If you're a parent who cloth diapers and your baby is finally potty trained, what do you do with all those old diapers? Most cloth diapering devotees are keenly aware of their carbon footprint and want the diapers put to good use. Of course, if you plan on having more kids and the diapers are still in good shape, just pack them away for future use. But if your diapering days are over, read on for some fun and useful ideas.
Donate the Diapers
Many parents are surprised to learn that cloth diapers can be reused even after their baby has outgrown them. In fact, donating old cloth diapers is a great way to help other families in need while also reducing waste. But how do you go about donating cloth diapers?
There are a few different options. Many local organizations, such as homeless shelters and food banks, accept cloth diaper donations. You can also check to see if there are any diaper banks in your area. These organizations collect and distribute cloth diapers to families who cannot afford them. Finally, you can always donate directly to a family in need.
Wherever you choose to donate your old cloth diapers, be sure to wash them first. This will help ensure that they are clean and ready to use. You can then drop them off at the donation site or send them through the mail. Whichever method you choose, donating cloth diapers is a great way to give back to your community.
Sell Them!
You have a few different options when it comes to how you can sell your old cloth diapers. One option is to post them for sale on an online forum or marketplace, such as Craigslist or eBay. Another option is to sell them through a consignment store that specializes in baby items. You could also hold a garage sale and include the diapers among the other items that you are selling.
There are plenty of online sites for buying and selling diapers such as Diaper Pin, Diaper Swappers, and Cloth Diaper Trader, and Re-Diaper to name a few.
Make you you get good, well-lit photos of the diapers and be upfront about their condition by mentioning any stains or issues. The diapers will probably sell better if you make them into lots of 3 or more instead of selling them individually.
Where you sell your diapers will likely depend on how many diapers you have and how quickly you want to sell them. If you only have a few diapers and you need to sell them quickly, then posting them online or taking them to a consignment store is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you have a larger quantity of diapers and you're not in a hurry to sell them, then a garage sale might be the way to go. Regardless of where you sell them, make sure that you price the diapers competitively in order to attract buyers. Selling your old cloth diapers doesn't have to be difficult - with a little effort, you should be able to find a buyer in no time!
Get Crafty!
If you look on Pinterest, there is a whole world of ideas for crafting and upcycling with cloth diapers. Some of the ideas include burp cloths, bibs, wash cloths, sewing projects, hot pads, pot holders, and doll blankets. You could also use them as stuffing for other projects like pillows or stuffed animals.
Who knows? If you get really creative with a great idea, you might even start a business selling them or giving them away as presents.
Repurpose Them
If you're not the crafty type, old cloth diapers can be very useful around the house. Old cloth diapers can actually be quite useful around the house, even if they're no longer being used for their original purpose! Here are a few ideas for ways to put them to good use:
First, they make great dusting cloths. The fabric is soft and won't scratch surfaces, but it's also absorbent so it can pick up dust quickly. Just fold them into squares and use them in lieu of paper towels or microfiber cloths.
Second, they're great for cleaning windows. Again, the soft fabric won't scratch surfaces, but it will still pick up dirt and grime. Just dampen the diaper with water and wipe away.
Third, they can be used as rags for spills and other messes. The absorbent fabric will soak up liquid quickly, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, you can just toss them in the wash when you're done - no need to worry about staining.
They can make great replacement pads for Swiffer mops, they make great cleaning cloths for stainless steel and they are fantastic for drying dishes. Get creative!
Compost
One of the great things about cloth diapers is that they can be composted when your baby outgrows them! Not only is this eco-friendly, but it’s also a great way to fertilize your garden. Here’s how to do it:
First, cut the diapers into small pieces so they will break down more easily. You can also rip them into strips if you prefer. Next, add the pieces to your compost bin or pile, and mix in some other green materials like grass clippings or vegetable scraps. Be sure to keep the compost moist, but not too wet, by adding water as needed. Finally, let the compost sit for several months until it has broken down completely. Then you can spread it on your garden beds and enjoy healthy plants all season long. Composting is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and help improve soil health.
Conclusion
Whatever you decide to do with your used cloth diapers, make sure you take the time to research the best option for you and your family. Whatever you do with them, used cloth diapers are a valuable resource. So don't throw them away - put them to good use!
FAQs
Q1. When should you throw away cloth diapers?
“Plus, you can use cloth diapers for two to three years, on average, and probably longer if you take good care of them,” she says. Another difference with washable diapers for babies is the amount of laundry in your future. Cloth diapers need to be washed every two to three days to avoid stink and staining issues.
Q2. How much do cloth diapers resale for?
Prefolds (cotton) typically sell for $0.50 to $1.00 each in lots. Prefolds (bamboo/cotton) are $1.00 to $2.00 each. Flats (cotton) typically sell for $0.50 each in lots.
Q3. Can you make money selling cloth diapers?
Oftentimes, in a cloth diaper business, you typically work alone and do not have much face-to-face interaction with other team members. As a cloth diaper business, you typically pay self-employment taxes which can be quite high.
Q4. Where can I sell cloth diapers?
You could sell on eBay, Diaperswappers, in the Babycenter cloth diaper forum (or other similar mommy/cloth diapering forum), on a yard sale website, or even back to some retailers, most of whom will give you store credit for them.
Related
Visit Our Website
Read Our Blogs
Read: Bidets in America-Is a bidet in your future?
Read: How To Wash Cloth Diapers: 5 Time-Saving Tips
Read: How to Use a Diaper Sprayer