Cloth diapers can save you money ($20 a week on diapers), especially when you have more than one child who will use them, but there is usually a large cash outlay in the beginning to purchase all of those cloth diapers. Most parents who use cloth diapers spend around $300 for them. Here are some ways to reduce that cost.
Buy Used
Some people get squeamish about buying used diapers, so you will have to determine if you fit into this category before you seriously start looking for used diapers. That said, if cloth diapers are washed quickly in hot water, they usually don’t stain. Ask lot of questions before you purchase used diapers, especially if you do so online. Diapers hung on a line instead of machine dried will usually be less worn, for example.
Look on Cragslist.com and Ebay.com for the opportunity to purchase used cloth diapers.
Make your own
Diapers can be made out of any soft cloth, and you can even reuse old clothing and baby blankets to make wonderful diapers. Cotton and cotton fleece is very absorbent and soft. Terri cloth also makes nice diapers, although it tends to be a little bulky.
Buy simple
While there are some very cute cloth diapers out there, complete with disposable liners and designer diaper covers, the truth is that you will stretch out your budget if you simply buy basic pre-fold diapers, some safe pins and a few simple diaper covers or plastic pants. You can double up on these type of diapers for night time use as needed. Pre-fold diapers can vary in quality and absorbency. Look for cloth diapers that are of diaper service quality for the best results.
Do you have any tips for saving money on cloth diapers?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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