Disposable Diapers VS Cloth Diapers

Googled image, found on Pampers site

The cost of cloth vs disposable was a big issue for my husband. Yes, the $60 a month we were spending was a lot of money, but in troubling times, coming up with $280 to have a 24 piece stash was impossible!

I know everyone has their pros and cons of disposable vs cloth and I'm not here to dispute that. This post is based off pure facts, and what works for some may not work for others, but if anything, I hope that whoever reads this information, gains SOMETHING from it!

The costs calculated below for disposable, single use diapers are based on two of the most popular brands, using a store known for its value pricing.

The newborn pkg. (up to 10 lb.) contains 48 diapers @ $16.23 = $0.34 each . The average number of changes for a newborn is 12-16 times per day for the first 2 weeks.14x7x2=196 diapers @ $0.34 =$66.64

The Infant # 1 pkg. contains 104 diapers up to 14 lb. @ 0.22 ea. An average baby requires 10-12 changes per day for the first 3 months 11x30x2.5 =825 diapers @ $.22 each = $181.50

The Infant # 2 pkg. 12-18 lb. contains 88 diapers @ $0.26 each. An average baby 3-6 months old requires 10-12 changes a day 11x30x3 =990 diapers @ $0.26= $257.40 Mega pack pricing was used for the balance of the packages as it is the least expensive. Each Mega Pack was $28.92+$2.02 GST For a total of $30.94 / pkg.

The Infant #3 pkg. 16-18 lb. contains 96 diapers @ $0.32 ea. A 6-9 month old baby requires 8-10 changes per day 9x30x3= 810 diapers @ $0.32 ea. = $259.20

The Infant # 4 pkg. 22-27 lb. contains 64 diapers @ $0.37 ea. A 9-12 month old child requires 8 changes per day 8x30x3 = 720 diapers @ $0.37 = $266.40

The toddler pkg. # 5 over 27 lb. contains 58 diapers @ $0.41 each. An average 12-18 month old child requires 6-8 changes a day. 7x30x6=1260 diapers @ $0.41 ea. = $516.60

The child #6 pkg. over 35 lb. contains 48 training diapers @ $23.00 =$0.45 each. An average 18-30 month old child requires 6-8 changes per day. 7x 364 = 2548 diapers @ $0.45= $1146.60

Total estimated average cost $2694.54 for 7,349 disposable, single use diapers.

Pricing above was googled and found HERE

Depending on the style of cloth you use, how often you choose to do laundry, and other factors like cloth wipes, wet bags, diaper sprayer and other accessories, you can spend on the HIGH side of $500 to cloth diaper from newborn-potty training BUT then you can put them away and they're ready for your next child, which means you spend NO money after your initial big purchase unless you decide to add more.

Googled Image

It's recommended to have 24 cloth diapers from the newborn stage, if you do laundry every other day, and a company like Smartipants is currently charging $280 for a 24 pack of One Size (8-35+lb) cloth diapers, available in thirteen different colors. Smartipants Packages also allow you a discount for the more you buy and come in 3, 12, 24 packs if you like to save!

KellyWels.com

Using chlorine to bleach paper releases dioxins, which are one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals out there. Dioxin exposure can also cause reproductive problems - and disposable diapers put dioxins right next to your baby's reproductive organs. Those little gel beads that absorb the liquid can actually cause asthma and airway restriction.

When you no longer need cloth diapers, you can sell them for a portion of your money back! On average, cloth diapers retain about 60% of their value. Since you need fewer diapers as your baby grows, you can trade up in sizes (fitted diapers) without spending any more money! Diaper Swappers is the main website where diapers are bought, sold and traded. Buying used diapers can also be a great way to try the many different styles and brands before settling on one particular company and possibly being disappointed later if they don't meet your standards. I consider myself lucky to have gotten in to giveaways because I have a huge variety of brands, styles, and closures, and it really helps see where you'll get your most money's worth.

So there you have it, a little information on disposables vs cloth. As a family that's used both, I can honestly say sometimes I do miss the convenience of a disposable, and I know my husband prefers them because they're so quick (he needs AIO with velcro!) BUT the money we save is amazing, no running out of diapers at 2am, and I KNOW they're better for my child.

Contributed by Michelle