Are you considering cloth diapers for your baby but concerned about the initial investment? Buying second-hand cloth diapers in Singapore has become an increasingly popular option for parents looking to save money while making an environmentally friendly choice. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about finding, assessing, and purchasing pre-loved cloth diapers in Singapore’s growing resale market.
Why Consider Second-Hand Cloth Diapers?
The second-hand cloth diaper market offers several compelling advantages for Singapore parents:
Significant Cost Savings
New cloth diapers require a substantial upfront investment:
A full set of 30 new cloth diapers can cost S$300-900, depending on brands and types
Premium brands like GroVia or Bumgenius can cost S$30-45 per diaper when purchased new
By contrast, second-hand cloth diapers typically sell for:
30-70% of their original retail price, depending on the condition
S$10-25 for premium brands in good condition
S$5-15 for standard brands in good condition
Even lower prices for bulk purchases
These savings make cloth diapering much more accessible to families on a budget while still providing long-term financial benefits for your child compared to disposables.
Environmental Benefits
Purchasing second-hand cloth diapers amplifies their already significant environmental advantages:
Extends the useful life of existing products
Reduces demand for new manufacturing
Creates a circular economy for baby products
Prevents functional items from entering the waste stream
Buying preloved diapers is the most sustainable diapering option for environmentally conscious parents.
Try Different Brands and Styles
The second-hand market allows parents to:
Experiment with various diaper styles without committing to a full set
Test different brands to find what works best for their baby’s body type
Access premium brands that might be outside their budget when purchasing new
Customize their stash with different options for different situations
This flexibility is valuable since diaper fit and performance can vary significantly from baby to baby.
Where to Find Second-Hand Cloth Diapers in Singapore
Singapore has a vibrant market for preloved cloth diapers with several platforms connecting buyers and sellers:
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become the dominant platform for cloth diaper exchanges in Singapore, offering:
A large selection of listings updated daily
Direct communication with sellers
The ability to see the seller’s profile
Local pickup options to avoid shipping costs
Many parents search for terms like “cloth diapers,” “preloved diapers,” or specific brand names to find relevant listings.
Region-Specific Buy-Sell-Trade Groups
Singapore has several active Facebook groups dedicated to cloth diaper exchanges:
“Cloth Diapering Singapore BST” (Buy-Sell-Trade)
“Singapore Cloth Diaper Marketplace”
“Natural Parenting Singapore BST”
These groups often have established rules and reputation systems that create trust between buyers and sellers.
Buy Nothing Groups
For parents on tight budgets, Singapore’s Buy Nothing groups can be excellent resources:
These hyperlocal groups promote giving and receiving items freely within neighborhoods
Cloth diapers frequently appear as gifts when families finish their cloth diapering journey
The community aspect builds connections with other local parents
While selection may be limited, the price (free) can’t be beaten, making this an excellent option for families with financial constraints.
Carousell
This popular Singapore-based marketplace app features hundreds of cloth diaper listings:
User ratings provide some assurance about seller reliability
In-app messaging simplifies communication
Search filters help narrow options by location, price, and condition
Both individual diapers and bulk lots are commonly available
Many parents find Carousell particularly user-friendly for browsing available options.
What to Look For When Buying Used Cloth Diapers
Assessing the condition of second-hand cloth diapers requires attention to several key factors:
Essential Quality Checks
When evaluating preloved cloth diapers, examine:
The comfort and breathability of cloth diapers can be compared to wearing regular clothes, highlighting the benefits of using natural materials.
Elasticity
Leg elastics should be stretchy, not relaxed or worn out
Waist elastics should maintain tension when stretched
Replacing elastics is possible but requires sewing skills
PUL (Waterproof Layer) Condition
Look for delamination (separation of the layers)
Check for cracks or holes in the waterproof backing
Ensure there’s no stiffness or brittleness in the material
Closures
All snaps should fasten securely without slipping
Velcro/hook-and-loop should still grip effectively
Missing snaps or worn-out Velcro significantly affects functionality
Absorbency
Inserts should be fluffy, not flat or compressed
Natural fibre inserts (cotton, bamboo, hemp) often become more absorbent with use
Microfiber inserts typically have a shorter lifespan and may need replacement
Overall Condition
Some staining is normal and doesn’t affect function
Frayed edges or loose stitching may indicate heavy use
Strong odours that persist after washing can indicate improper care
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious about purchasing if you notice:
Strong ammonia smell (indicates improper washing)
Mold or mildew (can be difficult to fully remove)
Severely relaxed elastics on multiple diapers
Significant PUL damage or delamination
Heavy wear on hook-and-loop closures
These issues can affect functionality and may require repairs or replacement parts.
Understanding Pricing in the Second-Hand Market
Prices for used cloth diapers in Singapore follow fairly consistent patterns based on brand, condition, and completeness:
Typical Price Ranges
Premium brands (GroVia, Bumgenius, Thirsties):
Excellent condition: S$18-30 per diaper
Good condition: S$12-20 per diaper
Well-used: S$8-15 per diaper
Mid-range brands (Alva, Charlie Banana):
Excellent condition: S$10-18 per diaper
Good condition: S$7-12 per diaper
Well-used: S$4-8 per diaper
Budget brands:
Excellent condition: S$5-10 per diaper
Good condition: S$3-7 per diaper
Well-used: S$1-4 per diaper
Bulk lots often offer the best value:
Mixed condition/brand lots: S$3-8 per diaper
Starter sets with accessories: S$100-250 for 15-25 diapers
These prices represent significant savings compared to retail, especially when purchasing in bulk.
