Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Free Cloth Diapers: 15 Ways to Get Them

by Leave a Comment

Over the years, I’ve been asked this a lot: “I’d love to try cloth but can’t afford it. Is there any way to get free ones to try out?”

I know the upfront cost can seem daunting. When your choices are a cheap pack of disposables for $7 or a starter stash of cloth for $50 or $75, it’s easy to see why families keep opting for throw-aways week after week.

While I believe it’s not that hard to cloth diaper cheaply (you can get started with as little as twenty bucks), what about the question? Is it really possible to get free cloth diapers? The answer is YES. I’ve taken advantage of nearly all the methods below to score free diapers, so I know they work.

#1 JUST ASK. This is so easy, and it works so please don’t skip this tip and go to the others just yet. Hit up your friends, your relatives and even the ladies at church. Tell them you are cloth diapering.  Ask if they have any old stuff that isn’t being used any more. Some specific ideas:

  • Post “Want Ads” or am “ISO” (In Search Of) on Craigslist, Freecycle, Facebook, etc.
  • Put up a flyer at your church, workplace or organization (with permission) that you are looking for old/unwanted cloth diapers.
  • Mention it to your friends and family when relevant. For instance, if you’re chatting with someone about your pregnancy, say “By the way, we’re hoping to cloth diaper the baby, so if you know of anyone who has some they might want to get rid of, please let me know!”

#2 GIVEAWAYS & SWEEPSTAKES. At my blog, and many others, there are cloth diaper giveaways that you can enter. Use DAILY entries like shares, tweets, comments and votes. Daily entries work because you’re throwing your name in the hat intermittently, which gets your entries “mixed in” at regular intervals. Lots of cloth diaper giveaways happen on Facebook and not on blogs, so you’ll need to check in to your favorite brand and store pages regularly. Ones that quickly come to mind are Bambino Mio, Lil’ Helper, GroVia, Thirsties and Lighthouse Diapers. If you are expecting a baby and want to be eligible to win a free cloth diaper for your baby, add your name to my Bonjour, Baby! list.

#3 GET A TESTER. Keep your eyes peeled for tester opportunities from brands, retailers and WAHM shops (esp. Hyena Cart). They often post on Facebook that tester slots are open. GroVia did this a while back. Bambino Mio mailed free AIO diapers recently for the cost of shipping only. A while back, Gerber was giving away free prefolds. If you are a member of Diaper Swappers, there is a forum where WAHM’s offer diapers and accessories for testing. Each offer is unique so check the details. Diapers are often 100% free. Occasionally, they will ask you to pay a few bucks for shipping.

#4 STALK THE FORUMS. Both Diaper Pin and Diaper Swappers have a special section for totally free stuff. One of them is called Free for Shipping; you only pay for actual postage. You have to be faster than a speeding bullet, though, because the stuff goes very quickly.

#5 STORE PROMOS: In this case, you do have to make a purchase to get the freebie. But hey, you do get something free! To sweeten the bargain, be sure to get free shipping as well. Another way to use this method to score free cloth diapers is to buy something at an online cloth retailer that you HAD to buy anyway. Let’s say you need a nursing bra or a baby carrier or some organic skincare. Make your purchase at Nicki’s or Diaper Junction or Kelly’s Closet instead of Walmart or Target and you might get a free diaper if your order total is big enough.

#6 CHECK WITH CHARITIES. If you are truly going through a financial hardship that prevents the purchase of new or even used diapers, look up charities that provide free packages to deserving families. A few that come to mind off the top of my head are Jake’s Diapers, Giving Diapers, Giving Hope and Cloth for Everybum. If you need prayers and encouragement, please post your need on my Bee a Friend apostolate page.

#7 SEW AWAY. Google free cloth diaper patterns and you’ll get hundreds, if not thousands, of results. You can use towels, t-shirts, receiving blankets, old fleece and any other suitable materials you already have on hand to create a decent stash for nothing (except the cost of velcro for your covers).

#8 BE A PROMOTER: Every single diaper in the photo posted at the top was earned for free by promoting my affiliate links at cloth diaper stores or Amazon. It pays to sign up for your favorite stores, because every time you share your unique link and someone clicks it and makes a purchase, you’ll earn 5 to 10 percent of the sale. If you don’t have a blog, some of the best places to share your links are online forums (if it’s allowed), online chats, Facebook threads with friends and family and email conversations.

