What Is the Average Cost of Diapers?

The average cost of diapers is mostly dependent on the style and size you purchase.

If you have a baby, you have to keep them in diapers. There really is no way around it. Arming yourself with a bit of knowledge about the different types and their corresponding prices can help keep your costs down.

Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are the most economical way of diapering your baby, as long as you launder them yourself. Costing anywhere from $380 to $1500 by the time your child is potty trained, they are an affordable alternative to disposable diapers. Once you involve a laundering service, your savings will be gone. The weekly cost of a laundering service is equivalent to that of buying disposable diapers.

Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers will cost you approximately $2500 from the time your baby is born to when they are potty trained. The least expensive way to purchase disposables is to buy them in bulk from a discount store.

Considerations

Keep in mind that individual circumstances will change these average prices. The size of your child can either increase or decrease the price because diapers, both cloth and disposable, come in various sizes that have different prices. Also consider what your laundering costs are with cloth diapers. If you have a high-efficiency washer and dryer, your costs will be less than with a system that isn't as efficient and cost-effective. With disposables, consider that living in an area that charges for additional garbage pick-up may result in higher expenses.

References

• BabyCenter: Using a Diaper Laundering Service
• Diaper Decisions: Cost of Cloth Diapers