Cloth Diapering on the Cheap

So today I wanted to share how to cloth diaper from birth to potty training very inexpensively. It's no secret I love cloth diapering, but sometimes I get so wrapped up with the latest and greatest cloth diaper that I burn myself out and just want to get back to the simple way. This is not the very cheapest way to cloth diaper but it is the cheapest, simplest, "guaranteed to work and not have leaks all the time" way. And the answer is..,Prefolds and Covers!

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I have been using these non stop for the last week or so because they are so much easier to fold when they come out of the dryer vs stuffing pocket diapers. When you have two in cloth you can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour folding and stuffing diapers, but with prefolds and you just fold them in half and throw the covers in a pile which takes like 5 minutes. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that next baby, I using prefolds from birth to potty training.

 Here are my reasons why:

1. They are cheap (I'll give you a price breakdown in a minute)

2. Never have stink issues and clean really well

3. Easy to fold and put away

4. Very, very absorbant

5. Hold up well for a long time (multiple children and beyond)

This method has been used for a long time, especially before disposables so I know it is tried and true. They only cons are they aren't as quick to put on and they can be bulky in a diaper bag, but if you've ever needed a burp cloth or a towel in a pinch you can just whip a prefold out and save the day! :)

Cost Breakdown: *for this example I am giving the prices of what I personally use and recommend. There are definitely cheaper prefolds and covers out there but I like to pay a little more and know I'm getting something that will last a long time!* All prefolds mentioned are Diaper rite brand "Natural" (unbleached) prefolds from Diaperjunction.com. These are by far my favorite and the softest. 

24 newborn prefolds (6-12lbs)- $35.85

2 xs Thirsties covers-$23 ($11.50 each)

4 size 1 Thirsties Duo Wraps- $51 ($12.75 each)

18 medium prefolds(14-30lbs)-$41.85 ($13.95 per 6)

*there is a size small prefold but honestly I'd just skip it and go to medium because they won't stay in that size long at all*

4 size 2 Thirsties Duo Wraps-$51 ($12.75 each)

And later on down the road you can buy Large prefolds which fit 26-40 lbs

18 Large prefolds-$44.95

3 pack of Snappis- $9.35

Total: $257 from birth to potty training or you could wait and pay $44.95 of it around 1  yr old or 18 months old for the large prefolds. 

 Diaper Junction usually had the 5% off coupon code (HIGHFIVE) going so that would bring it down the total cost to $244.15! 

Since I wrote this I have found an even better deal on Nickisdiapers.com. When they have their Thirsties covers on sale for 10% off (which they do often) you can get the same thing except 24 prefolds in each size for $240.85! If you want exact details of what to get just ask in the comments. :)

That is almost 1/10th of the price you would pay if you used disposables from birth to potty training (average cost of disposables from birth-2 yrs old is $2,000!)

And if your child is like mine potty training will probably happen around age 3 so tack on another $1,000 in disposables!

I already have most of the things mentioned above. I just need a few more prefolds so for me I could diaper my next baby from birth to potty training for about $50!

But I will say night time diapering can throw a curve in this. I suggest getting pocket diapers and 3 Hemp inserts for night time just because the inside of pockets have a stay dry material that will keep your baby from feeling wet so they can sleep better and the hemp inserts will hold up for about 12 hours so you don't have to wake them to change them! The price of this will vary depending on the brand but you don't need anything real fancy! :)

*Disclaimer: I am not an affiliate of any of the products/brands mentioned above. This is simply what I use and love! :)**