Cloth diapering on a budget.
Budgeting for cloth diapers can be anywhere from free to a bit expensive. You have options. Budgeting for new to used cloth diapers can run from free to a few hundred dollars. It all depends on how you plan and when you buy. There are websites online and in stores, you can research.
Buying New Cloth Diapers
Budgeting for new cloth diapers can be a bit on the startup’s expensive side. With planning before and buying as you are pregnant, you can do it. It is worth it in the long run if you chose new cloth diapers.
There are some options to choose from—the original old school cloth diaper flats, used with rubber pants. Second is the prefolds, costs slightly higher but still economical and budget-friendly. The third is the cheap pocket diapers—a more modern version from china. Yet always economical but beware of the quality from wear you buy.
Buying Used Cloth Diapers
Next is buying used cloth diapers. It saves a bit of money. Be careful and thoroughly check out the used diapers before buying them. Look at the PUL, elastics, velcro, and snaps. Make sure there are no holes, stains, or smells too.
Thrift stores, flea markets, and online are great places to check out for used cloth diapers. Gift-giving from friends and family is another option too. They might also give you some tips and tricks on cloth diapering. I recommend if buying online to buy through PayPal. It has a 45-day protection plan if the cloth diapers are not as advertised.
Upcycling, Making Your Own Cloth Diapers from Scratch
Cheaper still is making your own from scratch. Upcycling is simply taking old clothes and reusing them. For DIY, there are a few options. If you sew, there are old T-shirts and receiving blankets.
Suppose you’re not a sewer. Then you can buy a cheap yard of heavy-duty fleece from thrift stores or places like Joannes. It is economical and makes four to five fleece covers. Just make sure it is Polar fleece and not micro-fleece. Just get creative.
Charity Cloth Diapers
Another idea is looking for cloth diaper foundations, groups, and free websites. Some charities hold fundraisers to help struggling families afford cloth diapers. This also helps with environmental issues. Groups like on Facebook and free websites help cut down on the cost of cloth diapers. You can also sign up through emails to enter to wins.
In looking at cloth diaper organizations, you might want to check out co-ops. Be careful as some co-ops are legit, but most are not. Do your research. Most brands don’t allow co-ops, and if your organizer doesn’t follow through with co-ops. You could be out of money. Also, there is no warranty.
Budgeting for cloth diapers can run you from free to thousands of dollars. It all depends on your needs, creativeness, and ability to seek out good deals. You should take into account time spent on laundering and the energy you will need.
Works Cited
fluffloveuniversity.com/special-circumstances/cloth-diapering-on-a-budget/
thiswestcoastmommy.com/12-ways-get-cheap-free-cloth-diapers/
washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/06/21/what-i-wish-theyd-told-me-before-i-started-using-cloth-diapers/
clothdiapersforbeginners.com/saving-money/cheapest-ways-to-cloth-diaper/
