Curious to see how much money you can save by using cloth vs disposable diapers? I think you will be surprised!
Cloth vs Disposable Diapers A Cost Comparison 2010
Note: Prices do not include sales tax.
Cloth Diaper prices and disposable diaper prices were taken from a major chain store. I used a low-end name brand, so expect to pay more for Pampers, etc.
Cost of Disposable Diapers
-
Size 1 Disposable
Newborn – 2 Weeks
12-16 diaper changes per day = 168-224 diapers2 Weeks – 3 Months
10-12 diaper changes per day = 700-840 diapersTotal number of size 1 diapers needed is 868-1064.
4-5 packages (264 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each
= $155.96 – $194.95 -
Size 2 Disposable
3 Months – 6 Months
8-10 diaper changes per day = 672-840 diapers 3-4 packages (228 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each
= $116.97 – $155.96 -
Size 3 Disposable
6 Months – 9 Months
8-10 diaper changes per day = 672-840 diapers 4-5 packages (204 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each
= $155.96 – $194.95 -
Size 4 Disposable
9 Months – 1 Year
6-8 diaper changes per day = 504-672 diapers 3-4 packages (180 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each =
$116.97 – $155.96 -
Size 5 Disposable
1 – 1 1/2 Years
6-8 diaper changes per day = 1092-1456 diapers 8-10 packages (150 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each
= $311.92 – $389.90 -
Size 6 Disposable
1 1/2 – 2 1/2 Years
6-8 diaper changes per day = 2184-2912 diapers 19-25 packages (120 diapers in a package)
@ $38.99 each
= $740.81 – $974.75
So, if your child potty trains around 2 1/2 years old, you can expect to use (and throw away!) 5992 – 7784 diapers per child.
Grand Total of Using Disposable Diapers = $1598.59 – $2066.47!
And, this amount doesn’t include the cost of disposable pull-ups, which will really add on to the amount you will spend. Also, some kids take longer to potty train, or will still need a diaper at night, which will also increase your costs.
Flat Diapers and Covers
- 24-36 flat diapers
$12.50/dozen = $25 – $37.50 - 5-7 newborn covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $56.25 – $78.75 - 4-6 small covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 1-3 small night covers (Aristocrats)
$33 each = $33 – $99 - 4-6 medium diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 4-6 large diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 2-3 medium/large night covers (Large Aristocrats)
$36.50 each = $73 – $109.50 - 3-5 snappis
$2.25 each = $6.75 – $11.25
Grand Total of Using Flats = $329 – $538.55
Savings of using cloth vs disposable diapers? $1269.59 (at least) Wow!!
Prefold Diapers and Covers
- 24-36 infant sized prefolds
$23/dozen = $46 – $69 - 5-7 newborn covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $56.25 – $78.75 - 4-6 small covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 1-3 small night covers (Aristocrats)
$33 each = $33 – $99 - 12-36 baby sized prefolds
$31/dozen = $31 – $93 - 4-6 medium diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 4-6 large diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 2-3 medium/large night covers (Large Aristocrats)
$36.50 each = $73 – $109.50 - 3-5 snappis
$2.25 each = $6.75 – $11.25
Grand Total of Using Prefolds = $381 – $663
Savings of using cloth vs disposable diapers? $1217.59
Fitted Diapers and Covers
- 24-36 newborn sized prefolds
$17/dozen = $34 – $51 - 24-36 small sized fitteds
$13.50 each = $324 – $486 - 5-7 newborn covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $56.25 – $78.75 - 4-6 small covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 1-3 small night covers (Aristocrats)
$33 each = $33 – $99 - 12-24 medium sized fitteds (Thirsties)
$13.50 each = $162-$324 - 4-6 medium diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50(li)12-24 large sized fitteds (Thirsties)
$13.50 each = $162 – $324 - 4-6 large diaper covers (Thirsties)
$11.25 each = $45 – $67.50 - 2-3 medium/large night covers (Large Aristocrats)
$36.50 each = $73 – $109.50
Grand Total of Using Fitteds = $979.25 – $1674.75
Savings of using cloth vs disposable diapers? $391.72 (and can be much more if you choose cheaper brands!)
Pocket Diapers
- 12-36 small pocket diapers (Fuzzi Bunz)
$16.50 each = $198 – $594 - 12-24 medium pocket diapers (Fuzzi Bunz)
$16.50 each = $198 – $396 - 12-24 large pocket diapers (Fuzzi Bunz)
$16.50 each = $198 – $396 - 12-36 inserts
$3.50 each = $42 – $126
Grand Total of Using Pockets = $636 – $1512
Savings of using cloth vs disposable diapers? $554.47 (and more if you wash more frequently!)
All in One Diapers
- 24-36 small AIOs (Thirsties)
$17 each = $408 – $612 - 12-24 medium AIOs (Thirsties)
$17 each = $204 – $408 - 12-24 large AIOs (Thirsties)
$17 each = $204 – $408 - 6-8 inserts or doublers
$3.50 each = $21 – $28
Grand Total of Using AIOs = $837 – $1456
Savings of using cloth vs disposable diapers? $610.47 (and more if using a one size AIO!)
As you can see, you can save quite a lot of money by choosing cloth vs disposable diapers! And, you will save even more if you use your cloth diapers for additional children or if you resell them when your child gets potty trained.