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Diaper Cost Comparison

Are cloth diapers expensive?

Absolutely not! You can expect to save a bundle by washing your own cloth diapers instead of using disposables. Check our diaper cost chart for details.

*We surveyed disposable diaper prices in Bullhead City, AZ in October 2003. Prices ranged from .21 to .44 per diaper depending on diaper size.
**Based on a average of 8 diapers per day for 2 1/2 years. Expect 12 a day for newborns.

Example of Chinese prefold costs:

Our deluxe prefold package contains 5 dozen Chinese prefolds (3 doz infant, 2 doz premium), 12 Prorap Classic covers, and a free Snappi fastener.

• Prefold package with Proraps = $182.00
• 6 additional Prorap Classic covers = $41.70
• Total cost = $223.70 (shipping costs were not calculated)

Washing Costs:

You may wish to add washing costs to your calculations. Your costs will vary depending on detergent used, type of washer and dryer, whether you line dry, and your cost for local water, gas and/or electric. We calculated .10 a load for detergent costs. This was based on a carton of All free and clear detergent (40 loads) on sale for $3.99. Personally we spend even less than this for detergent. Do keep in mind that you should only use 1/2 of the recommended amount for each load. We added .05 per load for the cost of vinegar/baking soda though you will not use these for every load.

.15 (detergent plus additives) x 3 times a week x 2 1/2 years (390 loads) = $59.00

We have calculated the cost of energy (gas or electricity) and water to be approximately .25 - .50 per load. This figure will vary greatly depending on whether you use gas or electricity, well water, city water, etc. Obviously, hanging your diapers to dry in the sun will lower your cost.

.50 x 2 1/2 years (390 loads) = $195.00

Total washing costs (59.00 + 195.00) for 2 1/2 years = $254.00

Want to lower your costs even more?

1. Ask your family and friends for cloth diapers for shower gifts! You will save a great deal on your diapering costs and your friends/family will know that they are getting you something you will really use. Join our gift registry or ask for gift certificates.
2. Space out your diaper buying. Perhaps you will start with the infant prefold package until baby is 15 lbs and then spring for the premium package. You don't have to buy everything all at once. If you want to use bumGenius diapers perhaps you could start with 18, wash more frequently, and then buy more as you go along. Diapers make great Christmas gifts. Ask Santa for some!
3. Save your diapers for a second child! You may not be able to reuse everything, but you will certainly have some diapers and covers that can be reused (especially the smaller sizes which babies are in for a shorter period of time).
4. Use fewer covers. We calculated 6 covers for each size. Perhaps you can make due with 4.
5. Put the word out that you are looking for diapers and covers. You never know who might have some diapers stored in the attic.
6. If using prefolds, use the infant ones inside the premium ones as doublers once baby is wetting more heavily. When your diapering days are over, prefolds make great dust rags!
7. Use cloth wipes. You'll save a bunch, and they are non-irritating for baby.

Is it worth the "trouble"?

Oh, gosh, yes! We have customers call us all the time to tell us that they actually find it easier and so much more enjoyable to cloth diaper. Cloth diapers save you messy "blowouts," late night runs to the grocery store, tons of trash, and so much more. You will have the joy of smelling and seeing clean comfortable cloth diapers on your baby and knowing that your baby and the earth are happier because of you. We hope our comparison chart has been helpful. What we couldn't chart is the immense satisfaction cloth diapers bring. Once you have tried them, you will know what we mean.