When you are looking into buying some modern cloth nappies, keep in mind that you are shopping for your baby, and shopping is fun. Getting great bargains and the modern cloth stash of your choice is a matter of making a few choices and then taking the plunge. No matter what you choose, it is great to know that there is a booming market in second hand nappies, so worse-case scenario, you don't like what you first choose, simply sell it on to a new home.
Here are 7 Important Ideas for You to Keep in Mind When Buying Modern Cloth Nappies:
1. Determine Style of Nappy You Will Need.
Do some research and decide the style of nappy that you want to focus on. All-in Ones, Pocket nappies, fitted or shaped with covers, perhaps traditional prefolds, the most simple of the modern cloth nappy, or the improved trifold...
2. Determine a Budget Range.
Knowing you have 0 to spend is a start, helping you to find nappy sets within your budget range. Perhaps you are going to spend 0 and get a sizeable stash, or less and get some more later on...
3. Determine the Number of Nappies You Want.
Which brings us to numbers - enough for one or two days, and using disposables the rest of the time? That will be about 12 - 15 nappies. Full time, you'll need around 24 or so. Depends on how often you like to wash - more means washing them less often, and you can put them all through a full load.
4. Consider Postage Costs.
Buying nappies online means you WILL need to factor in postage, unless you target a local retailer and can arrange to go and pick them up from their home or a market they go to. Keep your eye out for specials on postage - you can sometimes even get free postage on bulk orders if you are patient. Knowing how many nappies fit in a postage pack is another way to save, as buying one nappy at each shop will be far more expensive than three from the one place, as postage is based on weight and can be combined.
5. Consider Packages.
Bulk packs, value packs, these are always a good bet for saving. Check out these offers, and you might find a decent discount can be applied. Packaging up one larger lot of nappies is also easier for the retailer!
6. ASK for Help, Even Discounts from the Retailer.
Yes, you can ask. Ask for advice - they love to help. Perhaps you can find a better combination of nappies to suit your needs, or gain a bulk pack discount, even for a mixed variety of nappies, simply by asking... Read through the FAQ on the site to be sure you know the features and benefits of the nappy style, and how to use and care for them. Nothing worse than stuffing up on the first wash by accidentally putting them in with a set of white clothes and having them run! Though, often the fabrics are pre-washed, it is often recommended to pre-wash your nappies to maximise their absorbency and just to be sure... Also, see if the retailer promotes that they are experienced and happy to answer questions - some stores might not have the experience, and recommend you talk to the original maker. It's good to know these things.
7. Rate Other Factors
You may like to factor in ephemeral things like which website you liked navigating, how easy it was to look around, chat with the owner, consider the ethics of the materials used and production methods, favour only natural products, or ensure the nappies come from a pet-free and smoke-free home. These things are often mentioned, and can become part of your decision if you have some similar choices facing you.
Now make your decision!
I invite you to download my free guide, 'Your Modern Cloth Nappy Buying Guide - a Key to Finding the Best Cloth Nappy Deal for You.' It'll help you to do your research, comparing prices, postage and other factors with ease.
