Cloth Diaper Savings Calculator
Estimate how much you could save by choosing cloth diapers over disposables. Enter your typical costs and usage patterns below.
Enter Your Diapering Costs & Usage
Understanding Diapering Costs
Disposable Diaper Costs
Disposable diapers are a significant ongoing expense. Their cost depends on the brand, size, and where you buy them. The average number of diapers used per day also changes from newborn (many!) to toddler (fewer). Over 2-3 years, this adds up considerably.
Cloth Diaper Costs
Cloth diapers have a higher upfront cost for purchasing the diapers and accessories (covers, inserts, wet bags, sprayer, pail liners). However, the ongoing costs are primarily for washing (water, electricity, detergent). While washing adds to utility bills, it's generally far less than the continuous purchase of disposables. Cloth diapers can also often be reused for subsequent children, increasing savings further, though this calculator focuses on the savings for one child's duration.
Key Cost Factors
- Disposable Price: Bulk buying or store brands can lower per-diaper cost.
- Diaper Usage: Newborns use 10-12+ diapers/day; toddlers 5-7/day. The average across the diapering period is key.
- Cloth Stash Size: A larger stash means less frequent washing but higher initial cost.
- Washing Costs: Efficiency of your washer/dryer, cost of utilities, and detergent choice impact this.
- Duration: The longer you use cloth, the more you save as the initial investment is spread out.
This calculator provides an estimate. Actual savings may vary based on your specific choices and circumstances.
Cloth Diaper Savings Examples
See how different scenarios impact potential savings:
Example 1: Average Use, Mid-Range Costs (Typical Scenario)
Scenario: Average baby, using mid-range priced disposables, with a reasonable cloth stash and washing routine.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $30.00
- Diapers in Pack: 150
- Diapers Per Day: 7
- Cloth Initial Cost: $450.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.50
- Duration (Months): 30
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $30.00 / 150 = $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 30 months * 30.44 days/month ≈ 913 days
- Total Disposables: 7 diapers/day * 913 days ≈ 6391 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6391 diapers * $0.20/diaper ≈ $1278.20
- Total Duration (Weeks): 30 months * 4.345 weeks/month ≈ 130.35 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 130.35 weeks * $2.50/week ≈ $325.88
- Total Cloth Cost: $450.00 (Initial) + $325.88 (Washing) ≈ $775.88
Result: Total Savings ≈ $1278.20 - $775.88 = $502.32
Conclusion: Even with average costs, savings can be significant.
Example 2: High Disposable Cost, Efficient Cloth Use
Scenario: Uses premium disposables (high cost), invests in a solid cloth stash but has low washing costs.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $45.00
- Diapers in Pack: 140
- Diapers Per Day: 6
- Cloth Initial Cost: $550.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $1.80
- Duration (Months): 36
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $45.00 / 140 ≈ $0.321
- Total Duration (Days): 36 months * 30.44 ≈ 1096 days
- Total Disposables: 6 diapers/day * 1096 days ≈ 6576 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6576 * $0.321 ≈ $2110.78
- Total Duration (Weeks): 36 months * 4.345 ≈ 156.4 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 156.4 weeks * $1.80/week ≈ $281.52
- Total Cloth Cost: $550.00 + $281.52 = $831.52
Result: Total Savings ≈ $2110.78 - $831.52 = $1279.26
Conclusion: Higher disposable costs lead to greater cloth savings.
Example 3: Low Disposable Cost, High Cloth Initial Investment
Scenario: Uses very cheap bulk disposables, splurges on a large, high-end cloth stash.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $25.00
- Diapers in Pack: 200
- Diapers Per Day: 8
- Cloth Initial Cost: $700.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.00
- Duration (Months): 28
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $25.00 / 200 = $0.125
- Total Duration (Days): 28 months * 30.44 ≈ 852 days
- Total Disposables: 8 diapers/day * 852 days ≈ 6816 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6816 * $0.125 = $852.00
- Total Duration (Weeks): 28 months * 4.345 ≈ 121.66 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 121.66 weeks * $2.00/week ≈ $243.32
- Total Cloth Cost: $700.00 + $243.32 = $943.32
Result: Total Savings ≈ $852.00 - $943.32 = -$91.32
Conclusion: With very low disposable costs and a very high initial cloth cost for a shorter duration, cloth might be slightly more expensive. Note that cloth diapers can often be resold or reused for another child, increasing long-term value.
