[AllegraM]

I was chatting to a friend who uses cloth nappies fulltime. So do I. We both love cloth. She said she had bought a starter kit (12 MCNs) for a friend's baby shower and was quite delighted with herself for thinking of such a great gift. I asked if her friend was planning to use cloth and she said something like "well she will have to now. That kit cost me a lot. Once she starts, she will see how great it is".

I adore cloth and will rave about the benefits to anyone who asks. However, if they don't ask, I don't say anything. Buying cloth nappies for a new mum who has not expressed interest in cloth just seems
presumptuous to me. Added to that I thought my friend was showing a bit of a smug attitude about it.

So is this a thoughtful gift or rude?

[ubermum]

It's not something I would ever do. It's expensive and a waste of money for someone that doesn't want them.

[PatG]

Wow, 12 MCNs is quite an outlay for a gift of something that may not be used. If I was your friend I would probably have offered to loan some to the mum-to-be with the offer to buy her some later on if she liked them.

I think it puts the receiver in a bit of a tight spot and is therefore a little rude.

[Camizebra]

It's not something I would ever do. It's expensive and a waste of money for someone that doesn't want them.

This.

[Jenflea]

I have bought cloth nappies for a shower, but only 2 and only because the mother expressed an interest in them and I got them pretty cheaply. Buying 12 is rude and overbearing and I'd hate to see that woman once she becomes a MiL if she's this presumptuous for friends!

[little lion]

Oops double post, see below.

This post has been edited by little lion: 31/12/2012, 01:43 PM

[little lion]

If I received them, I would probably sell them!

We make our parenting decisions based on lots of info. Someone trying to impose their ideas on me via a gift wouldn't change my opinions.

[SCARFACE CLAW]

If I was the mother receiving them I would just be passing them along to someone who uses cloth, or throwing them in the charity bin. I wouldn't feel the need to use them because a friend bought them and thinks I should

[Cyaira]

I don't think there is any harm in a trial pack (2-3 nappies) or a gift voucher for an online store to somebody who has expressed an interest or desire to use cloth.

But otherwise, no. Cloth is not for everybody and it's presumptuous. Besides which, she might find the brand and/or style doesn't suit her and her bub.

[ellebelle]

Agree with others - on the upside it's a gift that will Ebay well!