How to Save Money with Cloth Nappies.

Right now my interest in cloth nappies is limited to ahhing at the Fat Tire ones that Frugal Babe made for her son. I regularly see posts about cloth nappies on American frugality and money-saving blogs. Here in the UK, however, I rarely read about them. All of the blessed British infants with whom I am acquainted are taped into relatively expensive disposables. So why is that? Are cloth nappies a pain to make or buy? Does the smell linger? Here’s a take on the joys of reusables from American blogger Bailey Harris.

Buying Cloth Nappies

Everyone knows that having a baby requires work, time, energy, and money. There are so many different supplies needed, from bottles and formula to clothing and nappies. Many people choose to use disposable nappies for their children. Although they may seem more convenient than cloth nappies, the truth is disposables are very expensive. You may not realize how much money you can save by using reusable, cloth nappies.

If you choose to use cloth nappies, it may seem like a big investment at first. Since you are paying more money for fewer nappies, you may think it is a bad idea. But, you must remember that the nappies you purchase up front are the nappies you will continue to use until your baby is ready for the next size up. You can also purchase one-size-fits-all cloth nappies, which save you even more money.

When using cloth nappies, you will need covers that fit over top of them. Many types and brands of covers are available. Since these too are reusable, the money spent will be much less than if you were to purchase disposable nappies. These covers prevent leaks from occurring and help to hold nappies in place.

Recycling Cloth Nappies

Since cloth nappies are washable and reusable, they can be passed on and used by other babies. This is another huge money saver. Just think, the same nappies used for your first-born can be used by your next baby. That just isn’t possible with disposable nappies. If one baby is all you want or have, you can easily sell your used cloth nappies. They have an excellent resale value, provided you take good care of them. The idea of getting money back for nappies that have already been used is an excellent concept.

Washing Cloth Nappies

If you think that it will cost you great amounts of money to wash and dry your cloth nappies, that just isn’t the case. It is really only 1 or 2 extra loads of laundry each week, depending on the amount of nappies you have. The more cloth nappies, the less loads of laundry. It is best to wash your nappies as soon as your pail is full though, that way fresh ones will always be available. When you compare the cost of washing and drying a couple extra loads of laundry each week to the amount you would spend on disposable nappies, it is definitely in your best interest to choose the laundry. You can save even more money by hanging your clean cloth nappies out to dry in the sunshine.

Other Reasons to Use Cloth Nappies

If you have ever used disposable nappies, you know that sometimes you run out at the last minute. You go to change your baby in the middle of the night, and you realize the nappies are gone. You then must make a special trip to the drugstore. This uses gas to get to the store, as well as money for the nappies once you are there. This may also make for an irritable, sleepy parent. It is so much easier to use cloth nappies, as you will always have them on hand. Just keep up with the washing of your cloth nappies, and they will be there when you need them.

In addition to saving you money, cloth nappies are also better for your baby. Disposable nappies can contain chemicals that may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Cloth nappies are almost always made from pure cotton, which is very gentle. Cloth nappies can also help the environment by eliminating disposable nappies in landfills. In the end, you will find that using cloth nappies is definitely to the advantage of you and your baby.

Image credit: simplyla.