I started my experience with cloth diapers insanely skeptical and constant wondering, “are cloth diapers worth it?” Are they worth the money savings and the extra time? Are they really more natural for my child? How much start-up cost is involved if I want to try them? Will I regret this instantly?
I’ve now been using cloth diapers for three years and this post is all about answering, “are cloth diapers worth it?” (In my opinion, yes!)
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Are Cloth Diapers Worth It
When my first baby was only six months old, there was a massive shortage on a ton of baby items. Out of concern that diapers would be next, I ordered a set of cloth diapers. I figured I would have them ready in an emergency but truly had no intent whatsoever of actually using them.
But when they showed up on my door step, I was surprised to find just how approachable they looked and seemed. So, on a whim (and with hopes of saving a bit of money), I decided to give it a whirl. I very quickly found I needed a better system to clean them and began doing my research. I created my own DIY spray guard to spray diapers off in my toilet and slowly I fell in love with cloth diapers.
Cost of Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers
Start-Up Cost
Many people are under the impression that cloth diapers are expensive to get into. While that might be the case for some cloth diaper brands, there are also a ton of cloth diaper brands that you can try out for only $30! That’s about the price of a single box of Pampers newborn diapers. Although, the box of Pampers may actually be more expensive as your baby grows…
I personally have used and loved Alvababy cloth diapers since I started cloth diapering three years ago. They are only about $5.00 per diaper and I am only just now having to replace some that the elastic is wearing out on. But, considering they made it through two kids, I’m completely happy to replace them and so happy with how they held up. Plus, the low cost made it possible for me to buy both girly and boy patterns for my kids.
In addition to the cloth diapers themselves, I would also highly recommend that you purchase a diaper spray guard and a toilet sprayer attachment. These two things will give you a totally different cloth diaper experience because cloth diapering is honestly horrible without them and so easy with them.
Plus, both come in handy for just about everything as a mom. When my kids are covered in mud, threw up on their clothes, had an accident in their clothes during potty training, I just throw it in my spray guard and spray it off!
Ongoing Cost
If you’re like me, your primary motive for looking into cloth diapers was the massive cost savings. That’s why I created this post outlining just how much you might save based on the brand of diaper you typically buy.
That said, the average family will spend somewhere between $70.00- $100.00 per child per month on disposable diapers alone. That is between $840.00- $1000.00 a year.
On the contrary, the only argument for the ongoing cost of cloth diapers is the detergent and water to clean them. And if you plan to have more than one child, you can reuse everything that you have and essentially diaper the second baby for free!
The Extra Time of Cloth Diapers
One of the most common concerns I hear from people wondering, “are cloth diapers worth it,” is the extra time involved in washing them. But, to be completely honest with you, I hardly notice it at all. If it’s just wet, I throw it right into our large wet bag. If it’s a poopy diaper, it takes a minute or two to spray off and throw in the wet bag.
From here, I wash my diapers once every two days. And all that involves is dumping the wet bag, adding soap, and pressing the button. So, if you are worried about the extra time or how to clean cloth diapers, don’t let it stop you. You’ll hardly notice it at all once cloth diapers are a part of your routine.
Practicality of Cloth vs. Disposable
While there is simplicity in disposable diapers by the nature of them, I personally got so frustrated when we found ourselves running to the store because we had no diapers left. So, not having those emergency store runs is one of my absolute favorite cloth diaper perks.
That being said, I do also have to admit that cloth diapers are a bit more tricky if you tend to be out of the house a lot. They have to be changed more frequently and also need to be kept in wet bags until you can take them home to clean them. That’s undoubtedly more work than simply throwing the disposable in the trash at the store.
Another thing to consider is whether or not your children go to child care since many child care centers won’t allow you to use cloth diapers. So, be sure to check into this before investing in cloth diapers.
Cloth is a More Natural Option
When I first became a mom, I never would have imagined the chemicals you’ll find in many disposable diaper brands. There are plastics, adhesives, chlorines, dyes, fragrances, and more. Yet, this goes right up against our babies’ skin.
While there are more natural disposable diapers out there, the price point is much higher than other disposable brands. So, as a mom on a budget with kids with insanely sensitive skin, cloth diapers are the clear winner.
Plus, both my kids request our cloth diapers (with words or pointing depending on age haha) or sometimes even end up complaining or seeming uncomfortable when we use disposables while traveling. They both highly prefer the cloth.
Environmental Impacts of Disposable Diapers
If you think about the amount of diapers a single child can go through in just one day, it’s easy to see how quickly diapers can accumulate in landfills. Plus, the materials most disposable disappears are made of are not biodegradable and may even contain chemicals harmful to the environment.
On the other hand, for cloth diapers, the environmental impact is more so a concern of energy and water resources to wash them. This is primarily a concern in areas where drought is common. These concerns can be lessened by using high efficiency washing machines and cleaner soap options.
Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers
- They need changed more often- Cloth diapers are by nature less absorbent than disposable diapers and will need changed more often as kids get older. I personally have gone the approach of using disposables at night and cloth throughout the day
- May leak or need changed during the night- As my kids got older, I had a harder and harder time finding diaper liners that were absorbent enough to get them through the night.
- They are a lot bulkier– Taking along multiple cloth diapers on a long outing can take up quite a bit of space in the diaper bag. And they are also a lot bulkier on your baby. I often have to size up pants or onesies so I have a little extra length when they are wearing cloth.
Other Perks to Cloth Diapers
- No Emergent Trips to the Store- When people ask if I like cloth diapers, this is always the first thing I say. You always have diapers on hand.
- They’re Way Cuter– While I do love a cute onesie or baby outfit as much as every mom, there are also plenty of times where my babies end up wandering the house in their diapers. So, the cute designs on cloth diapers are definitely a plus.
- My Kids Love Them– One of the biggest things for me with cloth diapers is that my kids actually request them over disposable (whether it be my 3 year old using them as pull ups or my 1 year old pointing before I change her). They are definitely more comfortable in cloth.
It’s Not Black & White
The question, “are cloth diapers worth it,” can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. It highly depends on your priorities and your lifestyle.
It also doesn’t have to be an all or nothing question. While we use cloth diapers 90% of the time, we use disposable diapers when life calls for it. Our kids use disposable diapers at night and we also use disposable diapers when we are traveling to in-laws houses.
So, do your research and decide what is best for you and your baby. It doesn’t have to be what was best for me or your best friend.
This post is all about answering the question of “are cloth diapers worth it for you?” I hope this post has helped you figure out what will work best for you and your little ones.
-Beautifully Busy Mom
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Meet the Author
This post was written by Monica, a former teacher turned stay at home mom. After feeling very lonely at the beginning of her motherhood journey, she started this blog in hopes that other moms wouldn’t feel the way she felt. So, this blog is filled with free resources and fun activities so that you can enjoy the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. Let’s be friends 🙂
