barely look used). I think it’s a great way to try out a namebrand one without forking over full price. Usually though, the ones offered are offbrand or too-used. So it can take a lot of weeding and waiting to find something good (from somebody trustworthy).
My husband wont let me get used diapers, he thinks its like buying used underwear lol
We got all of our diapers used. I started of with 5 Kawaii covers from Craigslist for 15$. I made my own liners and we used those to try out cloth diapering. I got the rest of my diapers from cloth diapering swap groups on Facebook. All of the diapers I relieved where in good condition, and I since I kept my eye out I was able to get a good deal. The two diapers I got that I disnt like (Minky ugh) I traded for other styles. So far other than a few diapers that I have won I have only purchased one new diaper. I haven’t had any problems with my used diapers. In fact wen a local cloth diapering online store had a ‘garage sale’ I picked up 16 newborn Kissaluvs in need of snap repair for a little under $40 for the future babe :)
It has been nice to try out different styles on my babe and we have been able to create a stash for full tile CDing for about $180 :)
We have gotten both new and used diapers. Used diapers are usually GREAT deals, and make cloth diapering that much more affordable. You mentioned my biggest worry with used diapers- that they weren’t washed properly and will have build-up I’ll have to deal with from the get-go.
I think you can buy used CD but you have to be careful, just like with any online purchase. Ask all questions up front(why they are selling, did they have problems with yeast, how did they wash the diapers, how long they have used CD, how old are these diaper, etc)ask for multiple pictures of problem diapers. Use an online buying site like ebay, or pay using paypal so that if issues arise you have recourse.
As for price I think anything over half of retail is too much for a used diaper. Even if a diaper has never been used I don’t think it should be sold at retail, because it is still a second hand diaper.
I have purchased 90% of my son’s diapers used (only spent about $200). The only problem I have ever had with the purchase of a CD was when I tried to return an order to a company using their own warranty/return policy.
And yes, if my underwear cost as much as a cloth diaper (and I wore 8 pairs a day) I would definitely buy used! :-)
LOL good point about our underwear! ;PSyrana
I have scored some amazing deals on used diapers. I got a stash of Bumgenius elementals that were only used once or twice for $10 each! I like to buy used too if I want to try a diaper to see the fit. I bought a couple used rumparooz because they are so expensive and I wanted to see if they would work for my boys. Glad I did that because although they are nice diapers, I would pay retail for them.
A lot of my stash came from a friend who’s baby is finally potty trained. I was blessed to get those to start off. It was good knowing where they came from too. I have bought some more used from other people and I feel like used diapers are very over priced! I just don’t understand why ppl think it’s ok to knock off a couple dollars from full price for a used diaper! Anyways…thanks for sharing :)
Jessi G
I have only bought two used diapers. The seller claimed they were in perfect condition and only used for 1 month, but one diaper had a stain and the other had dingy inserts. I was a little upset that the seller was not honest, but I still got a super great deal and they function wonderful.
My husband is totally onboard with cloth diapers but is totally against used because he says it is like buying used underwear!Sabrina
I personally do not mind buying used. My beginning stash was used (for free) from my SIL. It got me started which I am grateful for. I love that it is already preprepped (with cotton and hemp for example). I however will not buy a used diaper unless it is a great deal (i.e. close to 50% off). I have just found that I can get brand new diapers on sale on things like baby steals, or when companies are retiring their patterns and are selling diapers for cheap. Also there are lots of websites that include free diapers with your order so it makes the diapers cheaper per diaper. I think it is crazy to buy a used diaper for a couple bucks off the retail price. If I buy used it is to save money so I really want to save.
I too am turned off by the prices people ask for their used dipes on craigslist. But I do have some used dipes that are hand-me-downs from my cousin and we love em. She saved us a ton of money when our little one was a newborn by sharing her stash.
most of my stash is used cloth diapers. Like you, it was a quick way for me to get enough diapers all at once. There have been a few that didn’t work out – but for the price I paid it was worth it.
I don’t mind buying used as long as they don’t have stains!
Yeah my first few diapers were used and I was lucky to find them still in good shape and haven’t had any problems with them. Here lately though I got one from a swap and it was just gross… granted I didn’t buy it, someone just sent it to me since I can do repairs. So I put in new elastic, snaps, stripped it, washed it, sunned it, washed again, dried on hot for 20 minutes and it’s good to go again. But I don’t think I’ll buy anymore used diapers, even though the first ones were good.PsMamae
I’m just getting started with cloth diapering my ten month-old daughter, and I really wish I had done so sooner. It really is pretty easy, and the thought of all the trash I was producing with disposables is pretty disturbing. The positives far outweigh the negatives in my opinion.
Oh, and no, I have never purchased used…I like reusing/recycling, but I would imagine I might need new diapers if I expect them to hold up for multiple children.