What if I were to tell you that you could save at least $2,000 (per child) by choosing to use cloth diapers?
Would you do it.
Okay before you leave this page- hear me out.
When I was pregnant with my son I told the world that I wanted to try cloth diapering. But the “experienced” mothers, with pity in their eyes, would say, “Oh honey, you say that right now, but wait until you are changing 8 to 10 diapers a day and sleep deprived- you will change your mind.”
I didn’t dare try.
After spending $1,000 in disposable diapers in the first year, I finally got the courage to try and gave Boise Cloth Diapering a call. The owner, Kimberly, spent the time with me answering my questions and even came to my home and gave me a quick run down to ease my anxieties. And let me tell you- I regretted not starting earlier! Not only was it easier than I thought, it was cheaper, and less smelly than the disposable diapers. Yes, you heard me right- LESS SMELLY! Mostly because the waste was being disposed into the toilet instead of just being rolled up and thrown in the trash (which technically we aren’t supposed to do by the way).
So why in the world would a person choose cloth?
According to a poll the cloth diaper company Thirsties did of 700 families who switched to cloth diapering {here} the top 3 reasons to make the switch were:
#3 Environmental benefits: Did you know that 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills each year? Not to mention that it takes up to 500 years for most diapers to decompose! That’s a long time and a lot of poop!
#2 Better for baby’s bum: There are concerns that disposable diapers contain dyes, Sodium Polyacrylate (the gel), and Dioxin (by-product of bleaching paper). Also, cloth diapers cause less diaper rashes due to their materials and actually wick away the moisture from your baby’s bum. I can testify of that one.
And the #1 reason…. drum roll please…
#1 The financial savings: Did you know that on average a person changes 6,000 diapers from birth to potty training? It’s no wonder that diapers are a 7 billion dollar industry costing parents at least $2,500 on diapers and wipes on one child! If financial savings is your reason and you are aren’t afraid of a little extra step when diapering- you can cloth diaper for as cheap as $200 using the pre-fold method! The best part is that once you have all the supplies- no need to buy more for the next child! You already have it! I found this cool calculator {here } that will help with figuring your cost of both.
And one of my additional reasons…THEY ARE SO CUTE! I mean that is a good enough reason right? You can’t even tell they are diapers!
But now if you made it this far…you are probably wondering, “How in the world do I start?”
It’s so easy- let me give you a quick Cloth Diaper 101.
Step #1: Choose your system of diapers.
There are so many options out there- I thought I would show you just a few in this video here.
Remember, there are some brands that are a “One Size Fits All” and made to adjust in the legs and waist to grow with your baby. This is a great option for those who have average size babies and don’t want to worry about purchasing any additional sizes.
Then, there are also some brands that come in a few different sizes from preemie sizes to the larger toddler and are especially great for those smaller or larger babies. I’ve tried both systems and love them both for different reasons! Here are some options.
Step #2: purchase your accessories:
You don’t necessarily need all these accessories I am about to show you- but I thought I would show a snapshot of what is out there.
Laundry Accessories:
1. Pail Liner- Anti-microbial and leak proof.
2. Wet bag– Anti-microbial and leak proof.
3. Dryer balls– It’s better for your diaper and saves drying time.
4. Detergent– Get one that is 100% phosphate free.
Clean-up accessories:
1. Bio-kleen Bac-out– It naturally attacks stains and odors until they are gone
2. Gloves- Helps keep things sanitary.
3. Diaper Sprayer– Well worth the purchase.
4. Disposable Liners: You can toss these in the toilet for big messes. However, I hardly use mine.
For your baby’s bum:
1. Organic Baby Bum Spray: Cleans and soothes baby’s bum.
2. Organic diaper rash ointment– Naturally soothes diaper rashes and cloth diaper safe.
3. Cloth Wipes: Soft and easy to just throw in the wash with the diapers.
4. My Cloth Wipe Box: I used an old plastic box to keep my wipes in water with wipe solution.
Also, I forgot to mention that I use a regular garbage can to keep the soiled diapers. When I am ready to wash- I pull out the liner, unzip and toss it in the wash.
