Diaper cost challenge

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-25-2008, 09:44 PM

I'm determined to do cloth diapering with my next born child. Reading about it, start up costs range anywhere from $400-$800, depending on which article you read. I am not spending this much money. So my challenge to myself is to get a "start-up stash" for less than $150. So for my stash I need a minimum of 25 diapers, so I can do diaper laundry every two days.

I've been scouring for sale posts and factory seconds sales for cheap diapers. I'd like to spend around $5-$7 per diaper. I'm going to try to teach myself to sew things like inserts and prefolds to help cut costs as well.

Some diapers out there are $40 a piece!!!!! They must be amazing, but I can't imagine spending that much on something my child is going to poo in!

Anyhow, I'll be posting here with my finds, and accomplishments, and how much money I have spent on Diapers and diapering accessories. Hopefully it goes well!!!

**Emjo** · 09-25-2008, 09:57 PM

I cloth diapered my first part time, and you can definitely do it for less than $400! I recommend chinese pre folds...they are very basic (you have to do all the folding) but they get the job done very well and it doesn't take long to learn how to use them. They're about $2 a piece, if I recall correctly. They come in 2 sizes; I used the smaller size for about the first 8 months (but my baby had a huge bum!

) and then I switched to the larger size which he outgrew at about 20 months (but again, huge bum!). I bought WAY too many...2 dozen in each size is plenty.

I also used the Bummi's super whisper wrap covers...they come in about 5 different sizes, and they are a bit more pricey, about $10 a piece. I bought 5 in each size, but you could get away with 3 (you don't need to change them with every diaper). I also used a Snappi, which is a fastener. WAAAAAY better than pins, and well worth the money (less than $10, I think). I also invested in a "Gamma lid", about $20, which is an airtight lid that fits on a 5 gallon container. Works VERY well at keeping diaper smells contained!

So with everything I listed it would be $250-300, but that's all brand new stuff, from smallest to largest size, and nothing on sale. You could easily start with just the smaller pre-folds, and covers in the first couple of sizes, and that would really keep costs down.

**Lady_V** · 09-25-2008, 09:57 PM

I don't know if you have the time or energy

Cloth Diaper Pattern

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-25-2008, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Emjo

I cloth diapered my first part time, and you can definitely do it for less than $400! I recommend chinese pre folds...they are very basic (you have to do all the folding) but they get the job done very well and it doesn't take long to learn how to use them. They're about $2 a piece, if I recall correctly. They come in 2 sizes; I used the smaller size for about the first 8 months (but my baby had a huge bum!

) and then I switched to the larger size which he outgrew at about 20 months (but again, huge bum!). I bought WAY too many...2 dozen in each size is plenty.

I also used the Bummi's super whisper wrap covers...they come in about 5 different sizes, and they are a bit more pricey, about $10 a piece. I bought 5 in each size, but you could get away with 3 (you don't need to change them with every diaper). I also used a Snappi, which is a fastener. WAAAAAY better than pins, and well worth the money (less than $10, I think). I also invested in a "Gamma lid", about $20, which is an airtight lid that fits on a 5 gallon container. Works VERY well at keeping diaper smells contained!

So with everything I listed it would be $250-300, but that's all brand new stuff, from smallest to largest size, and nothing on sale. You could easily start with just the smaller pre-folds, and covers in the first couple of sizes, and that would really keep costs down.

Thank you for all the info! I am really still learning about all the different types and brands of diapers out there, it can be quite overwhelming! So far I have 5 All-in-ones in small, and that's it. I'd like to do a mix of different kinds of diapers. All-in-ones for my husband and the in-laws to use, and then maybe pre-folds and covers for myself to use. As for the diaper pail, I already have a diaper champ from my first DS, and I thought maybe that might be convenient, and it keeps the smell inside. I know it's not specifically made for cloth diapers, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Originally Posted by Lady_V

I don't know if you have the time or energy

Cloth Diaper Pattern

Thanks so much! It's not really about time or energy, but mainly skill. My sewing skills are pretty limited to straight lines, and my machine is the most basic model out there. I might give this a try with fabric I already have, and if it works I can buy the good stuff!

**monkeywrangler71** · 09-25-2008, 10:17 PM

I used a combination of prefolds and all-in-ones. AIOs for lazy days, prefolds for the rest of the time. I hated the super whisper wrap, although it fit and looked great. I found the pee soaked through it and made it stink, I had to change the cover every time. I just ended up using the cheap kushies plastic wraps from Walmart, they worked better for me.

I had three dozen small, which was way too much, and 1 dozen premium, which was not nearly enough - although I had two kids wearing them at the same time, it probably would have been enough for one (plus the AIOs).

My skinny boy wore them until he was toilet trained at 3 1/2. My daughter is a bit fluffier, I just switched her to disposables (size 6) as the cloth was too tight and she doesn't want to use the toilet yet.

**geckoace** · 09-26-2008, 11:08 AM

www.diaperswappers.com people sell their new, used and WAHM diapers on there. plus it is a forum that can really offer you some guidance, i have cloth diapered and now i am gdiapering w/ cloth (another great option that is easy for husbands too)

**santoria** · 09-26-2008, 04:24 PM

I've been using cloth diapers exclusively since my oldest was born.

