Millions of disposable nappies are sent to landfill each year. Help us to reduce that number by switching to cloth nappies.
Attend a reusable cloth nappy workshop to receive a complimentary starter pack of five reusable nappies!
- The Community Reusable Nappy Pack Program is open to residents of the City of Greater Bendigo.
- A maximum of five (5) cloth nappies will be provided per applicant.
- The reusable nappies will be one size fits most.
- Applicants agree to complete two 5-minute surveys to help us improve the program.
- Nappies are provided to the primary nappy changer’s household. Grandparents, aunts etc. are welcome to attend the workshop, however additional nappies will not be provided to these participants.
- Nappy packs will be available for collection on the day, for online events a collection time will be advised, proof of identity is required for collection.
Benefits of cloth vs disposable nappies
| Cloth | Disposable | |
|---|---|---|
| Per child | Approx. 20-30 | 5,000-6,000 |
| Use | Multiple children | Single use |
| Cost per child | $250 to $1000 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Resale | Yes | No |
| After use | Wash, reuse | Landfill 100+ years |
Buying - cost and sources
Cloth nappies can cost anywhere between about $5 to $35 each.
Search online to see cloth nappy examples and brands. Price, quality and absorbency varies a lot. Most brands offer trial packs with a range of sizes. Large chain or department stores sell terry squares or pre-fold cloth nappies.
You can also purchase second hand nappies. Be sure to strip and sanitise them before use.
Using - types and accessories
Some families choose to use cloth nappies part time, such as during the day.
'One Size Fits Most', all in-one (AIO) or all-in-two (AI2) nappies work like disposable nappies. They include absorbent and water-resistant covers and are fastened with buttons. Flats and prefolds need pins or plastic fasteners as well as waterproof covers.
Consider using cloth rather than disposable wipes. Get a wet bag to store used nappies when you are out and about. They are water and odour resistant. Wet bags are made with water-resistant PUL.
Washing - how to
You will need a good quality detergent and an open aerated basket.
How to deal with a soiled cloth nappy:
- Rinse: Place solids in the toilet and rinse then store in an open aerated basket (dry pail) for up to 2 days
- Prewash: A short 30-minute warm/hot wash to remove most of the soiling. Store for 1-2 days in an open airy basket until you have enough for a full load
- Main wash: A long/heavy warm or hot wash. Fill load with small items (nothing bigger than an adult size t-shirt/pillowcase) for maximum agitation
Register for updates
If you would like to register your interest in the next cloth nappy workshop (held every 3-4 months) or if you have questions about the cloth nappy program, please provide the following information.