Easy Breezy!
You can be even MORE frugal…
Additional Money Saving tips:
-Hang your diapers out to dry. Not only does the sun do an amazing job at naturally cleaning and bleaching them- it saves energy and money.
-Make your own cloth wipes out of fleece or other soft materials.
-Check Craigslist and other baby consignment stores. Sounds gross but the diapers I have purchased used didn’t have stains or smells and were half the price. Cloth Diapers last forever!
-Sell your old diapers. Did you know that well known brands of cloth diapers have about a 50%-65% resale value? I think I can sell the used ones I purchased for more than I bought them for!
-Use wool balls for faster drying time and energy saving- also, it’s better on the cloth diapers.
-A Diaper Sprayer and a Bidet Sprayer are the same thing! If it says “Diaper Sprayer” you will find that it is priced a little higher- so look for something that says “Bidet” instead- I think I got mine on Amazon.
-Make your own diapers. If you know your way around the sewing machine- you can actually make your own! Go to http://verybaby.com for instructions and patterns!
Bottom line- even the most expensive cloth diapering system will save you money over the cheapest disposable diapers. Don’t be afraid of the cost upfront- remember how much you are saving in the long run! Just how much you save depends on what system you choose and the products you choose to purchase.
Okay so would you do it for a few thousand dollar savings? For the environment? For you baby’s bum?
I dare you– give it a try.
I am such a cloth diaper advocate that I am happy to help answer any questions you may have.
Leave me a comment and ask away!
For more cloth diapering info and for a chance to win some diapers and products- visit me {here} on my blog: weedstowishes.com!
Smee says
These diapers are adorable, and you’re right, they do not look like diapers!
I’m completely on board and used cloth with all 5 kids. With cloth, you must change when baby is wet or soiled, and you must take it with you…both of which can be a hassle, but exhibit responsibility.
Rant Notice:
The gel that is produced in disposables allows the diaper to hold a LOT of urine. Because the diaper doesn’t leak, many parents decide to be frugal by changing it only when baby has a “poopy”. These are the parents who no longer subscribe to 8-10+ changes a day. These babies are either laying or toddling around in a heavy, stinky, and (imho) unhealthy diaper for hours. C’mon people- change those diapers!
Continued Rant: When you do change the diaper, please wrap it up and take it home with you…seriously- leaving them in a trash can for someone else to take care of is nasty and stinks up the place. (I mean, we do it with dog doody, right?)
cristi Dame says
Props to you for cloth diapering FIVE!! That’s a lot of diapers!!
Lindsay says
Even worse when it is left in the parking lot; now that is tacky!
Missy says
I have never dreamed of doing cloth diapers, but you almost have me convinced to try it! Now I just need a baby. 😉 Love this post – such great information and beautiful pictures.
cristi says
Yes babies do help. You gotta get one so I can show how easy (and I am crazy enough to say fun) it is to cloth!!
Jocelyn says
Hi Christi! I’m new to this site and so glad I found it 🙂 As for cloth diapering, I, too, wanted to try it with #1 but was a bit scared and overwhelmed by the idea. So, when we were pregnant with #2, I decided I would do it. My motivating reason being the cost-savings of it. And now, 16 months after my LO was born, I am still cloth diapering and wishing I had done it with #1. With the myriad of choices regarding diaper styles and ways of using them (full-time, part-time, daytime, nighttime) it’s definitely do-able for many families. Glad you are promoting the idea of cloth diapers! They are making a comeback 🙂
Cristi says
I wish I would have started earlier too! And yes they are making a comeback!
Nicole says
Which diaper do you use? Which ones are those colorful ones?
