Councils offering rebate programs
VICTORIA
Alpine Shire Council
Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, up to $100.
Banyule City Council
Attend a workshop and receive 2x free cloth nappies to the value of $70.
City of Ballarat
Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable breast pads: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $50.
Cardinia Shire
Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $150.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $50.
City of Casey
Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $50.
East Gippsland Shire Council
Can Apply for rebate directly through council
Frankston City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $100.
Reusable period products: 50% Rebate, up to $50.
Hobsons Bay City Council
Maximum $130 rebate on cloth nappy, incontinence and/or reusable sanitary product purchases.
Macedon Ranges
Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, up to $100.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100. Eligible items can also include Cloth wipes, Wetbags, Nursing Pads
Merri-bek City Council
Cloth nappies: maximum $100 rebate. Reusable period products: maximum $35 rebate.
Moira Shire Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $150.
Includes Wipes, wetbags, breast pads, reusable period products.
Moonee Valley City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $100.
Reusable period products included.
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Cloth nappies: 50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate.
Reusable period products: 50% of total purchase price, maximum $50 rebate.
Shire of Indigo and Towong
Free cloth nappy workshops. 50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate.
City of Whittlesea
50% of purchase price of cloth nappies, maximum $100 rebate.
50% of purchase price of reusable menstrual products, maximum $50 rebate.
City of Wodonga
Free cloth nappy workshops.
50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate.
Wyndham City Council
50% of purchase price of cloth nappies, maximum $100 rebate.
50% of purchase price of reusable menstrual products, maximum $50 rebate.
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane City Council
Monthly draw to win purchase price back (up to $300) and two further prizes of $50 each.
Livingstone Council
Monthly draw to win $100 cloth nappy rebate. Minimum spend of $30.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Albury City Council
Free cloth nappy workshops. Cloth Nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $100.
Reusable period products, cloth wipes & some accessories Included.
Shire of Federation and Greater Hume
Free cloth nappy workshops. 50% Rebate, up to $100 rebate
Reusable period products, cloth wipes, wetbags & some accessories included.
Ballina Shire Council
The rebate trial period has ended, however the rebate will return and residents can check the above page for updates.
Blacktown City Council
Free cloth nappy workshops. 50% Rebate, up to $200 rebate
Reusable period products, cloth wipes, wetbags & some accessories included.
Campbelltown City Council
50% rebate on reusable nappies, training pants, wet bags, period pads, nursing pads, makeup wipes and other reusables.
Up to $100, per calendar year.
Canterbury-Bankstown City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate
Reusable period products included, also includes cloth wipes & wetbags.
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $150.
Reusable period products: 50% Rebate up to $100. Includes swim nappies, cloth wipes, nursing pads, training underwear & wetbags.
Liverpool City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $150.
Reusable period products: 50% Rebate up to $100. Includes cloth wipes & wetbags.
City of Parramatta
Cloth Nappies: 50% rebate, up to $150.
Reusable period products: 50% rebate, up to $100. Includes cloth wipes & some accessories.
Penrith City Council
Cloth Nappies: up to $100 rebate.
Includes reusable period products, cloth wipes & wetbags.
Randwick City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate.
Reusable period products included.
North Sydney Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate, up to $100.
Reusable period products included.
Sutherland Shire
Cloth Nappies: 50% rebate up to $50.
Reusable period products: 50% rebate up to $50. Includes cloth wipes & wetbags.
City of Wagga Wagga
Cloth Nappies: 50% rebate, up to $100.
Includes reusable period products, cloth wipes & wetbags.
Willoughby City Council
Cloth nappies: 50% Rebate.
Reusable period products included.
Wollongong City Council
Free cloth nappy workshops.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
City of Armadale
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
Town of Bassendean
50% of total purchase price, maximum $100 rebate.
City of Bayswater
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate.
City of Cockburn
Up to 60% subsidy to hire cloth nappies using the Nappy Guru's library service, OR a $50 rebate for new cloth nappy purchases (must attend a cloth nappy workshop).
Rebate of up to $50 on new reusable sanitary item purchases (including menstrual cups, reusable sanitary pads, reusable incontinence pads and period underwear).
City of Melville
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
Town of East Fremantle
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
City of Fremantle
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $150 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
City of Augusta Margaret River
Rebate up to $100 towards the cost of cloth nappies and $50 towards the cost of sanitary products.
Town of Victoria Park
50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop). Rebate of up to $50 on new reusable sanitary item purchases (including menstrual cups, reusable sanitary pads, reusable incontinence pads and period underwear).
Rebate of up to $50 on cloth nappy repairs. This service keeps nappies in circulation for longer and promotes second hand purchases. Cloth nappy repairs can be done by any sewing/alterations people/tailors or even at repair café’s for free.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
City of Holdfast Bay
50% of purchase price of cloth nappies and reusable menstrual products, maximum rebate $100.
