cloth nappies in South Africa: are they worth it?
Updated 5 November 2026
Short answer: washable (reusable) cloth nappies cost more upfront but are reused for months, so many South African parents use them to cut the monthly nappy bill and bin bags. They do add washing. The easiest way to find out if cloth suits your family is to start with a few for daytime at home, not to switch overnight. Our washable cloth nappies are R129 each or R329 for a 3-pack.
Cloth vs disposable at a glance
Disposables: nothing to wash, easy for outings and nights, but you keep buying them every month.
Cloth: you buy once, then wash and reuse, so there's less waste and less spending over time, but you need a washing routine and a few spares while others dry.
How to work out if cloth saves you money
Check what you spend on disposables in a month, then compare that with a few cloth nappies plus washing. Many families mix the two: cloth during the day at home, disposables at night and on outings.
Our washable cloth nappy is R129 each, or R329 for a 3-pack (R58 less than buying three).
Washing in a South African home
Rinse, store in a lidded bucket, then wash every day or two. Line-drying in the sun costs nothing and helps with stains. Follow the care instructions supplied with the nappies.
If water is limited in your area, wash full loads and keep cloth for daytime only.
Delivery
Tracked courier delivery anywhere in South Africa in 3–7 business days. Baby & Kids items are couriered from Johannesburg: enter your city and postal code at checkout to see the live courier price for your address before you pay.
Washable, reusable and cloth nappies: what's the difference?
Nothing, really: "cloth nappies", "washable nappies" and "reusable nappies" all mean nappies you wash and use again instead of throwing away. Ours have snap fasteners and gathered leg edges, in assorted prints.
Where to buy in South Africa: we courier washable cloth nappies from Johannesburg to anywhere in the country, and you see the live courier price at checkout.
quick answers
- Are cloth nappies cheaper than disposables?
- Over time they can be, because you reuse them, but you pay more upfront and add washing. Starting with a few for daytime is the easiest way to see if it works for you.
- How many cloth nappies do I need?
- For part-time use, start with three or more so you have spares while some are drying. Our 3-pack is R329.
- Can I use cloth nappies at night?
- Many parents keep disposables for nights and outings and use cloth during the day at home.
- Where can I buy reusable nappies in South Africa?
- Online from Ze Home Finds: washable cloth nappies are R129 each or R329 for a 3-pack, couriered from Johannesburg with the live courier price shown at checkout.