#9 FACEBOOK CHAT: Every Monday night, Cotton Babies hosts a “cloth diaper chat” on Facebook and you might have a chance to win a free diaper or accessories. Other brands often hold Facebook chats or events like this as well, including GroVia. (Thanks to Alanna for this tip!)

#10 LOCAL EVENTS: If you attend local events like the Great Cloth Diaper Change or natural parenting seminars, expos, cloth diaper store openings or anniversaries, etc., there are often free diapers and samples given away. (Thanks to Whitney for this tip!)

#11 MAKE A TRADE: Facebook and online forums have swap groups you can join. Post what you have available for trade and say you’re ISO (in search of) diapers in exchange. You can offer almost anything for trade (shoes, books, CD’s and DVD’s, clothing, toys and even stuff like Mary Kay and coupons). If someone really wants what you have, they will be willing to send you free diapers in exchange. Another example of trading is using online cash rewards programs to buy diapers. More trading possibilities open up if you have an active blog, Instagram or YouTube channel. Ask a shop or brand to offer a free diaper in exchange for a review. You can also trade ad space on your blog for products.

#12 BE A FAN: Sites like Change Diapers have “top fan” promos that reward people who interact the most on their Facebook pages. This is different from a regular giveaway with an entry mechanism; you simply have to work hard at being active on their pages with likes, shares and comments. (thanks to Jill for this tip!) 

#13 BABY OR GIFT REGISTRY: If you’re expecting or creating a gift wish list, add cloth diapers to it. Amazon has a lot of cloth diapers for sale and Prime members get free shipping. Wal-mart now has cloth diapers; you can register in-store or online, plus get free 2-day shipping on orders over $35. If someone asks what you’d like best for your birthday or Christmas or Mother’s Day, mention that you are trying to build a stash of diapers for your baby. (thanks to Tessa for this tip!)

#14 LEAVE REVIEWS: Many online cloth diaper retailers offer incentives to customers who take time to leave product reviews. The reward might be a product, gift card or store credit/rewards points. (Thanks to Melissa for this tip!)

#15 GIFT CARD SWAP: Next time someone gives you a gift card to Wal-Mart or Amazon, use it to buy cloth diapers. Same goes for Visa gift cards. Ask friends or post on Facebook if you have gift cards from Starbucks, restaurants or other retailers that you would be willing to trade for something that can be used at a cloth diaper shop. Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique has a gift card program; you can turn in cards that you don’t want for cloth diaper store credit!

WHAT ABOUT FREE SAMPLES? You might be wondering, “why doesn’t anyone offer free samples of cloth diapers?” There’s a good reason that companies don’t hand out free cloth samples all the time. It costs too much! A throw-away Huggies diaper is worth a few pennies, but one of the most popular pocket diapers in America (bumGenius 5.0) is $19.99. Besides, it’s not really practical to send just one diaper to try out because many potential customers aren’t even using cloth yet. Washing just 1 diaper, and trying to get a taste for cloth with just 1 diaper, don’t make much sense. Add to this the low mark-up for cloth and see why free samples would be a huge money drain for companies. This is why you instead have discounted sample packages or trial programs (aff link) being offered. This enables you to get a full set of diapers to try out. 

GOT ANY MORE FREE DIAPER SOURCES? I’d love to hear them! 

If your idea is published here, you get a FREE cloth diaper!

 

 

 

This information was originally published in 2013, but I update it regularly!

What to Buy if Your Teenager Helps With Cloth Diaper Changes

by 8 Comments

Do you have a spouse, teenager or other caregiver that helps out with diaper changes? Chances are, if you use cloth, they have their favorites.

That’s what I asked Catherine the other day. She’s almost fourteen now and has been helping me with diaper changes for years. My post today is equal parts curiosity and practicality. I was interested in her opinions since we have so many brands and styles, but I also felt like her perspective as a cloth diaper “helper” might be useful to those who are wondering which diapers to buy for caregivers to use.

