Is cloth diapering affordable?

Did you know that diapering one baby in disposable diapers costs an average of $2,500.00? Oh yes, it’s true. And that’s being cost-conscious and buying in bulk, or generic brand disposables diapers. Most parents don’t realize the added cost because you only a pack at a time, and all babies need diapers, right?

When you sit down and do the numbers, you might be surprised, or even shocked. You may be about to embark on the awesome journey of parenthood, or maybe you have a busy toddler or two.

There’s a common misconception that cloth diapers are expensive. In reality, they are so much cheaper than disposables! This cost difference is not seen in the first purchase of diapers, or even the second. It is subtle, and you might not notice it.... Why? Because  much of the savings and benefits with cloth is in the “Don’ts.”

 
With Cloth, you DON’T....

1. Once you buy your cloth diapers you have them. You don’t buy them again next week, you don’t have to run out to the convenience store at the last minute because you ran out.
2. You don’t have an enormous, great smelling heap of garbage to haul out to the curb each week.
3. You don’t have your baby’s bottom covered in petroleum-based gels and dioxins.
4. You don’t have to worry if money’s tight, will you be able to buy diapers for your baby that week.
5. You don’t have to buy more diapers if you decide to have another little bundle of joy.

If you’ve gotten this far, chances are you know some of the amazing benefits of putting your baby in cloth.

The addition of your sweet little one, typically comes a stretching of the family budget. Cloth diapers can save your family literally thousands of dollars, (see our post on the cost comparisons of cloth vs. disposables) but it is true that you need to find a way to pay for that initial investment.

Here’s a few ways to help make cloth even more affordable

1.  Ask family and friends for cloth at your baby shower, or as a birthday gift for baby. Let them know how much you will saving when they support your desire to use reusables.
2. Add cloth diapers to your baby registry, or wish list.
3. Buy a bit at a time, after baby is born. Every few weeks, buy 1 or 2 reusable diapers, and slowly switch over.
4. Before baby is born and needs to use diapers, invest the same amount you would in disposables each month and within 3 months or so, you will have all you need from birth to potty training, all before your little one arrives.
5. Buy used. Cloth diapers, like kids clothes, don’t have to be brand new. You can save a lot off the cost of diapers just by finding them second hand. Check out craigslist.org, diaperswappers.com, or ask your friends if they know of anyone that has extra diapers. Frequently you can find them at garage sales too, or if all else fails, google it.

Be creative!