Q&A: What is the most economical way to cloth diaper?

Question by aimee_id: What is the most economical way to cloth diaper?
I'm expecting twins in a couple of months and I'm considering using cloth diapers for at least the first 4-6 months (maybe more) to cut down on diaper costs. I'm finding a lot of cloth options, but they seem fairly pricey- especially when I need everything x2. Does anyone have recommendations for good diaper systems that are on the cheaper end of things?

Best answer:

Answer by Diet C
The cheapest way to do cloth diapers is prefolds and covers.
This is a steal: http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=148
Also a good kit: http://www.tendercargo.com/catalog/Bummis-Cloth-Diapering-Starter-Kit.html

Give your answer to this question below!

• MIssC says:
  I have a 3 month old and recently was looking for cloth diapers. The ones that I think are the cheapest are prefolds with Bummis covers. I need about 24 prefolds with 6 small covers for my DD (it came up to approximately 0-220). I do a load of diaper laundry one a day so that they can dry in time for when I need to wash the other half. I have a couple of Thirsties covers which are essentially the same functionality as the Bummis but the Bummis are a bit sturdier. It can depend on the body shape of your babies.
  I skipped the newborn size and went straight to the small (just a bit bulkier at the beginning). My DD was 8lbs though at birth. When she will weigh 16lbs, I'll go get another set of medium prefolds and covers. Still cheaper than disposable and much better for the environment. Think of all the non-biodegradable material, esp. with newborns who have to be changed 10-12 times a day, if not more!
  All the best with your darlings!
   
• ♥♥♥♥♥ says:
  Personally I think prefolds with prowrap covers. This is what I used and still do use.
   
• missbeans says:
  I've actually done the math on this. We're planning for another baby, and I thought about doing cloth as a way of saving money, and for being environmentally consious.
  I'm giving you numbers based on Bum Genius, which are top of the line. Personally, they seem like the easiest ones to use, so I don't mind spending a little extra....
  You can buy one of them for about to . For one baby, you'd need about 20-24. For two, you'd probably need 35-40. 40 of them would be about 0. Combine laundry soap, and utility charges for washing them, you're probably looking at less than 0. If you bought Huggies, you'd pay somewhere around a package, and go through probably 2ish a week. So, that's a week for 6 months...equals 0 You are still saving money. And if you stick with the cloth diapers for a year, you're saving over 00!
  So don't worry about the expense of the diapers. If you are dedicated to using them for at least 6 months, you are going to save money no matter what brand you buy...just buy the ones that will work best for your life.
   
• Irritated Lactivist says:
  Prefolds and covers are VERY inexpensive, but you will save tons of money no matter which type of cloth diaper you use.
  I have a couple covers from Blueberry that are one-size, which is AWESOME. I highly recommend getting a few of them! Twins are likely to be smaller as you know, so some tiny newborn sized covers are a smart option. I like Thirsties covers. :)
   
• adelatexas says:
  I use the good old fashioned flat fold AND the prefold cloth diapers. You can also buy expensive, fancy, all-in-one, with or without liners, plus your baby's name and CV embroidered on them, but the bottom line is: you still have to change the diaper every single time it gets wet or soiled. Period. Maybe the all-in -one are easier to use and fancier, but I repeat, you still have to change them, and if you are on budget- they are expensive. You have to buy a few sizes as your baby grows, as for the flatfold/prefold- it will last you a couple of years.
  If you want to save money, buy 2 dozen of prefolds and a dozen of flat folds. Gerber has some excellent diapers, birdeye cloth and other variety. I use the flat fold as liners, but they can get bulky, and use either pins or snappies to tie them. These diapers work great, keep your baby's skin breathe and dry. Watch some YouTube tutorials how some moms use pins or snappies. One cloth diaper use will cost you a forth of a cent a year ( a pack of 12 diapers= about with tax).
  I do not use the covers because I have to dig in my baby's pants to find out whether she is wet or not. I guess they work well for heavy wetters- you do not want everything wet underneath your baby. Mine is not, so I am getting away without them.
  I use hypo-allergenic detergent- but you do not have to if your baby handles regular one. But I would still recommend it. I use a line in my backyard for drying them- sun and wind are still free, thanks God. besides, the UV rays in the sunlight act as disinfectant agent... no bleaching needed ever.
  Hope it helps.Good luck.
   
• Joe Wilson says:
  Switching to cloth diapers is a bit pricey at first.  The diaper are more expensive the disposable but you will save in the long run!  Plus with the newer designs, velcro, and cloth diaper liners, -- cloth diapers are easy to clean and care for
  Check it out this article on the care of cloth diapers. How to Cloth Diaper, the Easier Way
   There are more articles on this site about cloth diapering, cleaning, as well as some links to some deals on some of the more popular cloth diaper brands.
  Check it out - I hope this helps