The Costs of Cloth Diapers
Although cloth diapers seem like a huge investment, you actually save more money in the long run. Especially if you have two or more kids, the used diapers can be past along to new generations, and you cleverly save more money from diapering.
We have broken down how much each size of diapers will cost and how approximately how long you will be in each size. We have reviewed costs for prefolds and covers, fitted diapers and covers and AIO diapers, pocket diapers, a combo system and disposable diapers. We have used 36 diapers and 6 covers (if needed), washing 3 times a week, as our diapering system. Our energy costs are based on $.08/kWh for electric water heaters and $.60 per therm for gas water heaters. Using these figures 1 load of laundry washed on a hot/cold cycle will cost you $.34 and $.10 respectively. We have set potty training at 2 ½ years of age. Many cloth diaper stores offer package discounts that could save you 5% or more off the price of your cloth diapers. Don’t forget that your cloth diapers will last through several children. You can also sell your used diapers on ebay or another auction site when you no longer need them.
Prefolds and covers
|
Size |
Length of time in size |
Changes per day |
Total diapers/changes |
Cost per change |
Total cost |
|
Infant |
6 months |
12-16 for the first 2 weeks and 10-12 for the next 2 months and 8-10 thereafter |
36 infant prefolds, 6 small covers and 6 medium covers
Average changes: 1998 |
$0.08 |
36x1.50=$54.00 12x8.95=$107.40 Total=$161.40 |
|
Premium |
18 months |
8-10 for 6 months and 6-8 thereafter |
36 premium prefolds and 6 large covers
Average changes: 4140 |
$0.03 |
36x2.00=$72.00 6x8.95=$53.70 Total=$125.70 |
|
Toddler |
6 months |
6-8 |
36 toddler prefolds and 6 X-Large covers
Average changes: 1260 |
$0.11 |
36x2.50=$90.00
6x8.95=$53.70 Total=$143.70 |
|
Energy costs |
30 months |
3 times a week |
Electric water heater: approx. $0.34/load
Gas water heater: approx. $0.10/load |
Add approximately $0.01 to every change |
Total washing costs=$36.00-$122.40 depending on your water heater. |
Grand Total: $430.80
Average cost per change (including washing): $0.08
Fitted Diapers and Covers
|
Size |
Length of time in size |
Changes per day |
Total diapers/changes |
Average cost per change |
Total cost |
|
Small |
3 months |
12-16 during the first 2 weeks, 10-12 thereafter |
36 fitted diapers and 6 covers
Average changes: 964 |
$0.35 |
36x$8.00=288.00 6x9.00=54.00 Total=342.00
|
|
Medium |
9 months |
8-10 |
36 fitted diapers and 6 covers
Average changes: 2430 |
$0.16 |
36x9.00=324.00 6x10=60.00 Total= 384.00
|
|
Large |
12 months |
6-8 |
36 fitted diapers and 6 covers
Average changes: 2520 |
$0.17 |
36x10=360.00 6x11=66.00 Total= 426.00
|
|
XLarge |
6 months |
6-8 |
36 fitted diapers and 6 covers
Average Changes: 1260 |
$0.37 |
36x11=396.00 6x12=72.00 Total=468.00
|
|
Energy costs |
30 months |
3 times a week |
Electric water heater: approx. $0.34/load
Gas water heater: approx. $0.10/load |
Add approximately $0.01 to every change |
Total washing costs=$36.00-$122.40 depending on your water heater. |
Grand Total: $1620.00
Average cost per change (including washing): $0.27
Pocket Diapers
Grand Total: $1251
Total cost per change (including washing): $0.28
All In One
Grand Total: $1942.56
Total cost per change (including washing): $0.33
Combination of Diapers
Time frame: Small (1-3 Months), Medium (4-6 Months), Premium (7-12 Months), Large (13-24 Months)
Grand Total: $1507.84
Total cost per change (including washing): $0.28
Disposable Diapers
Grand Total: $2577.35
Average cost per change: $0.36
|
