https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 00:28:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2015336 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 14:48:08 +0000 ohapostrophe 2015336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am huge on cloth diapering and it definitely saves you money, but I would NOT do it for cost-savings alone. If you're not in it for anything else- environmental, health, cute-factor etc, I probably wouldn't recommend it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2015259 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:44:40 +0000 kes18 2015259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will also add that cloth diapers are very popular to buy/sell use and some maintain a decent value. Lok on Facebook for a local cloth diaper group. There is a lot of b/s/t action going on. I spent an average of $17-$18 per diaper I am guessing and could probably sell them used for $8-$10 each assuming good quality. There is a way to make some $$ back! They are also good for tips and any washing questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2015247 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:35:51 +0000 kes18 2015247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say the laundry isn't very much work for me. EBF I just through the entire poopy diaper in the wash and it washes right out. I choose to use the flushable liners so I can just flush the whole thing right down the toilet.</p> <p>I just do the diaper laundry 2x per week on average. There's really no work on the laundry (2 cycles with an extra rinse at the end) other than hanging them to dry and stuffing the ones with inserts. I machine dry our inserts and wetbag but you could airdry those if you wanted to. I washed 3x a week with ebf poop. Basically I do them after she goes to bed, 2 cycles take about 2 hr total to run. I hang them before bed and run the dryer for any inserts and wetbag. 4.0s are completely dry by morning and the freetimes take either until that night or the mext morning to be 100% dry.</p> <p>I use BG 4.0s and Freetimes. I liked 4.0s for the newborn stage (we started when she was 1 mo- 9.5 lbs) because the freetimes seemed so bulky then and she didn't need all that extra absorption. Freetimes are nice now (9.5 mo) because I don't have to stuff them. But the freetimes take longer to dry.</p> <p>I have 30 diapers but I would say you only need about 20 really. I just have the extra so I can rotate them a bit to reduce wear (hoping to use with the next kid). </p> <p>So all you need to start is 20 diapers (if you do AIO or pocket route) and a large wetbag! I do disposable wipes. Also have to make sure to buy diaper cream compatible with cloth diapers otherwise you need to use a liner.</p> <p>You go through a LOT of diapers with a newborn but as they get out of the 0-3mo stage your diaper quantity should reduce. </p> <p>I use disposables when we travel so I probably haven't really saved any money yet but I am planning on using these for the 2nd one. I need to add up my costs and see!</p> <p>I haven't noticed anything as far as utility increases. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2015167 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:01:11 +0000 Mrs. J 2015167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have cloth diapered since a few days old. I would say the washing is really not that intimidating, and we stuff diapers while we watch TV (we have BG 4.0s, and a handful of freetimes). For NB diapers, we used fitteds and a few covers. We purchased the newborn ones (I bought the fitteds second hand) and were gifted most of the BGs through our showers (I put them on our registry).</p> <p>EDIT: I WOH FT and I do most of the washing. DH helps with stuffing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014335 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:39:45 +0000 pinkb 2014335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have not CD but did consider it. Just wanted to add the link that @Seattlemom: added for the cost comparison was, in my opinion, inaccurate. We have used disposable since day one and in their break down you are paying like .40 cents per diaper! There are always sales or the store brand diapers, and depending on what you use I would think a more accurate amount would be around $2500- ish not $3600. I tend to shop sales and stock up and wont pay more than .25 cents per diaper, so roughly $2250 per year with their estimate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014327 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:33:16 +0000 pui 2014327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I cloth diapered starting at 5 days old. I had around 24 diapers at the start and ended up having to do laundry every day during the newborn days. Now my stash is slightly bigger (28ish diapers each size) and DD needs less changing (she's 4 months) so I can very comfortably do diaper laundry every other day. The more diapers you have the less time you need to do laundry. I plan on making sure my size 1 diapers stash is bigger (around 34-36 diapers) by the time we have a second child so the newborn washing isn't so crazy.</p> <p>My DH doesn't really do any of the diaper laundry and I handle it just fine, but I am also a SAHM. If I was in your situation I would probably just use disposables. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014265 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:47:29 +0000 sorrycharlie 2014265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>also, I haven't CD a newborn yet, but my toddler's poops have yet to stain and I credit my wash routine - tide ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014263 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:46:26 +0000 sorrycharlie 2014263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: I've only spent maybe $200 max (give or take, I've lost track) but I don't have like 20+ name brand diapers or anything. I have a big variety. I wash every other day, and it is very quick - I do a light wash on cold with detergent, then a heavy wash on warm with detergent and add laundry to make the load 2/3-3/4 full (typically towels, baby clothes, etc.) because my HE top-loader washes better with more stuff to agitate. Then I toss in the dryer. It's super easy! I've done the math that at this point, I won't save with my toddler, but my infant will essentially be diapered for free (save any more I may buy). </p> <p>I started in Sept when my daughter turned 2. So if I weren't having a second, I think I still would have saved money even just with one. And it's seriously convenient to never run out of diapers ha! We use disposables at night because she's a seriously heavy wetter and we haven't found a bulletproof night solution yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014133 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:53:12 +0000 birdofafeather 2014133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>CDing was super easy from month 1-6 with BF baby poop. after that, it was spraying, which my DH did and then we had fit issues starting at 15 months, so we did part time CDing and then fully disposables until we started potty training. in your situation, i would do disposables and order through s&amp;s or target pickup! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014044 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:53:14 +0000 babybean404 2014044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do prefolds and covers and we have a diaper service. Daycare (2 days a week) will do prefolds but they use a new cover with each diaper change.</p> <p>I recommend just making it easier on yourself and waiting til your baby is 2 months old to think about whether you want to try CDs. I am glad we do it but there are lots of things that are a hassle even though we have a diaper service (extra laundry for covers, having to bring a wet bag when we go out, figuring out CDs overnight, etc.). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014027 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:48:29 +0000 spaniellove 2014027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: About not having to go out to buy diapers, we just use Amazon Mom/subscribe and save and order the occasional extra box of Earth's Best when he changed sizes and have never had to run out for diapers! My concern about the poop might have been specific to our LO's formula - he's on Alimentum which leaves poop that needs to be sprayed endlessly so we used fleece liners because I cared about stains and my sanity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2014026 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:48:01 +0000 tororojo 2014026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would use disposables in your situation. But you can probably find BG 4.0s for $11ish if you wait for a seconds sale on Cottonbabies, and they take like 2 seconds to stuff...half the time I just do it individually during a diaper change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013843 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:25:52 +0000 blackbird 2013843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about a diaper service? </p> <p>After full time in cloth (BG AIOs), i calculated a break even point versus disposables. We did it part time (using disposables at daycare) and broke even after a year. Cost is not my reason for using cloth, though. </p> <p>I haven't noticed a utility cost difference. It's very very minor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013841 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:25:13 +0000 avivoca 2013841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: You'd definitely have to price match. It would be more expensive if you are comparing to bargain diapers, but if you use Pampers Sensitive or are considering eco-friendly disposables, it's cheaper to use the diaper service. Good luck with whatever you decide! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013838 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:23:28 +0000 Chillybear 2013838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been cloth diapering for about a year now. We use Bumgenius freetimes that i purchased either during cottonbabies second sale ($12-13 each) or from Buy Buy Baby with coupons ($15-16 each) we have 34 diapers and i wash about half every other day to ensure that i have at least 6 to send to the daycare the next day. I could probably get away with less easily. but by the time I go down to start a load the previous one is dry on the line and ready to come upstairs</p> <p>Our laundry is in the basement which is the biggest pain in the ass part of CD. I get home from work and go upstairs to grab the dirty diaper pail then go down 2 flights to the basement to run the pre wash which takes 30 min to run. Then i go back downstairs to run the heavy duty hot cycle which takes 45-60 mins then back down to hang them on the line. I would have a much easier time if laundry was on the main floor or upstairs. </p> <p>As far as energy usage i didnt see a difference in my water bill.... that actually increased when we started incorporating a daily bath into the bedtime routine. I dont put the diapers in the dryer so my electric bill didnt change. </p> <p>As far as the poop, EBF poop was super easy and i just sprayed it with bac-out and in the machine it went. Solids poop we use a liner (bummis brand) with every change and its super easy to clean up and just toss that. </p> <p>I tried to