TASMANIA
Hobart City Council
50% of purchase price of cloth nappies and reusable menstrual products, maximum rebate $50.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Litchfield Council
Cloth nappies: 50% rebate, up to $100.
Reusable period products: 50% rebate, up to $50.
Please check and confirm with your council if these rates and rebates apply at time of purchase, as programs are subject to change or may be seasonal.
Not sure if your council offers one? Check their website as new rebates are regularly introduced.
If you know of a program that we don’t have listed please reach out and we will add it to our list so that more families like yours can start their cloth journey.
Send us a message: info@designerbums.com.au
Calculate your Reusable Nappy savings with our Nappy Calculator
Value packs are another great way to make cost savings on your household budget when setting up your reusable stash. Our Nappy Value Packs allow you to add anywhere from a full day's worth with a 6 pack, right up to a full-time stash of 36 Nappies at a reduced price. Our range of buy now, pay later options can also help you to spread out this cost over a wider time period if needed.
Washing New Nappies
- Wash your brand new nappies with a small amount of detergent in a short cycle.
- Hang dry the outer shell in the shade
- Inserts can be hung to dry in the sun or tumble dried on low
- The bamboo inserts will be absorbent enough to use after the first wash, and will reach maximum absorbency after the first few washes.
- Drop any solids into the toilet
- Rinse night nappies or nappies worn >4 hours under hot water and thoroughly wring out. If running a pre-wash first thing in the morning you can skip hand-rinsing.
- Store nappies in a dry-pail (basket with a lot of air flow) between washes for no more than 2 days. Do not soak nappies.
- Each day or every other day, run a short cycle prior (45 -70 mins) with a half amount of detergent at 40-60 degrees Celcius.
- Before washing gently unsnap all inserts and separate parts
- The purpose of this step is to remove the bulk of soiling
- Dry pail pre-washed items until you are ready to run the main wash
- When you have enough items for a full load, you can run the main wash.
- Use the recommended full amount of detergent for your machine/load size.
- Run your longest wash cycle (Cottons, heavy or long - with speed-perfect off) at maximum 60 degrees Celsius to get nappies thoroughly clean, sanitary, free of build-up, and smelling fresh.
- Use a spin speed of 800 RPM to ensure the bulk of dirty water is spun out, while maintaining integrity of the elastics. Note higher spins in the washing machine can stretch and damage elastics.
Tip: you can include baby and children's clothes or smaller clothing items to make a full load. Machine loading is important for agitation.
- Hang dry the outer shell in the shade, out of direct sunlight
- Inserts can be hung to dry in the sun or tumble dried on low
- Avoid tumble drying shells as high temperatures can delaminate the waterproof outer and void your warranty
- If using plant based detergents when washing nappies we recommend using double the amount specified and washing at 60 degrees Celcius for best cleaning results.
- Barrier creams are fine to use but will require a warm to hot wash to remove oil and zinc residue.
- If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, we recommend running an optional short, final rinse to ensure all detergents are washed away.
Before use please watch our helpful fitting guide on our YouTube Channel. You can also access our helpful visual cloth nappy fitting guide below:
Wash & Care Instructions
Every piece in the Designer Bums range is made with the same care and intention as our nappies. To make sure yours lasts as long as it should, it is see below our wash & care guide for every product.
1. Pre-wash before first use with like colours to avoid colour run. After use hand-rinse pads in cold to warm water under the tap until the water is clear. Gently squeeze out excess water and dry-pail at the end of each day.
2. Main Cycle Every 2-3 days maximum on Heavy / Long cottons cycle at 40-60 degrees MAX with the full amount of detergent for your load size - Adding a pre-wash to this cycle is recommended. Recommended to be added to towels or cloth nappy washing loads. Do NOT soak in napisan, bleach or detergents or user softeners as this may damage the fabrics. Do not iron.
3. Drying: Smooth from the machine and lay flat to keep shape. Line dry outdoors is recommended with the organic cotton side facing towards sunshine or indoors on drying rack. Ensure pads are completely dry before storing away to avoid mould forming and allow 24-48 hours or longer in winter months. Allow for minor shrinking of natural organic fibres.
We recommend 3-6 cloth menstrual pads per day in a range of sizes to suit your period cycle length and flow.
- Cold pre-wash before use
- Wash every second day in a hot wash (max 60 degrees) with the full amount of detergent for your load size
- Dry thoroughly before each use: air dry or low tumble dry.
- Avoid skin irritation and leakage by changing pads frequently when wet and avoid leaving wet pads on skin for long periods of time.
- All breasts are shaped differently, so place the pad in a position that works best for you.
