How-to Make Using Cloth Diapers Cheaper on Your Wallet

I am sure that you all have heard about the advantages to using cloth diapers--less landfill waste, easy to use, healthier for your baby, etc.-- but all of those advantages can be outweighed by the, somewhat expensive, up start cost of switching over completely to cloth. If you are interested in using cloth diapers and would like to find a cheaper way to do so, then look no further. In this article you will find several ideas on how to make using cloth diapers cheaper on your wallet.

Pass Up the More Expensive Cloth Diapers - If you have been researching cloth diapers, you have more than likely run across terms such as AIO, AI2 and chinese prefolds (or just prefolds). All of these terms describe a particular type of cloth diaper and are very helpful in determining the price of the diaper.

AIO stands for "all-in-one", meaning that the cloth diaper and all of its layers are sewn together in one solid form. These are the easiest to use, as they go on your child exactly like a disposable diaper, but they are also expensive. They also take up more energy, thus more money, to dry since they are thicker.

AI2 refers to a cloth diaper that can be separated into two parts. This makes for easier washing and quicker drying times. These types of diapers are next in line for expense.

Lastly, you have the chinese prefolds (or just prefolds). These diapers are the best diapers to purchase when you are looking at cost. They are absorbent, easy to wash and dry, very easy to find and very versatile after your child is out of diapers. If you are looking to begin using cloth diapers and save some money, the chinese prefolds are definitely the way to go!

Shop On Ebay - You may think that it sounds crazy to look on Ebay for things such as cloth diapers, but you would be surprised to see pages upon pages of cloth diapers and diapering supplies available on the popular auction site. You can find a large variety of brand new and gently used cloth diapers, covers and supplies. Many are even handmade by parents just like you. Be careful though, cloth diaper shopping can be addictive--especially when you are trying to outbid other people on that adorable pink/flowery diaper cover.

Make Your Own Cloth Diapers - If you are interested in cloth diapers and saving money (or possibly making some extra money), then you might want to consider making your own cloth diapers. There are many diaper patterns that you can purchase and nearly just as many free patterns available online for you to enjoy. All you need is a few supplies, a sewing machine and a little patience to create some adorable and functional cloth diapers that your little one will love. You could even sell your diaper creations online to make some extra cash and help keep your cloth diapering costs minimal.

Resale Cloth Diapers - Cloth diapers, in good condition, have a wonderful resale value on Ebay. You could be able to recoup a percentage of your cloth diapering cost simply by reselling your used cloth diapers when your child has outgrown them. It is suggested that you sell your cloth diapers in lots (two or more items) instead of one at a time. People are more likely to purchase lots when they are shopping for used cloth diapers.

Reuse Cloth Diapers on Subsequent Children - If you have more children, or plan to have more children, you can save your cloth diapers for future use. This will dramatically reduce the amount of money that you would spend on diapering those subsequent children down to near $0.

Recycle Your Cloth Diapers - No, I don't mean that you can take your old cloth diapers to your local recycling center. What I do mean is that you can find new uses for your old and worn out diapers. An old, tattered chinese prefold can easily be transitioned into a wonderful dust rag, car detailing cloth or even a nice towel to clean up dinner time spills. Cloth diapers are wonderfully absorbent and versatile. You can use them for numerous jobs, other than simply diapering your little one's behind.

Cloth diapering has many advantages, but if you can't afford them how can you benefit from those advantages? Shoppers have to figure out what works best for them when it comes to cloth diapering. Keep in mind that a cloth diaper can have a long life, even if its life ends at becoming an old dust rag. Happy diapering to all!

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