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

Choosing how to diaper your baby is one of those decisions that seems simple, until you dive into the details. Many families are drawn to the idea of cloth diapering for its eco-friendliness and potential cost savings, while others prefer the ease of disposables.

At Nightingale Night Nurses, we support new parents no matter what choices they make. Whether you’re curious, committed, or on the fence, here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your family.

Why Consider Cloth Diapering?

Cloth diapers have come a long way from the safety pins and rubber pants of the past. Today’s options are modern, easy to use, and often quite stylish. Here are a few reasons parents are exploring this route:

• Cost savings over time
• Less environmental waste
• Fewer chemicals on baby’s skin
• Reusable for future children

But like all things baby-related, it’s not one-size-fits-all.

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

Savings? Cloth diapering can save $1,000–$2,000 per child, especially if you use them for more than one baby. But there is a larger up front cost. However, many parents choose to get their stash secondhand which is completely sanitary as long as the diapers have been stripped [bleached/sterilized]

Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapering

Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✅ Pros:

• Budget-friendly over time
• Eco-conscious: reduces landfill waste
• Reusable for future siblings
• Adorable designs and materials
• May reduce diaper rash for some babies

❌ Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• More laundry (2–3 extra loads/week)
• Learning curve for fit and washing
• Not always daycare-friendly
• Requires time and consistency

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

Most families find that:

• Newborns go through 10–12 diapers/day
• You’ll want 20–30 diapers to rotate comfortably
• Add 2–3 wet bags for storage on the go and at home

Common Questions About Cloth Diapering

Do cloth diapers really save money?

Yes! If used consistently and washed at home. Even if you use a diaper service, you’ll often break even compared to disposables [and save the environment while you’re at it].

Are cloth diapers hard to use?

Not anymore! Modern cloth diapers come with snaps, Velcro, or pockets and are easy to clean once you get the hang of it.

What if I want to try both?

That’s a great option! Many families use cloth at home and disposables when traveling or at night.

The Nightingale Perspective: What New Parents Need Most

We’ve worked with hundreds of families through the newborn phase. One thing we’ve learned? The best diaper is the one that works for you. Whether it’s cloth, disposable, or a mix of both, the goal is comfort, for your baby and for you.

If you do choose to cloth diaper, having extra support in the early weeks can help. Our overnight Newborn Care Specialists can take over the night so you feel better rested to tackle the day!

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.