.png)
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library
Over 22 MILLION nappies are thrown away in Merseyside each year.
By supporting families across the Merseyside to switch to reusable nappies, we're aiming to reduce that to almost zero.
Our Mission
We provide families in Merseyside with all the support they need to get started using reusable nappies. It's better for the environment and cheaper long-term.
​
Whilst in nappies, a baby will need changing approx 4000 times. Resuable nappies emit 40% less carbon emissions (including washing) and around 90% less plastic waste. A family can use the same 20 or so nappies on multiple children, so these stats get even better over time!
​
Families who use reusable nappies can save up to £1000 over an average usage period of 2.5 years, a statistic that increases if used on multiple children.
​
The Nappy Library is an excellent choice:
-
We accept donations of second-hand nappies when families have finished with them, that then go to other families, prolonging the life of nappies and reducing waste further.
-
Using the Nappy Library allows people to buy the nappy that is right for them
-
This also avoids unnecessary spending for families.
​
We believe that everyone should be able to use reusable nappies on their child, regardless of income or living situation. We offer long term loan kits for lower income households, and have plans for the future to make cloth nappies accessible to all. Positive environmental choices should not just be for those who can afford them.
Our Services
We provide:​
-
Hire of reusable nappy kits based on the family's needs.
-
Personalised support via 1:1 consultations (currently online)
-
Support through the hire in the form of direct message support, a Facebook group, our blog and Nappuccino drop in sessions (currently online).
-
Regular reusable nappy workshops, both antenatal and postnatal (currently online).
-
Reusable period product demonstration kits (not currently available).
How We Work
The library is an entirely volunteer run, non-profit organisation. We are based at Big You Little You on Aigburth Road.
​
We do not receive regular funding and most of our nappies are acquired through donations of old nappies from supporters. Kit hire costs go towards insurance, laundry bills and repairing/replacing nappies.
​
​
About The Library
How & When To Find Us
We are based in South Liverpool at Big You Little You.
​
Full address: 392 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L19 3QD
.png)
Opening Hours
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, we are operating with limited opening hours and request that you arrange all collections and drop-offs during those times. Please wear a mask when entering into the building.
​
Our current opening hours are:
Tuesday 1-4pm
Friday 1-4pm
A volunteer will be present in the shop during those times.
Contact Us
Big You Little You, 392 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L19 3QD
07835 626671
Who We Are
The library is run by volunteers, who work at the library round their jobs and families. They do a brilliant job!
Anna
Founder
Kit Hire
Workshops
Hannah
Fundraising & Marketing
Favourite Reusable Nappy:
Tots Bots Easyfit
​
Why did you start volunteering?:
I think the library really helps get past the overwhelm of getting started with reusables, and I felt like I could help in its mission.
Kate
Social Media
Website
Favourite Reusable Nappy:
Baba & Boo (they're a library favourite!)
​
Why did you start volunteering?:
I had just started using the library and found it helpful, so was keen to support it. Plus I was quite interested in the social media side of things and it's been fun getting involved in that!
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
In 2019, Liverpool City Council declate a climate emergency with a goal to be a zero carbon city by 2030. Liverpool is one of the first cities in the UK to commit to a United Nations initiative called the Sustainable Development goals, which ain to find sustainable ways to tackle poverty, improve health and economic growth. Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library is playing it's part in supporting this transition in the following ways:
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library offers long-term kit hire to families. Although reusable nappies often work out much cheaper than disposables overall, the initial outlay can be expensive to some. Hygiene poverty often accompanies other forms of hardship, we work with families using long-term loans to ensure that they're able to use and wash the nappies in our long-term kits. Find out more here
Reusable nappies contain no harmful chemicals.
Many reusable nappy manufacturers use Okotek-certified, responsibly sourced (sometimes recycled) materials. Whilst there is a plastic layer, there are far fewer chemicals present.
Reusable nappies have been known to help babies with hip dysplasia.
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library has an all-female committee of ambitious women determined to help families in Liverpool make more sustainable choices for their futures
Reusable nappies help water quality by reducing pollution, dumping and the release of hazardous waste into the water.
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library helps families live in sustainable ways; by building up the city's sharing and circular economies, and supporting families in reducing waste.
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library promotes a lifestyle of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' through it's lending service of reusable nappies.
​​
Increasingly, reusable nappies are improving their supply chains, ensuring the use of recycled materials, OEKO-TEX certified fabric and fair working conditions.
In 2022, one of our volunteers, Chloe started a petition to the council to start a reusable nappy incentive scheme. This was supported by a councillor, and voted in to be delivered. We hope to work with the council to deliver this in 2023. ​
Whilst the production of reusable nappies does include water, and oil/recycled plastics in production, research shows that this is less than per disposable, as well as less overall in comparison.
It means that nappy waste, which leaches chemicals, and excrement into eco-systems in waterways is greatly reduced.
Switching to reusables can result in a more pleasant home environment with less nappy waste lying in bins attracting pests and smelling.
Merseyside sends it's waste to incineration and pays per ton to dispose of waste this way. If every baby in Liverpool was in reusable nappies, it would save almost 9000 Tonnes of waste.