How Does Using Cloth Diapers Save Money?

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Every new parent must make the decision to choose between cloth diapers or disposable diapers for their newborn. Both types of diapers have pros and cons. Cloth diapers are more cost-effective and less damaging to the environment. They are also reusable, which results in less waste. Disposable diapers are more convenient to use, especially when traveling. They also do not require washing because they must be thrown away after one use. However, disposable diapers may harm a newborn due to the chemicals used to increase absorbency. Cloth diapers are natural and do not pose any threats to a baby's health. One big reason many parents might be tempted to use cloth diapers is because they are less expensive, especially in the long run.

More Cloth, Less Cash

Cloth diapers save parents money because they are reusable. This means that cloth diapers can be used multiple times as opposed to disposable diapers, which can only be used once and then must be thrown away. Over the years, constantly buying new disposable diapers after every use adds up to thousands of dollars spent just on diapers. A parent would have to buy a new pack of disposable diapers every week whereas with cloth diapering a parent only needs a few pieces. These pieces can be used over and over again for months as long as they are washed between uses. In the long run, this can save parents thousands of dollars.

How Much Money Can Be Saved

Initially, a parent may spend between $250 and $700 for all the materials needed for cloth diapers, including the cloth and safety pins. A weekly pack of disposable diapers costs about $10 to $15, which certainly adds up over years of use. For example, at that rate a year's worth of disposable diapers will end up costing as much as $750. Additional years of use, and additional babies, can run up the bill of disposable diapers to $2,000 and more. Thus, cloth diapers result in hundreds or thousands of dollars saved. Using cloth diapers is definitely more cost-effective in the long run.