Washable nappies
Modern washable nappies are easy to use and wash. They can save you hundreds of pounds compared to disposable nappies and have a huge impact on the amount of waste your household throws out. You don’t have to use them all the time - switching just one nappy change per day to a washable nappy will make a huge difference.
You can find out more by visiting Cambridgeshire Reusable Nappies’ video about the different types of nappy, and the UK Nappy Network, which has a glossary and fitting and washing guides.
You can borrow or hire nappies to help you find out which work best for you. Friends and family might have some nappies they can pass on or lend you. Some nappy retailers also offer hire kits:
If the nappies don’t work as expected seek support from the retailer or Cambridge Cloth Nappy Library – there might be something simple going wrong that can be corrected.
You can get up to a 20% discount off the cost of washable nappies through our Supplier discount scheme - see below.
Washable wipes
Washable wipes are like mini flannels that you use instead of disposable baby wipes, then wash them. Even if you decide not to use washable nappies, it’s worth giving these a go as they actually work much better than disposables. From birth to potty training you could get through 400 packs of disposable baby wipes, so just switching these for washables will make an impact. Baby wipes contain plastic and are a major source of pollution on beaches - they should never be flushed down the toilet.
You can find out all about using washable baby wipes from Sustainable(ish).
You can make cloth wipes from old towels, or many nappy brands sell them too, and you can find them on most nappy retailers.
Supplier discount scheme
We have teamed up with the following suppliers to offer 10 to 20% discounts on re-usable nappies, wipes, period products and incontinence products. To apply for this discount, you will first need to choose a supplier from the list below, before completing the application form and reading our terms and conditions. The discounts do not generally apply to sale items or already discounted bundles. Only one discount code will be issued per applicant.
- Cheeky Wipes: 20% off nappies, wipes and period products
- Cherry Bottoms: 15% off pocket nappies, wet bags and boosters
- Eco bee: 20% off nappies, wipes and period products. Eco Bee are a local business based in Fulbourn.
- Green Blue You: 15% off nappies and period products. Green Blue You are a local business based in Histon.
- Merry Go Round UK 15% off nappies, wipes and period products
- The Nappy Gurus 15% off nappies, wipes and period products
- The Nappy Lady 15% off nappies, wipes and period products.
Apply for the scheme
The scheme is open to Cambridgeshire residents only. Residents of South Cambridgeshire or Cambridge City can apply using the form linked at the top of the page. Residents of other Cambridgeshire districts should apply via their own council’s websites.
To apply for the discounts you will need to:
- tell us the supplier of choice from the list above
- provide an email address to receive the discount code
- tell us how you heard about the scheme.
To apply, you must live at a permanent address within the boundaries of Cambridge City or South Cambridgeshire.
- The discount code is for the personal use of applicant only
- The discount code must be used by the applicant only
- Only one code per applicant. Please ensure you give your chosen supplier on the form as codes differ for each supplier and only one will be issued.
Please note:
- Using cloth nappies needn’t be daunting. We are here to help! We have teamed up with Cambridgeshire Reusable Nappies to help offer further support. Contact us at waste.enquiries@scambs.gov.uk with any queries
- Once you have finished with the nappies, or if you don’t get on with them, please consider donating them to your local nappy library, or get in touch and we can help support you in their re-use
- Once you've completed your application we will check your eligibility. Officers may need to contact you to check details as part of your application
- Access to the discount codes will be possible only on confirmation of an address within South Cambridgeshire or Cambridge City;
- Applicants will receive an email within 5 working days confirming the outcome of their application
- Your email address will not be shared with anyone for any other purpose. We will, however, contact you periodically to ask some details about how you have used the codes and how your experience of using real nappies has developed. We may also contact you from time to time with further information to support you in using real nappies
- Further terms and conditions may be required by the supplier and can be found through the individual websites and the purchasing process. For example, the discount code is single use and cannot be used in line with other discounts and promotions
- Information containing your name, address and other contact details will be kept on file by South Cambridgeshire District Council for 7 years as a financial record
- Suppliers partnering with us in this scheme will have access to your name and address for the purposes of confirming eligibility to authorise the discount code at checkout. Our partners will not use your details for any other purposes, unless you give them express permission via their website when purchasing items from them.
Our terms and conditions are subject to change as necessary in order to ensure the continuation of the scheme. Details will be updated on the website as and when any changes occur.
Read our privacy notice and find out more about Data Protection.