7 Tips for Buying Secondhand or Used Cloth Diapers for Your Baby

Buying secondhand cloth diapers can be a great way to save money while building your cloth diaper stash.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you find high-quality used cloth diapers that are in good, usable condition. 

1.Research and Verify Condition of used Cloth Diapers

Understand Product Care and Longevity:

Take a look at how the brand or manufacturer recommends caring for the diapers and ask the sellers how they have maintained the items.

For cloth diapers, it's important to understand the seller's washing habits as well as how long they've had the items. Certain brands of cloth diapers hold up better over time. We do not recommend purchasing diapers with retail costs below $5 in used condition — as these items tend to have short lifespans.

Check Brand Reviews:

Look for reviews on the specific brands and models you're interested in. Boutique brands in almost-new condition or with hard to find prints or colors, will command higher prices than items that are readily accessible at retail or easy to find on amazon.

Condition is Subjective:

Remember that the condition of a used cloth diaper can vary from one person's perspective to another. What one seller considers minor staining, you might see as major. Ask for photos and if you're not sure or a seller is not transparent with information, pass on the listing. 

2. Inspect Before Buying

Look for Wear and Tear:

Pay attention to signs of wear such as worn-out elastic or damaged waterproofing (PUL) layers, which can affect the diaper's effectiveness. If the photos provided do not show enough detail, ask the seller to provide additional photos of different areas of the used cloth diaper.

Be wary of Detergent Build Up:

It is okay to ask a seller about their wash routine before purchasing secondhand or used cloth diapers. Be wary of a seller that is not willing to disclosure wash habits or the laundry detergent brand that they use. While detergent build up can be resolved and removed from most diapers, it can be tricky and frustrating to remedy — especially for new to cloth diapering families.

3. Sanitize Before Use

Disinfect Preloved Items:

Regardless of the condition or the seller's assurances, always disinfect used cloth diapers before using them on your baby. This ensures they are clean and safe. Bacteria like Staph or E-coli can hang out in the fibers of the diaper undetected and be transferred to your baby's bottom if diapers are not properly sanitized before wear.

Sanitize used cloth diapers at home following these simple steps.

4. Avoid Overpaying

Compare Prices:

Be aware of the retail prices of new cloth diapers and compare them with the asking price for used cloth diapers. If the savings are minimal, consider buying new

Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: 

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Demand proof of the condition of the diapers before purchasing.

5. Where to Buy

Consignment Shops:

Look for diaper consignment shops in your area. You may be surprised to find gently used cloth diapers at your local baby consignment shop.

Online Buy, Sell, Trade Groups:

Facebook is full of groups where you can buy, sell and trade new and used baby items, including used cloth diapers. 

Looking to Buy, Sell or Trade Kinder Diapers? Join the official Kinder facebook buy sell trade group. 

Kinder is not responsible for personal transactions within the group. Please only use PayPal goods and services for payment, as PayPal will be able to help you dispute any fraudulent transactions for goods not sent by seller. Kinder is not responsible for defective products bought and sold within the group. If you believe that an item that you have received is defective, please contact the original seller. You may report deceptive sellers to admins and moderators of the group for review.

Resale websites:

eBay, Poshmark, Mercari and facebook marketplace offer many options and brands of used cloth diapers. 

6. Make Informed Decisions Quickly

Act Fast:

The resale market for high-quality, second-hand or used cloth diapers can be competitive. Be prepared to make decisions quickly but don't compromise on your standards.

7. Check Seller Feedback

Seller Reputation:

When buying from platforms like eBay or Poshmark, check the seller's feedback to gauge their reliability and the quality of the products they sell.

By following these tips, you can successfully navigate the market for used cloth diapers, ensuring you get quality products that are safe and comfortable for your baby, all while keeping your expenses in check.