Getting Started With Cloth Diapers

To get started cloth diapering, you will need a few* 3 - 4 covers
basic things. First you will need to decide which type of* 3 - 6 doublers for naps or more for heavy wetters
diaper you want to use. Read our article on how to* 2 - 3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)
choose the right diaper for you here if you haven't* 18 - 24 pocket inserts (if needed)
decided. Once you figure that out, you will need toFor Night-time
make sure you have either a diaper pail or a wet bag* 3 pockets with inserts, or
to store your dirty diapers in. A large lided plastic trash* 3 "night-time" fitteds, or
can with a liner will work perfectly for a diaper pail. Or* 3 prefolds with doublers and
you can find a variety of hanging wet bags. Then you* 1 -2 wool covers, or
will need to stock up on wipes and wipe solution.* 1 -3 PUL or fleece covers
Lastly, you will need to determine what kind of laundryHow Much Will It Cost?
detergent you want to wash your diapers with.The cost of using cloth diapers varies from person to
How Many Do I Need?person. You can spend as little as you need, or you
How many diapers you need will depend on threecan spend alot. If you are on a tight budget, there are
important factors. What kind of diapers you are using,many ways to make your own diapers. You can sew
the age of your child, and how often you wash. Herediapers yourself using items from around your house
is a general idea of what you will need based on asuch as t-shirts, or you can buy your own materials.
three day wash cycle.Another inexpensive way is to use Chinese or Indian
Newborn to 6 monthsPrefolds. Prefolds usually cost around $2 each, so you
* 30 - 36 diaperscould spend $30 for a stash of two dozen. Add in
* 2 - 3 dozen cloth wipesyour covers and Snappi's and you have a complete
* 6 - 8 coversstash for under $80.
* 12 - 15 doublers for naps or more for heavy wettersOf course if you have more allowance in your budget,
* 2 -3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)and you want to go with fitteds or pockets, you can
* 30 - 36 pocket inserts (if needed)still build a nice stash without breaking the bank. For
6 to 12 Monthsaround $400, you can get about two dozen mid-priced
* 24 - 30 diapersfitteds and some covers. For about the same price,
* 2 - 3 dozen cloth wipesyou can get two dozen pocket diapers.
* 4 - 6 coversJust think of it this way - even though it seems like you
* 6 - 9 doublers for naps or more for heavy wettersare spending alot of money on diapers, this is still less
* 2 -3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)than half the cost of what you would spend if you
* 24 - 30 pocket inserts (if needed)used disposables. Compared to the price of using
12 - 24+ Monthsdisposables, if you spend $400 on diapers and covers,
* 18 - 24 diapersyou will break even in less than a year. When you put
* 2 - 3 dozen cloth wipesit that way, you are actually saving alot of money.