Are Newborn Cloth Diapers Worth It?

The first days and weeks of caring for a new baby are both sweet and stressful.  Most parents want to give their brand new baby the very best care right from the start, and for many of us, that includes cloth diapers.  But many experienced cloth diapering parents have noticed that newborn cloth diapers are relatively expensive given the short amount of time that they are in use.  In fact, many parents have contended that

They spent more money on newborn-sized cloth diapers than they would have on disposables!

Now, for parents who are using cloth diapers for health or environmental reasons, this might not be a very important factor.  However, for parents on a limited budget, and for those who are cloth diapering mainly to save money, this can be a frustrating prospect.

Fortunately, there are many different cloth diapering strategies.  Not all cloth diapers are created equal, and some newborn diapering strategies are certainly more economical than others.  Here are a few tips to help you to decide what strategy might be best for your own situation.

1.  Size does matter

When it comes to newborns, some are much bigger than others.  I know women have six-pound babies, and others that have babies closer to ten or eleven pounds.  Most newborn diapers are designed for the 6-12 lb. range, so if you have a family history of babies on the large end of this spectrum, your baby may be able to go straight into the next size diaper.

2.  Look for reusable covers

Newborn babies typically need to be changed 10-12 times a day.  If you are using all-in-one or pocket style diapers, you will probably need to purchase 2 days' worth of diapers, around 2 dozen.  If, on the other hand, you use reusable covers, you won't need to throw the covers into the wash at every diaper change, and you can probably get by with just 5-6 covers.  You will still need a couple dozen diapers, but this can be a significant savings for you.

3.  Look for wool covers

If you don't mind washing a few pieces by hand, wool covers can save you even more money.  With the proper care, you can easily get by using only 3 wool covers.  Wool covers that have been lanolized have the ability to neutralize any urine that they come in contact with.  With this quality, you may be able to use a wool cover for 2-4 weeks before needing to wash them.  Keep in mind that they will need a good-fitting diaper underneath to protect the cover from poop.  Soiled wool covers should be washed right away.

Check out the wool covers that I am selling in my Etsy shop!
*** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***

4.  Consider flats

Flat cloth diapers are like a gigantic handkerchief, and must be folded to fit your baby.  This makes them a great option for many parents because you can have a customized fit every single time.  Many parents have used the same size flats from birth until the baby has potty-trained.  Since you can fold them down, you will not need to buy separate diapers for the newborn stage.

5.  Think about upcycling

Upcycling is making something new and useful out of something old.  When it comes to cloth diapers, upcycled diapers and covers are the ultimate in environmental responsibility.  And the great part is that you are usually saving money, too.  You may choose to upcycle your own cloth diapers from clothes around your house or found at thrift stores.  Even if you don't have the skills or the time to make your own diapers, buying an upcycled diaper from an online seller or WAHM is still usually cheaper than buying the same diaper made from new materials.

Some parents may still wish to keep their newborns in disposables for convenience reasons, especially if they are anticipating a surgical-assisted birth (which requires more time to heal), are expecting multiples, or if they are single parents with a limited support system.  I believe that any time spent cloth diapering your baby is a benefit to your family and the planet, but always do what is best for your own family.  For those who wish to cloth diaper right from the start, but feel the financial burden to be daunting, I hope these ideas will help you to find a cloth diapering solution that fits your family and your budget.  Good luck in your search!