Here’s her list:

Flip Covers: Catherine told me she likes Cotton Babies’ signature stretchy tabs with the double snaps because they stay put and lie flat when fastened.  “It drives me crazy when the wings curl back!” Another plus? No extra hip snap to fasten, so Flips are faster for her to get on. You can find Flips and the entire bumGenius family of diapers at Cotton Babies with free USA shipping.

Diaper Safari Covers: You can buy a snap or hook and loop version. Catherine loves the latter, and caregivers who tend to fumble with snaps will appreciate it, too. Diaper Safari covers are also roomy, so Catherine always knows they will fit over anything in our rotation. The bright colors and cute jungle animals are a plus. (I like that they are only $10 apiece with free shipping at Nicki’s Diapers!) 🙂

Prefolds: My daughter told me flat out “I don’t like to stuff anything!” So folding a prefold in thirds is her favorite way to use covers. Some of our favorites? The silky soft bamboo prefolds at Diaper Junction and Buttons.

GroVia Hybrid System: This is another hook and loop diaper Catherine uses a lot, and GroVia’s is top quality. The uniquely designed laundry tabs are tucked under a fabric loop that keeps them protected in the laundry. When GroVia inserts are snapped into the diaper shell, they stay put even while washing and drying, making the GroVia hybrid capable of functioning like an All-in-One system. You can shop the full line-up at GroVia.com, or at retailers like Diaper Junction and Nicki’s.

Lighthouse All-in-One: Catherine is undeniably the artist of our family, and has learned a lot from her grandmother who paints and sketches. So the beautiful, beach-inspired colors and prints from Lighthouse were an instant hit. Vanessa at Greenpath Baby has created many of her diaper designs from original paintings and sketches! As a diaper, the Lighthouse AIO is simple for Catherine to use, with a fully attached, fold-out insert and a waterproof outer. You’ll need fast fingers to grab the newest Lighthouse Diaper prints; the last release (Celestial Seas) sold out within minutes. Thankfully, there are other prints and solids still available at Dearest Diapers and Fluff and Familia; price starts at $20.99.

It was so much fun picking Catherine’s brain, that I had to ask her a few more questions. 🙂

Favorite print of all time? Afternoon Tea by Buttons Diapers

Which brand has come up with a great name? “I’ve always thought Blueberry is a really cute name! Rumparooz is fun to say AND has an adorable logo (the kangaroo).”

What do you like about cloth diapering? It saves our family a lot of money.

What do you not like? “The extra time it takes up. It’s pretty quick and easy to wrap up a disposable and toss in the trash.”

What print or color would you love to see on a cloth diaper? “No one has done a Greek or Roman design, with people in togas!”

When you get married and have a baby, will you use cloth diapers? “Yes, I think I will. BUT, if I find out I’m expecting while I already have a baby in diapers, I’ll use disposables to give myself a break!”

Is someone else besides you helping you with cloth diaper changes? I’d love to know what their favorites are, so let me know in a comment!

Is It Worth It to Cloth Diaper Just One Child?

by Leave a Comment

Is cloth diapering worth the time and effort if you’ll only be using them for one child? Yes, I think so, and here’s why.

Even if you only diaper one child in cloth, you will keep thousands of dirty diapers out of landfills. And you will still reap big financial benefits. Enter your unique numbers into the Thirsties Calculator; you could realize up to $2,000 (or more) in savings.

You might ask, “What about the water and energy I’ll use washing the diapers?” I’ve got that question answered here.

And after your cloth diapers have served their purpose, you can still re-sell and get some money back. Can’t do that with disposables! One way you can maximize your money savings if only cloth diapering one child is to buy used. That way, you’ll save significantly on your start-up costs.

And there are still a few MORE reasons that most families are really happy they choose cloth, no matter what their family size:

  • Your cloth diapering experience can help other families who have questions or need support.
  • Cloth diapers are adorable, beautiful, stunning, (insert your adjective of choice) and just plain fun to collect purchase.
  • You will meet new friends and broaden your horizons by being a part of the cloth diapering community.
  • Cloth diapers have helped out a lot of babies who were sensitive, or allergic, to disposables.
  • Cloth diapering families help support other families and small businesses with their purchases.

So while it is true that the benefits multiply for each child that uses your diapers, never forget that even a single diaper change makes a positive impact!

What are some reasons that you’re happy you gave cloth a try?

 

 

 

 

 

This content was previously published at the Kelly Wels blog and has been updated.

