We are often asked the question "Does homewashing high quality reusable cloth diapers actually save money over disposables and diaper services?"  The answer to this question is a big YES!   The following details will help you discover that answer for yourself.  Keep in mind saving money is only one of the advantages of using cloth diapers as opposed to disposables.

Disposable Diapers (yuk!)

The following calculations are based on 6500 diaper changes over 2 1/2 years. Your baby will need to be changed 9-12 times a day as a newborn, 7-8 times at 1 year and less as he/she gets older.  Disposables: Costs of disposable diapers and wipes per diaper change vary from about $0.28 to $0.42.  Cost vary depending on brand, store, size and size of package. Not included is the cost of gas and vechile ware and time to go buy disposables when you run out nor the cost of garbage pickup which is on the rise everywhere. Remember the cost of garbage disposal is often a hidden cost as part of your every increasing property taxes or rent. Cost of disposables per child $1820.00 to $2730.00.

Home Laundering

Diapers - The price of cloth diapers vary considerably depending upon which type and brand of diaper you choose.  Using prefold (flat) diapers and diaper covers is generally less than fitted or all in one diapers.  An adequate supply of prefold diapers, diaper covers and wipes costs about $220. An adequate supply of  fitted or all-in-one diapers  is $744 (See our package specials).

Laundry - This analysis is based on 3 loads of diapers per week for 2 1/2 years.  

Detergent will run you about $0.30 per load = $117.00;
Water is about 50 gallons per load at a cost of $0.008 per gallon = $156.00
Natural Gas to heat the water 40 cu. ft. at $0.0025/cu. ft. = $39.00
Electricity to dry the diapers $0.21 per load =  $81.90
Depreciation on Washer and Dryer $0.20 per load = $78.00

Total Laundry Cost = $471.90

Total cost = $744 all in one diapers + $472 laundry = $1216 - Save $584 to $1514.

Total cost = $744 fitted diapers + $472 laundry = $1216 - Save $584 to $1514.

Total cost = $222 for prefold diapers + $472 laundry = $694 - Save $1126 to $2036.

Conclusion

Cloth Diapers will save you between $584 and $2036.  Many of your cloth diapers and accessories will still be usable for your next child (or a sibling's, relative's or friends) and even worn out prefold diapers make great washing and waxing rags.