Nappies from a nappy library are not brand new nappies and will have, in most instances, been used on other babies beforehand. They will be washed and packed by me before each loan and will be in a good clean condition. I make up the trial kits on a one to one basis but do think it is best for people to trial a mixed kit with lots of different types of nappies so they can decide what they like best. You can also use a nappy library if you are already a cloth nappy user but want to try something new or solve a specific issue or problem.
It is generally not advisable to borrow a kit before your baby is born as the loan period is for one month and you can risk holding a kit for a whole month unused whilst waiting for your baby to arrive! A lot of cloth nappies are birth to potty (one sized) and therefore do not fit a baby under 8/9lbs (some fitting from 10lbs upwards) so trailing these nappies is best done on babies 10lbs and above. Prefolds with nippas (and terry squares or muslins) with small wraps work very well on new-borns – see this video on you tube so it may be worth getting a few of these to use in the first month and borrow a trial kit once your baby is over 10lbs. If you are lucky enough to live in a borough that offers vouchers (see Real Nappies for London or contact your local council) then you can use this voucher to buy small wraps and prefolds, terry’s or muslins and nippas and borrow the trial bucket to use once your baby is bigger. Prefolds etc. can be used throughout your baby’s time in nappies so are very very cost effective.
BEXLEY REAL NAPPY NETWORK – LIBRARY
This Library is owned by Bexley Council but run by me, with the support of Maria Migdal from Bexley council. It is registered with the UK cloth Nappy Libraries Network www.uknappynetwork.org and all details are kept on file there using a Jot form. The UK Nappy Network can also be found on Facebook. When borrowing a trail bucket you are required to follow the washing guidelines which can be found here
If you would like to borrow nappies from the Bexley Nappy Library then you need to contact me juliet@thewashablenappy.co.uk or ring me on 078339327210. The trial bucket will be designed to suit your requirements and can be borrowed for one month. You will need to pay a £20 refundable deposit and £1 per nappy borrowed. Loans are free of charge for foster parents. At the moment nappies are posted out and the cost of postage is £10. You will need to send back the nappies after you have used them, I will send you a returns label form, the return postage costs are included in the £10 postage fee. Your trial bucket will include between 15 and 20 nappies, wraps, liners and washable wipes and you must wash your nappies in accordance with our guidelines for washing nappies and you must not deviate from these guidelines. The nappies should be washed before they are returned. This library is open to anyone, not just Bexley residents.
HASTINGS & ST LEONARDS ON SEA CLOTH NAPPY LIBRARY
Please contact me to book a loan bucket. I have one birth to potty trial kit and one newborn kit. These can be borrowed for 1 month. My email is juliet@thewashablenappy.co.uk or phone number is 07833927210