Factors Affecting Resale Value
Several elements influence the price of second-hand cloth diapers:
Brand reputation – Premium brands hold value better
Style popularity – Some prints or limited editions command higher prices
Completeness – Having original inserts and packaging increases value
Visible wear – Staining, although not affecting function, often lowers price
Seller’s knowledge – Experienced sellers who’ve properly maintained diapers may charge more, but the quality is often worth it
Sanitizing Second-Hand Cloth Diapers
Proper sanitization is essential when purchasing used cloth diapers. Follow these steps to ensure they’re clean and safe for your baby:
Stripping Process
Start by stripping the diapers to remove any detergent buildup:
Wash in hot water with a small amount of cloth-safe detergent
Rinse repeatedly until no bubbles appear in the rinse water
For stubborn buildup, specialized stripping additives like RLR Laundry Treatment are available in Singapore
Sanitization Methods
After stripping, sanitize using one of these methods based on material type:
For synthetic materials (microfiber, PUL, pocket diapers):
Bleach soak (1/4 cup bleach in a bathtub of cold water for 30 minutes)
Rinse thoroughly afterward
Follow with a regular wash cycle
For natural fibres (cotton, hemp, bamboo):
Boil for 10-15 minutes if the fabric allows
Alternatively, sun exposure provides natural disinfection
Commercial sanitizing additives like Tiny Tots Sanitiser are also effective
When out of the house, dealing with poop can be managed by using a wet bag to contain the mess until you can sanitize the diapers at home.
Final Preparation
Complete the process with:
A final wash with cloth-safe detergent
Extra rinse cycle to remove any residual cleaning agents
Sun drying to remove stains and provide additional UV disinfection
Cloth Diaper Terminology Guide
Understanding the terminology used in second-hand listings helps identify what’s being sold:
Common Terms in Listings
Preloved – Used cloth diapers, generally with a positive connotation
EUC – Excellent Used Condition
VGUC – Very Good Used Condition
GUC – Good Used Condition
Play condition – Functional but showing wear
Stash – A collection of cloth diapers
Destash – Selling part or all of a diaper collection
PUL – Polyurethane Laminate (the waterproof layer)
AIO – All-In-One diaper (most similar to disposables)
AI2 – All-In-Two diaper (cover with snap-in insert)
Pocket – Diaper with pocket for stuffing inserts
Cover – Waterproof shell used with prefolds or flats
Prefold – Rectangular absorbent cloth that requires folding
Flat – Large square of absorbent fabric requiring folding
Insert/Soaker – Absorbent pad used inside diapers
Booster – Additional insert for added absorbency
Wet bag – Waterproof bag for storing soiled diapers
Familiarizing yourself with these terms makes navigating listings much easier.
Cost Comparison: The Financial Case for Second-Hand
The financial advantage of second-hand cloth diapers becomes clear when comparing total costs over a child’s diapering years:
Total Diapering Costs (2.5-3 years)
Disposable diapers: Approximately S$2,000-2,500
Based on average S$0.35-0.50 per diaper
Using 6-8 diapers daily (2,190-2,920 diapers annually)
Annual cost of S$766-1,460
Multiply by 2.5-3 years of diapering
New cloth diapers + laundry costs: S$400-1,000
Initial investment: S$300-900
Laundry costs: S$100-200 (detergent, water, electricity)
Second-hand cloth diapers + laundry costs: S$250-500
Initial investment: S$150-400
Laundry costs: S$100-200
The savings are substantial, especially when considering multiple children can use the same cloth diapers.
Building a Second-Hand Cloth Diaper Stash
For parents new to cloth diapering, here’s guidance on assembling a complete second-hand system:
Essential Components
A complete cloth diaper system requires:
24-30 diaper changes (covers and absorbent parts)
2-3 wet bags for storing soiled diapers
Cloth-safe detergent
Optional liners for easier waste removal
Using cloth diapers also benefits from practical aspects and community support, such as rental services, second-hand markets, and shared personal experiences among cloth nappy users.
Strategic Purchasing
Consider these strategies when building your stash:
Start small – Begin with 5-6 diapers to test before expanding
Mix types – Different styles work better for different situations
Prioritize quality over quantity – Better brands often perform better and last longer
Look for bulk deals – Many sellers offer discounts for purchasing multiple diapers
Buy gradually – Accumulate your stash over time to spread out the cost
Accessory Recommendations
Don’t forget these helpful additions:
Diaper sprayer – Attaches to the toilet for easier cleaning
Cloth wipes – Often available second-hand alongside diapers
Hanging diaper pail – Works well in Singapore’s apartments
Small wet bag – For outings and diaper bag
Conclusion
Buying second-hand cloth diapers in Singapore offers a practical way to save money while making an environmentally responsible choice. With a thriving resale market across multiple platforms, parents can find quality preloved diapers at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
The key to success lies in knowing what to look for, understanding how to properly sanitize used diapers, and being strategic about building your stash. With some research and patience, you can assemble a high-quality cloth diaper system that will serve your family well while keeping hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket.
As more Singapore parents recognize the benefits of cloth diapering and the circular economy, the second-hand market continues to grow, offering even more options for budget-conscious, environmentally aware families. Whether you’re starting your cloth diapering journey or looking to expand your existing collection, the second-hand market provides an accessible entry point with significant financial and environmental advantages.
