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Home > Babies & Kids > Topics: Diapering

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Try Cloth

Submitted by: Tricia 10/01/2009 3:01 PM

I use pre-fold cloth diapers with the vinyl (now PEVA) diaper covers, and use old threadbare washcloth wipes (wet with warm water and rinse each time) for my diapering, and I have spent less than $300 on diapering my 13 month old for the entire time. We do use disposable when leaving home, so I could have saved at least another $100 if I went through the bother of using cloth exclusively - or even just went out less!

One great benefit of using cloth diapers is that I have the diapers for the next child, and the cost is even lower with following children.

It does take extra work to wash and dry them, and this tip is definitely easier to manage for a stay-home mom considering the washing necessary. I also use homemade laundry soap and hang dry the diapers when possible, saving on energy costs as well.

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Comments:

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I did the same thing with using cloth at home for 4 out of 5 of my kids. When I was pregnant with #5 and #4 was not out of diapers my hubby said you know we can afford disposables and it would be alot less work on you so we switched.

One thing I would add is I often made my own diapers out of old flannel shirts from thrift stores or from what had been given to us. I sometime lined them with sweat shirt fabric just so that I could make more from the flannel. I also made my own training pants which really helped me a lot with being willing to take an almost trained child out and about.

Posted by Mom of 5 on October 07, 2009 11:04 AM

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Another thing to point out: when you use disposables, you have to take out the garbage and go shopping for diapers ALL THE TIME. I'd rather do laundry... diaper laundry takes a lot less folding than most laundry. Using cloth and breastfeeding, I never have to buy anything for my baby!

Posted by Miranda on November 13, 2009 11:39 AM

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I am very frugal. However, I used disposable diapers. There's no vapor barrier in cloth diapers. I cut coupons and used store brands. I truly believe this is a better health option for babies. When I added up the cost to properly launder cloth diapers I was ahead of the game.

Posted by anonymous on December 31, 2009 2:39 AM

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While I am the world's biggest advocate of breast feeding ( both of mine breast fed past their first year and weaned themselves) it's a misconception that it's free. It does cost less than formula. However, breastfeeding moms need to consume more calories and drink more nutritious fluids to produce high quality breast milk.

Posted by anonymous on December 31, 2009 2:49 AM

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I'm sure I've saved money using cloth diapers. I also, line dry when possible (we have pollen allergies, so a good part of the year, we can't), and we have a well, so there are no water costs. It really adds only a few extra loads per week. I haven't noticed my electric bill go up really. I'm not sure what the previous poster meant by it being a poor health option, considering the unknown health effects of the chemicals in disposable diapers. Anyway, my child has not had diaper rash more than a few times in the last 15 months. I wish I had used cloth diapers with my first two, as the savings would have been greater. As another poster mentioned, it is definately an easier option if one parent is home full time. I do think babies look extra cute with the big butts they get in cloth diapers.

Posted by anonymous on January 07, 2010 10:32 PM

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The problem with paper diapers is that the toddler cannot feel them when they are wet. Your baby will train faster if you are using cloth.

Both my kids breastfed. The oldest until she was 5; the youngest until she was 4 1/2. They never had a bottle, not even once or a pacifier.
In the later years nursing is referred to as touch base nursing. Their nutrition needs are being met at the table.

Studies around the world of kids who have extended breasfeeding indicate that in later years there is less obesity, lung cancer and alcoholism. There is a quote in Nursing Your Baby by Karen Pryor that sums it up-"Take care of your children's needs when they are dependent and the sooner they will be independent."

Posted by Rinchen on January 08, 2010 11:40 PM

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In my opinion due to my research, I believe cloth dipes are cheaper and healthier. I used them on my 4, and now comparing two of my grandkids, one in cloth, one in paper I still think cloth is best. Time wise I think it works out about the same. I'm not sure what the pp meant by vapor barrier. The cloth are breathable, and the baby stays dry with a simple fleece rectangle. Cloth diapers can be bought as 2nd's online or easily made using new or reused cloth, even terry towels.
As another pp said, they do look adorable.
I also agree with BFing until baby weans on their own.

Posted by jill on February 11, 2010 11:08 PM

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