Cloth Diaper Buying Tips

When you consider the fact that the average person will spend anywhere from $1800 to $2100 to diaper a baby with disposables from birth to potty training – it’s not far fetched that budget restraints are a common reason why many mamas turn towards cloth diapers. But while you really can save money by using cloth diapers, it’s hard figuring out where to begin. Here are a few tips to help you make the best cloth diapering choices:

1. Sample Before You Buy
If you’re new to cloth diapering, don’t buy a full stash of one type of diaper. Cloth diapers fit like jeans. Just because a diaper receives positive reviews or a friend recommended a certain brand doesn’t mean it will perform great for you and your baby. Instead learn about the different types of diapers that are out there, and purchase a few to try before deciding on a whole stash. I also recommend waiting to buy your full stash until AFTER your baby is born.

2. Use Your Baby Registry
Use a universal baby registry site like the one on Amazon, Babylist, or MyRegistry. Add the cloth diapers you're interested to help cover the initial upfront cost of buying your cloth diapers. Check first with brands to ensure they have a good return policy since you'll be receiving them at least 2 months before you'll actually use them.

3. Go Resale
The resale market for cloth diapers is huge.  Sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace allow you to sell your used cloth diapers and make a little cash. Also, check out FSOT (for sale or trade) Facebook groups.  Lots of cloth diaper brands have them, and its a great way to find (or try) a cloth diaper brand without investing a lot of money. 

4. Keep It Simple
Simplify your cloth diaper routine. I hear of mamas who spend hours washing diapers because they have complicated wash routines or worse yet, mamas who spend thousands on accessories just to cloth diaper. This is hardly necessary. In truth, you only need diapers, something to hold them in when they're dirty, and something to wash them to get them clean.  A plastic trashcan and a box of Tide should do the trick! Remember, the simpler your cloth diaper routine, the simpler your life will be.

5. Use Other Green Methods
Cloth diapers are a great start in shrinking your baby’s carbon footprint, but also consider other ‘green’ steps you can take like using cloth wipes and wool dryer balls. Cloth wipes are easy to use and will reduce the amount of money needed for disposable wipes. Wool dryer balls can help reduce your drying time by up to 40% - saving you time and money.