So you’ve decided to use cloth diapers and now you’re wondering what you will need to get started and how much it’s going to cost you. If you’ve done any research at all on cloth diapering, you probably realize that it can be an extremely frugal or an extremely expensive endeavor. Sure, you can make your own cloth diapers for practically nothing. Or yes, you can buy the oh-so convenient all-in-ones for $20 a pop.
If, on the other hand, you want to be both frugal and practical, The Frugal Baby recommends the items below to get you started cloth diapering. Keep in mind that this is the minimum you will want/need and that the more diapers you have, the less washing you will have to do. Also realize that while the diapers, doublers, and Snappis recommended here will work on a baby of any size, covers have to be purchased by size. Therefore, you will have to buy a new set of covers every few months.
| 24 Chinese or Indian prefold diapers | $30 |
| 6 Dappi nylon covers | $30 |
| 2 Snappis | $5 |
| 6 Doublers (aka inserts or liners) | $12 |
| Total | $77 |
There are also a few items you will need to care for your cloth diapers but most of them are quite frugal:
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- White vinegar
- Diaper pail
- Clothesline (optional, but recommended)
To care for your cloth diapers, I suggest doing the following:
- Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of a diaper pail, garbage can with a lid, empty cat litter or detergent bucket, or other large container with a lid. Do NOT add water to the pail. This can be both a health and safety hazard.
- Toss soiled diapers into the pail. Solid poop should be flushed first but it is not necessary to rinse the diapers in the toilet.
- After you have accumulated one or two days worth of diapers, wash them in your machine’s longest and hottest cycle with half a cap or scoop of detergent and ¼ cup baking soda.*
- After the wash and rinse cycle is complete, start the rinse cycle again and add a ¼ cup of white vinegar to the rinse water.
- If possible, dry your diapers outside in the sun. The sunlight will help to bleach out any stains and will leave your diapers smelling fresh. It will also help to lengthen the life of your diapers — dryers are harsh on both diapers and covers.
*As a general rule, do not use bleach in your diaper wash. The bleach can weaken the cloth and shorten the life of the diaper. That being said, if you have stubborn stains or odors, the occasional use of bleach might help.