Cristi Dame says
Hi there Nicole- great question. I have several that I really like and each brand has all sorts of colors and some with great patterns but since I started when my son was when he was 12 months old and in the wiggly stage of diaper changing- I really appreciated the velcro option. I have been a fan of the Thirsties Pocket Diapers. I also have several Fuzzibunz and Charlie Bananas(which is pretty similar) and really like those as well- they have great name recognition so they resell easy. But one system I am wanting to get more of the next time around for my size 1s when I am changing a lot more diapers more often atethe hybrid system I mentioned on the video which I believe that was Best Bottoms. I have tried one diaper called weehuggers which I regret not getting more of because I think it was my favorite diaper of all and was sad to find out they sold to Swaddlebees but I hear you can find it still as their Capri Covers which I think are the same thing. I just love that you can use the covers a few times before having to wash them. Less laundry and less cost but with the convenience as the other pocket diapers. Does that help? Did I throw too much out there?? Bottom line is you have to find what you like and what works for you. Try finding some on craigslist to try out and see what you think.
Maija says
My mom used cloth on all three of us girls, and would “sneak” a “Pamper” when we went on Plane trips! She had no running water, no washing machine, and hand washed all the cloth diapers. I cloth diapered my children too. But luckily, I have a nice washing machine! Also, I made all of mine. And I almost want to have another baby just because of how cute the fabrics are nowadays! We had plain white “diapers” with pins and rubber pants!!! Super easy. I encourage everyone to use cloth. I have a whole slew of cloth at my house too, so when my friends visit, I change into a cloth and just show them how EASY it is…not to mention free!
cristi dame says
Okay that is something I want to do…make my own! And yes there are so many cute fabrics out! I love it almost just for that reason! 😉
cristi dame says
P.S. I do sneak pampers on for long trips or nights as well…
Rachel says
Our family loved cloth diapers! All 3 of our children were cd-ed–2 never had a single disposable diaper touch their sweet little tushies!
My husband was reluctant at the start. “Too much upfront cost,” He said. “Too steep of a learning curve,” he claimed. After a few months he was able to get a hang of using a pocket diaper properly, and after a year he was even an expert at diaper swishing and laundry.
Baby #2 and Baby #3 brought more years of cloth diaper use and the broadening of our cloth diaper collection. We tried everything from mass produced pocket diapers to one of a kind custom WAHM made dipes, to minimalistic flats and wool. Some were flops, but most worked fantastic! Our worst diaper accident ever was when Baby #1 was in a disposable diaper. Cloth dipes just hold it all in better when properly applied. Oh, and have I mentioned the cuteness? Cloth diapers/covers come in many adorable prints and styles. So often we would mark a milestone with a special diaper or cover…special holiday dipes, custom embroidery for a birthday, that sort of thing.
All of my kids are now potty-learned. Our diaper days are finished, but I am still a huge advocate for cloth. My children were healthier and happier in cloth (no diaper rash, no harsh chemicals, learning their own body, potty learning early…etc) and we saved thousands of dollars–literally. I have mentored a number of moms who are new to cloth, and continue to plant the seed about using cloth into the minds of my friends and family who are expecting.
Really, cloth diapering is not difficult. You just set your mind to the fact that it is your choice, and you make it work. There are even diapering forums online to answer questions, find resources and get support. When we started 10 years ago the options were much more limited than today. I feel all warm and fuzzy when I see so many great options available even in the mass market place—Cloth diapers on sites like Zulily? Holy cow! How cool!
cristi dame says
I am so glad there are passionate people out there like me! And yes- it is SO much easier and better than it used to be!
My husband was for it after seeing how it easy it was too!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Adina says
I just started using cloth diapers about a month ago for two kids. I use ALVA diapers. So far they have been working great. People think I’m nuts, but I love it. 🙂
I do have a question though… I’ve been washing them on as hot as my machine would allow. I find it is the only to get them really clean. Is this going to shorten the diaper life?
cristi dame says
I spoke to Kimberly with Boise Cloth Diapers and offers a diaper service where she washes a ton of diapers. She mentioned that prefolds and inserts can be washed in the sanitary cycle but to only use hot water for pockets and aios. The Sanitary Cycle can ruin the waterproof coatings.
