Mum’s online search for baby care tips gives birth to diapers brand

Christine Wangari demonstrates how to clean the modern cloth diaper. Photo/Mercy Gakii 

By MERCY GAKII, mgakii@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• Entrepreneur sees remarkable growth for her washable, eco-friendly nappies business.

When Christine Wangari first began her foray online it was only to get information on good and affordable care for her then yet-to-be born child.

“I signed up as a community member on e-mom forums such as Babybump.com, Babycenter.com and a host of other sites where I benefited from discussions on baby care stuff ,” says Ms Wangari, a mother of two and a communications officer at an international firm in Nairobi.

She says she was particularly intrigued by the modern cloth diapers.

“I learnt, for example, that a modern cloth diaper is not a nappy, but a custom-made baby pant which protects the child from leaking in case they soil themselves. The panty is washable; therefore it can be used and washed many times.

“I learnt further that they are better for babies, especially boys, are eco-friendly and they’d help me save money when compared to disposable diaper options,” she says.

She says she found out that disposable nappies may not be the best option for babies.

“They contain chemicals such as gels, which are not good for baby’s skin when used too often,” she reveals.

But the cloth diapers were not available in the local market and few Kenyan mothers knew about them.

“I ended up ordering an American brand online and even paid for the shipping before I could lay my eyes on the product. One piece was sold at $17 ( about Sh,1500), and then add the shipping charges,” says Ms Wangari.

She used the diapers on her baby and even shared some with her sister, who at the time was nursing a little one. Her sister was already dealing with a lot of nappy rash on her baby and the cloth diaper came as a relief.

Business level

That was when Ms Wangari thought of taking the diapers to a business level. She contacted the American company, which did not offer much encouragement due to the numerous procedures before she could be cleared to sell for them.

“I decided to look for a manufacturer who could make my own design and so that I can offer the same quality at a much lower cost to the consumer.

“My goal was to offer the product at a cost below $10. We branded our diapers ‘Baby Natural’ and used a design that I knew would be right for my own child too,” says Ms Wangari.

Using her savings, the entrepreneur, supported by her husband, invested in a manufacturer in South Africa who offered to make the diapers to her satisfaction.