Why I started using cloth nappies and founded Green Poppy

Sometimes something small begins and grows into something much bigger than one first imagined. For me, it started with a curiosity about cloth nappies. Or, actually, it was an innate curiosity.

I've known my whole life that my parents used cloth nappies on me when I was little. It was just always said, and I didn't give it much further thought. It wasn't until I was pregnant with my first child that I actually started thinking about cloth nappies – how do they actually work? I understood that it was somehow about a nappy that you washed, but it felt very illogical to me.

So I started my research.

I love to get really into things and was very happy when I saw there was a community, and a large group on Facebook for cloth nappies. And bang, I was hooked. Honestly, it happened really fast and I decided that we would use cloth nappies for our first child.

And quite quickly I realised that cloth nappies weren't at all what I'd thought. It was a whole lifestyle and would soon become a big hobby for me.

From hesitant to convinced

Starting with cloth nappies went very smoothly and quickly felt like everyday life. The washing became a routine. Changes were easy. And above all, it felt good for the stomach. I was so pleased with our choice and tried out the whole market.

To know what is closest to my child's skin. To be able to choose materials. To avoid strong scents and unnecessary additives. It became more than just an environmental choice. It became a choice of care. I loved folding the nappies and preparing them for the next use. I loved the changes and seeing the different patterns on my child's bottom.

Green Poppy was born then

When I was pregnant with my second child, the first one was potty-trained (she was 2 years and 1 month old when she became potty-trained) and I wanted to go with cloth diapers, no question about it. But then I took the nerdy stuff to a new level.

Just as the second child was born, another cloth nappy brand was on sale. It had actually been a thought even when my first child was little and Little Lamb (reseller) was for sale, but it felt overwhelming then. But this time I was more interested and genuinely considered buying the brand. For various reasons, it didn't happen and I dropped the idea. But then I spoke to a friend and she said, ”but start your own brand,” and I laughed, ”I can't possibly.”.

But that comment really planted a seed.

And yes, being as I am, I started Googling. How do you find a producer, how do you start a business.

And just like that – here came Green Poppy <3

More than just nappies

Over time, Green Poppy has become more than an online shop. It's a place for knowledge, conversation and inspiration surrounding sustainability in early childhood. I've met so many wonderful people through cloth nappy groups and learned an incredible amount. About children and about nappies, but also about life itself.

It has also become my mission to make it easier for parents to choose cloth nappies. I want to educate and demonstrate, guide and inspire. I want it to feel safe to ask questions. Safe to be a beginner. Safe to take small steps.

Because that's where it begins.

If you're curious about cloth nappies but haven't taken the plunge yet, I want to say this: it doesn't have to be difficult. It doesn't have to be perfect. It's enough to start.

And I'm so glad you're here.

Här kan du läsa mer om Green Poppy and the history.