Yes, you can use cloth nappies at daycare if your childcare centre is happy to use them. The easiest way is to send nappies already prepared, with inserts inside, snaps set to the right fit, and a wet bag for used nappies. Waladi cloth nappies are a simple daycare option because they are pocket-style, adjustable, and easy for educators to put on once they are pre-stuffed.
Before your child starts, ask the centre what they allow. Some centres are comfortable with cloth nappies, some prefer disposables, and some may allow cloth during the day but use disposables for naps or certain situations.
How to make cloth nappies work at daycare
The goal is to make cloth as easy as possible for the educators.
- Send nappies ready to use.
- Pre-stuff each pocket nappy with the insert.
- Set the rise snaps and waist snaps close to your baby’s usual fit.
- Pack a labelled wet bag for used nappies.
- Pack enough nappies for the day, plus one or two spares.
- Tell educators they can place used nappies straight into the wet bag.
You do not need daycare staff to rinse or wash the nappies. They can simply remove the nappy, close it if needed, and place it in the wet bag for you to handle at home.
How many cloth nappies should you send to daycare?
For most daycare days, pack around 4 to 6 cloth nappies, plus one extra if your child is younger, drinks a lot, or has longer days in care.
The exact number depends on your child’s age, how long they are at daycare, and the centre’s change routine. A simple guide is one nappy every 2 to 3 hours, with a spare for unexpected poo, water play, or heavy wetting.
If you are building a daycare stash, Waladi’s tiered cloth nappy discounts can help:
- 3-6 nappies: 5% off
- 7-12 nappies: 10% off
- 13-20 nappies: 15% off
- 21+ nappies: 20% off
What should you pack?
A simple daycare cloth nappy bag usually includes:
- 4 to 6 prepared cloth nappies
- 1 wet bag for used nappies
- 1 spare wet bag if your child has long days or messy changes
- Optional nappy liners for easier poo clean-up
- A spare outfit, as you would with disposables
Waladi waterproof wet bags are useful for daycare because they keep used nappies contained until you get home.
Should you use liners at daycare?
Liners are optional, but they can make daycare changes easier.
A liner catches most of the poo, which can make clean-up simpler when you sort the nappies at home. If your centre is not comfortable dealing with poo in cloth nappies, liners may help them feel more confident.
If you use disposable or biodegradable liners, remove solids into the toilet where possible, then bin the liner unless the product instructions and your local plumbing advice clearly say flushing is suitable.
What if daycare says no?
If your daycare does not allow cloth nappies, you can still use cloth part-time at home.
Many families use cloth nappies at home, on weekends, or on non-daycare days, then use disposables at childcare. You do not need to use cloth full time for it to be worthwhile.
Can you use cloth nappies part-time?