Here are my tips: Make sure you are using a great detergent. I love Rockin Green. Also, I use a prewash setting that prewashes the diapers with colder water so it doesn’t set any stains. I also, put mine out to dry in the sun on occasion because it just gets them so clean and takes out any smell. If you are finding there is still a smell- you may have build up from your detergent and may need to “strip” them. I have never had to do that but found there are different methods. Let me know if you need more info on that if you think that may be the problem.
Charity says
My daughter gets a rash with the used cloth diapers I have. Should I be striping them? If so how do you suggest?
Lacey Allen says
I would love to start using cloth diapers…my only concerns is the upfront cost. The give away sounds great but the link doesn’t seem to work. Weeds to Wishes comes up but the actual give away entry doesn’t seem to work. Any suggestions? Also, I’m curious about the environmental standpoint. I completely agree that diapers are filling landfills at a disgusting rate but does anyone know the environmental effect/blueprint cost for the energy and water usage it takes to wash these diapers?
Cristi says
Up front cost can be a tad scary but look at it as how much you will save in the long run.
Many disposable diaper companies try to argue that you are wasting water and energy by the extra washing. Which obviously you use a little bit more water and energy usage- however, it is minute compared to the energy and fossil fuels used to cut down and transport thousands of trees, make the outer plastic shell and transported from factories to all over the country using fuel. Here are a few links if you are interested in reading further.
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/mrgreen/2009/11/the-great-diaper-debate.html
http://www.diaperjungle.com/Cloth-Diapers-Exposed.html
http://www.thegreenmama.com/analyzing-environmental-life-cycle-costs-diapers
Lindsay says
I use Alvas (I think it’s alvababy.com. Super cheap and their bamboo inserts are great and their bamboo diapers never leak! Prefolds or flats and a couple covers worked best for our newborn when his legs were still skinny. Check to see if there is a cloth diaper moms group online in your area- I have one that does co-op orders to get diapers even cheaper ($4-$7 each).
Liz Lacy says
Yes, I did use cloth diapers, my first son except when we traveled, my second son for about 3 months, by then I had two in diapers, the next 3 never saw cloth diapers except for when I cleaned with them. I really did like them and yes they were work but not to terrible. We just got some free ones (throw away) for a couple of years and couldn’t go back to the cloth.
Cristi says
Thanks for sharing. Whenever I travel and have used disposable diapers for long flights or whatever… I found it hard to get back into the cloth groove… I just had those disposables right there for me! But eventually I would run out and start back up with the cloth.
April says
I was really glad I ignored all those tisk tisk moms and used cloth diapers. When I did it, I bought the plain old fashioned white cloth diapers and several plastic-y covers with velcro.
I had a bucket beside my toilet that I first put a little water with laundry soap into. When I brought a soiled diaper, I usually swished it in the toilet and then it went straight into the bucket.
Every evening I picked up the bucket, and dumped the whole thing into the washer – the diapers had been soaking in the laundry detergent all day, so I didn’t have to add much more. Worked like a charm and never stunk.
Two kids. Easy peasy. The diaper companies have everyone convinced it’s easier to use their products – just like the formula companies try to convince mom’s it’s easier to use (and clean and wash and sanitize and and and) than a breast! Both of those options cost more and waste more!
I worked full time when I had both kids, and feeding and diapers were never a problem for us – although my husband was a little jealous that I got to do most of the feeding (I would take pity and expel for a bottle now and then in addition to the day care bottles so he had the experience, too, though).
8~)
Cristi says
Isn’t it great that cloth diapers have come so far??
Sarah says
Wow! I *just* posted about cloth diapering yesterday! http://glimmersnaps.blogspot.com/2012/10/cloth-diapering-your-baby-in-21st.html
My hubby was the hardest to convince. He heard from a friend (who didn’t even use cloth!!) that it would be too much work and was all skeptical. Now he’s all proud about it–it’s kinda cute.
