Should I Cloth Diaper? Cost, Types, Convenience, and What New Parents Need to Know

Cloth diapering has made a big comeback in recent years — and for good reason. Many parents are drawn to it for environmental benefits, cost savings, and fewer chemicals against baby’s skin. But it can also feel overwhelming: What types are best? How much laundry will it really mean? And is it worth the effort?

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about cloth diapering, from the different types and upfront costs to how to decide whether it’s a good fit for your family.

Four Reasons Why Parents Consider Cloth Diapering

1. Lower long-term costs
While cloth diapers cost more upfront, most families save hundreds (or even thousands) over time, especially when reusing for multiple children. Cloth wipes and diaper liners can increase savings even further.

2. Fewer chemicals and less waste
Cloth diapers eliminate the perfumes and plastics common in disposables and reduce landfill waste. For eco-conscious families, that’s a big motivator.

3. Gentle on baby’s skin
Many parents find cloth reduces rashes or irritation, especially for babies with sensitive skin.

4. Cute designs and customization
Let’s be honest—cloth diapers have come a long way from safety pins and rubber pants. Today’s options are colorful, soft, and easy to use.

Cloth Diapering vs. Disposable: Cost Breakdown

One of the biggest questions new parents ask is:
“Is cloth diapering cheaper than disposable diapers?”
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Cost of Cloth Diapering

• Initial investment: $300–$800
  (This includes 20–30 diapers, wet bags, liners, and accessories.)
• Ongoing costs: $10–$20/month
  (Water, detergent, occasional replacements)
• Total for 2–3 years: $800–$1,000

Cost of Disposable Diapers

• Monthly average: $70–$100
• Total for 2–3 years: ~$2,000–$3,000

Challenges of Cloth Diapering

Cloth diapering isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. Understanding the trade-offs can help you set realistic expectations.

• Upfront investment: Buying a stash (usually 18–36 diapers) can cost $200–$600 initially.
• Laundry: You’ll likely wash every 2–3 days. Some families use a diaper service to simplify this.
• Convenience: Daycare centers or babysitters may prefer disposables, and cloth on the go requires extra planning.

If those hurdles feel like dealbreakers, remember that part-time cloth diapering is an option—many families use cloth at home and disposables when out.

Four Types of Cloth Diapers (and How They Work)

There’s no single “best” type of cloth diaper; the right one depends on your budget, laundry setup, and how much convenience you want. Here are the most common styles:

Type	Description	Pros	Cons
Prefolds + Covers	Rectangular cotton folded into thirds, used with a waterproof shell.	Cheap, durable, easy to wash.	More folding; takes practice.
Flats + Fitteds	Simple squares or contoured absorbent fabric, used with a cover.	Very absorbent, adjustable.	Need extra steps and covers.
Pocket Diapers	Waterproof shell with a pocket for absorbent inserts.	Customizable absorbency, quick-drying.	Stuffing inserts takes time.
All-in-Ones (AIOs)	Absorbent layer sewn into waterproof shell.	Easiest to use, similar to disposables.	Long drying time, higher cost.
Hybrids/All-in-Twos (AI2s)	Snap-in insert with reusable cover.	Fewer covers needed, easy to switch out.	Slightly more fiddly than AIOs.

Tip: Try a few different styles before investing in a full set. Most families end up mixing and matching.

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How Many Do You Need?

Newborns typically need 10–12 diaper changes per day, while older babies average 6–8. A good starting stash:

• 24–36 diapers if using cloth full-time.
• 12–18 if using part-time.

Include 4–6 waterproof covers (if using prefolds or fitteds) and at least 2 wet bags for dirty diapers.

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Startup and Ongoing Costs

Expense	Estimated Cost
Diapers + covers	$200–$600 (one-time)
Accessories (liners, wet bags, wipes)	$50–$150
Laundry detergent + water	~$10–20/month
Diaper service (optional)	$20–50/week

Even factoring in laundry, most families spend 30–50% less than on disposables over two years.

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Washing + Care Routine

• Pre-rinse: Cold rinse to remove waste.
• Main wash: Hot cycle with cloth-safe detergent (avoid softeners).
• Extra rinse: To remove detergent residue.
• Dry: Line dry or low heat tumble.

Wash every 2–3 days, and store soiled diapers in a dry pail or wet bag. Sunlight naturally removes stains and kills bacteria.

Cloth vs. Disposable: Which Fits Your Family?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Ask yourself:

• Do I have easy access to laundry?
• Is saving money or reducing waste more important to me?
• Will my childcare provider use cloth?
• How much extra time do I realistically have for washing and stuffing?

If cloth feels overwhelming, you can ease in—use cloth during the day, disposables overnight, or mix both approaches.

Final Thoughts: Is Cloth Diapering Worth It?

If you’re looking to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and don’t mind a little extra laundry, cloth diapering might be the perfect fit.

If you’re overwhelmed and just need something easy? That’s okay too.

The first year of parenthood is full of decisions. At Nightingale Night Nurses we’re here to support yours, without judgment and with plenty of care.

Need Help Navigating Early Parenthood?

Whether you’re knee-deep in diaper decisions or just trying to get some sleep, our team is here to help. Let us take the night shift, so you can wake up refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.

Common Questions About Cloth Diapering