Example 4: Long Diapering Period, Average Costs
Scenario: Potty training takes longer, extending the diapering period significantly.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $32.00
- Diapers in Pack: 160
- Diapers Per Day: 6
- Cloth Initial Cost: $400.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.20
- Duration (Months): 38
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $32.00 / 160 = $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 38 months * 30.44 ≈ 1157 days
- Total Disposables: 6 diapers/day * 1157 days ≈ 6942 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6942 * $0.20 ≈ $1388.40
- Total Duration (Weeks): 38 months * 4.345 ≈ 165.1 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 165.1 weeks * $2.20/week ≈ $363.22
- Total Cloth Cost: $400.00 + $363.22 = $763.22
Result: Total Savings ≈ $1388.40 - $763.22 = $625.18
Conclusion: A longer diapering period maximizes cloth savings.
Example 5: Newborn Phase Only (Shorter Duration)
Scenario: Only uses cloth for the first year (12 months).
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $28.00
- Diapers in Pack: 144
- Diapers Per Day: 10 (average for newborn/infant)
- Cloth Initial Cost: $300.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.80 (more washes initially)
- Duration (Months): 12
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $28.00 / 144 ≈ $0.194
- Total Duration (Days): 12 months * 30.44 ≈ 365 days
- Total Disposables: 10 diapers/day * 365 days = 3650 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 3650 * $0.194 ≈ $707.10
- Total Duration (Weeks): 12 months * 4.345 ≈ 52.14 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 52.14 weeks * $2.80/week ≈ $145.99
- Total Cloth Cost: $300.00 + $145.99 = $445.99
Result: Total Savings ≈ $707.10 - $445.99 = $261.11
Conclusion: Even for a shorter period, cloth can offer notable savings, plus the diapers retain value.
Example 6: Focusing on Resale Value
Scenario: Calculates savings without factoring resale, but notes its impact. Same as Example 1 inputs.
Inputs: Same as Example 1 ($30/150 pack, 7/day, $450 cloth initial, $2.50/week wash, 30 months duration).
Calculations: Same as Example 1, resulting in Cloth Cost of $775.88 and Disposable Cost of $1278.20.
Result: Total Savings ≈ $502.32
Conclusion: This is the calculated savings based purely on purchase and washing costs. If the $450 cloth stash can be resold for $200, the *net* cloth cost drops to $575.88 ($775.88 - $200), increasing savings to $1278.20 - $575.88 = $702.32.
Example 7: Low Diaper Usage Baby
Scenario: Baby uses fewer diapers per day than average.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $30.00
- Diapers in Pack: 150
- Diapers Per Day: 5
- Cloth Initial Cost: $450.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.50
- Duration (Months): 30
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 913 days
- Total Disposables: 5 diapers/day * 913 days ≈ 4565 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 4565 * $0.20 = $913.00
- Total Duration (Weeks): 130.35 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 130.35 weeks * $2.50/week ≈ $325.88
- Total Cloth Cost: $450.00 + $325.88 = $775.88
Result: Total Savings ≈ $913.00 - $775.88 = $137.12
Conclusion: While disposables are still more expensive, lower daily usage reduces the savings margin.
Example 8: High Washing Costs
Scenario: Inefficient washing machine, high utility rates, or frequent washing pushing weekly cost up.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $30.00
- Diapers in Pack: 150
- Diapers Per Day: 7
- Cloth Initial Cost: $450.00
- Weekly Wash Cost: $4.00
- Duration (Months): 30
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 913 days
- Total Disposables: 6391 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6391 * $0.20 ≈ $1278.20
- Total Duration (Weeks): 130.35 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 130.35 weeks * $4.00/week ≈ $521.40
- Total Cloth Cost: $450.00 + $521.40 = $971.40
Result: Total Savings ≈ $1278.20 - $971.40 = $306.80
Conclusion: Higher washing costs reduce savings, highlighting the importance of washing efficiency.
Example 9: Second Child Using Same Stash
Scenario: Using the same cloth diaper stash for a second child. Initial cost is effectively $0 for this calculation.
Inputs:
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $30.00
- Diapers in Pack: 150
- Diapers Per Day: 7
- Cloth Initial Cost: $0.00 (already purchased for first child)
- Weekly Wash Cost: $2.50
- Duration (Months): 30
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 913 days
- Total Disposables: 6391 diapers
- Total Disposable Cost: 6391 * $0.20 ≈ $1278.20
- Total Duration (Weeks): 130.35 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 130.35 weeks * $2.50/week ≈ $325.88
- Total Cloth Cost: $0.00 + $325.88 = $325.88
Result: Total Savings ≈ $1278.20 - $325.88 = $952.32
Conclusion: The savings are dramatically higher for subsequent children using the same cloth diaper stash.
