How to Cloth Diaper on a Budget

The cloth diaper business is booming as a new wave of environment and health-conscious parents are spreading the good word. New companies are arising as work at home moms find the perfect niche in the business and can offer new and improved diapers for mass sale. Because of this new boom, it can be hard to acquire new diapers at a low cost.

Your first option is to pay a work at home mom (WAHM) to make your "stash" (supply) of diapers. Most WAHM's offer a new diaper for $5-15, depending on the materials and quality of her stitching. This can be very affordable when compared to the price of disposable diapers, however, many people seek even cheaper methods of cloth diapering.

Another option is to buy used. Now now, before the terrified screams start and the old ladies in the back pass out, remember that it's just poop and pee. Parents are satisfied with washing and reusing the same cloth diapers for their children, and they are just fine to use on your children as well. If you are particularly squeamish, you can strip them or use bleach, but one of the main reasons for using cloth diapers is to keep these chemicals away from your baby. Instead, use a little splash of tea tree oil in your wash. If you find that your used diapers come stained, lay them in the sun. This can bleach out your stains gently and naturally. Used diapers can be found on local classified sites like Craig's List (www.craigslist.com), on larger sites such as Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com), in newspapers, and by word of mouth.

The cheapest option is to make your own. A simple sewing machine will do, you need nothing more than a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. Check your local paper and classified ads online for a cheap, working machine. If you do not know how to operate a sewing machine, the cheapest way to learn is to purchase a video or asking a friend for help.

You can made diapers for $2-8 each by buying materials from a local fabric store. If you want to get even more cost-conscious, diapers can be made from any soft absorbent material you have laying around. This includes old worn out tee shirts, sheets, blankets, towels, sweaters, etc. that you no longer need. If they have been treated with fabric softener (thus making them less absorbent), you can strip them with repeated washing. You can use fleece blankets or old vinyl to make waterproof covers, but you can often find them used for a few well-spent dollars. Use a search engine to find free patterns, or simply use trial and error to develop your own. You never know, you might develop a well sought after diaper and make all your money back and more!

Remember that you can save your diapers for your next child for future money-saving. When you no longer need your diapers, you can sell them to make all or part of your money back. It is possible to cloth diaper for pennies or free. Be resourceful and your efforts will pay off.