My newborn stash was just 24 prefolds (about $1.50 each) and some covers I bought cheap at a consignment shop. I started branching out and trying pockets and AIOs when my son started sitting up and crawling because I was looking for something trimmer.
I am SO glad I use cloth! They are so fun and cute and waaaay cheaper!
PS Good job on your photos!
Cristi says
Loved your post- and am really intrigued by the GroVia AI2 I saw there. I learn new brands and things every day! Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
Hi Christi!
I love the blog post. Great info! Curious: How do you know how many of each size diaper you need if you are going with a sized diaper?? Im looking to get cloth diapers for the girls for potty training as well as the new one on the ways diapering career. Ive buzzed through craigslist and found some. But Im not sure what brand to go with. I have a few fuzzy Buns, but hear BumGenious is a great brand. What can you share with me…that you havent already done in your post?? Thanks so much!!!
Jenny
Cristi says
Hi Jenny-
Brands can be so personal on what people like. I think buying a few different ones (especially if you can get one used) and trying it out is awesome. I found that I found my favorite diaper that I would go back to again and again. I am a fan of velcro with older babies… so brands that have that option are my favorite. But some people like snaps so their child can’t take off their diaper.
Sorry I am not sure that was very helpful?
Also as far as how many diapers it depends on age of baby and how many times you want to wash.check out this link: http://www.littlefornow.com/how-many-cloth-diapers-do-i-need.html
Yvette says
I’m intrigued! How many diapers would you need per child? I have a 2 month old and a 16 month old.
Cristi says
Wow two months and 16 months! It depends on how often you want to wash diapers. I found this link that really had a great chart showing how many to get depending on the amount of washing you will be doing. http://www.littlefornow.com/how-many-cloth-diapers-do-i-need.html
For two washings a week your little 2 month old- perhaps 30 diapers and your 16 months more like 18 diapers? I was the type who preferred to get by with as little diapers as I could possibly could- so perhaps start out with the smallest stash first and build on it as you find some used ones or deals.
Stephanie says
I really appreciate the throoughness of detail in this post. You left no stone unturned! P.S. I LOVE your photos.
Cristi says
Thanks Stephanie!
Brooke Kingston says
Great post on cloth diapering! We are a cloth diapering family, and DS2 is still rocking the adorable Fuzzi Bunz we invested in several years ago. I am looking forward to blessing a dear friend with these beauties when we are all done.
The initial investment was expensive, yes. To counteract, we started budgeting for them as soon as I got pregnant. We put aside $60 a month, which is about what we knew disposables would cost us if we’d gone that route. For 8 months, I used that money to build our stash of cloth diapers, accessories, and cleaning supplies. It was a relief when we had enough inventory to not have to spend $60 per month any longer. And it was a good motivator to recognize I wanted to keep those funds in our budget for more important things…like food and family fun!
We strip our diapers once a week or so by simply adding another wash cycle to our routine. So after we wash with detergent, we do another cycle without detergent. I also add baking soda and vinegar to the regular wash cycle; baking soda goes in with detergent to help clean, and vinegar goes in the fabric softener cup to help deodorize. Seems to help a lot!
Great post, and thanks for the reminder of why I’ve been doing this…great for the earth, for baby’s bum, and for our pocketbook!
Cristi Dame says
Thanks for your tips on stripping and saving while you are pregnant! Great idea!
Rachel says
Ok so I would really like your input on the best way to get rid of that stinky smell that builds up after awhile, especially if you forget to wash your diapers frequenetly, or if you forgot to dry them right away. Thanks!
Cristi Dame says
If you are getting that stinky smell you may be using too much soap or you may need to switch detergents because you have build up of soap or they may not be being rinsed enough. I love Rockn Green.
Another thing I do is let mine dry in the sun if I can- that seems to do the trick and also saves $ on the drying time.
