How to Cloth Diaper Your Kids WIthout Going Broke

For the first year and a half of my son’s life, we used disposable diapers. I wanted to use cloth diapers, but we didn’t think we could afford it. It was easier to spend $10 here and there on disposable diapers than a lot at once on cloth ones. We knew we’d save money in the long run if we switched, but we had to spend to save. That wasn’t feasible for us and isn’t for many, but we’ve finally found a way to do it. I can’t believe I didn’t think to do it this way before!

We started buying a few diapers every pay period, as many or few as we could afford. At first I used cloth and disposable, doing laundry frequently. It didn’t take long to stock up enough diapers for my son. Soon we were only using cloth diapers, and I only had to wash them once or twice a week. We bought them all secondhand, so altogether, we didn’t spend much at all. That is the most affordable way to switch.

If you’re planning on cloth diapering a newborn, stock up little by little on small cloth diapers instead of disposables. We used to buy a few packs of disposable diapers a month when expecting, as most parents do. Instead spend that money on a few cloth diapers here and there. They don’t all have to be the same brand. In fact, it’s better to try many kinds in case you love or hate certain ones. Likewise, collect medium diapers when your child is a newborn and so on.

Buying secondhand from friends or over the internet is a great way to save. It’s perfectly sanitary; just wash them very well before use. Yu may be able to find some in thrift stores and consignment shops, but rarely. Diapers usually last through at least two children. Many people use them for one or two children and then sell them. It is very easy to find gently loved diapers in good condition for a bargain. Some great places to look are Craigslist, Ebay, the Trading Post at Mothering.com, Diaper Exchange, and Orange Star Fish. (Just Google them.)

Using prefolds and prefitted diapers with covers is cheaper than using the more convenient All-in-one or All-in-two cloth diapers. Folding and pinning may seem like a hassle, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. You can buy snappies that are very easy to use instead of pins. They often fit more snugly. AIO/AI-2s work like disposable diapers, but with Velcro and snaps. They are more expensive but plenty absorbent and cute. You can find great deals on any kind, though refolds will cost a fraction of what AIOs will.

You can save your cloth diapers for your next baby and sell them when your oldest is potty trained. You could also sell each size as your child outgrows them to fund purchase of the larger size. Either way you get your money back! You don’t get a cent back after using disposable diapers with your kids.

If you buy new, you’ll get a discount for buying in bulk or purchasing diapering packages. If you can, try to find sellers yourselves. Often when you buy a lot of what they are selling, they’ll discount you. Ebay sellers are great about throwing in extras, like soakers and liners (which are cheap anyway). Try to buy at least 3-6 diapers at a time to ensure you’ll pay the lowest price. You’ll be charged a lot less than if you only get a few at a time.

Name brands will cost you more than homemade diapers, which are just as cute and absorbent–if not more. Using a system like Bumkins or Kushies will cost more than if you use homemade diapers. A lot of WAHMs make and sell them online, charging for less than what name brands cost. You’ll save money without sacrificing quality. If you learn to make (and sell?) your own, you’ll save even more. I have yet to take that step but would like to!

Even if you only use cloth diapers part of the time, you save money and help the environment. You can do this temporarily while you stock up permanently. Some chose to use cloth diapers at home and disposables in public or cloth diapers during the day and disposables at night. Some leave only disposable diapers for babysitters or use them when traveling. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You chose the balance that is right for you.

Cloth diapering is a great experience and can even be fun. Making it work can be tricky, but there is always a way. It’s an investment that is worth it. It’s good for the environment, your kids’ health, and your financial future. It is a choice you won’t regret. Good luck!