No-Sew $2 Fleece Diaper Cover

by 9 Comments

My number one reason for getting started with cloth diapers in 2009 was for the money savings. One of the first things I tried was a fleece cover made by a WAHM. It got me wishing I could make my own, but since my sewing skills are so limited I bookmarked this no-sew YouTube tutorial.  Fast forward 6 years; I actually got around to making my own no-sew cover this month.

I grabbed a one-size diaper cover and simply traced around it with scissors, making sure that it was not only bigger, but that the wings were extra long and thin, since you have to tie them around your baby’s waist:

Here is the finished cover. Obviously, it’s not perfect, since I just eyeballed it and started cutting around the shark diaper. But it fit Mary Kate just fine. My next cover will be better because I’m going to use this one to make a brown paper pattern.

The kind of fleece that you use matters, so cutting up an old fleece blanket or re-purposing a pair of fleece pajama pants might not be your best bet. You can buy a yard of polar fleece at Walmart or on Ebay for anywhere from $3.00 to $5.00. From each yard, you can make 2-3 covers, depending on your baby’s age, so the price for each cover averages about $2.00. If you do want to try this with old or thin fleece, I strongly suggest doubling up your covers (i.e. cut out two and use them one on top of another).

For my testing, I used a prefold diaper, folded in thirds. After wrapping the diaper and cover around Mary Kate, I tied up the wings in the middle.

If the rise is too high, you can just fold it down a little at the front, but mine was just right. I think the front ties make this a pretty cute little cover.

Here are the finished dimensions, which should fit an older baby or a small toddler. If you’re unsure about sizing for a smaller or larger child, just trace over a cover that currently fits him, like I did.

I let Mary Kate crawl around and play for more than an hour in her prefold and fleece wrap. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much shifting and everything pretty much stayed in place. Fleece has a natural stretch and give.

After two hours I changed her. The prefold was almost completely wet, and there was a little bit of #2, but everything was contained. The fleece was still dry.

I wouldn’t recommend going past the two-hour mark with this fleece cover because fleece is prone to compression leaks. Also, there isn’t any elastic in the legs for extra protection against blowouts. This cover is super cheap, comfortable, and has a stay-dry quality, but it’s definitely not in the same league as a waterproof PUL or wool cover.

Fleece is also known for holding onto odors if you don’t have a good wash routine. HINT: You can boost the water-resistant quality of fleece by using fabric softener.

Final thoughts: It feels good to actually make a diaper cover for your child! And this one was cheap and dead-easy. I feel like this bare bones diapering method could work for a family that’s literally pinching pennies. If they couldn’t afford prefolds, they could double up on flour sack towels or use old t-shirts. Night time would be tricky if you had a heavy wetter. Perhaps you could use two of these fleece covers together for extra protection?

A cheap fleece cover like this is also a good emergency diaper option, or a way to get started with cloth diapers without having to spend money on a set of PUL or wool diaper covers.

What I Don’t Like About Cloth Diapers

by 15 Comments

Even the biggest cloth diapering fan (*cough cough*) will admit that there are some challenges. Today’s post was inspired by a Facebook giveaway I did recently, where readers were asked “What do you not like about cloth diapers?” Yes, there were some who said “Nothing!” but see if you can identify with any of these common responses. I’ve sprinkled a few links throughout that address some of these issues, so feel free to click around.

Cloth Diaper Difficulties:

  • Soaking and stripping (when you have yeast, bacteria, build-up, etc.)
  • Finding a nighttime solution
  • Dealing with sensitive skin (reactions to wetness, elastics and certain fabrics)
  • Fitting clothes over bulky diapers
  • Storage/space constraints (at home and when traveling)
  • Dealing with extra messy diapers (“scary poop” as Jeanette at Mama Bananas’s Adventures calls it)
  • Finding a reliable wash routine
  • Using cloth without a washing machine or dryer at home
  • Information overload (too many choices, too much conflicting advice, finding the best deals, etc.)
  • Time spent sorting and/or stuffing clean diapers
  • Waiting for diapers to dry, especially when you don’t have an electric dryer
  • Having to do more frequent diaper changes
  • And of course, more laundry

Do any of these resonate with you? Or has cloth diapering pretty much been smooth sailing for your family?