But if you are still having problems look at stripping them with some good old baking soda and vinegar and REALLY hot water- you can google stripping cloth diapers and see what you get- here is a helpful link to ways to take away the stink. http://www.zany-zebra.com/stripping-cloth-diapers.shtml
Hope that helps just a little bit!
Veronica Almeida says
Love, Love, Love, thanks for sharing!
Veronica Almeida says
I am a green person and can’t imagine what all those disposible diapers can do to our planet. It is time for mothers to think about that!
Cristi Dame says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kate C says
I considered cloth diapering, and may attempt it with our next child or when we get our own washer/dryer, whichever comes first. That was the main drawback on why we didn’t try with our first was because we live in an apartment complex with a laundromat quite far away.
My one other reason is one that no one seems to address: all the needed extra water to dispose of the diaper contents, rinsing, washing, stripping, etc. Our family lives in a desert, and I can’t imagine that using so much excess water is the most “green” thing to do. It’s going to take a while for me to get over that point.
Lindsay says
Water is definitely something you have to think about. My baby is EBF at this point, so I do diaper laundry 2x a week (actually every 4-5 days). I rinse, wash, rinse again. In warm months I hang to dry. I’m not sure, but doing a wet bucket might eliminate the initial rinse. I’m not sure how an extra 2 loads of laundry a week might effect you.
cristi says
I can for see the concern for extra water- I read that it was about 5 additional flushes of the toilet in a house hold or cutting down on time in the shower. There are many ways a person can save water- So, I suppose one way to save water is flush the toilet about 5-6 x less times that week. You know the old saying they had at girl scouts camp- if it’s yellow leave it mellow- brown flush it down. Just a suggestion if you are looking into wanting to save water.
All the research I have seen as far as the energy it costs to make diapers and then the problem occurs in our landfills which could possibly get into out drinking water is much worse. Let me know if you are interested in some links that support that.
Brenda says
Sorry but I have to ask, where did you get those cute shoes for your daughter?
Cristi Dame says
I know they are cute huh- I think I got those on a Clearance sale at Old Navy or Gap a year or so ago. I stashed them away until I could use them!
RG says
I just got some cloth diapers for my son and it gets wet around the legs and on the outside front of the diaper so I have to change his outfits several times a day because it leaks through. They are the pocket style. Any thoughts?
cristi Dame says
I haven’t had that problem myself but know if can be a problem if the diaper is too big. I love how Fuzzi Bunz has adjustable bands inside to adjust the legs as the baby grows. There are also a lot of different brands that have additional gussets around the legs to prevent leakage as well and are well worth it.
Stephanie says
I have a 18 month old and I only used disposables with her. She isny potty traine yet, but I think switching to cloth diapers will help her transition- plus I’m pregnant with our second. I’m very interested in switching to cloth, but I can’t decide which brands to get or start out with my next baby. What brand are the ones you have pictured above?
Cristi Dame says
Brands can be a tough one and I hate to promote one particular brand because there are so many great brands out there. Questions to think about are snaps or velcro? If you think velcro for your older one- perhaps looking into some Thirsties in size 2 for your 18 month old- but perhaps Or swaddlebees Capri that you can reuse the cover if needed. if you don’t mind snaps- then fuzzi bunz are nice because there one size fits all but so are Happy Heinys and they have a velcro option. There are so many great choices out there- it’s so hard to know what you will like with your baby.
Go to http://www.boiseclothdiapers.com/- she has them listed in brands as well as style and you can go on there and see the different kinds and has a try before you buy option which can be so nice as you are trying it out.
Also, don’t forget to try craigslist- I just found a bunch of thirsties on our local craigslist last week. Hope that helped a little bit at least.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Wendy says
This post comes at a perfect time for me! I am really looking forward to trying cloth diapers for round two. However we are still in an apartment, and I am curious, if we buy a bidet sprayer is that something we can take with us to our next home? Also is that something that the landlord will be upset about us installing, or can we put it on without altering the toilet?
Thanks!
