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The cheapest disposable diapers I can find online run $6 for a pack that a family might (might!) be able to stretch to last a week. At that insanely low price, two years of diapering a baby looks like $624 — which is pretty much the lowest quote I’ve ever heard.
Except …
I can diaper for two years for under $150.
How? Meet the stash I’m using this week:
If you purchased all of the above new, you’d spend right around $140. Comb resale shops and groups, and you’ll save more.
I chose this stash to highlight a few principles:
- It doesn’t have to be a diaper to, you know, be a diaper. Gifted a glut of receiving blankets at your shower? Repurpose them for baby’s bum. As diapers themselves, or cut into wipes, they’ll serve quite well without costing an added dime.
- Super absorbency (especially for nights!) is totally possible. Fruit of the Womb Diapers are my go-to for nighttime. They are still flats, with the supreme washability and quick dry time. But these are outrageously thirsty, and never let me down.
- Wool is your friend. A nice wool cover is a splurge, yes … but good wool (like the Disana above) will earn its keep by keeping your bed dry, and baby happy. I think it’s worth the money spent.
- Bamboo flats are an upgrade, but they also hold more. If you’re bare bones on your stash in terms of numbers, think bamboo. My one yea-old can last two hours in a single bamboo flat. That’s just six changes per day. With the stash above, you could manage laundry every other day.
- One-size covers stretch pennies. The largest single investment above is in covers. (Flips and a Rumparooz, not a blueberry!) However, those covers above have literally been in use for my son’s entire first year, and will, with care, make it through to potty training. In the long run, that’s a pretty handy return!
- Flannel wipes save even more money! You’re washing diapers anyhow —throw wipes into the bucket, too! Every bit counts.
Join me tomorrow as we talk about fathers and flats… and why your husband can totally diaper your baby!
