The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Second- Hand Nappies

Buying and selling second-hand nappies is a popular choice for eco-conscious, budgeting parents - I bulked out my stash with preloved nappies when my now 14yr old son was a baby and was then able to sell them when he potty trained, they were virtually free and left a smaller carbon footprint that sposies!

Choosing reusable nappies save money over disposable nappies and help reduce landfill waste, but their upfront costs can still be high. The second-hand nappy market is a sustainable, affordable solution.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying and selling cloth nappies, including how to buy safely, prepare nappies for sale, and navigate frequently asked questions. 

How to Buy Second-Hand Nappies

As with anything second hand there are some real bargains and some real duds so you need to know what to look out for.

Where to Buy Second-Hand Nappies

The first step in buying second-hand nappies is finding the right places, online and in the wild. Here are some good places to start:

Facebook Groups:

Many communities have dedicated buy-and-sell groups for cloth nappies. Search for terms like "pre-loved cloth nappies" or "second-hand nappies" in your area or look for specific reusable nappy brands preloved pages.

Dedicated Second-Hand Nappy Websites:

Platforms like reNappy specialise in second-hand cloth nappies - you can buy or sell.

Marketplaces:

Websites like Gumtree, vinted, and local classifieds often list used nappies.

Local Cloth Nappy Meetups:

Check for nappy swap events or local parenting groups where you can inspect nappies in person before buying. The NCT run nearly new sales, I often picked up inserts and boosters at these. Check out your local nappy library too, they will know where to buy locally and may have some old stock for sale. Use the UK Nappy Network map to find contact information.

What to Look For

When buying second-hand nappies, you need to know they are going to be in good condition and work. Here’s what to consider:

Elastic Condition:

Ensure the elastic around the legs and waist is still stretchy and intact. Sagging elastic causes poor fit and leaks. 

Wear and Tear:

Inspect for thinning fabric, holes, or frayed edges, turn them inside out if you can.

Stains:

Light staining is common and often removable, but check for set-in stains or discoloration that may not come out.

Snaps and Velcro:

Check that fasteners still work, are clean and secure.

Damage:

Look for signs of irreparable damage,  delamination of the waterproof layers might look like bubbles or pin prick holes - check for mould spots too, like black marks.

Brand and Recall History:

Stick with trusted brands and check if the nappy has had any recalls.

What to Ask

Before purchasing, ask the seller as many questions as you can:

When were the nappies bought new?

This helps you gauge their age and remaining lifespan. Even the best nappies will wear out, just like all clothing so you want to be sure they aren't years and years old.

How were they washed?

Proper washing routines ensure the nappies’ durability. Look out for red flags like frequent use of fabric softeners, which can affect absorbency. Have a read of our nappy strip washing guides - it is always a good idea to reset any used nappies before putting them on your baby.

How often were they used?

Nappies rotated in a large stash likely have less wear and tear, nappies used by more than one little one will be heavily used.

What to Pay

Second-hand nappies vary greatly in price, depending on their condition, brand, and type. Here are some pricing tips:

Basic Brands:

Expect to pay £2-£5 per nappy in good condition.

Premium or Designer Brands:

These can range from £10-£20 per nappy.

Limited edition or popular prints:

You can end with some wraps or nappies being really expensive, possibly more than their original retail price. I remember paying lots for a glow in the dark second hand wrap but it was worth it - and it sold well when he potty trained.

Bundles:

Often, buying in bulk reduces the price per nappy.

Consider whether buying second-hand offers enough value compared to sales on clearance or new reusable nappies. Sometimes, new nappies on sale may only cost slightly more.

How to Sell Second-Hand Nappies

One of the best things about using washable nappies is the savings you make by selling them when you are finished with them. 

How to Prepare Nappies for Sale

Preparing nappies for sale makes sure they’re in their best condition and will give you good feedback on selling sites. Follow these steps:

Inspect Condition:

Only sell nappies in usable condition with no major defects. If there are minor issues make sure you list them all.

Deep Clean:

Perform a thorough strip wash to remove any detergent build-up, odours, or residue. Use the recommended washing method for your nappy brand.

Check for Stains:

Treat minor stains with natural remedies like sunlight or gentle stain removers. Again, be honest with your description - many buyers won't mind a few marks.

Repair if Needed:

Replace worn elastics or snaps if possible. Many sellers find this boosts the resale value.

Where to Sell

Selling platforms make it easy to reach potential buyers. Here are your best options:

Facebook Groups:

Join pre-loved nappy buy-and-sell groups. Be sure to follow the group’s specific selling rules.

Dedicated Nappy Marketplaces:

Use websites like UsedNappies.co.uk.

Local Meetups:

Sell at parenting events, baby markets, or cloth nappy meetups.

Keep in mind that platforms like eBay often stop the sale of used nappies, so avoid listing them there or study the wording needed on other peoples listings to stop them being refused.

How to Price

Pricing second-hand nappies depends on the following factors:

Condition:

Nappies in excellent condition command higher prices than heavily worn ones.

Brand:

Premium brands or limited-edition prints fetch higher prices.

Original Retail Price:

Aim for 50-70% of the original price for lightly used nappies.

What to Share

Your listing should be detailed to attract buyers. Include:

• Brand and model
• Weight range
• Age and condition
• Type of nappy - pocket nappy / fitted etc
• Any stains, repairs, or damage
• Original purchase date
• Washing routine used
• Clear photos from multiple angles

How to Ship

When shipping nappies:

Clean Packaging:

Ensure nappies are freshly washed and packaged in a waterproof bag.

Choose the Right Postage:

Use a reliable service with tracking so nappies arrive safely.

Label Clearly:

Include the buyer’s details and your return address - I used to just write my house number and postcode on the opposite side to the main label.

FAQs on Buying and Selling Second-Hand Nappies

Are Second-Hand Nappies Safe to Use?

Yes, second-hand nappies are safe to use if properly cleaned. Washing them at the highest temperatures manufacturers recommend and stripping them ensures they are safe and hygienic and removes any detergent build-up. Be cautious of mildew marks, damage, or nappies that smell really strongly - of ammonia or detergent.

How Can I Avoid Scams When Buying or Selling?

To avoid scams:

• Only use trusted platforms and sellers with positive reviews.
• Request detailed photos and ask specific questions.
• Use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods and Services, which offer buyer protection as does vinted.

What Should I Do if I Receive Second-Hand Nappies in Poor Condition?

Contact the seller immediately to address the issue. If you paid via a platform offering buyer protection, you may be eligible for a refund. Always check listings carefully and ask questions to avoid surprises.

Can Second-Hand Nappies Be Returned?

Second-hand nappies are usually sold as-is, so returns are rare. Always clarify the seller’s return policy before purchasing.

Buying and selling second-hand nappies is a sustainable, cost-effective way to embrace reusable nappies while saving money. By following the tips in this guide, you can confidently navigate the process and make the most of the second-hand nappy market.

You can contact us directly for advice, the team chat pee, poo and periods all day long and are happy to help!  We’d also love to hear your experiences or answer any questions in the comments!

You can read more of our blogs for helpful tips and guides:

How many cloth nappies do I need?

Whats the difference between nappy inserts and boosters?

Best nappies for the environment

About the Author: Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking, cycling and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.She is excited to share her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for all things reusable, helping a new generation of parents navigate eco-friendly choices for their children.