cloth diapers? save money? what kinds are there these days?

i'm thinking about using cloth diapers to save money, esp while i'm on leave from work. my mom has told me the tricks to using them, but i was wondering if they would really save that much money? also, are there just the white rectangular ones or are there other kinds these days? also, how many would i need to get? thanks yeah, i will launder them myself. my mom taught me how & it sounds pretty easy. i like the environmental aspect, too, i must admit!

Public Comments

1. If you're going to clean them yourself then absolutely they'll save you money. But if you're planning to use a diaper service I don't believe there's a savings there between cloth and disposable! Most people choose cloth for environmental reasons!
2. regular diapers are easier to use, ive heard people only use cloth diapers to help the environment. regular diapers take a long time to decompose.
3. If you're looking for the most frugal option, prefold diapers (the rectangular ones) and covers will be the lowest-cost option. There are also fitted diapers (no folding) and all-in-one diapers (no covers) available. The more convenient they get, the more expensive they are, but with some wise shopping it's easy to avoid spending half of what you would on disposable diapers. I've spent about $500 to diaper my first son from newborn to potty, and I won't have to spend a dime to diaper my infant.
4. Disposable diapers from birth to potty training will usually cost around $3000.00. Even if you go with the most expensive cloth diapering system there is- you'd still save money. There are so many different kinds and styles of cloth diapers these days, it'd make your head spin. GranolaMom did a good job of telling you the basic types. Here are some examples of how different cloth diapers look these days- http://www.loveybums.com/ (fitted diaper sets) http://righteousbaby.com/store/piclink.asp?pageID=Wooly-PullieSoakerGallery (wool soakers) http://righteousbaby.com/store/piclink.asp?pageID=DiaperGallery (AIOs) http://tykie.cutsie.net/custom_gallery.php?osCsid=98732f3fc6872350450a00881f8b7ffa (fitteds, AIOs, sets) If you were to wash your diapers every other day, then you would need two dozen diapers for your baby until they are about 6 months or eating solids. For 7-18 months you'd need one and a half dozen diapers, and for 18 months and older, you'd only need one dozen diapers. If you want to do laundry less, then buy more diapers. If you really want to save money, you could buy used cloth diapers. Most of the time the diapers have been used for a short period of time and still have lots of wear left in them.