I've spent about $250 in that time. I've scoured the thrift stores, consignment stores, and garage sales. since most people have no idea the true value.

check freecycle.

I also got into making my own. you don't need to have fancy material etc...I used up all the old ratty towels, blankets, sweaters, tshirts in the house. went to value village and bought a bunch of old wool blankets and sweaters for covers (wool is amazingly absorbant)

don't let the costs of all those fancy schmancy $40 diapers prevent you from using cloth.

I like using the information site www.diaperjungle.com

**joyofsix** · 09-26-2008, 07:18 PM

My low tech take on cloth diapering. I'm on baby #7 in cloth so these are just my experiences. I've made almost all my diapers from the start. Here's a really cheap way to make diapers http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/1681. I started using vinyl pants but have slowly over the years acquired some whisper wraps and pro wraps and finally just figured out how to sew some myself. With #6 I did break down and buy 6 fuzzi bunz from e-bay used. I'm still using them with #7. They make it much easier to be out all day as they are like changing a disposable with no need for pins. Just my $.02. You can do cloth as cheaply or expensively as you want to. Good luck!

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-26-2008, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by joyofsix

My low tech take on cloth diapering. I'm on baby #7 in cloth so these are just my experiences. I've made almost all my diapers from the start. Here's a really cheap way to make diapers http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/1681. I started using vinyl pants but have slowly over the years acquired some whisper wraps and pro wraps and finally just figured out how to sew some myself. With #6 I did break down and buy 6 fuzzi bunz from e-bay used. I'm still using them with #7. They make it much easier to be out all day as they are like changing a disposable with no need for pins. Just my $.02. You can do cloth as cheaply or expensively as you want to. Good luck!

Thanks for the link! I do have tons of blankets stashed away from when DS was a baby, and I know we don't need that many. I could probably post a wanted ad on freecycle and get more for free. Sewing straight lines is something that I actually can do, so making my own pre-folds is within my skill level! This would very much cut a lot of the cost out.

So, my understanding is that with prefolds you just fold into the diaper shape and then pin to secure? And then on top of that you put a diaper cover? My only experience with cloths has been All-in-ones, so I'm still learning!

**joyofsix** · 09-27-2008, 07:25 AM

Here is a link that shows some ways to fold. I use the 'angel wing' which is the second one down. I'm sure there are tons of links out there.
http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/howto.htm Oh, and I just use a lidded five gallon bucket for a diaper pail. You can use a wet or dry pail. I prefer dry. You may have to experiment some to find what works best for you. Don't get discouraged and if I may suggest. Do ask for some disposables as a baby gift. They can make the first little bit when you are exhausted and didn't get the laundry done doable.

**pollypurebred39** · 09-27-2008, 12:28 PM

Boy, cloth diapering sure has changed since I had kids. I just used rectanglar diapers. I folded one into thrids and laid it inside another diaper that I had folded in so it wouldn't bunch at their legs, laid them on top of it and pulled it up between their legs and pinned it on both sides. Slipped on a pair of plastic pants and we were good to go. When we left the house I added an extra diaper folded into thrids so we didn't have accidents. I can't remember exactly how many diapers I had but I would say a round wash basketful.

Good luck with cloth diapers. Both of our boys liked cloth over disposable.

**justatxmom** · 09-27-2008, 01:14 PM

$40 each!?!

I am in the wrong line of business.

I had no idea cloth diapering has become so chic and zsa-zsa. I can't get over it costs $400 to $800 to get started. Is that because of the whole "going green" brouhaha?

It has cost me less than $40 to get started... 24 diapers, covers, and pins. They aren't cute and designer; just plain and functionable... All my kiddos have been in them. As a matter of fact #5 and #6 will be using them soon.

**Telephus44** · 09-27-2008, 09:16 PM

I have 8 AIO (4 green, 4 blue) that are the "Little Lambs" style. They have fleece insides and liners. They're adjustable (have many snaps on the outside) and go from 8lb to 35lbs. If you want them, PM me and I'll send them to you (free). I'm moving next week and would love to get them out of my house. I have pictures if you want to see them first.

I loved using them, but DS is getting on the large side for them, and for the last few months I've been too lazy to use them.

**AngelB** · 09-29-2008, 02:04 PM

I just started cloth diapering about 10 days ago. I am using chinese prefold with the prorap covers. I found them on craigslist. I got 30 covers(in 4 sizes) and about 50 of the prefolds (2 sizes) and a bunch of snappis, baking soda, vinegar and sprayer for $125. The family was moving overseas and wouldn't have a washer etc. But my point is I think you can do it for the price you've set out. It took me about a week to find a folding style that worked for my 2yo's shape, but now I like them. I am expecting a new baby in a few weeks and i think that is where my real savings will come in, when I have 2 in diapers. I calculated that even with buying my disposables on sale I will have recoped my costs in about 3 months or less. I also just started using the cloth wipes. I am using those soft baby washcloths that I've found at thrift stores and yard sales. I really like it so far and think you will too. Good luck.