- Anti-bacterial treatments such as Canesten or Dettol rinse can be used if needed. When using an anti-bacterial treatment, it is important to ensure the pad has been thoroughly washed as these products may cause skin irritation.
- Placing pads in a delicates bag helps to keep all the small parts together in the wash.
- Wash with the full amount of detergent up to 60 degrees (MAX).
- Air dry or tumble dry on LOW
- Do not leave in laundry hamper for more than a day to avoid mould
- Cold pre-wash before use with like colours to avoid fabric colour transfer and remove manufacturing residue
- Wash with the full amount of detergent up to 60 degrees (MAX).
- Air dry or tumble dry on LOW
- Cold pre-wash before use with like colours to avoid fabric colour transfer and remove manufacturing residue
- Wash with the full amount of detergent up to 60 degrees (MAX).
- Air dry or tumble dry on LOW
- Wash with like products only to reduce risk of damage to the delicate fabric.
Note: products will become fluffier with subsequent washes
- Cold pre-wash before use with like colours to avoid fabric colour transfer and remove manufacturing residue
- Rinse immediately after use in chlorine or salt water to preserve elastic and lycra.
- Wash with the full amount of detergent up to 60 degrees (MAX).
- Air dry or tumble dry on LOW
- Wash with like products only to reduce risk of damage to the delicate fabric (you may want to use a delicates bag).
- Cold pre-wash before use with like colours to avoid fabric colour transfer and remove manufacturing residue
- Rinse immediately after use in cold water
- Wash with full amount of detergent in cold water (30 degrees)
- Air dry in the shade
- Wash with like products to reduce risk of damage
- Machine washable on aa gentle cycle using warm water with like-colours (up to 40 degrees).
- Line dry only in shade or indoors.
Do not tumble dry or expose to high temperatures when drying.
Do not iron, bleach or soak.
Because your bag is made from vegan leather there is no need to use a leather care cream on it. Vegan leather will remain supple and soft without the need for these creams. The majority of stains and marks can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap. Allow the bag to air dry before its next use.
Do not wash your Ultimate Bag or Cross Body Bag in the washing machine or submerge in water as this will damage your bag. Spot clean only.
If there is any organic spillage in the bag we recommend cleaning as soon as possible to prevent mould and discolouration.
We recommend washing in a delicates bag, with like colours, on a cold cycle only.
Prolong the life of your products
To prolong the life and maintain the vibrant colour of your Designer Bums products
- Use the full amount of detergent for your load size
- Do not soak any Designer bums products in chemicals or bleaches
- Do not iron PUL products
- Do not exceed wash temperatures of 60 degrees (140F)
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct heat such as high tumble drying, heaters, open flames. Tumble drying on low is recommended.
Troubleshooting Tips
Watch our handy fitting tutorial and read the fitting guide first:
Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Fitting Videos and Designer Bums Cloth Nappy Fitting Guide
- You have just put on a nice new cloth, only to find that it leaks a short time later? First thing to do is check your fit. This is the Number 1 reason for leaking, aside from the nappy being full and ready to be changed. If your inserts are saturated this means the nappy is full and you need to change more often or add in extra inserts to increase absorbency.
- Our nappies are designed to last between 2-4 hours - if you have a particularly heavy wetter, it will probably be closer to 2 hours. We don't recommend leaving a nappy on baby during the day for more than 4 hours at a time as wet nappies against the skin can cause nappy rash and irritation. For hygiene and comfort, any daytime nappy should be changed about every 3 hours.
- Is the leg elastic in the groin crease? This is very important to create a firm leak-proof seal around the leg and bottom and one of the most common fitting mistakes resulting in leaks. When putting the nappy on your baby, make sure that you have the front of the nappy on the right size setting. There are three sizes to choose from. Snap the nappy right down at the front for smaller babies and move your way up through the sizes as your baby grows.
- The nappy needs to be firm around the tummy and legs so that you can run a finger around the elastic, but not too tight. For a baby on the smallest size setting, you may only need to use the smallest insert. For a larger baby, you will need both inserts. You will know when you need to start using both inserts because the nappy will start to soak through the one insert and it will be very full when you change your baby. You can also purchase a range of other customisable boosting solutions on our website.
- Take a look at your washing routine - Are you washing the nappies according to the instructions? Have a read back over and check the steps.
- Are you using barrier creams? If you are using barrier creams without a liner on the nappy, this may cause a build-up of oil and zinc which can repel liquid and leak. If you have been using the cream without a liner don't fret, it will wash out in a long hot wash with the full amount of detergent.
- If inserts are repelling and having build-up that is not washing out, a strip-wash may be required on the inserts only.
We are confident you can overcome any challenges with using cloth nappies by following the above steps. Please get in touch if you need some further assistance info@designernbums.com.au.