People continue to debate the costs of cloth diapers versus disposable diapers. When comparing the costs of each upfront and replacement costs and laundering costs should be considered. The availability of a laundering service or the choice to wash diapers at home are also factors that determine the costs of each option
Average Number of Diapers Used per Month
The average newborn will be changed approximately 70 to 80 times each week if she is changed immediately upon wetting or soiling the diaper. This equals about 280 to 320 diapers per month.
Purchase Costs of Nappies
As of 2010 cloth diapers can be purchased in sets of 12 for $19.50. A newborn will be changed about 70 times per week. Typically, a new mother would need one day worth of diapers on hand to reduce the frequency of laundering diapers. For this convenience, the family will need to have at least 10 diapers for one day of use, which equals an upfront cost of approximately $16.50. The diapers will be used week after week. There should be no additional upfront costs for diapers in one month's time.
Utilizing a diapering service eliminates the up-front costs of cloth diapers because the service rents the diapers to the parents which are included in the cleaning fee.
Disposable diapers also need to be changed after each wetting or soiling incidence. Because they are single use design the family will need to have 70 new diapers each week. As of 2010, disposable diapers cost approximately $9.99 for a pack of 40 in the newborn size. This equals an upfront cost of $17.50 each week. Multiply the weekly costs by 4 weeks to find 1 month of expense, and there is an upfront cost of $70.
Laundering Costs
Washing 1 load of diapers each night can have an energy costs, water and detergent costs of .85 per load. This will vary depending on each area's electricity rate, sources of water supply, and the source used to heat the water. For 7 loads in 1 week this will equal $5.74 per week. The laundering costs per month will equal approximately $22.96.
Cloth-laundering service is about $17.40, according to Brian O'Neil ofDy-Dee cloth diapering service. Disposable diapers are made for a single use. Therefore, there is no laundering costs involved.
Other Considerations When Using Cloth Diapers
Modern cloth diapers can be used with or without pins. The pinless diapers require the use of an outer shell that uses hook-and-loop tape to secure the diaper in place.
Potty Training a Solution to Reduce Diapering Costs
The length of time diapers is used has the greatest impact on the cost. Regardless of the diapering choice, the earlier the child potty trains the less diapering costs will be.
Jennifer Terry - Jennifer Terry has worked to promote self-determination and consumer education for 10 years. She has been writing since 2004 and has been ...
