Families in Cork who want to give reusable cloth nappies a go can now apply for a free Cloth Nappy Starter Kit. The Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme, run by VOICE Ireland with support from Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), has already proven hugely popular in 2023 and 2024, and is back again for 2025.
The scheme is open to antenatal patients at CUMH and offers a limited number of starter kits, each one containing ten reusable nappies, twelve cloth wipes, a waterproof storage bag, absorbent inserts and simple instructions on how to use and care for them.
For families today, cloth nappies might feel like a new idea, but for generations in Ireland they were the norm. Parents once relied on terry cloth or towelling squares, which were held in place with safety pins and worn under plastic or rubber pants to stop leaks. Washing them was a daily routine that involved soaking, scrubbing or even boiling, before hanging them out to dry. Disposable nappies didn’t become common in Ireland until the early 1980s, when their convenience quickly made them a popular choice for families. But that shift has left its mark, with millions now ending up in landfill every year.
Modern cloth nappies, though, are far easier to care for than those older versions. Used nappies can be stored in a wet bag until wash day, then given a cold rinse followed by a hot wash at 40–60°C with a regular detergent. Parents are advised to skip fabric softeners or bleach, which reduce absorbency, and to dry nappies on the line whenever possible. Waterproof covers should be kept away from direct heat, but inserts can be tumble-dried on low if needed.
Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy said he was delighted to support the project, pointing out that around one million disposable nappies end up in Irish landfill every day. Reusable nappies, he said, give families a chance to cut waste while also saving money in the long run.
This year, parents taking part will also have access to support from the Cloth Nappy Library, which is offering workshops and one-to-one advice. These sessions are designed to help new parents understand the different styles of nappies, how to wash and dry them, and answer any questions along the way.
Abi O’Callaghan-Platt, who manages the scheme for VOICE, (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) said the idea was to encourage families who might never have thought of cloth nappies before to give them a try. She explained that modern cloth nappies are a world away from the old towelling squares, today’s versions are soft, breathable, colourful and easy to use.
The nappies included in the kits are mainly “pocket nappies”, designed to fit babies from around 10 lbs all the way up to potty training. They have a waterproof outer layer, a stay-dry lining and a pocket for absorbent inserts made from eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, cotton and hemp.
Dr Cathy Burke, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at CUMH, said the hospital was pleased to be part of the scheme, noting that it puts sustainable healthcare at the centre of maternity care while helping to cut the carbon footprint of nappy use.
By re-introducing cloth nappies with modern designs, families can not only save money, but also reduce waste, and reconnect with a more sustainable way of parenting.
Anyone interested in applying for a starter kit can do so through the VOICE Ireland website. Families who take part will be asked to complete a short survey afterwards to share their experiences and help improve the scheme for future parents.
For more information see www.voiceireland.org clothnappylibrary.ie
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