Cristi Dame says
Wendy- No worries- it is nothing major to install or anything! I didn’t even need my husband’s help! Just follow instructions- It comes on and and on within 30 seconds! I was so amazed how easy it was!
Laura Munns says
I have been looking into cloth diapering and I was wondering if with my now 17 month old who leaks through his diapers at night if cloth diapers would help that or make that worse?
thanks,
Laura
Jennifer I. says
Hi! Thanks for all of the info. I am expecting my first baby this upcoming spring and my husband and I are wanting to cloth diaper. We wanted to register for some but I have no idea what brand to pick. You went through the different types but are there are brands you recommend over others? why? Also we are having a boy and I am worried about the bulk of cloth and that they wont fit under his clothes- are some brands more trim? Thanks so much in advance!
Brandy says
So we are newly pregnant with baby #2…I had considered this recently and when I read your article I am now convinced this is exactly what we are going to do! Thanks for such great advice!
Ashley says
I have never used cloth diapers before, I am expecting in April and I am considering the possibility of using cloth diapers for many reasons. I just do not know a lot about the daily process. I have a question: if you put the diapers as a whole into a trash can then what do you use a wet bag and a pail liner for?
Alayne says
Hi there! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and knowledge! i’ve found this so helpful in making the decision to cloth diaper when our baby comes in June. One thing I am wondering if you’ve had much experience with is in regards to travelling while using cloth diapers? Have you found it to be doable? Difficult? I would love any advice that you can give in this area! Thanks so much!! – Alayne
Shahla says
I’m very excited to start cloth diapering with my first born, your article and video were so helpful! I haven’t come across the hybrid style you showed last, but it seems like exactly what I’m looking for. Do you have any tips or brands that make that style? Thank you so much!
Alyssa says
So I just ordered my first 10 cloth diapers I am a little late on starting being cloth diapers but I fegure better late then never n I can use them on baby number two …. So this is all new to me so I have a million questions … I got the pocket diapers how many diapers n liners do a normal baby go through in a day ? So I know how many I’ll need n do I have to replace the out side n the inside every time or just the liner if it dint get on the hole diper ?
Kelly Togisala says
About to have fourth child in about the weeks. I have never used cloth before. I don’t know which way to go. Help?
Candi says
i know this is probably a stupid question but do you have to wash out the outer of the pocket diaper even after pee? I would assume so because the dry lining goes into it. Also, for a 4 month old how many diapers would you think you’d need a day?
Veronica Almeida says
I would do it again in a heart beat if I was having kids. I would probably do the most economical ones like the old days. I remember using clothes diapers 33 years ago and let me tell you, they have come a long way!
emilia says
Greetings from Finland! My little girl is now 9 Months old and she have been using cloth diapers since she was 2 months old. Today one of my friends asked me if we saved a lot of money by cloth diapering her. I started counting and asked the other moms in the room how many diaper packages they use in a week. They answered about 64 disposable diapers ( a package) a week. That equals to about 9 diapers a day. A package of Libero diapers (46 a package) costs 12 €. 0,26€ a diaper.
Many of the cloth diapers I´ve got I have bought second hand, borrowed or been given. I have spent 200€ (or a bit less now as I´m writing) for diapers from newborn to toddler XS-L, 3kg – 15kg. That should cover my baby until she is about 2 years old. 200€ for 2 years, that means 100€ for 1 year. 100€ divided on 52 weeks is 1,92€/week. BUT this is without the washing expenses (all water is included in our rent and in a borrowed washingmachine)
We don´t cloth diaper at night, then we use disposables. We have bought a lot of disposables too. 104, 81€, that is 10 packages wearying in size. When we are on a trip we usually use disposable diapers instead of cloth.
This day we have spent about 220€ on all diapers that we have used (disposables and cloth up until 15kg) versus 480€ if we would only have used disposables up until now. We have saved 260€ up untill now, But our little one is only 9 monts now and only our first child. More savings to come PLUS the re-sell!