Getting Started With Cloth Diapers

So now that you have decided to use cloth diapers you just need to know what the heck to buy! Don't worry - the shopping is the fun part! Here is a quick guide to help you determine how many cloth diapers you need for your child, and any extras to go along with them.

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

How many diapers you need will depend on three important factors. What kind of diapers you are using, the age of your child, and how often you wash. Here is a general idea of what you will need based on a two day wash cycle.

Newborn to 6 months

* 30 - 36 diapers
* 6 - 8 covers (if needed)
* 2 – 3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)
* 30 - 36 pocket inserts (if needed)

6 to 12 Months

* 24 - 30 diapers
* 4 - 6 covers (if needed)
* 2 -3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)
* 24 - 30 pocket inserts (if needed)

12 - 24+ Months

* 18 - 24 diapers
* 3 - 4 covers (if needed)
* 2 - 3 Snappi fasteners (if needed)
* 18 - 24 pocket inserts (if needed

Remember, you will only need Snappi fasteners if you are using prefolds or flats and you will only need diaper covers if you are using diapers that are not water proof (i.e. fitteds, prefolds, flats).

For Night-time

* 3 pockets with inserts, or
* 3 "night-time" fitteds, or
* 3 prefolds with doublers and
* 2 - 3 wool covers, or< br />* 3 - 4 PUL or fleece covers

What Else Will I Need?

* 2-3 dozen cloth wipes
* 2 diaper pail liners
* 1 diaper pail or tall kitchen garbage can
* 1 wet travel size wet bag
* Cloth wipes solution
* Wipes warmer (optional)

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of using cloth diapers varies from person to person. You can spend as little as you need, or you can spend alot. If you are on a tight budget, there are many ways to make your own diapers. You can sew diapers yourself using items from around your house such as t-shirts, or you can buy your own materials. Another inexpensive way is to use Chinese or Indian Prefolds. Prefolds usually cost around $2 each, so you could spend $30 for a stash of two dozen. Add in your covers and Snappi's and you have a complete stash for under $80.

Of course if you have more allowance in your budget, and you want to go with fitteds or pockets, you can still build a nice stash without breaking the bank. For around $400, you can get about two dozen mid-priced fitteds and some covers. For about the same price, you can get two dozen pocket diapers.

Just think of it this way - even though it seems like you are spending alot of money on diapers, this is still less than half the cost of what you would spend if you used disposables. Compared to the price of using disposables, if you spend $400 on diapers and covers, you will break even in less than a year. When you put it that way, you are actually saving alot of money.

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