Cloth diapers are typically less expensive than disposables, with most cloth diaper systems costing $400 to $600, compared to the average cost of disposable diapers, which is $1,500 to $2,500. Reusable diapers not only save money but also biodegrade faster than disposables. Disposables use less water and energy, but cloth diapers are less wasteful, healthier, and cheaper long-term.
Ease of Potty Training
Many parents report that cloth diapers make potty training easier, as they help babies feel when they are wet. This awareness can lead to children starting potty training earlier. Disposables often have chemicals that mask wetness, potentially delaying potty training.
Cloth diapers come in different types:
- Covers with flats: most economical
- Pockets: mid-range
- Covers with inserts: more expensive but convenient
Long-Term Savings
After the initial investment, savings increase in the second year with cloth diapers requiring little extra investment, while disposables continue to add costs. Prefolds, the cheapest type of cloth diaper, cost around $2.50 each, whereas modern cloth diaper systems can cost $15-$24 each. Even after factoring in detergent and energy costs, cloth is still much less expensive than disposables over time.
A typical family will spend $2,000-$3,000 on disposables per baby in two years, as opposed to cloth diapers and accessories, which cost $800-$1,000 if you wash them yourself. Despite cloth diapers being less absorbent than disposables, their benefits include preventing common issues like diaper rash that disposables might cause, and some varieties are designed to fasten just like disposables, making them just as easy to use.