pick up a diaper here and there through out my pregnancy and used gift money for the rest since no one had the guts to purchase them off my registry. We used disposables for 10 weeks before she fit in the freetimes. Occasionally we do use disposables (vacation, staying at my mom's house, really bad rash, stomach bugs) and i always leave an emergency pack at the daycare. </p> <p>A big box at target is $20 for about 90 diapers (#3) thats one BG Freetime MSRP and those 90 diapers might last us 2 weeks. I could probably sell my cloth for $10-12 each right now if we decided we were going to be one and done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013829 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:17:09 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2013829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use a diaper service in our area, and it's great. But without it, washing diapers wouldn't be worth it for me :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013784 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:01:06 +0000 ShootingStar 2013784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My biggest suggestion about cloth diapers is to do disposables when they're a newborn, and then do rental trial of a few types/brands of diapers. I was so excited about CDing before DS got here, and it just became a total fail for us.</p> <p>I wanted to make things easier on myself, so in my head that meant cutting down on poopy blowouts. And I heard those happen a lot with newborns, so I got mostly diapers that work for &lt;20 pounds. And I hated them :(. And then I was scared to get any more because I didn't want to hate those kind too. Plus we dealt with thrush diaper rash for weeks (needed rx cream that's not CD friendly). </p> <p>And as it turned out, we never had a blowout when he was tiny. I didn't realize that he'd be pooping so often and that we'd be changing his diaper so often, there was never really enough for a blowout. </p> <p>We got so used to disposables and I was so hesitant to spend more money on more diapers that might not work, we just decided to do disposables only. It's tough in the beginning with a newborn and the thought of adding one more thing to stay on top of was just beyond me. So that's why my advice is disposables and then a trial once LO is big enough for one-size diapers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013775 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:58:53 +0000 mrsrugbee 2013775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on what type of diapers you use. I use prefolds exclusively which I find really easy and literally the cheapest diapering you can fin (150$ for my 1yo's whole diapering). Will your LO be in daycare? I know most won't handle 2 piece diapers so you'll either have to pre-stuff your pockets or buy AIOs which are more expensive and will have to be laundered more frequently.</p> <p>Personally, I think you have enough on your plate as it is. an extra load of laundry might be what sends you over the edge when you're sleep deprived. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013772 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:55:54 +0000 macintosh 2013772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: yes, I plan to get DH used to holding him in the carrier as much as possible. He doesn't have the use of his left hand so I'm gonna strap baby to him when I need to shower or do stuff around the house. I'm usually pretty good about having supplies on hand in advance so I'm hoping late night diaper runs won't happen too often.</p> <p>@Mrs. Lion: I definitely plan to buy something like target diapers in bulk or use Amazon mom. I actually used to buy Walgreens brand adult diapers for DH (thank god he doesn't need them anymore!). Those were still so expensive! I wouldn't mind doing laundry several times a week, but I currently do it several times a week already...</p> <p>@Seattlemom: thanks, I will look at that. I've seen other cost breakdowns that have conflicting info on whether there is enough savings with LO#1. I would do it more for the savings rather than environmental concerns. Unfortunately DH can only use one hand so he probably can't help stuff. I do work from home on most days actually.</p> <p>@avivoca: interesting idea on the diaper service, but unless I'm actually saving money by doing cloth I probably won't bother. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013757 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:47:23 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2013757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@spaniellove: I was thinking this too. Or, buy a cheap used lot and give it a try for a month or so. If you hate it you can most likely sell the lot and recoup your money. Or you can sell the lot and buy what you actually want after you have figured out what features you like and how much you want to invest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013756 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:47:11 +0000 jetsa 2013756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>you have a lot on your plate so do what is best for you. I bought freetimes used and we saw payback at the 9 month mark.