Example 10: Combo Method (Part-time Cloth)
Scenario: Uses cloth diapers for a portion of the time (e.g., daytime) and disposables for the rest (e.g., nights, outings). This calculation estimates cost if 50% disposables are *replaced* by cloth.
Inputs: (Original Disposable Inputs, adjusted Cloth Inputs for 50% use)
- Cost Per Pack (Disposables): $30.00
- Diapers in Pack: 150
- Diapers Per Day: 7
- Cloth Initial Cost: $250.00 (smaller stash needed)
- Weekly Wash Cost: $1.50 (fewer washes/less bulk)
- Duration (Months): 30
Calculations:
- Cost Per Disposable: $0.20
- Total Duration (Days): 913 days
- Total Disposable *Potential* Cost (if used full time): 6391 * $0.20 ≈ $1278.20
- Total Disposable *Actual* Cost (50% use): $1278.20 * 0.5 ≈ $639.10
- Total Duration (Weeks): 130.35 weeks
- Total Washing Cost: 130.35 weeks * $1.50/week ≈ $195.53
- Total Cloth Cost (for the 50% replacement): $250.00 + $195.53 = $445.53
- Total Combo Cost: $639.10 (Disposables) + $445.53 (Cloth Portion) = $1084.63
Comparison: Cost if 100% Disposables: $1278.20. Cost with 50% Cloth: $1084.63
Result: Estimated Savings (compared to 100% disposables) ≈ $1278.20 - $1084.63 = $193.57
Conclusion: Using cloth even part-time can lead to savings compared to 100% disposables.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloth Diaper Savings
1. How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides an estimate based on the numbers you provide. Actual costs can vary based on sales, brand choices, exact utility costs, washing machine efficiency, and resale value of cloth diapers.
2. What factors are included in the "Weekly Cost of Washing"?
This should cover the *additional* cost to your utility bills (water, electricity/gas for machine and dryer if used) and the cost of laundry detergent specifically for diaper loads. It's often estimated based on your utility rates and how many diaper loads you do per week.
3. What if my costs change over time?
The calculator uses average figures over the entire duration. If disposable prices or your daily usage changes significantly (e.g., high usage newborn phase vs. low usage toddler phase), you can run the calculator multiple times for different periods and sum the results for a more precise estimate, or use average values that seem most representative.
4. Does this include the cost of accessories like wet bags or a diaper sprayer?
The "Total Initial Investment" input should ideally include the cost of all items needed to *start* cloth diapering, such as the diapers themselves, covers (if using prefolds/flats), inserts/boosters, wet bags for outings, pail liners, and potentially a sprayer or special detergent.
5. How does using cloth for multiple children affect savings?
Using the same cloth diaper stash for a second or third child dramatically increases savings, as the initial investment cost is shared across multiple children. For subsequent children, the "Total Initial Investment" can effectively be entered as $0 (or the cost of replacement elastic/snaps if needed).
6. Can I resell my cloth diapers later?
Yes, used cloth diapers often retain significant resale value, especially popular brands in good condition. Reselling your stash reduces the overall net cost of cloth diapering, increasing your total savings. This calculator doesn't automatically factor resale value, but you can subtract an estimated resale amount from your initial investment to see the impact (as shown in Example 6).
7. Is the "Diapering Duration" important?
Yes, the length of time you diaper your child has a large impact. A longer duration means more disposable diapers purchased (increasing disposable cost) and more weeks of washing (increasing cloth ongoing cost). However, since the initial cloth investment is fixed, a longer duration spreads that cost out over more time, generally leading to higher overall savings with cloth.
8. What is the average cost of disposable diapers?
The cost varies widely, but averages often fall between $0.15 and $0.40 per diaper depending on brand, size, and where you buy them. This calculator allows you to input your specific pack cost and quantity to get a more accurate per-diaper cost for your situation.
9. Can I use cloth diapers part-time?
Absolutely! Many families use a hybrid approach, using cloth at home and disposables for nights or outings. Even part-time cloth can lead to significant savings compared to 100% disposables (see Example 10), and it's a great way to ease into cloth diapering.
10. Are there other benefits to cloth diapering besides savings?
Yes, many people choose cloth for environmental reasons (less waste in landfills), potential health benefits (fewer chemicals against baby's skin), and often finding them more aesthetically pleasing. While this tool focuses on the financial aspect, these are valid reasons for choosing cloth.