</p> <p>Cloth diaper laundry is nowhere near as intimidating as it seems. I wash 2-3 times a week and can throw them in after work and have them in the dryer easily before i go to bed at 8:30/9</p> <p>Also thought I'd add my dh changes 1-2 diapers a day if that so I do 98% of the work. We have a diaper sprayer and my kid poops multiple times a day and so we just spray off and move on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013751 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:44:58 +0000 spaniellove 2013751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say it may not be worth the potential savings, and I speak as a SAHM who is caring for a child with special needs. It ends up being more than just running the washer a few extra times, even if you have AIOs - someone has to deal with the poop, and if it's you every single time that will add to your workload. Once you're past the newborn overload, if you're still feeling determined to CD you might want to buy just a couple to try it out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013743 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:37:52 +0000 avivoca 2013743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work FT out of the home and do all of the laundry, including diapers. I think you would be able to do it. I always run diapers after she is in bed.</p> <p>Have you looked for a diaper service in your area? If you really want to cloth diaper, that would be a good option for you because you would have no washing to do. The cost in my city is comparable to buying disposables every week ($24/week for 80 diapers, which is similar to what you use for newborns), and you would only have to buy covers for the diapers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013740 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:36:56 +0000 lady grey 2013740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: Here is break down of the costs that may be helpful. It shows that even with the cost of energy and water you still save a lot of money:<br /> <a href="http://jackbenatural.com/categories/CLOTH-DIAPERS-101/Cloth-vs-Disposable-Cost-Analysis/" rel="nofollow">http://jackbenatural.com/categories/CLOTH-DIAPERS-101/Cloth-vs-Disposable-Cost-Analysis/</a></p> <p>I do a load of CDs about every 3 days. The "washing" part is actually 2-3 cycles so you have to be around the house for a while to get through it all. It may be hard if you work outside the home full time but you could do it in the evening after work. </p> <p>We use FuzziBunz so the inserts have to be stuffed back in after the diapers are washed. If your husband can use both his hands, he could help you with that part. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013730 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:31:38 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2013730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I probably wouldn't. To get the easy to use diapers you pay more up front, and you don't see a huge cost savings until the second kid, just like you said, assuming you aren't set on using expensive organic disposable diapers, in which case the cost savings are greater. Before we started cloth I bought disposables in bulk and used the cheapest brand I could find, so the cost savings for me wasn't that extreme. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and honestly, as much as I love cloth, for me it wouldn't be worth the time investment.</p> <p>ETA: My husband does literally none of the cd laundry, so lacking his help isn't really the issue for me...also, the less frequently you wash, the more diapers you need...it would be easy to completely eliminate any cost savings by buying enough diapers to wash less than 3-4 times per week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013726 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:30:15 +0000 JoJoGirl 2013726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say so. I do most of the CD laundry myself and it's not that big a deal - i would invest in AIO diapers though so you don't have to stuff them or anything once they're dry.. that'll seriously cut down on the work load.</p> <p>ETA: I wash the diapers every 2-3 days (poopy ones shouldn't sit longer than that) and work FT out of the home. I usually throw them in the wash when I get home from work ~5pm and then just do the cycles/put them in the dryer while doing my other evening routine with LO. They're in the dryer by the time I go to bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013722 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:28:59 +0000 anonysquire 2013722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and the only real help my husband does with the diaper laundry is to press start after the 1st wash haS finished. I wouldn't trust him lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013717 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:27:58 +0000 anonysquire 2013717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do cloth diaper laundry 1 day a week. But it usually takes that whole day. If your husband will be able to hold her several times on wash day so you can wash it could be worth it? But disposables really are easier. Although if your husband isn't able to go to the store for a midnight diaper run, that might be hard too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-mamas-wwyd#post-2013710 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:24:26 +0000 macintosh 2013710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm having my first baby in May and I'm trying to decide if cloth diapering will be worth it for me. I also care for my disabled husband and work full time, so I'm doubting if the cost savings will be worth my time.</p> <p>I have a washer/dryer, but I'm concerned that the energy use will offset any savings as well. My DH can't really help with laundry, so it's up to me to do it. </p> <p>I know it's even more cost effective is you use cloth with more than one baby. Whether we have a second depends on several factors: how much my DH can help, if I can afford child care down the road, and if IVF works again.</p> <p>Those who have experience, would you try cloth diapering in my situation? My thought are to start off with disposables and if I feel up to it, maybe do a trial run with cloth. </p>